Scorpion Tattoos Design

A tattoo or a body art has become a popular form of self expression in recent times. Although tattooing is an ancient form of art, it has gained a huge popularity these days. You can find a lot of people having tattoo designs on their skin. Some people ink themselves in order to look stylish and be trendy whereas some others get it done to symbolize the deeper meaning associated with it. This form of body art is very popular among young adults. Among the myriad of designs available, if you are looking for a body art that is attractive as well as has a strong meaning associated with it, you can go for Scorpion tattoos.

A Scorpion tattoo is mainly made by people who belong to that specific zodiac sign. People who are born within the month of 23rd October to 22nd November basically belong to Scorpion sun sign. So, these people generally ink their skin with this zodiac sign. This zodiac symbol tattoo signifies all qualities associated with the sun sign. It stands for dignity, determination, sensuality, self-confidence and devotion. A Scorpion tattoo is also the symbol of victory of supreme over evil. It even symbolizes supreme maternal sacrifice.

These tattoo designs are available in several forms such as the ones with its tail coiled or the other with its tail as pointed as a needle. These designs can also be combined with other designs such as initials of a name, flames etc for personalizing it. You can even use your imagination and creativity for creating the body art. These designs look great on any part of body. Although popular as arm tattoos, these designs can also be made in other parts of body like legs, shoulders, feet or even back. Scorpion tattoos are usually very colorful, bright, exotic and attractive and so never fails to capture the attention of people.

With a bit of research work, you will be able to find the perfect artist for tattooing different designs of Scorpio on your body. There are various Scorpion tattoo ideas for you to choose from. To make this design look realistic and natural, you need to look at the artwork considering the following things in mind. Firstly, you need to ensure that the artwork you want to portray on your skin has plenty of detail. The tattoo designs must have all leg joints and segments in tail properly reproduced. The claws must have a realistic crablike look. Next, always ensure to make use of bright colors when producing the design. Use as many stripes and patterns in design as possible for replicating the camouflage markings. Also consider the size of the Scorpion tattoo. Smaller artwork means less detail would be incorporated in the design and that won't be so appealing. So, it is always a good idea to design Scorpion tattoos on larger area.

You can get information about all kinds of animal tattoos, whether it is wolf tattoo, koi fish tattoo, dolphin tattoo, lion tattoo, snake tattoo or Scorpion tattoos, once you log on to http://www.tattoos-malu-art.com/.

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Nautical Star Tattoo Designs and Their Meanings

The nautical star tattoo design is easily one of the most popular styles of star tattoos. Long used as an image for protection and guidance through life, nautical star tattoos are today assigned many different meanings by their wearers:
Military meaningsGay and lesbian symbolismPunk rock groupsPersonal interpretations

The design itself is a five-pointed star with each point divided into two symmetric sections, of which each of these sections are colored with alternating light and dark colors.

Military and/or Navy Symbolism

Nautical star tattoos are said to be one of the earliest tattoo images in "modern" times. The design, well over a century old was worn by sailors to signify navigation by following the North Star, known as Polaris. Of all of the stars in the night sky used for navigation, it is the North Star that is relied upon most to return sailors home. Because it seems to be relatively stationary over the North Pole with the other stars moving around it, its fixed position in the sky is an essential reference point for navigation. In today's nautical charts, the direction North (zero degrees) on a compass is marked with a five-pointed star.

While other maritime tattoo symbols, such as the anchor and sparrow, find their inspiration in different ports of call or are used to commemorate the voyage and its perils, the nautical star is a much more hopeful symbol of being able to find one's way. By extension, it has also been used specifically as a symbol of the return home and sometimes the luck that is needed to reach that destination.

Other branches of the military have since adopted the belief that the nautical star keeps them pointed in the right direction and aids in their safe return home to their family and friends.

Gay and Lesbian Symbolism

In the middle part of the 20th century, particularly in the '40s and '50s, when it was still taboo for women to be lesbians, there were symbols that were used to indicate sexual orientation in women. The most popular of these was the nautical star tattoo inked somewhere easily hidden and also easily unhidden. The most common spot for this tattoo was on the wrist that could be easily hidden by a watch, clothing and other accessories. During the day the watch was on but at night when you there was a more likelihood of meeting like-minded people, the watch was removed so others could see it. Instead of taking a guess at a stranger's orientation and possibly embarrassment, homosexuals would look for symbols like the nautical and know that their secret was safe and was talking to a like-minded individual.

More recently, MANY lesbian women wear a silver ring around their middle to finger to symbolize their sexual disposition.

Punk Rockers

The punk movement adorns the nautical star tattoo design "because we can." The movement traces its origins back to Sailor Jerry, who inked thousands of sailors with "cool" designs. Historically, Sailor Jerry was one the most iconic and famous tattoo artists who ever lived. The thing that remains constant here is that this group also believes the nautical star provides guidance in their lives, pointing them on their own exclusive path.

Personal Interpretations

The nautical star tattoo design clearly shows that when the same powerful symbol is used again and again over decades of time it has taken on very different meanings for different groups. So all of those that you see sporting a nautical star tattoo might not all have the same interpretation of its symbolism.
Whatever that interpretation is, the fact is we all have our own ideas about what things symbolize to our own unique lives.

While the nautical star is regarded as a symbol of finding one's own path in life and finding ones way home safely, it obviously is a much revered and popular tattoo design in today's society. Now that you have a more broad based knowledge of this symbol, look around you and see if you now notice that more people than you would have realized are inked with nautical star tattoo designs.

Have a great day and shoot for the stars in your own endeavors.

Chris Orr

Selecting a tattoo design should be a very thoughtful and thought out process. My blog, Tattoo Designs Forever at http://tattooforever.blogspot.com/, reminds us that whatever tattoo design we select should be one that we plan on having, cherishing, and admiring forever.

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3 Of The Fastest Ways To Get Your Custom Tattoo Design

Are you planning to get a tattoo to show off during prom night? Do you want to impress your girl friend quickly? If you are in a hurry to get your tattoo then here are three ways to help you...

1. One option is to go to a traditional studio and pretty much get your tattoo either right away, or within a few hours. The main drawback to that is you will be offered traditional designs that may not fit with your desire for a custom tattoo design. Most artists in a traditional studio will try to talk you into what is simplest for them, not all of them but finding the one who will work with you might be a difficult prospect to find. It may be that you'll find a design that to you seems to be a custom tattoo design, but is it really? Don't settle for a design that isn't everything you want it to be just in the name of speed. It should have taken you some time to decide on getting a tattoo, it should have, and rushing just to get a tattoo is not the smartest move to make. Tattoos are very personal and are pretty much a lifetime commitment so you should find a designer that will work with you to provide you exactly what you want.

2. If you do decide to have a tattoo designer from a traditional studio ink a tattoo on you, most of them will provide you with custom design from a stencil. Unfortunately, most of the artists are reluctant to work with you and want to stick to ideas they are familiar with. Again, don't rush to judgment. You are searching for that perfect custom tattoo pattern, no matter what a designer wants you to do. If you have done your research, and if you have made a commitment, finding an artist to quickly give you a tattoo is not a problem. The problem would be if you will be satisfied with the tattoo whether it is, or is not, a custom tattoo design.

3. One of the best and quickest ways to get your custom tattoo design is to find a site online offering a contest and let the tattoo designers vie for your business. You can set up the tattoo design contest, make your offer for what is paid and have the designers provide you with their best work. You will have any number of artists submitting designs to you, based on the criteria you set up, to choose from. A number of the better sites have hundreds of professional tattoo designers with some pretty incredible work. The quality you have to choose from will be extensive and finding the perfect custom design is made much easier. This can be a very quick process and once you have selected the winning designer, you can take your custom tattoo design to a local studio and have a good artist ink it on you. Now you've not only received your perfect tattoo, you got it for your price structure, had a highly professional designer work for you to get the best design, and can now take it to a highly skilled artist to make it come alive for you.

Kristen Sauerzopf is a tattoo enthusiast and professional tattoo designer who has created thousands of thought provoking, elegant, and funky tattoos for her clients.She has a vast collection of custom designs to her credit. Winner of several awards and accolades, Kristen is now a founding member of the world's largest custom tattoo design community at CreateMyTattoo. View her tattoo collection or read more on her blog here.

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Tattoo Removal Methods

Tattoos are very easy to get. All it takes is one impulsive decision at a tattoo parlor and you are literally scarred for life. The ink will remain imprinted under your skin forever, and though it may fade as a result of time or sun exposure, the mark will never fully disappear. You are now faced with the problem of how to remove your regretful tattoo. So what is the best method of tattoo removal? Here is a list of the various methods of tattoo removal, from professional removal to home remedies.

