11 Terms That Are Often Used in the Tattooing Industry
1) Tattoo Ideas
The most popular tattoo ideas usually have some personal significance. For example, Chinese symbols that represent the wearer have become some of the most favored designs—especially here in the West&. Tattoos of Japanese symbols are also extremely popular in the West. If you’re seeking a bunch of ideas on Japanese tattoo symbols, then you might want to check out this excellent book.
Other popular tattoo ideas include:
• A tear under the eye (in honor of a deceased friend)
• Tribal designs
• Pin-up girls
• Celtic designs
• Animal designs (my friend Mack Thompson is a champ at making tattoos of various animals.)
The most popular tattoo ideas usually have some personal significance. For example, Chinese symbols that represent the wearer have become some of the most favored designs—especially here in the West&. Tattoos of Japanese symbols are also extremely popular in the West. If you’re seeking a bunch of ideas on Japanese tattoo symbols, then you might want to check out this excellent book.
Other popular tattoo ideas include:
• A tear under the eye (in honor of a deceased friend)
• Tribal designs
• Pin-up girls
• Celtic designs
• Animal designs (my friend Mack Thompson is a champ at making tattoos of various animals.)
Most parlors have an array of pre-made designs for those without any tattoo ideas. These “flash” designs are usually very colorful and decorative, but ink without any personal significance could prove regrettable later in life.
2) Tattoo supplies
The number of tattooed people has grown significantly in over the last two decades – which means the number of parlors has also grown. Even though the idea of new ink is exciting, one must take time in choosing a reputable artist/parlor that uses sterile tattoo supplies.
The necessary tattoo supplies that keep an environment sanitary include:
• New, individually wrapped needles
• Autoclave (heat/pressure unit)
• Rubber gloves
• Antibacterial soap
2) Tattoo supplies
The number of tattooed people has grown significantly in over the last two decades – which means the number of parlors has also grown. Even though the idea of new ink is exciting, one must take time in choosing a reputable artist/parlor that uses sterile tattoo supplies.
The necessary tattoo supplies that keep an environment sanitary include:
• New, individually wrapped needles
• Autoclave (heat/pressure unit)
• Rubber gloves
• Antibacterial soap
During the tattoo-process, a needle punctures the skin up to 200 times per minute, and each individual prick is susceptible to dangerous infections (especially hepatitis). If artists do not sanitize their tattoo supplies in a regulated autoclave, the risk of infection is incredibly high.
3) Tattoo guns
Back in the late 1800s, Thomas Edison patented a machine called a stencil-pen, which would engrave words or designs into hard surfaces. A couple years later, Samuel O’Reilly modified Edison’s invention to insert ink into the skin—thereby inventing tattoo guns.
Modern tattoo guns have four basic components, including:
• A needle (should be individually-wrapped or sterilized)
• An electric motor
• A foot-pedal, which controls the speed of the needle.
• A tubing system that draws ink into the machine
Tattoo guns can insert a needle into skin up to 5,000 times per minute. Since each one of those punctures is susceptible to infection, it’s very important to use a reputable parlor and an artist who holds safety and sanitation in high regard.
4) Tattoo ink
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a synthetic compound used to conceive tattoo inks that are used in the modern age. This plastic is available in near countless shades. Most experienced tattooists are well versed in the art of blending various ink pigments in order to produce colors that are completely customized.
A special type of gun is utilized by a tattooist for the purpose of discharging the tattoo ink into the client’s skin. The depth of ink discharge is approximately 1 millimeter which is right below the epidermis layer and then seeps right into the dermis which contains highly stabilized cells. It’s important for the tattoo ink to remain in those stabilized cells; otherwise it will be easily smeared.
3) Tattoo guns
Back in the late 1800s, Thomas Edison patented a machine called a stencil-pen, which would engrave words or designs into hard surfaces. A couple years later, Samuel O’Reilly modified Edison’s invention to insert ink into the skin—thereby inventing tattoo guns.
Modern tattoo guns have four basic components, including:
• A needle (should be individually-wrapped or sterilized)
• An electric motor
• A foot-pedal, which controls the speed of the needle.
• A tubing system that draws ink into the machine
Tattoo guns can insert a needle into skin up to 5,000 times per minute. Since each one of those punctures is susceptible to infection, it’s very important to use a reputable parlor and an artist who holds safety and sanitation in high regard.
4) Tattoo ink
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a synthetic compound used to conceive tattoo inks that are used in the modern age. This plastic is available in near countless shades. Most experienced tattooists are well versed in the art of blending various ink pigments in order to produce colors that are completely customized.
