End discrimination of Tattoos & piercings in the workplace

There is a petition out there needing signatures hoping to put a voice out there for all of us with tattoos and/ or piercings that may have or may one day be judged or discriminated against due to our self expression rather our abilities and achievements. 

So show your support because you never know when you may need the support back.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/855/717/094/

18th “Marked for Life” Female Tattoo Artist Expo Jan. 2013

 

January 17 – 20, 2013

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
5555 Hazeltine National Drive
Orlando, FL 32812

 

Hosted of Deanna Lippens from Deana's Skin Art Studio and “You can do it, too!” is the slogan of the expo and is encouraging in the promotion of female tattoo artist rising in the competition in the tattoo industry.  Sure to be a great experience and entertaining. 

 

 

If you want to find more tattoo exposes in the US and around the world, check out World Tattoo Events.

Top Female Artist, vol. 1

 

Like most career fields in the US, the tattoo industry is dominated by men.  The number of women tattoo artist is growing steadily and there are a few rising stars.  So if you are a female and would feel more comfortable with a female artist, dont you worry here is a list of a few of the best known.  I am sure there are way more great female artist out there that are not on this list and that are in your local area.  Feel free to share their info.



Kat's work

Of course everyone knows Kat Von D, from Miami Ink and then on to her own shop High Voltage Tattoo and show LA Ink on TLC.


Then there is Kat's fellow female artist in her shop Camila Rocha.  She uses a strong Japanese and Asian influence in her tattoos.



Camila's work

Megan Hoogland is an award winning tattoo artist with fabulous work.  She is a master in both color and black & gray tattooing, she specializes in portrait tattooing and reproduction work - with a twist, making each piece that she works on her own.  Her shop Mecca Tattoo is in MN.  She has amazing work, just google her hame with google images and so many amazing tattoos come up.

Megan's work

Megan's Work

And meet Jen Beirola, another award winning artist and owner of Grinn & Barrett Tattoo in Omaha.  She began her tattooing career while serving in the US Airforce. 

Jen's work



There are many more fabulous female artist out there.  These women are helping to change the face of the tattoo industry.  Adding a strong and vibrant view on women and our place in the tattoo world and the world around us.

 

(All photos have been barrowed from the links of the artist names and tattoo shops...If you would like to see more of their work and learn more about featured artist please visit their websites.  I do not take credit for any photos in these blogs.)

So you wanna know how much a tattoo should cost?

 

There is no set pricing on tattoos.  There are many factors to consider when estimating costs.  The size, amount of detail in the tattoo, amount of color, location on body (some body parts are more difficult to tattoo), and the artist experience and popularity.

 

The larger the size and/or amount of detail in a tattoo the more time it takes for the artist to complete the tattoo.  Time is money.  If they are stuck working on one client you have to figure they have to make sure they are making enough money to compensate for that time.  These days many artist are charging by the hour rather then a set price on large and detailed pieces.  Don't be intimidated by this, they are not likely to take their time to rack up charges.  They want to get done as well.  If you feel that they are taking their sweet time, you can always ask questions such as why is that area taking so long.  It is all about negotiations and most artist are very understanding.  If you are unable to to afford the full price of your dream tattoo, talk to the artist about setting up sessions that way you get a little work done at a time on a pay scale that you can afford.  If you can only afford for an hour at a time, they will most likely set up appointments for you.

 

The amount of color and color blending involved in a tattoo can also determine in to the cost factor.  Remember, every time they use a color ink the artist has take the color from the original bottle and add it to a container to use on you.  Left over color not used can not be put back into the original bottle, it would contaminate the rest of the ink supplies with your bodily fluids.  And color blending requires alot of technique which is time and practice which your artist has put into learning. 

 

Location, location, location....we hear that in every aspect of our lives.  Location is important.  Certain parts of the body are more difficult to tattoo and some skin tissue takes more effort to get to absorb the ink.  Such as the thick skin on the knee, not to mention that the knee cap moves alot making it more difficult.  The palm of the hands is a thick skin that is difficult to tattoo.  You also must  realize that you hands shed skin cells often there for the tattoos appearance may fade quicker than most.  Fingers are difficult due to size and boniness.  The flatter and solid the surface the easier it is to tattoo.  The thigh and calf are good areas.  Most peoples upper arms are good areas.  The lower back is an expensive area due to the stretch of the skin.  If you lean forward the tattoo will lay one way if you sit up straight it moves another way.  This requires an experienced tattoo artist.

 

And lastestly, the artist themselves and their popularity.  The better the artist the more in demand they will be.  This means slightly higher prices for high quality work.  You wouldn't go pay top dollar to get a nose job done by a health teacher.  No you wouldn't.  You would find a certified plastic surgeon with credentials and experience.  After all it is your face and life at risk.  Same goes with tattoos.  Your life could be at risk if precautions are not taken.  If you want a high quality tattoo, you don't go to a jailhouse tattooist.  The artist has expenses to run their buisness.  They have to pay their shops rent, supplies (tattoo guns, ink, needles, ect.), utilities, payroll, ect.  All these factor in.  They have to make a living too.  Dont expect free or cheap work from a professional.