Most Effective Methods of Tattoo Removal

Laser Therapy - Lasers focus heat energy under the skin in concentrated bursts. In this process, the laser beam forces the ink particles under the skin to separate. Once the ink is extricated from the skin tissue, the body naturally expels the dead skin and the ink. The laser is able to selectively target color pigments (this would be the color of the tattoo) so that the healthy, ink-free skin tissue is minimally affected. This process can be quite painful and has a long recovery process. Laser Therapy Treatments can cost between $2000-$3000 and may require multiple treatments depending on the size, location, color scheme, and the healing process of the patient.
Pulse Light Therapy - A special glass prism is set upon the skin of the tattoo and light is sent through the glass, which focuses the light energy. The light breaks up the particles in the same way it does using laser therapy but it is less painful since the process uses light beams instead of laser beams. However, there is still a lengthy healing process and it is often a painful recovery. Special gels are used to soothe the burning feeling on the treated area. The price is often greater than that of laser therapy treatments because they charge for each pulse, sometimes as much as $10/pulse in a treatment that may require many pulses depending on the size of the tattoo.

Safe Tattoo Removal Home Remedies
Tattoo Removal Cream - apply daily as is instructed by the manufacturers, after tattoo fades, you can sand off the area (only the top layers of skin), make sure to use antibacterial products afterwards. These creams have a varying degree of success and often times it is dependent upon the amount of treatments done by the user and how hard they sand the area. Creams can cost between $20-$150.
Laser Removal - burn the tattoo off with at-home laser removal technology; these kits are usually very inexpensive compared to the professional therapy. However, this low price also means that the therapy may not be as effective. Home Laser Tattoo Removal kits can cost anywhere between $40-$200.

DO NOT USE
Salabrasion - The tattoo is removed through rubbing saltwater onto the tattoo until the area bleeds, this will leave a scar. If the tattoo has deep color tones or was done recently, this method won't have any effect on the tattoo with the exception of mild fading and scarring around the area.Dermabrasion - The skin in the tattoo is frozen and then sanded away until the skin is completely gone. This is not only ineffective, but it is extremely painful and will cause massive scarring.
Tattoo Removal Bleach - This involves rubbing bleach onto the tattoo area to burn off the skin. Bleach is extremely damaging and there's no way to ensure that it will burn only the select area where the tattoo is. Most likely, bleaching will leave a scar on the entire area on and around the tattoo and the effectiveness of the removal is questionable at best.

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Getting a Tattoo - Are You Getting a Tattoo For The First Time?

OK. So you are thinking of getting a tattoo for the first time. Very cool. There are some things that you need to think about before getting inked, because as you know a tattoo doesn't wash off to easily. Tattoos aren't taboo or associated with sailors, gangs, prisoners or ne'er do wells anymore. They are widely accepted in today's society and the negative connotations surrounding tattooing is dissipating as the idea of the body as an artist's canvas has become widely accepted in the mainstream.

Tattoos may be more widely accepted by mainstream society, but that doesn't mean just popping on it to your local tattoo parlor yelling "let's get it on."

Choosing a Tattoo Design That Is Right for You

Before getting inked it makes sense to consider where on your body you would like a new tattoo to be located. Most likely, although not in all cases, but most likely at some point or another you will want to conceal your tattoo. Instances such as this might be an interview or meeting the "friend's" parents or some other formal occasion.

When in the process of selecting a design, what you want to do is be original. Your goal in selecting a tattoo design is that you want it to be an expression of yourself, or perhaps some event in your in your life that you would like to have memorialized on your body. If the best expression of yourself is found in a flash book, then you might want to consider rethinking your decision to get inked. That is not to say that there is not a good place for looking at pictures of previous artists works or flash books, because there is. One very good way to "create" your perfect design is to use a combination of two or three designs to uncover your own meaningful, custom design. The tattoo artist you select to ink your tattoo can help you with the look of the design by sketching out ideas of what you have in mind, and will most likely be more than happy to, as he/she get's to use their creative talents.

Choose whatever tattoo that floats your boat. It really is nobody's business but your own. Just try to make absolutely sure that this is not a trendy design decision and one that you may regret years from now. Personally, I have an armband tattoo that I got a bit spur of the moment, yet has personal meaning to me. If I had known about tattoo symbolism then before getting inked I would have ended it up with a bit different armband design. As it is, the design I have is a good start that I can add to which will end up with a much deeper meaning. I suspect the knotwork in the tattoo will be much more indicative of Celtic symbolism and meaning.

I have heard it suggested that after you have your dream tattoo design in mind, that you wait six months to a year before actually getting it inked. That is not bad advice, although that could be a bit lengthy to think about it. The gist of this advice is to wait long enough that you will still be happy with your choice one year, five years, or forty years from now.

Tattoo Artists and Tattoo Parlors

The selection of the tattoo artist is equally as important as selecting the appropriate design. After all, the tattooist is the person responsible for making your artwork look outstanding, be of great quality, and the one to satisfy you. Take your time, visit several tattoo studios, and shop around. I mean, would go buy a new car without shopping around a bit to find the style, color and features you want. Think of your tattoo purchase in the same way as you would making a major purchase. Ask your friends for suggestions, ask the artists for references and for examples of their work. Look carefully at these tattoos as they can show shabby work such as crooked lines and areas not completely filled in.

Most experienced tattoo artists will be capable of tattooing in multiple styles, yet still each artist has his/her own strengths and may specialize in one or two particular styles such as specializing in a certain culture. Make sure your artist understands what it is exactly that you have in mind and is capable of bringing it to fruition.

Check out the studio that you are visiting. Is it clean, are the work areas organized, do they use an Autoclave to sterilize their "tools." In today's studios, I doubt that you would find many that aren't up to code and using the appropriate methods to alleviate all health concerns, but don't by any means take it for granted.

What to Expect On T-Day

After all of the consideration that you have given and all the research that you've done, then comes T-Day, the day to get your new tattoo. So what should you expect when you walk in to get inked? Firstly, your artist will try to make sure you are comfortable. He/she would then transfer a temporary outline onto your skin and then draw the outline with the tattoo gun. Once the outline is done, needles will be switched out and the fill in process will begin. Is it going to hurt? Well, yes it is going to be uncomfortable, especially at first. After a few minutes you will begin to get used to the feeling of the tattoo gun and the pain will abate some. Obviously areas near bones will be more sensitive that others and areas where the dermis is not as thick will be more sensitive. But hey, you've come this far right?

Once the tattooing is completed and you've gotten your breath back, the artist is going to give you instructions on how to care for your artwork. This is basically going to consist of keeping the area clean, applying medicated ointment for a week or two and keeping the tattoo area moist with a non-scented lotion for a month or so. Your tattoo will start to scab after few days. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES pick at the scab. You will most likely lose some color and depth if you do.

I wish you the best of luck in getting your first tattoo. Remember to do your research, make sure your comfortable with your decision, and enjoy your new artwork.

Chris Orr

Selecting a tattoo design should be a very thoughtful and thought out process. My blog, Tattoo Designs Forever, reminds us that whatever tattoo design we select should be one that we plan on having, cherishing, and admiring forever.

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Erase Tattoo Ink - A Few Methods To Get A Tattoo Off Your Body

Many people want to erase tattoo ink that they have gotten done over their life. Maybe it's because they want to forget the name of the person that they got inked on their arm or maybe they want to get rid of something that they got done spontaneously or maybe it's due to a job that they wish to get rid of their tattoo (such as joining the armed forces). Whatever the reason there are many methods that you can use to get rid of these pieces of ink in your body and a few of these techniques are listed below for you.

Surgical Methods

If you're looking for fast and effective results then surgical methods are the option that you want to be looking towards. Sometimes complete removal cannot be obtained by these methods though which at times can be a problem. It all depends on the tattoo itself; location, size, how old it is, the colour of ink, the type of ink.

Popular surgical methods include:

Laser surgery has improved over the years and has become the most widely accepted method to get rid of any unwanted ink.

The method basically involves penetrating the skin with various lasers and this breaks up the tattoo pigment in the skin which allows the body to get rid of the unwanted ink naturally. You will be required to go through several treatments for removal and maybe even more depending on the location, size, how old it is, the colour of ink, the type of ink.

Another surgical method is cryosurgery (or dermabrasion). The method for this is basically freezing the tatted area and using a piece of equipment that will sand down the area to remove the unwanted ink. You will be under anaesthetics but bleeding is still going to occur regardless.

Home Methods

As you can tell the two surgical methods aren't very pleasant and the others are similar to those too. However when it comes to home removal you are looking at methods that aren't invasive such as the use of removal creams.

Simply does the same as laser surgery but instead of using a laser you are going to be using cream which you just apply to the area twice a day; no pain, no problem.

There are also natural methods you can use to erase tattoo ink and all they do is trigger certain parts of the body's immune system and with this you can remove any tattoos and these methods once again aren't invasive or expensive.

If you want to erase tattoo ink then it is your choice at which method you use. The method above are just a few of many methods that you can use whether you go for the widely accepted surgeries and spend money or whether you avoid the costs, pain and scarring with home methods is your choice.

You can find out more information on various removal methods (including laser procedures, creams and even natural methods) for whatever budget on the tattoo removal blog.

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3 Ways To Lose Money On Your Next Custom Tattoo Design

Body art is an expression of your feelings that is inked forever on you. People conduct lots of research before they opt for any tattoo and in the process end up losing money. However, with a little guidance this can be checked. Here are a few pointers...