A special type of gun is utilized by a tattooist for the purpose of discharging the tattoo ink into the client’s skin. The depth of ink discharge is approximately 1 millimeter which is right below the epidermis layer and then seeps right into the dermis which contains highly stabilized cells. It’s important for the tattoo ink to remain in those stabilized cells; otherwise it will be easily smeared.
Apparently tattoo inks aren’t regulated by the FDA, though most types have received approval from the agency. It should be noted that infection is a problem at all, just as long as the tattooist doesn’t cut corners when it comes to hygiene and sterilization of tattooing tools and equipment.
That being said, some people may develop an allergic reaction to certain tattoo inks—in particular green and red pigments. To avoid this, a tattooist would generally recommend a client undergo a test patch prior to being tattooed.
5) Henna tattoo supplies
Temporary tattoos are a popular option for those who are either sensitive to pain, under the legal age (18 in most states), or scared of the permanency of needle-ink. Henna tattoo supplies are relatively inexpensive, making it a popular option for people who want decorative, non-permanent art on their skin.
The henna tattoo supplies that come in a standard kit usually include:
• Henna powder
• Oil
• Decorative stencils
• Applicator cones
• Gloves
Even though it is a relatively benign process, it is not advisable to use henna tattoo supplies on children, especially on infants under six months old. Babies’ skin is very thin and they don’t have the proper acid-balancing mechanisms that make henna safe for adults.
6) UV tattoo ink
Most UV tattoo ink only becomes apparent when it is exposed to black light, which gives the art a unique glow-in-the-dark look (sometimes associated with the rave-scene). The ink has become popular for individuals whose profession would regularly restrict such body art.
Many people prefer to highlight their regular tattoos with UV tattoo ink. However, UV ink does not blend very well, so putting regular ink on top of it will only dull the effect. Also, because of its invisible nature, a black light should always be used during the application process.
UV tattoo ink is a novel an exciting form of body art, but many artists/parlors refuse to carry it. More people have had adverse allergic reactions to it than regular ink, prompting some to think it is too risky.
That being said, some people may develop an allergic reaction to certain tattoo inks—in particular green and red pigments. To avoid this, a tattooist would generally recommend a client undergo a test patch prior to being tattooed.
5) Henna tattoo supplies
Temporary tattoos are a popular option for those who are either sensitive to pain, under the legal age (18 in most states), or scared of the permanency of needle-ink. Henna tattoo supplies are relatively inexpensive, making it a popular option for people who want decorative, non-permanent art on their skin.
The henna tattoo supplies that come in a standard kit usually include:
• Henna powder
• Oil
• Decorative stencils
• Applicator cones
• Gloves
Even though it is a relatively benign process, it is not advisable to use henna tattoo supplies on children, especially on infants under six months old. Babies’ skin is very thin and they don’t have the proper acid-balancing mechanisms that make henna safe for adults.
6) UV tattoo ink
Most UV tattoo ink only becomes apparent when it is exposed to black light, which gives the art a unique glow-in-the-dark look (sometimes associated with the rave-scene). The ink has become popular for individuals whose profession would regularly restrict such body art.
Many people prefer to highlight their regular tattoos with UV tattoo ink. However, UV ink does not blend very well, so putting regular ink on top of it will only dull the effect. Also, because of its invisible nature, a black light should always be used during the application process.
UV tattoo ink is a novel an exciting form of body art, but many artists/parlors refuse to carry it. More people have had adverse allergic reactions to it than regular ink, prompting some to think it is too risky.
7) White tattoo ink
If your skin is light, then white tattoo ink is ideal for you. In fact, the paler your skin, the better the white ink will look on you. Ironic isn’t it? Some people with tan or dark toned skin often want a ‘photo negative’ tattoo effect, so they opt for a white tattoo ink. The bad news is it just doesn’t work that way since the white ink actually remains below the layer of skin that’s tinted with the natural skin color.
I know plenty of tattooists who refuse to use white ink simply because it is very hard to work with. Tattooists often have a tough time spotting the white ink so they are unable to clearly see what they are actually doing! Check out a bunch of tattoo websites and forums, and you’ll discover that white tattoo ink has received mostly negative feedback.
I think white tattoo is virtually pointless, especially when you consider the fact that it looks good only on sections of the body that are the lightest such as the inside of the wrists. Also consider the skill of the tattooist when it comes to white ink application, because an inexperienced one will likely make the tattoo look more like a scar than a work of art.
8) Tattoo gun kits
Tattoo gun kits are an inexpensive method of becoming acquainted with the world of body art. People often make the mistake of thinking their artistic abilities would translate on skin, only to find out that it is a very different medium (after spending exorbitant amounts of money on special equipment, of course).
