No need to be a copy cat!

I must admit that most tattoos featured on celebrities do look awesome, and it's a great way to be inspired for a great tattoo design. But that doesn't necessarily mean that it has to be treated like a fashion statement.

Normally people tend to follow the latest fashion trends from high profile celebrities, but when it comes to following their tattoo designs it does become classified as having no originality.

You may see a tattoo on a celebrity and think "oh it's so cool! I want the exact one" but it's probably not going to mean anything to you in 20 years time.

But if you're a huge fan of a celebrity and they happen to have the most coolest tattoo you have ever seen, I would think about why you would get it.

Because tattoos have different meanings to everyone, especially their design. So they may have their tattoo for whatever reason, but you would be getting it because it looks cool.

When I was in the process of searching for my own tattoo design I did see a few celebrity tattoos that I really liked. But I wouldn't of copied the exact design I would of change it and made it my own.

These days it is very easy to notice the "common" tattoos that everyone seems to be getting.. maybe because it's popular and a lot of people like it, or it's been worn on more than one celebrity. I'm talking about a tattoo referred to as the "tramp stamp" a tattoo worn by women on their lower backs.

The reason why it is called this, is due to the "rebellious" nature that most woman carry while having this tattoo. Not only is it one of the most popular and common places for woman to get their tattoos but most of the time they tend to be along the lines of the same designs or similar.

Preferably designs such as butterflies, dragonflies, fairies and so on. It may seem like a great idea at the time, but do you really want a tattoo knowing that so many more women have the same or similar design in the same spot? There's just no meaning towards that.

I wanted my first tattoo when I was 16 and I was apparently 100% sure on the design and the place on where I was going to get it done. I wanted a butterfly on my lower back. Now when I told people about my idea they would say "you're getting a tramp stamp!" I didn't even know what that meant at the time, but as I grew older I lost interest in the idea.

Now that I look back on it I'm so glad that I didn't go through with it, otherwise I would be regretting it so much.

So it goes to show that if you're really serious about getting a tattoo and want it for the right reasons, then you would think about not copying someone else's because it looks great, or some celebrity has it. You would get it because it means something to you.

Love_G

How much is Enough?

You often stop to think and wonder why people get so many tattoos, as in their entire body is absolutely covered in them! But when does it start to get too much?

When you're walking down the street and you see someone completely covered in tattoos from head to toe, it does get a little frightening. Sure tattoos can be attractive but it's not the best to over do it.

But it is said that tattoos can become quite addictive and I suppose that is true. Everyone I have spoken to who had previously gotten a tattoo was already planning their next one. But personally after I got my first one I thought "never again"!

It just hurt too much and I couldn't stand the annoying healing process. But the funny thing is, I want another one now and already in the process of planning my second one.... and my third and I think I better stop there.

Because personally I don't think it's that appropriate for women to be covered in tattoos.. unless you're a female tattoo artist. But an everyday working female shouldn't be looking like Travis Barker's twin. Like every time I saw a woman completely covered in tattoos.. especially tattoos that looked liked a man's tattoo I couldn't help it but to stop and stare.

I know I shouldn't be judging since I have one myself, but that's just one tiny tattoo as apposed to the millions of tatts posted up on women these days. I was actually thinking of getting a "mini sleeve" which is like a collage of tattoos completely covering your whole arm.. but I wanted just a small one covering my shoulder.

But then I thought, I can not go walking around with a "sleeve" when thousands of men have one too.... it just wouldn't look right.

Love_G.... who doesn't have enough courage to wear a "sleeve"!

Touch up's anyone?

After you have had your tattoo for quite some time, the ink tends to fade depending on how old it is, how thick the ink is, if it is good quality ink or if the tattoo is in full colour.

Normally it is suggested to go back and get your tattoo retouched every year, depending on how much it has faded. I would suggest going back to the same parlour where you got your last tattoo from, because normally they offer a free touch up session for you.

Designs that have more solid colour, like black or grey, sometimes can appear lighter in colour in various places of the tattoo. It may need to be touched up if this is the case after the two week healing period.

If you have a look at my tattoo (pictured above) you can see that it has already began to fade, even though It's just 3 months old. But at the time I got my tattoo done I was unaware that the grey and black colours were subject to fade quickly. So now I probably have to go back and get it retouched to how I want it.