1. Obviously, the easiest way to lose money on your next custom tattoo design is to pick the wrong design and either try to have it fixed, or accept it as is and have to order another to get the results you wanted the first time. Work with the designer, either locally or online, to hash out all the particulars before actually getting it inked. Many online sites offer numerous designers to work with and they will give you good advice as long as you can articulate your desires. Some sites even offer tattoo design contests that will give you tons of options to help you make the right choice. Tattoos are such a personal choice and long lasting that you should never rush your decision because if you end up unhappy with your tattoo, you might as well have thrown your money away, except you're still stuck with the 'not so perfect' tattoo. Join a site, work with your designer and make sure you have exactly what you want before you get inked.

2. Another way to lose money is to operate strictly on the 'cheapest' design and inking costs. Sometimes you do get exactly what you pay for. Again, if you buy an inferior custom tattoo design from a designer and find the cheapest artist to ink it on you, you risk an inferior looking tattoo. You've paid for a tattoo you're not happy with and you have three choices. One, pay for a superior custom tattoo design and get re-inked. Two, do nothing and consider your inferior tattoo an expensive lesson. And three, get the poor looking tattoo remove, which is quite expensive and not always successful. Regardless, whatever you end up doing, you've lost time and money, or at least you end up dissatisfied. Research what you're doing and find the best design from a professional designer you can afford. Then it won't feel like such a loss of money.

3. On the flip side of the coin, a really good way to lose money on your custom tattoo design is to arbitrarily select the highest price from a designer. One of the best ways to avoid this is to go online to a site that offers tattoo design contests. This will allow you to set your own price for the winner design and the designers who submit their designs to you will not be segregated by price. By using a tattoo design contest, you eliminate the field in respect to pricing and all the designs that are submitted to you are basically the same price, therefore giving you the option of picking the custom tattoo design you want at the price you've already set. No disparity in pricing, no offers at different price structures, and designers who are vying for your business, offering you their best to get your business. A win, win, situation for you and the competing tattoo designer.

Kristen Dunn is a tattoo enthusiast and professional tattoo designer who has created thousands of thought provoking, elegant, and funky tattoos for her clients. She has a vast collection of custom designs to her credit. Winner of several awards and accolades, Kristen is now a founding member of the world's largest custom tattoo design community at CreateMyTattoo. View her tattoo collection or read more on her blog here.

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How To Remove Tattoos At Home - Remove Your Unwanted Ink Without The Use Of A Laser

Laser removal is one of the most widely accepted methods for removal however there are people who are looking for alternative that they can use to remove tattoo at home without using any lasers.

Laser removal is expensive, it will cost you more than the price that you got your tattoo done mainly because you have to use a professional to go through this method. Not only is this method expensive but it will also leave you with side-effects such as scarring or the skin and also irritation after you have had the procedure done, you may even end up with discolouration of the skin after the procedure too. It is for these reasons that people are looking into alternatives that they can use to get rid of any unwanted ink the easy way.

Tattoos date back many years, the Aztecs had them and other cultures too learnt the art of inking themselves up. However laser removal methods or surgical methods weren't around that time so how did they remove any unwanted tattoos?

Natural Methods

Natural methods have been around for ages, there are natural cures for everything such as colds and blocked noses etc. These natural cures are things such as using various ingredients to treat problems yourself instead of going out and spending a lot of money on other methods.

When it comes to tattoo removal there are natural methods that you can use to get rid of any unwanted ink that you may have.

For example removal creams have been created and developed as a natural method to remove your unwanted ink. This method is simply just applying the cream onto your tatted area which seeps into the skin and breaks the tattoo pigment into smaller pieces so that your body can get rid of the ink.

Of course this is going to take longer than using lasers however it will end up being a lot less cheaper and you won't even have scarring on your body either from this technique.

Other natural methods include using ingredients that trigger effects in your body to get rid of the unwanted tattoo naturally.

Natural methods are easy to use and can be done used to remove tattoos at home which means that you won't have to spend as much as you normally would on laser removal methods due to the fact that you don't need a professional to go through this procedure for you.

Even though it is quick and effective laser removal does have its downsides such as costs and side-effects however if you are looking to remove tattoos at home then natural methods should be something you want to take a look at as they will work as effective and will cost you less.

You can find out more information on various removal methods (including laser procedures, creams and even natural methods) for whatever budget on the tattoo removal blog.

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Chinese and Kanji Tattoo Design Symbols

Some people do not realise that Kanji Tattoos are from the ancient world of China and were introduced to Japan at a later point in time. It is now mainly practiced by the Japanese but is slowly becoming trendy for westerners to be seen with a Kanji style of tattoo.

One must admit that these tattoos are very appealing to the eye and they are unique in the fact that they can not just represent a letter from the alphabet but they can actually tell a whole story.

This is a great way to express yourself and display a meaningful part of your life on your body. This may also be suitable for people who love tattoos but do not want to give too much of themselves away by displaying tatts with a story of their life.

The problem with Chinese and Kanji tattoos is that most artist get the letters and meanings wrong and some artist may even put the letters on backwards. The last thing you want is a tattoo that you think has a special meaning when in reality it is saying something else.

The solution to this problem is really to use your common sense and investigate thoroughly the design and the tattoo artist making sure that they have experience with these designs and their meanings. You must also be aware of the fact that the designs can also have different meanings as the Chinese language and form of writing has had 4000 years to change and move across different countries like Taiwan and Korea.

The first thing you would really want to do is some research and find a good Japanese translator that can help translate the symbols and maybe even help you design your artwork. This way you are sure not to make the mistake of having the tattoo designed backwards.

You can also visit your local library where there are Chinese Caligraphy books available that might give you some ideas and help you put something together that really has a significant meaning to you. You may also find some Chinese or Japanese warrior drawings that will come in useful as a part of the design or even something that you can add to your tatt later on in time.

Another idea is to talk to an elderly relative of Chinese or Japanese friend and see if they can give you some insight and help in to what some of the symbols really mean and if this person knows you well, they can put some artwork together that really stands for the person that you are.

You can find Kanji Tattoos and Chinese Tattoo Designs on the internet for very minimal outlay.

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How To Remove Tattoos At Home - Low Cost Tattoo Removal

Many people are steering towards how to remove tattoos at home due to the price that is charged to get unwanted ink removed via surgery by a professional. With the advancement of science there are now a few methods which are so simple that you can buy them and use them yourself in the comfort of your own home.

Laser Surgery

This method of tattoo removal is the most popular method at the moment because it is known to work on pretty much all ink. The only problem with this method is that it is expensive and painful.

When looking at this method you are looking to pay about $150/£100 minimum per session and you'll have to go through sessions regularly to achieve complete removal! Not only that but throughout the surgery you'll feel pain and you'll also get permanent scarring and you could end up with skin growing back lighter (or darker) than it was previously.

What Are The Cheaper Methods?

In a quick breakdown there are 3 other methods which you can use for tattoo removal that will cost you less than going through surgery and these are:
Chemical Peel (TCA or Glycolic acid)This method has been used for many skin care treatments and has now moved onto removing ink from the body. There have been studies ran which prove that these products actually work for 80-90% of people.The only downside (apart from chances of scarring due to the acid burning through the skin) is that you'll have to buy the product regularly to get rid of the tattoo and even then you'll be left with a scar.Tattoo Removal Cream

Unlike chemical peels there are no scientific studies that actually prove that removal creams work. These creams are designed to just be applied to the skin and they will just break the tattoo pigment down to allow the body to get rid of the ink. The only problem of this method is that the only proof of it working is on the internet and there are also people who claim it doesn't work and for $120+ for two months worth you are looking at a lot of money to spend on something that may not work.

A method which is slowly becoming more popular to remove tattoos at home is natural removal. This method only uses natural methods so the chances of you getting a reaction is slim plus you won't get any side-effects such as scarring and abrasion that some of the other expensive methods cost.

These 3 low cost methods are cheaper than surgery and are also three methods that you can use to remove tattoos at home.

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How To Remove Tattoos At Home - Is Tattoo Removal Cream The Future Of Removal?

There are few methods to remove tattoos at home; most are those that need to be done by a professional of some sort such as a laser treatment or various other surgeries too. With the advancement of technology and science there has been a step forward into creating a tattoo removal cream. There is a lot of discussion on this new product as if it will work or not but it is thought to be one of the future products to remove any unwanted ink without searing or breaking the skin, just applying the cream to your skin which allows you to remove tattoos at home without the need of professional help.

Laser Removal - Is This Method Outdated?

The most popular method of removal at the moment is laser removal. This (as the name suggests) uses lasers to penetrate the skin to break up the ink pigment to be removed by the body.

Even though this method is widely accepted around the world the only problem with it is that it is considered too expensive for people to use especially those with bigger pieces that may be on their back or up their leg and arms.

Not only does this cost a lot but there are side-effects which can occur like scarring, irritation and changes to skin pigmentation in that area too.

With this in mind and new products such as the creams that have minimal side-effects and cost a lot less than removal it is time to ask if the laser method is finally outdated.

Tattoo Creams - The Future

Creams are a new product which is why they are debatable as to whether they work or not. There are some people who claims some products work where as there are others that claim that the same products are just a scam and don't work.