 

Tattoos are an expensive addiction.  Once you have one, you are likely to want another.  So be prepared.

 

Tattoo Inspirations

There are many ways to get inspired for your new tattoo.  Some people go to a tattoo shop on a whim and just pick something off the wall, but remember if you do this there is a possibility that many people could have the very same tattoo.  Of course you could always ask the shop tattooist to modify it to make it special for you.  Tattoo magizines or websites are a good website for ideas as well as finding some really great artist.  You could browse the internet for ideas and there are many websites geared towards helping you find your next tattoo idea.  Such as http://www.tattoojohnny.com/ or http://www.bullseyetattoos.com/ which can be useful, but beware of paying for a tattoo design online.  Your tattoo artist will gladly design an individual and unique tattoo for you, you are already going to pay for their services you might as well let them enjoy the accomplishment of doing it whole tattoo from start to finish.  They normally do not charge anymore for the design.  If you have an idea of what you want it is useful to take pictures of what you want to the tattooist.  For example if you want flowers, it is useful to take pictures of what type a flowers you want or the coloring.  If you say roses, they may not invision the same variety that you do since there are so many.  Or they may not be familiar with the type of flower you are wanting.  You don't even have to print it out, sometimes just having it on your phone to show will do just fine.  When I went to get my sleeve done, I knew I wanted a sugar skull, flowers (but I didn't want the typical roses that normally used with skulls) so I choose tropical flowers, and the nautical stars.  I took some examples and let the artist (whom I did alot of research on to find the right one for the type of work I wanted done) and let the artist put it all together.  Once she came up with the design and lay out I had her change a few things I didn't like, such as the design around the sugar skulls eyes and came up with a tattoo I am absolutely in love with.  Their job is to come up with a tattoo that you love and will love for a long time.  Don't ever settle.  If one artist cannot do it, go to another.  At the same time, they cant pull an idea out of thin air.  You have to give them something to work with.

Here is a website of flower pics and meanings of the flowers
http://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/aboutflowers/flower-meanings....google images are also a great resource for any image you want to look for.

Lily symbolizes purity and refined beauty. White lily symbolizes modesty and virginity, orange lily symbolizes passion, yellow lily symbolizes gaiety while Lily of the Valley symbolizes sweetness and purity of heart. The Easter lily is the symbol of the Virgin Mary.

 

 

Pinterest also has a new category of Tattoos.  There people post their own tattoos, drawings, and pictures of stuff that they think would be great for a tattoo.  Which is always a great starting place.  I have also pinned alot of things that I have found interesting on my own tattoo board.  Feel free to follow me on it or any of my other boards.  Follow me on pinterest

These are some interesting pics I have found on Pinterest (you have to go to the link to follow the to get the orgin My tattoo Pinterest board.)

 



I always recommend the people that I know who are wanting to get a tattoo to have an idea of what you want and give a little creative freedom to the artist to finish the design for you.  In the end this will normally come out to be a better tattoo.  Because not only are you getting what you want but the tattooist also feels more connect to the piece and can feel more creative allowing them creative juices to flow.



Safety Precautions when getting tattoos

As women we all have to go through safety precaustions.  Get a pap smear regularly, self breast exams, and the works.  Why would you think tattoos would be any different?  When getting tattoos there are a few things on a check list you should go through to make sure your safety and health as well as the best posibility of tattoo coming out looking its best.

1. Never drink before getting a tattoo. If you have drank heavily the night prior it is probably best to wait another day. For one, alcohol thins your blood which will cause you to bleed more during the tattoo and less ink will be absorbed into the skin. And another is that you are likely to be dehydrated which can cause your body to black out. Not ever a good feeling.
2. A professional always ask for ID and has you sign a standard permission waiver.
3. Do your research on your choosen artist. Health certificates, training, portfolio, and word of mouth recomendations.
4. Make sure the artist is always wearing gloves and protective plastic disposable coverings over any machinery that is not disposible and may come in contact with your skin. No sense in risking in transmition of diseases and germs which could casue infections.
5. All ointments, water, and ink should be placed into disposable containers when used on a client and then left overs disposed of. Never being put back into the buld supplies.
6. All needles should be opened from a sealed sterilzed bag in front of you.
7. There should be a visable Hazardous Shaps Container in plain view of work station where all needles are placed once they are finished.

 

Support Tattooed Military

Those of you who know me, know that I am a veteran...I served in the army.  So I have first hand experience knowing many of our very owns finest.  They all deserve to be supported and should not be labeled.  A large number of our military members have tattoos and most you would never even realize they were a soldier, marine, ect unless you seen them in uniforms.  Military members not only use the body art to express themselves but as a way to remember those who have given their lives for our country or to sooth their souls for things they have been through.  Women military members have it even tougher, not only having to hold their own in a mans world but enduring the misunderstandings of others.  So I am proud to support all the men and women of our great military and am proud of their tattoos as well.  Show your support. 

Pictures are shared from Support Tattooed Military on Facebook.  Share your support by liking their page and sharing your own pictures.

Thank you ladies!!!

 

PFC Hepler, USMC!

PFC Mascaro .. USAR

 

SSgt Harris USAF

 

SSgt Schmidt, USAF