Dear Tattooist…?

For some reason I can't explain, I've stayed away from talking about tattooing here for the most part. Maybe it's time to change that. I think I'm going to start a new "segment" here on my blog. But it will take your help!

I have roughly titled it "Dear Tattooist...". Good title, eh? I really, really suck at coming up with meaningful titles if you haven't noticed by now. Any suggestions on a better title?

Anyway, here's how it will work: Ask a question—or questions (hint!)—about tattoos: tattoos in general, about getting a tattoo, about giving a tattoo, or anything else related to tattoos, either in the comments or via email. I will then dedicate an entire post to answering your question.

Until next time...

17 comments

posted 923 days ago at 8:25 pm in Tattooisms

tags: Dear Tattooist, Life As A Tattooist

17 comments on “Dear Tattooist…?”

Cb commented on November 6, 2009 at 9:09 pm:

I want to know what you think of my Arabic calligraphy idea and if you have any good websites with calligraphy designs?

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RG commented on November 7, 2009 at 8:19 am:

Although this may not be a question about the technical aspects of tattooing, but I have to ask, where's the strangest place on a body, that someone has asked you to ink and what was the tattoo?

[Reply]
- Erik Rubright replied to RG on November 11, 2009 at 8:03 am:
  
  Answered in the post "Dear Tattooist: Where’s the Strangest Place You’ve Tattooed?".
  
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the replicant commented on November 7, 2009 at 1:21 pm:

This may be kind of a dull subject, but how does copyright affect tattoo art? Whether that be factors into the decision whether to reproduce a trademarked character, or how it affects your own creations? I have occasionally remarked that if I were to get a tattoo, I'd ask for the "USDA Inspected" seal, but that seems like it would somehow be illegal.

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- Erik Rubright replied to the replicant on February 11, 2010 at 8:04 am:
  
  Answered in the post "Dear Tattooist: Copyright, Copyright, Copyright".
  
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Java commented on November 7, 2009 at 3:24 pm:

In photos I have seen, I notice tattoo artists wearing gloves. I understand that to be licensed the artist must follow safety regulations concerning, among other things, blood-born pathogens. How great is the risk that you as a tattooist would be infected by some blood-born disease from a client? And how dangerous is the tattoo process for the client in that regard?

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kyle commented on November 7, 2009 at 3:51 pm:

dear tattooist.

a) will it hurt? i'm a complete pussy and don't like pain.
b) what would your mom think - i mean, dirtying up your skin and all. don't you know what leviticus says about it? scandalous.

[Reply]
- Erik Rubright replied to kyle on November 16, 2009 at 8:03 am:
  
  Part "a)" answered in the post "Dear Tattooist: Will it hurt when you poke me?".
  
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- Erik Rubright replied to kyle on December 17, 2009 at 8:03 am:
  
  Part "b)" answered in the post "Dear Tattooist: What about mom? And Leviticus?"
  
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Bruce commented on November 7, 2009 at 7:34 pm:

I don't have one yet, but I'm considering an ivy vine starting from the outside of the left ankle, winding round to the back of the leg, just above the knee cap from the inside, then back around the outside to the buttock and ending with tender new leaves approaching the base of the spine. Green leaves (I have lots of pictures of what I want), with some red around the edges, dark red or brown vine. How long do you suppose that would take (how many sessions, etc.)? I'm sixty-one. Does that complicate things?

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Urspo commented on November 8, 2009 at 11:37 pm:

What always stops me is the notion it is permanent; i've seen 60yo and older and their tatoos look faded and awful.
How easy is it to remove a tatoo?

[Reply]
- Erik Rubright replied to Urspo on December 23, 2009 at 8:05 am:
  
  Answered in the post "Dear Tattooist: How easy is it to remove a tattoo?".
  
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Greg commented on November 17, 2009 at 4:33 pm:

Are there any places that tattoo artists consider the most painful places to be tattooed?

[Reply]
- Erik Rubright replied to Greg on January 2, 2010 at 8:09 am:
  
  Answered in the post "Dear Tattooist: Painful Locations?".
  
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DeadRobot commented on November 18, 2009 at 1:03 pm:

Dear Tattoisty

Sort of a remix on Urspo's question:

I've heard from a few people that suns rays will deplete the colour of a tattoo. while one artist told me that chlorine from a pool will do it.

What's the best way to keep a tattoo fresh?

[Reply]
- Erik Rubright replied to DeadRobot on November 27, 2009 at 8:00 am:
  
  Answered in the post "Dear Tattooist: What’s the best way to keep a tattoo fresh?"
  
  [Reply]
fermat69 commented on December 2, 2009 at 3:52 pm:

I've heard conflicting reports:

Immediately after a tattoo, does one need to keep it covered with plastic wrap for 24 hours? Or should the skin be allowed to breathe?

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