Even so the way these creams work truly makes them the future of removal, unlike any other product all you have to do is apply the cream and watch your unwanted ink fade in time; no scars, no invasive techniques and no pain just normal cream.

Things To Look Out For

When you are looking for your product on Google you need to make sure that it is one that will work to help you remove tattoos at home and not just waste money so look through reviews and check whether the cream looks like a reliable product.

Are removal creams the future in how to remove tattoos at home? They are certainly cheaper and easier to use than laser treatment but as mentioned they aren't exactly trustworthy at such a time.

You can find out more information on various removal methods (including laser procedures, creams and even natural methods) for whatever budget on the tattoo removal blog.

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Free Tattoo Designs - Should You Consider One?

When people talk about free tattoo designs they are usually referring to artwork found on a website. Now many websites charge a fee to access their tattoo designs or offer them on a subscription basis. These are usually created by paid artists. Other websites however, have tattoo concepts that are available completely free of charge. These too are often created by professional artists who have chosen to make these particular designs available for the general public, or sometimes they are created by talented amateurs.

Although you should exercise care when choosing a tattoo design, you should not assume that free designs are automatically inferior to a design you might find in a tattoo parlor or on a fee-based tattoo website. After all, the best tattoo is the one that makes you happy now and for years to come. While it is true that some free tattoo websites have poor designs, there are also some that have amazing designs that you don't have to pay to see. With so many different choices available, it is definitely worth while to do a little research.

A tattoo is something you will have for the rest of your life, so getting one is not something to be taken lightly. You should take your time, and not allow yourself to be rushed or pressured into making a choice. This means that you shouldn't choose the first design you see, free or otherwise. It's not like pay sites are going to offer you some kind of money back guarantee if you are not happy with your tattoo. The decision and responsibility are all yours, so choose wisely.

I would recommend starting your search for a tattoo design with free websites, especially if this is your first tattoo. It doesn't cost you anything and you are not committed to any decisions. Browse free tattoo designs to get ideas of what you like and don't like. Then maybe pay to view designs on other websites, if you wish. You can use this information later to choose a tattoo at a parlor. You just might find a free tattoo that is perfect for you, or maybe you will come up with great idea for an original design, based on something you've seen.

Free tattoo designs are helpful, particularly for beginners, to determine the kinds of inked artwork that will work best for a specific individual. There are so many different categories and styles to choose from. The perfect tattoo for you is probably something that has not even occurred to you yet. This is why it is so important to remember that you should not choose the first design you like whether it was free or not. Looking at as much artwork as you can before choosing a tattoo will help ensure that you do not regret your decision later.

Finally, to start you off on your quest for the best tattoo, be sure to check out http://www.tattoo-designs-free.com/ for tons of free tattoo designs and helpful information. This site is dedicated to helping everyone find a tattoo design they can live with. Start your search for the best free tattoo designs today!

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5 Things You Must Not Do If You Want To Win Tattoo Design Contests

So you are a budding (or maybe experienced), tattoo artist who wants to lock horns with your peers in a tattoo designing contest - or you are simply someone interested in the whole tattoo business, and want to get some tips that will help to win a tattoo designing contest. The best way to begin our discussion is to start with a brief overview about tattooing. Tattoo art is an ancient form of art that has its roots far back in history. In modern times it has attained a new level of recognition among young people from all walks of life. It is not only a way to enhance appearance but is a means of demonstrating a philosophy of life.

Tattoo designing contests are taking the world by storm; they are giving a new platform to artists, enabling them to showcase their talents. Online tattoo designing contests are even better because even beginners can try out their artistic abilities without using intimidating tattooing equipment. All that is needed is the creativity of the individual. Now let's proceed with the things that you should not do if you want to win a tattoo design contest:

1. Since the competition is about designing, you have to be original. Don't try to use or upload a tattoo design you have seen or copy one from somewhere else. This won't be tolerated, whatever excuse you may give. Remember, the judges are extremely talented and know about the world of tattoo art and cannot be easily fooled.

2. Be creative in your approach. Creativity is just letting your imagination run wild, and then setting down your ideas on paper, where it will reflect the way you see things. Since every person thinks in a unique way, the resulting design will be unique too. Don't be influenced by popular ideas. If you want to produce a fresh design you need to look elsewhere.

3. Just before the competition, go and do something else. Don't think about tattoo designs all day. It is a good idea to let your mind and brain relax so that they are in the best shape to work properly. Do things that help you unwind. If you like gardening or walking, do that. You may not realize it, but wonderful ideas come to us when we least expect it. You won't come up with a good design by obsessing about the competition.

4. If you want to win a competition, make sure that the contest that you have selected is something that excites you. If you just put your name down for the sake of it, it won't be of much use. A tattoo competition like ours is really worthwhile, and all entrants will find it both interesting and exciting. It has great prizes too.

5. Last but not least, don't go for a contest without knowing the theme or the rules that govern it. You could be awarded high penalties if you make a mistake just because you didn't bother to understand the rules.

Kristen Dunn is a tattoo enthusiast and professional tattoo designer who has created thousands of thought provoking, elegant, and funky tattoos for her clients. She has a vast collection of custom designs to her credit. Winner of several awards and accolades, Kristen is now a founding member of the world's largest custom tattoo design community at CreateMyTattoo. View her tattoo collection or read more on her blog here.

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How To Fade A Tattoo - A Few Tips To Fade Out Your Tattoo

Are you someone looking to fade a tattoo? Of course you are, why else would you be reading this? There are many reasons why people want to fade their ink; maybe they want to cover it up with another tattoo or maybe you just want to hide it but can't afford getting complete removal. Whatever the reason there are methods you can go through that will help you to fade a tattoo on your body.

The first natural method that you can follow is just exposing your ink to the sunlight for a few hours. You know when you first got your ink you were told to keep it out of the sun if possible, the reason for this is that the sun will start to lighten the ink that is in your skin which you wouldn't want straight after getting your piece but if you really want to start with the fading then this may be the natural option for you.

Of course if you want to use the sun option that will take time but a product on the market that you could use is removal cream. This is just a cream that you apply like any regular cream onto the area twice a day and after a while you will notice that the area will start to get lighter.

Many people use this method and claim it works but there are people who claim that these creams don't work either so make sure that you do some thorough research into the one you are interested in buying otherwise you will end up wasting plenty of money!

Another method which you could use is the use of laser removal. Now this is one of the more expensive methods that you'll find out on the market today since it has to be done professionally (even though they have home kits there is too much risk to go it alone!).

This method can be slightly painful depending on your pain threshold but it is the most effective if you are looking for a decent way to fade a tattoo or even to remove one completely.

There are of course side-effects that are going to come with this method such as scarring, bleeding, irritation and the fact that you have to go through sessions spread over 4+ weeks just to make sure that your skin is completely healed from the high intensity laser that is shooting through your skin.

There are many other methods that can help you Fade A Tattoo or even remove one and you may find that there is one that you'll prefer than the ones above.

You can find out more information on various removal methods (including laser procedures, creams and even natural methods) for whatever budget on the tattoo removal blog.

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4 Ways Expert Tattoo Designers Do Tattoo Designing

There is a high demand for tattoo designs nowadays. This is probably because of the current trends in fashion and lifestyle. Tattoos are now being used in order to enhance a person's look and physical appearance. Hence, there are many opportunities today for tattoo designers and artists out there.

Some people use this as their main source of income, while there are some who do designs in order to have additional income. If you are an artist who wants to engage in this money-making opportunity, then you need to learn a lot of things in order to really be successful. For me, there are four major things that experts and professionals consider when designing tattoos.

One thing they do is stick to the original plan of their client. This is because it is the client, not the artist who will wear the tattoo. You should therefore ask for the specifics of what your client really wants. As much as possible, try to absorb every last detail. Do not hesitate to consult your customer. Most of the time, the client will only be able to give you certain specifications and details initially. This means that what has been relayed in the project specification might be not be everything your client really wants. Moreover, this can also be a way for you to establish rapport with your client.

Another thing you also need to do is to beat the deadline. This is one of the most important things that employers consider in hiring artists. You need to make sure that you submit your design ahead of time; at least a day before the target delivery date of your client. This is because it is one of the signs and indications of how dedicated and disciplined you are for the job. This can also be an opening for you to be hired again and again in the future by the same employer. On top of that, you might also get a bonus or increase next time.

The third thing expert tattoo designers do is read around the subject and search for new techniques. Reading related references to tattoo design is part of the continuous learning process in designing tattoos. This will give you new ideas on what are the best designs today and for your generation. On the other hand, searching for new techniques can affect how you will execute the tattoo application, and, in many cases, affects the design that you will create. The best thing about these techniques is that they increase your value as a professional tattoo artist. Hence, if you are very knowledgeable, clients will be more interested in working with you.

Additionally, professional tattoo designers should be very open to suggestions, revisions and alterations. This can be in done by gathering information about what your friends, co-artists and even your client think about your draft design. This way, you will be able to further improve your skills as well as your designs.

The bottom line is that to be an expert tattoo designer you need to put in the effort and exceed the client's expectations.