Most tattoo gun kits include:
• The gun
• Individually-wrapped needles
• Tubing
• Ink caps/ink
• Stainless-steel tips
If your skin is light, then white tattoo ink is ideal for you. In fact, the paler your skin, the better the white ink will look on you. Ironic isn’t it? Some people with tan or dark toned skin often want a ‘photo negative’ tattoo effect, so they opt for a white tattoo ink. The bad news is it just doesn’t work that way since the white ink actually remains below the layer of skin that’s tinted with the natural skin color.
I know plenty of tattooists who refuse to use white ink simply because it is very hard to work with. Tattooists often have a tough time spotting the white ink so they are unable to clearly see what they are actually doing! Check out a bunch of tattoo websites and forums, and you’ll discover that white tattoo ink has received mostly negative feedback.
I think white tattoo is virtually pointless, especially when you consider the fact that it looks good only on sections of the body that are the lightest such as the inside of the wrists. Also consider the skill of the tattooist when it comes to white ink application, because an inexperienced one will likely make the tattoo look more like a scar than a work of art.
8) Tattoo gun kits
Tattoo gun kits are an inexpensive method of becoming acquainted with the world of body art. People often make the mistake of thinking their artistic abilities would translate on skin, only to find out that it is a very different medium (after spending exorbitant amounts of money on special equipment, of course).
Most tattoo gun kits include:
• The gun
• Individually-wrapped needles
• Tubing
• Ink caps/ink
• Stainless-steel tips
Often, new owners of tattoo gun kits are beginners and should practice on fruit before trying it out on real skin. Citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruit have similar consistencies to skin, which makes the fruit an ideal test subject.
9) Body art ink
Body art ink is utilized to produce temporary tattoos and body art designs. These designs are often created by artists and tattoo designers. The designs are placed onto the body using temporary tattoo ink.
Body art ink or temporary tattoo ink is available in many colors. However, some colors will show up on the skin better than other colors. One color that looks nice on skin is the color black. That is why many tattoos are black and not other colors.
Body art ink is sold at many Internet specialty stores. These online stores offer a wide variety of colors and types of ink. But they are not the only place to purchase ink; it can also be sold at tattoo supply stores.
9) Body art ink
Body art ink is utilized to produce temporary tattoos and body art designs. These designs are often created by artists and tattoo designers. The designs are placed onto the body using temporary tattoo ink.
Body art ink or temporary tattoo ink is available in many colors. However, some colors will show up on the skin better than other colors. One color that looks nice on skin is the color black. That is why many tattoos are black and not other colors.
Body art ink is sold at many Internet specialty stores. These online stores offer a wide variety of colors and types of ink. But they are not the only place to purchase ink; it can also be sold at tattoo supply stores.
10) Best tattoo ink
Tattoo shops everywhere claim to use the best tattoo ink that is available. But that is not always the case. Some tattoo artists will use cheap ink in order to safe a little money in the day to day costs of running a tattoo shop.
Tattoo artists that do use the best tattoo ink often have a great customer base and a good reputation for high quality tattoos. Their tattoos will not fade and they are safe for the body and the skin.
Tattoo shops everywhere claim to use the best tattoo ink that is available. But that is not always the case. Some tattoo artists will use cheap ink in order to safe a little money in the day to day costs of running a tattoo shop.
Tattoo artists that do use the best tattoo ink often have a great customer base and a good reputation for high quality tattoos. Their tattoos will not fade and they are safe for the body and the skin.
11) Cheap tattoo supplies
Cheap tattoo supplies are often high quality supplies that are sold and purchased at a discount. These supplies can be everything from ink to tattoo machines and other items that are needed to run a successful tattoo business.
Some cheap tattoo supplies are poor quality items. These supplies may be dangerous to use. Tattoo artists and shop owners should use caution when purchasing tattoo supplies at a large discount.
Online stores and local stores can both offer cheap tattoo supplies. However, Internet stores may have a larger selection than local stores. This is usually as a result of the Internet stores having a large area that is available to them for storage.
Related Articles:
How Do You Become a Tattoo Artist?
Tips and Techniques of Tattooing
Pros and Cons of Getting a Tattoo
Cheap tattoo supplies are often high quality supplies that are sold and purchased at a discount. These supplies can be everything from ink to tattoo machines and other items that are needed to run a successful tattoo business.
Some cheap tattoo supplies are poor quality items. These supplies may be dangerous to use. Tattoo artists and shop owners should use caution when purchasing tattoo supplies at a large discount.
Online stores and local stores can both offer cheap tattoo supplies. However, Internet stores may have a larger selection than local stores. This is usually as a result of the Internet stores having a large area that is available to them for storage.
Related Articles:
How Do You Become a Tattoo Artist?
Tips and Techniques of Tattooing
Pros and Cons of Getting a Tattoo