Even though tattoos can take up to 2-3 weeks to heal, it actually takes around 6 months for the tattoo to "cure" into the skin. So after the 6 month period the tattoo should be about the same as when you first got it done or retouched. Although ageing of the skin, as well as harsh sun exposure can make the appearance of the tattoo fade, as well making the outline of the tattoo appear more thicker.

So be sure to get your tattoo retouched to make it look like brand new again!

Love_G

What Parlour!

Another difficult decision to make while deciding on getting a tattoo is finding the right place to get it done. I did have trouble with this one because I was so paranoid about paying too much for a tattoo and then getting an infection because the instruments weren't clean.

But I think the best way to find out what the best tattoo parlour for you is , would be to ask around. Normally people who were happy with their results would recommened their suggestions and tell you what to expect of that particular parlour. Or another way would be to look up tattoo parlours in the yellow pages. Parlours who aren't normally listed in the pages aren't professional and may not even be properly licensed.

When going in for your tattoo, make sure you scan the room for organisation and how clean their surroundings are. Because you can tell a lot by just looking at the place overall. When I first walked into the parlour the first thing I noticed was the strong smell of disinfectant and how clean the whole place looked all together.. these are normally good signs.

Another thing to look out for is that the tattoo artist is using clean needles before starting the work on your tattoo. One of the ways you can find that out is if the artist is taking a clean fresh needle out of a packet and putting it into the autoclave machine (the machine used to do the tattoos) And make sure they're wearing gloves and a mask.. which most professional tattoo artists do.

I have listed some websites of tattoo parlours that I personally think are quality and that I may consider going to in the future!

http://www.wickedink.com.au/

http://www.tattoonation.com.au/

Love_G

Dealing with the pain and aftercare!

When I was considering getting my tattoo I was constantly asking person after person about the pain of the tattoo and I got different answers from everybody. Most of them said it didn't hurt, or it felt like a sharp "scratchy" feeling, but I had a different take on it.

Basically I can describe it as a very pain full experience, it felt like a hot sharp needle and it was on my shoulder blade... so that just made it worse.

But as I explained in one of my earlier blogs, it does depend on the area in which you are getting the tattoo done. Not to mention how big the design is as well, because the bigger the design the longer the tattoo is going to take. But luckily for me, mine only took less than half an hour which was all I could take let me tell you!

After the process of the tattoo is done it has to be covered up with a bandaged.. or in my case it was covered with up a paper towel. But it is only to be left on for an hour and you have to make sure you wash it with warm soapy water. It is also recommended to apply bepanthen or paw paw ointment to the tattoo for at least two weeks as well as washing your tattoo twice a day for preventing infection.

While the new tattoo is healing you may experience some discomfort, I'm pretty sure I did! Normally it tends to become really itchy while it's healing because the skin has been stretched due to the new tattoo. The tattoo also may form a scab while healing, but whatever you do DO NOT pick or touch it while it's healing! Otherwise you have a chance of getting an infection as well as ruining your new tattoo.

To help you learn more about tattoo aftercare I have listed a website to help you!


http://www.squidoo.com/tattoo-healing


Love_G

What design should I get and where should I get it!

This is a very important part of getting a tattoo..... obviously, but It depends on what your interests are, or what design symbolises you as a person.

Or maybe you would like to get a tattoo that is dedicated towards a loved one or something that means something of significance. Normally when going into a tattoo parlour most people just tend to choose a design provided by the parlour.

But personally I think it means so much more if you have found the time to find your own design or even have gotten someone to sketch one for you. Once you have found your design it is always best to provide a stencil so the tattoo artist can create the tattoo on your skin to scale.

Or if you don't provide a stencil along with your design, what I did was I took my own design to the artist and she just re-drew it to how I wanted it on the stencil. Now the right place to get your tattoo on your body can sometimes be a tricky decision depending on how noticeable you want it.

It may also depend on your type of profession as well, because say if you're always in an office environment so to speak, you really wouldn't like your tattoos showing and leaving a bad impression on your boss or co-workers. But if you're in an industry like the entertainment industry or involved in some media jobs, tattoos aren't usually discriminated in those types of environments.

Your type of job may not also affect your descion on where you might want to get your tattoo, but also you might need to consider the type of area that may produce more pain than other spots on your body. But it also depends on your ability to handle and experience pain, because everybody is different and may handle pain differently to others.