Kristen Dunn is a tattoo enthusiast and professional tattoo designer who has created thousands of thought provoking, elegant, and funky tattoos for her clients. She has a vast collection of custom designs to her credit. Winner of several awards and accolades, Kristen is now a founding member of the world's largest custom tattoo design community at CreateMyTattoo. View her tattoo collection or read more on her blog here.

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Laser Tattoo Removal - A Few Frequently Asked Questions

Laser tattoo removal has become the most widely accepted method to remove any unwanted ink that you may have. The reason behind this is the simple fact that with the amount of people getting tattoos there is also a rise in those that are looking to get rid of them. Thankfully with this rise technology has been improved and there are now safe ways that can be used to remove any unwanted ink such as laser tattoo removal. For people that are looking to remove tattoos there are many questions that have been asked about this method and some of the most frequently asked questions are listed below to help you understand more about the procedure.

This is the procedure of aiming a high intensity laser at your tattoo; this laser penetrates the skin and breaks up the pigment into smaller fragments which allows the body to get rid of the pigment via the immune system without harming the other areas of the skin.

It all depends on your level of pain tolerance. Many people say that the pain level is the same as getting your tattoo done but the pain is more like pining yourself with a rubber band on your skin. There are things that are given to help however such as cooling agents and anaesthesia.

Getting full removal can't be guaranteed for anyone due to different types of ink having different types of effects. There are also the factors of size and how old the piece is as well.
How many treatments will I have to go through?

You will be looking at a minimum of 4 sessions for removal but you may have to go through more depending on how fast your skin heals, the size of your piece, the ink used, the colour of the ink etc.

These sessions will be spaced out over a few weeks to ensure that your skin is fully healed before you start a new session so you could be looking at 4+ months until your tattoo is fully removed from your body.

You will unfortunately encounter side-effects with the most common being irritation, slight scarring and even discolouration of the skin too. You need to ensure that you use a trained professional that is trusted if you wish to go through with laser tattoo removal otherwise you may end up obtaining damage to the surrounding skin areas.

Hopefully these answers will give you a bit more knowledge into laser tattoo removal and whether or not you want to use this option to help you get rid of your unwanted ink.

You can find out more information on various removal methods (including laser procedures, creams and even natural methods) for whatever budget on the tattoo removal blog.

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Incredible Key Tattoo Designs

Ever wanted to create an incredible stunning key tattoo? Then this article will be extremely useful. One can create a unique tattoo online. Once printed take it to your artists. It is quick and creative. There are a large variety of tattoo images available to choose from. So it is wise to know a bit more about the various key tattoo designs and the meaning of it.

The most popular designs to choose from are tribal tattoo designs, Celtic tattoo designs and kanji tattoo designs.

Tribal Tattoo Designs: These tattoos are deeply rooted in history. The first tattoo was imprinted by accident. As the primitives play around with fire, one of them burnt the other and this left a permanent black mark on his body. From there onwards they used tattoo symbols, like key tattoos, to express themselves. This is the most popular design and almost always in black.
Celtic Design Tattoos: Similar to the Tribal designs, Celtic designs are characteristic of life itself. The knot design, for example, indicates the cycle of life and death as it symbolises no beginning and no end. The key tattoo designs symbolise treasure. The cross pattern is based on the Latin cross. It is often combined with a spiral pattern. This symbolises the never-ending spirit of people. The tree of life is the relationship between heaven and earth. Typically, this design depicts the roots of the tree around the world, with the branches of the tree reaching for the sky. The Celtic heart pattern is intensely passionate. It looks like a heart-shaped knot, which symbolises the union of two souls. One of the most popular Celtic design categories is the animal tattoo images and symbolise the balance between animals and nature. Each animal got its own meaning. A bull, for example, means strength, a dog represents loyalty and prosperity where a dragon is magic and power and a peacock depicts purity.
Kanji Tattoo Designs: The Kanji writing style originated in ancient China, and was adopted by the Japanese. Kanji symbols have definite meaning. By choosing the right images, one can express oneself without saying anything. The problem is that most people do not know Kanji Tattoo images. The shape and brush effect of these designs are remarkably different. That is why they are popular, but takes care - getting a Kanji tattoo without knowing the meaning, can lead to embarrassment and regret. It is essential to select an image that is understood.

Another type to keep in mind is the Henna tattoo. These images is not permanent and will last about 4 - 6 weeks.

Once decided on a permanent design, such as key tattoos designs, make sure to choose from the wide range of images available online.

A Tattoo is permanent and you owe yourself the perfect tattoo; http://key-tattoos.com/ provide you with all the information you need to know.

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3 Ways to Lose Money on Your Next Tattoo Designer

If the real world is full of rabid opportunists, so is the World Wide Web. You might be surprised at the fact that it has twice as much opportunistic pest than the walking and talking variety that we usually see and encounter every day. As a tattoo fanatic, it is very frequent for you to experience that ecstatic feeling every time you have a custom tattoo design in mind. That ecstatic feeling is usually coupled by a sense of urgency: you feel like the world will not move until you get that idea inked in your skin. Unfortunately that same "right here right now" attitude is going to cost you a lot monetary-wise. Let me give you a low down on the three ways to lose money on your next tattoo designer.

1) Being overly impulsive - Ok, so now you have a custom tattoo design in mind: what's next? If your next step is to put that idea in your skin this very instant, I say you're not only in for a load of monetary wasting scene, you're also in for tons of regrets. I know; you're excited to have that random thought reek its way through your skin: but before you actually get inked on, let me tell you that there are a lot of designers out there. The first one that you meet in your search will not be your last option. You will eventually see someone worthy as you move along your search. Creating your own tattoo design contests via tattoo design sites will give you an opportunity to see hundreds of designers interpret your idea. The contest that you have created will attract hundreds of contestants if you will offer a prize to the artist whose interpretation you will fancy the most. The next time you feel the urge to get inked on after an idea pops up in your head; I suggest you pause for a while, take a deep breath, and log on to your favorite site.

2) Taking friends' referrals very seriously - You got friends because you share common interests with them. It wouldn't hurt to be appreciative every time they recommend tattoo designers, but just to be on the safe side, you have to exercise caution in actually getting the services of their referrals. That new tattoo you just saw on your best buddy looks good on him - right? But just because the artist did an amazing job on him, it doesn't mean that same artist is going to do the same exceptional work on you. The method that artist applied on your friend might or might not work on your case. If you tend to generalize all the time, then I suggest you exempt your tattoo predilections from it.

3) Being inked by someone you just saw online - The good thing about creating these contests is that you get to see hundreds of takes on custom tattoo design. You are not just asking some online fellow to do his take on your idea. We are talking about tattoo professionals here who use custom tattoo design sites to show their skills in skin art.

Kristen Dunn is a tattoo enthusiast and professional tattoo designer who has created thousands of thought provoking, elegant, and funky tattoos for her clients. She has a vast collection of custom designs to her credit. Winner of several awards and accolades, Kristen is now a founding member of the world's largest custom tattoo design community at CreateMyTattoo. View her tattoo collection or read more on her blog here.

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How To Take Off Tattoos - Is Tattoo Removal Cream The New Wonder Cream?

Even if you regret your ink, the decision to take off tattoos is one that needs to be made carefully and the method of removal that you choose has to be chosen even more carefully. For example something that is becoming a big talking point in the tattoo removal department is the use of tattoo removal cream. Could this be the new and improved non-invasive way to get rid of all your unwanted ink?

How A Tattoo Is Formed

To begin with you need to know the basis of a tattoo. You need to know that it is not just ink in your skin but instead that it is ink that has formed pigments under layers of skin and the size of these pigments disallow the body's immune system to get rid of the ink.

How The Cream Works

Most creams recommend that you use them every day as you get out the bath (some even recommend before you go to bed too). All you have to do is rub the cream into your skin over a course of about 2 months (this is just for small tattoos, you can be looking at over a year for larger ones).

In this period what happens is the cream breaks down the pigments under the skin slowly and this allows the immune system to get rid of the unwanted ink, by doing this over a period of time you are able to remove completely any ink that you have been dreading without getting any scarring that comes from lasers or chemical peels.

How Much Does It Cost?

This is the worst part of the removal cream or the catch as some of you would call it. The average cost for the cream on various sites is about $120/£80 for 2 months worth of cream. The fact that you'll probably need more than this could lead up to be being expensive especially if you have a larger tattoo that is going to need months of cream application.

Does It Really Work?

It may sound too good to be true and that is because it might just be. This method to take off tattoos doesn't have any scientific cases published that say that it actually works, you'll be going on the word of someone of the internet who claims it works when there is also going to be someone who claims that it's just a scam.

You need to realise that everyone is different and that you'll have different results with tattoo removal cream to someone else but this doesn't mean that you should do a background check on Google onto which company has the best feed back before you go on to make your purchase.

Tattoo removal cream is a debatable method on how to take off tattoos at the moment but it is your choice whether to use it or not. However if you're unsure about this method there are other alternatives that you could use.

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Laser Tattoo Removal - Know What You're Walking Into

Tattoos are very popular and with them so are removal methods such as laser tattoo removal. For every person that decides to get themselves some ink on their body there are multiple people looking on how they can remove them. Whether it be a reminder of the name of someone that you wish to forget or whether it be something you got and now is something you are frowning upon you can easily remove it with the use of laser tattoo removal but why is this method so popular for people to use?

This method has become the most popular method of removal due to it not having to breach the skin unlike surgeries and dermabrasion however even with this in mind there are risks with this procedures such as scarring, irritation and skin conditions.

The way this treatment works is that a high intensity laser is emitted into the skin and breaks up the tattoo pigment which is too large for the body to remove itself but by breaking this up into smaller pieces the laser allows the body to get rid of the unwanted ink.

When considering this removal method you need to understand that it is going to take some time to get through fully.

The colour of the ink is one of the major factors that affect the length of the number of sessions that you go through. The easiest colours to remove are black and blue however the brighter colours will need more sessions to get through especially colours like yellow which are really hard to remove.

Another factor which affects this is when you got your tattoo done. If you went through your session just a few weeks or months ago then you will find the method of removal easier than if you went through the session a few years ago as the pigment becomes a lot harder to remove.

For a medium sized tattoo you are going to be looking at 4+ sessions and they are going to be spaced out over a few weeks (the skin needs time to heal). Of course the size of the tattoo and the colour will take factor into this.

You will go through pain when going through this method of removal and you will experience scarring too so make sure that you are sure that laser tattoo removal is something that you want to go through.

Laser Tattoo Removal is a widely known method of removal that you can go through, using this method won't guarantee everyone complete removal but you will notice results.

There are plenty of other methods which you can go through as well so if you don't want to spend too much money then check out other methods.

You can find out more information on various removal methods (including laser procedures, creams and even natural methods) for whatever budget on the tattoo removal blog.

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Your Tattoo Equipment List Must Include An Autoclave

If you're getting ready to open your first tattoo salon then make sure you have an autoclave on your equipment list. Long gone are the days when you can just use a pressure cooker and a hot plate. These days the health and safety regulations are much more strident and you're going to be required to have an actual certified autoclave on the premises at all times.

A century ago tattoo artists might have use boiling water or heat, or even alcohol, to sterilize their needles and tools. While these methods were better than nothing, they did very little to help stop the spread of disease or infection. However, at the time, it was the best they had.

Over the years we've learned that it takes much more than heat to kill bacteria and spores. Contaminated equipment must be exposed to pressurized steam for an extended period of time in order to eliminate spores. Temperature, pressure and exposure times are critical and alcohol, fire, and boiling water simply won't get the job done.

Most local and state regulations regarding tattoo salons include the following criteria:

There must be a working autoclave in every body art studio.
All non-disposable equipment must be kept in a separate container until it can be brush cleaned and hot soapy water and then sterilized in an autoclave.
All equipment must be bagged, labeled, dated and sealed before it's placed in the autoclave.
Only one piece of equipment may be placed into each autoclave bag.
The user's manual that came with your autoclave must be available at all times, and also during regulatory inspections.
Weekly spore tests and results must be logged and kept on file, available during inspections, for at least three years.
All sterilized needles and equipment must remain in their bags and are to be opened in front of the clients when ready for use.

As you can see, the regulations regarding autoclaves in body art studios are pretty strict. In most cases you won't even be able to get a license to open up unless you have one and it's passed an inspection.

While it might seem like an unnecessary obstacle you have to overcome before you can open your salon, in the long run, having an autoclave will actually help your business. These days, people expect much more than a dark, dingy backroom when they enter a body art salon. In fact, most won't even stick around if they don't see a clean, sanitary shop.

And the bacteria and viruses that we have today are much more resistant than they were back in the day so obeying the law is just a secondary concern. You'll be doing your clients and yourself both a favor by putting an autoclave on your equipment list when you're getting ready to open your first tattoo salon.

Wally Ashbaugh is an expert in autoclave repair and maintenance. Visit his blog at http://www.autoclaverepairtips.com/ for helpful tips that will save you thousands of dollars in repair costs and lost billings, and visit his website AllClaveParts.com for autoclave repair parts and information.

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5 Fantastic Tattoo Designs for Creating Your Own Tattoo

When brainstorming ideas for a tattoo design, people are often faced with much difficulty. Often they are overwhelmed with possibilities or are unable to think of a single idea. To get your creative juices flowing, and to fully conceptualize your design, here are five popular tattoo designs and detailed information about each of them that is helpful when forming initial ideas.

1.) Tribal Tattoos
These are a very popular design, particularly for men and are most commonly found on the bicep, chest, and back. Tribal tattoos are very versatile because of their twisting and dynamic design. Because of this, tribal tattoos can turn out excellently on virtually any part of the body. Also, they are more simplistic than other trendy tattoo designs because they are almost always done exclusively in black ink or other dark colors, with very little elaboration. Though people usually don't know the meaning behind tribal tattoos, they are often favored because of their symbolic aspects as well. Tribal tattoos offer not only a stylish and appealing design, but also versatility in placement, simplicity in color, and may denote personal significance to those who wears it.

2.) Sleeve Tattoos
This type of tattoo design allows for much more creativity in content and are characterized primarily by placement. Sleeve tattoos may vary in size (full length, three-quarter length, or half length) but are almost always created to twist around the arm so as to appear physically wrapped around the person's body. As mentioned before, the content can be virtually anything and are not limited by color or style of design. Because of this, they are also able to incorporate other types of tattoos such as tribal tattoos, textual tattoos, artistic tattoos, etc. The inherent flexibility of sleeve tattoos makes them a very popular choice among tattoo-lovers; their characteristic placement is the only restriction to consider when creating a sleeve tattoo design.

3.) Symbolic Tattoos
These types of tattoos are most commonly done with Chinese or Japanese characters, astrological signs, Celtic writing, and other prevalent signs such as music notes, stars, peace signs, and hearts. However, symbolism is fundamentally individualistic because a design can be representative of any meaning. If something conveys a message to the wearer, then the universal interpretation is unimportant, which means symbolic tattoos require great forethought by the person who designs it. Placement, size, color, and style are all open for interpretation, so to speak, which means that while symbolic tattoos are perhaps the most creative of tattoo designs, they require a lot of effort to create.

4.) Artistic Tattoos
These can turn out fantastically but unless they are personally designed, are subject to influence by the artistic style of the tattoo artist. This means that the while the design of the tattoo is important, it is essential to take into consideration how a design may appear differently when drawn by different artists. Therefore, when choosing an artist, you should ask for examples of their work to get a better idea of how your particular tattoo will turn out if drawn by that artist. If you draw the tattoo yourself, in order to ensure perfect transportation of the design to your skin, it is important to bring a copy of the tat with the exact size, shape, and color specifications.

5.) Textual Tattoos
Word-based or textual tattoos are made to convey a linguistic message to the wearer or about the wearer to people who see it. Textual tattoos are done in both the native language of the wearer and in other languages that may or may not be related to the person's ethnicity and heritage. But, be cautious when creating a tattoo that is written in another language, because it is easy to make a mistake and drastically alter the meaning of your now permanently inscribed writing. Another consideration, is the way that the text is displayed namely the direction of the text, the shape of the text, font, color, and other style effects (shading, 3-dimensional, glowing, etc.). For ideas, it might be a good idea to look through online font collections or use word-art editors to create the design. The convenient thing about textual tattoos is that if you design them online they are easy and inexpensive to print out and bring into the tattoo artist so he or she can draw it exactly from the printed copy.

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How To Take Off Tattoos - Tattoo Removal Options

Tattoos have been around for ages, we're talking about pre-Egyptian ages! Since mankind learned to ink their bodies they never stopped however with the fad of putting ink all over your body came regret and that is where he many removal options came into play - to take off tattoos.

As regret increased methods of removal started to grow as well and it is not until last century that the technology of the removal methods started to advance and become more efficient.

Why Remove Your Ink?

If you are one of the few people that have managed to live with their ink without any regret don't straight away think it's stupid for people to get theirs removed. Sometimes there are reasons such as:

Misspelling by the artist
It didn't turn out as well as the person thought it would be
It might be a partner's (now ex) name
It might need to be removed for a job
Methods Of Removal
Laser Removal

When this method was established in the 1980's they had none of the anesthetics that we had or the technology we have now so it would be a painful process that would leave a horrible scar in place.

Now however the risks that you would have had with this method have been reduced and you will feel a slight pain when going through this procedure but it won't be as bad as it was before. Also scarring can still occur with this method too which is expected when you are going the invasive route to remove tattoos.

Dermabrasion
A less popular method than laser surgery because of how brutal this method seems is dermabrasion. This is the method of "sanding down" the layers of skin until the surgeon reaches the pigment under the skin where your tattoo resides.
As you can guess this method is painful and will leave you with scarring too. It has been said that those with a darker complexion may suffer from rough patches on their skin after they have undergone the procedure.
Chemical Peel

This method is starting to become a widely used and popular method of removing your unwanted ink. There are studies that back up the efficiency of this method for many people.

The only thing about this method is that it may scar the skin since the chemical has to burn through the skin to be able to remove your unwanted ink.