Before I got my very first tattoo done, I was so close to getting it on my wrist but then my mum convinced me to get it in another spot because she warned me about ink poising that some people experience while getting a tattoo on their wrist. And since I have very sensitive skin I didn't want to take that risk.

That wasn't the only thing that my mum warned me about, "What about when you go for job interviews!" she said, and I agreed with her.

If you're going for a professional job the last thing you want is the employer staring at your tattoo when you shake hands for the first time. So it's also not a bad idea to hear and take in other people's opinions of your idea's about getting a tattoo.

One last thing I just had to mention! was that when you've finally plucked up the courage to get one and are 100% sure, the most important thing to do while getting one is to KEEP STILL at all times!Because you don't want to end up with a crooked tattoo like I have! (pictured above)

so I have listed a website with some great designs, so check them out!!

http://tattoo-art.com/catalog/

Love_G

To Ink or Not to Ink

I've always wanted a tattoo since I was really young, I started to think about it when I was around 11 years old.... and how I managed to even start to think about a tattoo at that age I don't know.

But there was just something about it that really interested me, not only did I think they looked really great, but the fact that you get to express what your thoughts of art were on your body.

In the bible it did say that your body is a temple and that you should treat it with respect. Even though I was religious I wasn't looking to disrespect any one's beliefs of the thought of getting one, plus I knew that my parents would of killed me if I even mentioned it!

But before you even consider of getting one it is really important to think it through first, because they are there for life. And I know that people think that they can just get it removed like that, but it isn't that simple. Tattoo removal is extremely pain full, not to mention expensive and it's just not over in one treatment, you have to keep on going back for more procedures.

Most people just get them by the spur of the moment, or they might go and get one done with a group of friends while highly intoxicated and think it's funny. But in the long run they do regret it. So if you're thinking of getting inked make sure it's for the right reasons and means something to you.

If you would like to know more about the risk of getting a tattoo or the dangers, here is a website to inform you!

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tattoos-and-piercings/MC00020

From Love_G... who isnt afraid to take a little risk!

The History of Tattoos

I've always wanted to know about where the concept of tattoos came from, or how they became an expression of art. Well apparently the word tattoo comes from the Tahitian language "tatu" which means "to mark something." It is also claimed that tattoos have existed since 12,000 years BC.

The art of tattooing first started in the Bronze Age where the five thousand year old "Ice Man" was found with approximately 57 tattoos. It was then introduced to the pazyryk culture where their tattoos were expected to represent a magical significance as well as reflecting their individual status as an individual.

The art of tattooing then made its way over to Egypt where tattoos were represented in the form of dots or dash designs on woman who were associated with ritualistic practice. It was then brought over to Japan, the earliest evidence of tattooing in japan was found in the form of clay figurines which had faces painted or engraved to represent their tattoo markings. It was then introduced to Polynesia where tattooing became a huge historic significance towards their culture.

As well as being considered the most intricate and skillful tattooing of the ancient world. The Polynesian art of tattooing was linked with the art of tattooing that came from New Zealand, which is significant to my heritage and culture since I'm part New Zealander myself. My ancestors, the Maori's developed a tattoo called the "Moko" which reflected their refined artistry by using their woodcarving skills to carve skin. The "Moko" tattoo which was actually a tattoo worn on the face, was used to scare off enemies while in battle.

The art of tattooing then made its way over to Indonesia, then India and Thailand where tattoos were seen as a symbol of strength. Tattooing was then introduced to Greece and Rome where the Greeks learnt the art of tattooing from the Persians. The Greek women became fascinated with tattooing and saw it as an exotic "beauty mark" where they decided to establish it on themselves. Where shortly after the Romans adopted the art of tattooing from the Greeks. Also in the fourth Century the Greeks and Romans actually used tattooing as a form of punishment.

After being introduced in these countries the art of tattooing finally made its way to Central and North America, where the first electric tattoo machine was invented by Samuel O'reilly in 1891. Tattoos in North America were also used to indicate martial status and to group identity.

Tattoos then also became quite popular among sailors and soldiers within the military, it was looked at a way to express their emotions and to remind them of what they had achieved.

If you would like to know more information about the history and the art of tattoos I have listed a website for your viewing pleasure!

http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tattoo_museum/index.html

Happy tattooing!

from Love_G.... who is obsessed with tatts!