The price of this method is fairly cheap when you compare it to the surgical removal options however it can be slightly expensive depending on the size of your ink so make sure that you look at the prices and estimate how much it will cost you to take off tattoos.

These 3 methods are the most popular when it comes down to how to take off tattoos.

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Temporary Tattoos - A Quick Guide

These days, more and more people have taken the decision to get a tattoo. However, if you like the idea of body art, but don't want to leave a permanent mark on your skin, it might be worth taking a look at temporary tattoos.

It's not exactly known when temporary tattoos first appeared, but it's generally accepted that they were first commercially available around 1900.

Initially, they were created using food coloring and provided on special paper that was impregnated with the design of tattoo. These pieces of paper were then held over the desired area of the body and transferred to the skin using water. These temporary tattoos were widely distributed for free with various food products.

Initially, there wasn't a great choice of temporary tattoos available, but in recent years their popularity has grown rapidly, as have the number of products.

It has now reached the stage where they are regarded as legitimate pieces of body art and are widely used as fashion accessories.

At this stage it's important to bear in mind that these temporary tattoos only last a few hours or a few days. As soon as you wash the tattooed area the design will begin to break up.

It is possible to find other temporary designs that last slightly longer, such as henna tattoos, but that's the subject of another article.

The main attraction of temporary tattoos is revealed in the name. They won't last forever, so if you don't like the design, you won't have to put up with it for the rest of your life. And if you're the type of person who likes change, it gives you an opportunity to alter the look of your body on a regular basis.

There's also a sizable number of people who would like a tattoo but are concerned about poor hygiene, infection, needles or anxious about the potential pain of getting a tattoo.

Temporary tattoos are also a great way to help you decide whether or not to get a permanent tattoo. They can help you to decide the type of designs that you like, where to place them on your body, and most importantly, whether you could live with a certain tattoo design forever.

Temporary tattoo designs can be found online or perhaps even at your local tattoo parlor. And if you opt for a high quality temporary design it should look exactly like a tattoo of the permanent variety.

There are thousands of different designs to choose from ranging in size from tiny to large and covering a whole range of styles.

So you want a traditional heart and anchor design? No problem. Or how about the latest ultra cool design or perhaps a cute pixie on your shoulder? Temporary Celtic tattoos are also extremely popular.

It's also possible to get temporary tattoos that display words and phrases. So why not get a heart that bears the name of your partner? At least it doesn't present the same risk as a traditional permanent tattoo which may last longer than the relationship is represents.

And finally, if you can't find a temporary design that you like, there are numerous tattoo packages that allow you to design your own temporary tattoo designs. So you can be as artistic or as outrageous as you want.

You just create a design using the materials provided, then transfer it onto the relevant part of your body. And if it doesn't turn out as intended, it can be washed away with nothing more than soap and water. It's quick, it's easy, it's fun, and most importantly it's not permanent.

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Should I Get That Tattoo?

Should you get a tattoo? Well, that's up to you. There is no reason to feel pressured into getting a tattoo or to let the advice of others guide you beyond your own influence. There are both benefits and negative aspects to getting a tattoo. The obvious aspect of a tattoo is its permanence. Once that set of needles pierces your skin, the tattoo is there to stay. It also costs quite a bit of money to get one and even more money to remove one. Tattoos contain a high level of metals and could be toxic depending on the color and pigment composition. However, these aspects can be trumped by the beauty of the tattoo or by the meaning they hold to its recipient.

You have all seen those tattoos out there, they have names, dates, faces, or R.I.P. These types of tattoos are generally meaningful, sometimes beyond the words or pictures. The beauty to the beholder of these tattoos is beyond belief and its easy to see why they got them; for remembrance. Other tattoos are more artistic and therefore, meaningful in a metaphorical sense. A common theme is a dragon that transforms into a koi fish. You will generally find this tattoo as a sleeve, a tattoo covering a part of or the whole arm. The koi fish starts at one end of the arm and transcends up a river of difficulties, transforming into the dragon. This tattoo is not only aesthetically pleasing, but the significance of it is also wonderful. The permanence and remembrance of these meanings is why tattoos are so popular and expensive.

An artist giving a tattoo can charge whatever they want for the tattoo, especially if it is their own parlor and tattoo design. Some tattoos are given for free, normally from a friend or apprentice, and depending on the colors used, the time taken, and size, they can cost thousands of dollars. Part of the reason why tattoos are so expensive is because of the ingredients used and the time it takes for the artist. Generally, the smaller the tattoo, the cheaper. No matter the size or color of the tattoo, there are definitely risks involved.

Most tattoo inks are made from metals that are known to be toxic. Lead, mercury, and cadmium are some major ingredients in inks. These metals are toxic and could cause cancer no matter how small the traces of metal. There is also the possibility of getting an ugly or unprofessional looking tattoo. The tattoo could be poorly drawn, it could fade, or maybe it just doesn't have the same meaning anymore. Also, beware of certain tattoos that are visible with everyday clothing. Tattoos on your hands, face, and even your forearms could hinder your ability to land a decent job. And if all else fails, you could get it removed. Most likely with this option you will have scarring or incomplete removal, and the memory never dies anyways.

It is good to consider all the facts before going and getting a tattoo. Understand the benefits and risks, the costs, the pain and longevity of getting a tattoo. No matter what you hear from friends or family, the decision comes down to you. No one can force you to get a tattoo and no one else but you has to live with it forever. Make sure it is what you really want and use your good judgment.

Kris invites you to read about getting tattoos at www.neomaglight.com/how-it-works. Here you can find out about tattoos, what they are made of, the cost of removal procedures and how to remove your tattoo at home. Visit the website at http://www.neomaglight.com/, ask us a question or leave a comment.

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Ideas for Tattoos

People dwell over ideas for tattoos. Tattoo ideas could range from a very simple design, like a letter or a symbol, to more intricate designs. Also, the ideas for tattoos could be just one color or a mixture of multiple colors. So, it's a lot to think about before you have a masterpiece. You could be inspired by anyone or anything for ideas for tattoos. From a butterfly fluttering over a bush to an F16 zipping through the sky, every single thing on this planet could give you tattoo ideas.

Let's analyze why thinking about tattoos ideas such a big deal. You can't just get a tattoo because someone you know closely got one. Where's your personality in it? Ripping off tattoo ideas from someone else's body or off the internet is easy. But, where's the inimitability? Where does your individuality feature in that tattoo? Every time you look at it, the first thing that will come to your mind is where you copied it from! Most tattoos push people to question you about it. Hence, it's a good idea to have background of your ideas for tattoos. It's embarrassing to just stand there and being unable to answer. That would be the situation more often if your ideas for tattoos are not original.

Here's a very simple and easy method to arrive at ideas for tattoos. THINK!!! You would have already come across so many things in life that tattoos ideas would keep coming to you like bullets if you just sit in a quiet room and think over it. That's for those people who are confused about tattoo ideas. For the others who have a gamut of tattoos ideas, it's pretty simple. Take your ideas for tattoos from someone who would be willing to sit with you, discuss and approve the idea that would best suit your personality, including design, color, size, etc. and just go for it.

It is also highly critical that you determine if tattoos are appreciated in the places you visit very often, like your office or your mother's or church. It's an art; however it's not recognized everywhere, especially tattoos ideas those that depict something sacred or is not generally accepted. Parents, most of the times, are not encouraging to tattoo ideas, or tattoos in itself. If you are working at an institution that doesn't welcome tattoos, get it in a place where it's not noticeably detectable, like on your shoulders or the ankle or on the chest. Just like tattoos ideas are so many; places to get them are many too. Even if they are visible, ideas for tattoos would be best appreciated if they have an appeal. You hold a certain amount of respect in the society and your ideas for tattoos should not, in any way, bestow an incorrect impression of yourself.

To finish, you think a million times before getting married. Why? It's permanent. Tattoos are permanent too, make your ideas for tattoos with paramount precision and deep thought.

New inspiration for design can be found on http://www.magletattoo.com/review/ which have reviews, books and articles about tattoo.

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Lion And Wolf Tattoos - The Most Popular Animal Tattoo Designs

Animal tattoos have become very popular in the recent times. Different animals like butterflies, snakes, turtles, spiders and dolphins are being inked on the body parts of human beings nowadays. Lion and wolf tattoos are also very popular. Although wolf tattoo designs are mainly popular among men, still women are also having it on their skin nowadays. Here in this article we will deal with these two popular animal tattoos for women.

A wolf tattoo generally comes in two definite designs-realistic or portrait looking style and cartoon like prints. Realistic style is more preferred by women. It has a deeper meaning and significance. Energy, power and aggression are some of the most significant meanings associated with a wolf tattoo design.

Wolves are generally considered as evil and menacing and thus you will find this kind of tattoo design only on those who are fascinated by fierceness of a wolf. This animal is also used as a mythical character and appears in many fables and folk tales. This adds charm and mystery as well as an element of danger. This creature is also related to cunningness and cruelty. These characters make the creature more bewitching and captivating.

However, many positive meanings also associated with this animal. It has an important role to play in the lives of North American tribes. It even symbolizes guidance and intelligence. As wolves live in pack, they even symbolize loyalty and unity.

Various designs of wolf tattoos are available. Some of the most popular one's include only the head of the animal, the entire body of it, a wolf near the moon, a pack of wolves, howling wolf, snarling wolf and a wolf looking through the paws. All these different designs are imprinted on the body using colors such as white, black, red, dark blue and many others.

There are many places of imprinting this animal design on the body. If you plan to imprint a pack of wolves, the most preferred place on the body includes the stomach, back and shoulders. If you wish to have the head of the wolf marked on your body, you can make it done on your leg, arm, back of neck and waist. Wolf tattoo designs are usually donned by adventure lovers, bikers and hippie culture followers.

Lion tattoos have always been preferred by women because this design represents female superiority in its highest form. Most of the women who choose to go for this design want to show their place in the stars, meaning it is just a symbol of astrology.

Different designs of lion tattoos are available. Most of the women prefer to go for pattern that depicts a realistic lion. The design of this approach focuses the lion either on a distant object or focuses its captivating eyes and flowing lines of savanna from where it came and beckons you with its eyes. Some of the designs are done so beautifully that you won't feel like moving your eyes from it. You can literally spend hours gazing into the design. Some of the other designs of this tattoo art include tribal styles and cartoonish lions.

You can find all you want to know about lion tattoos and Wolf Tattoos once you log on to an online information portal http://www.tattoos-malu-art.com/.

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Advice On Picking Your Next Tattoo

For a lot of people they think about getting their next tattoo days after they got their last one. This is normal and the reason I wanted to bring this up is because you need to think about your tattoos before you get one. What some people do is they will walk into a tattoo shop and simply pick something out that they like. Since a tattoo is permanent you will need to think about what you are going to get and make sure that you love it unconditionally.

Advice On Picking Your Next Tattoo

Take Your Time - It is important to spend a little bit of time to think about your next tattoo. The reason why you need to take your time is because when people rush a decision it will normally come out wrong. Do yourself a favor and if you are thinking about getting a tattoo make sure that you spend at least 1 week contemplating the final design. I know this might seem like a long time but it really isn't.

Get Something Small - I have tattoos so I know that sometimes you want to get something big that makes a statement but sometimes that is not the best way to go. If you are going to get something big then go ahead and plan for it, but get small tattoos that make up a big piece. The reason I recommend getting something small and then expanding on it is because you won't be able to tell when enough is enough until you actually see it on your body.

Customize It - The final tip is to just customize your tattoo. If you are looking at something on the internet then I would print off the picture and see about adding little things to it to make it your own. It is important to make a tattoo all about you as you can because in the end it will be permanently inked on your body.

The last thing that you need to understand is that every tattoo is different so don't worry if yours is a little different from what you were originally thinking. If you are going to get some advice from a tattoo artist then that is a good idea just make sure that you don't change your entire plan just because somebody told you to, remember this is your tattoo. Whether you are getting shoulder blade tattoos or something on your forearm, you need to get something that YOU love because that is all that matters.

Of there is one tattoo that I would get it would be shoulder blade tattoos.

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How to Pick a Tattoo Design That You Won't Regret

Finding your dream tattoo design is often a daunting and perplexing proposition. Studies reveal that "one in four" people today are not happy with the tattoo design they selected. That is a staggering statistic to me. That is 25% of people that have gotten a tattoo inked on their body have come to regret it. So the question is "how to pick a tattoo design that you won't regret?" Let's examine this question and explore some solutions.

Here is an experience Julie Villani, a self confessed tattoo enthusiast, had one morning:

"My girlfriend and I saw a tattoo parlor across the road after we'd spent the morning shopping. Just as a joke she said we should go over and get a tattoo each. So we went in, had a bit of a look around, checked out some of the designs, looked at each other awkwardly and quickly got out of there.

Some parlors can be quite intimidating (like this one was). I felt really uneasy 'cause I wasn't really sure of the process. Anyway, did I really want my friend's name marked on my body forever? "No," is the simple answer. About a year later we had a major falling out, so I'm very grateful that I didn't end up with her name forever inked on me, or even that we had matching tattoos."

Pick a Tattoo Design You Won't Regret

So you have decided to get a tattoo. There is nothing wrong with getting a tattoo inked "just because it looks good." However, for the most part, it is more desirable to pick a design that is personally meaningful or representative of your life or attitudes in life. Take some time, weeks or months if necessary, to think of what type of tattoo would be so special in meaning as to warrant being inked on your body for the rest of your life. Will the tattoo still have special meaning to you 20, 30, 40 or more years from now?

So, how do you find that special meaning for your dream tattoo? Here are a couple of ideas:

Have you experienced a tragic/happy event or moment that you'll never forget?What are your values and beliefs?Is there a special person close to your heart (be careful here)?Are there any particular religious aspects in your life?What are your goals in life?Is there a character trait that can be symbolized by a tattoo design?

After you have a meaningful idea in your mind, now it's time to do the research.

Research

Once you know what you want your tattoo to represent, all you have to do is figure out what it is that is going to symbolize that memory, value, event or whatever it is. Take your time and look around the internet at some tattoo design sites to help you with a tattoo ideas. One mistake that people make is thinking they will find the PERFECT tattoo design. There is usually something off, be it the size, the coloring, or just something missing. This is an easy fix. Start with the design you like and make adjustments to it such as resize it, change a little coloring, add some lettering, or even combine two or more tattoos into one.

Here is where finding a talented and reputable tattoo design artist comes in. A solid artist will be able to make these modifications with relative ease. If after you have looked through thousands of tattoo design pictures and still can't find your dream tattoo design, then you can have an artist draw one up for you based on your description. You can even design it yourself if you are a talented artist. What you are after here is a tattoo that you will be proud to adorn for the rest of your life.

Getting back to tattoo artists. It is as important to find a talented tattoo artist as it is finding your dream design. When looking for a shop and an artist, ask to see some previous work that the artist has done. He/she will probably have a portfolio of some previous works. You can ask for references as well. Also, look around the shop for cleanliness. Make sure the artist's work area and equipment are neat and clean.

You also need to think about body placement. Larger designs obviously need a larger "canvas" to accommodate them. Other than that, it's whatever floats your boat. Just remember to be careful as you might need to cover the tattoo up for a particular function such as a job.

Now that you have learned, or had reiterated, how to pick a tattoo design that you won't regret, I wish you the best of luck in your search for your dream tattoo.

Selecting a tattoo design should be a very thoughtful and thought out process. My blog, Tattoo Designs Forever, reminds us that whatever tattoo design we select should be one that we plan on having, cherishing, and admiring forever. There are also some great tattoo design pictures and symbolism that I'm sure you will enjoy.

I have also reviewed the best Tattoo Galleries on the internet.

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5 Helpful Tips for Choosing a Great Free Tattoo Design

Don't automatically assume that free tattoo designs are inferior to ones you have to pay to view. While it is true that some free tattoo websites often offer poor designs, the same can also be said of some of the pay sites. After all pay sites exist to make a profit, and this can mean keeping costs down by sometimes spending less on mediocre artwork. On the other hand, sometimes you find excellent tattoo designs on the free sites, so keep an open mind.

Don't rush into a decision or allow yourself to be pressured into getting a tattoo. This your body and tattoos are a permanent modification to it, so this is not a decision to made lightly. One of the great things about free tattoo designs is that they are easily found on many websites, and you can take your time and browse them at your leisure. You don't have to pick the first design you like, and should keep searching to get as many ideas as possible.

If you are interested in getting a tattoo in a foreign language or with exotic symbols or characters, make sure that you verify the meanings are accurately translated. Most free tattoo designs websites offer their foreign language tattoos as is and make no guarantee of their accuracy. Free can be great, but you also get what you pay for. It is your body and therefore your responsibility to do your homework and make sure you choose a symbol that says what you want to say about you, rather than something potentially embarrassing. Always verify the translation of a foreign language character before tattooing it on your body.

Live with your tattoo before you getting it done. What I am talking about here, is doing your best to visualize it on your body in a variety of situations. How will it feel going to work or school with this tattoo, or going to a club or on a date, or playing sports? It might also be helpful to consider the colors of the design, and determine if they look good with your skin tone, or the clothes you wear. There are some services that will edit a photo of you and digitally add the tattoo of your choice to your image, so you can see if you like how it looks. There is also transfer paper available that will allow you to print out a design and apply a temporary tattoo to your body to try before you buy.

You are not limited to existing designs that you see on a website or in a tattoo parlor. There is nothing wrong with stock images, but people tend to be more satisfied with customized tattoo designs that have personal meaning to them. This is where free tattoo designs can really be helpful, because they can stimulate the imagination and give you ideas. If you see a free tattoo that is close to what you want, you can print it out and take it to the tattoo parlor with you. Then you might show it the tattoo artist to start a conversation about your perfect tattoo; maybe the color could be changed or text added, or the design slightly altered - the possibilities are endless.

So get out there and explore those free tattoo designs! A great place to start is http://www.tattoo-designs-free.com/. They have lots of free tattoo designs and useful information.

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