Tattoo Conventions

Primitive tribes were certainly convinced that the spirit, having escaped from the body at death, retained a replica of its earthly tenement. They therefore used tattoo marks as a means of identification in the next world and a passport to future happiness. (Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 63)

Temporary Tattoos



This day and age, more and more people are deciding to get permanent tattoos, leaving their mark of choice on their skin. If the tattoo is applied by an experienced artist, the risk involved will be minimal. As sad as it is however, many people who get tattoos end up going to studios that use unsanitary equipment - resulting in infections or other serious problems.


Years ago, temporary tattoos were found in quarter machines, bubble gum wrappers, and even toy sections of the local store. Children loved to get these temporary tattoos, as they presented a way for children to have a tattoo - one that was completely safe and would wash off. Now days, even adults are beginning to think that this is the right idea. The temporary tattoos of today are no longer just for children, as most last a long time - making them perfect for adults.


The best thing about temporary tattoos, is the fact that they are indeed temporary. With temporary tattoos, you dont have to worry about infections or unsanitary equipment, as there is no piercing of the skin involved. Temporary tattoos are safe, and remove easily with soap and water. This is very cost friendly as well - as permanent tattoos require surgery to remove.


If you have been thinking about getting a permanent tattoo, you should first give a temporary tattoo a try. Tattoos that are temporary provide an excellent way to test out designs, and see if a tattoo is right for you. If you dont like it, all you have to do is wash it off. Then, you can purchase another one and see if you like it better. There are literally thousands of temporary tattoos out there, with designs that are sure to please everyone.


If you decide to get a permanent tattoo instead, you are pretty much stuck with it. To get rid of a permanent tattoo, youll need to have it surgically removed, which can cost you thousands of dollars. Youll also face the risk of infection, along with a permanent scar. Permanent tattoos are great though - providing you are happy with the tattoo.


In most cases, temporary tattoos look just like a permanent tattoo. To use them, simply lick the tattoo or use water and apply to your skin. When you have it where you want it, simply apply pressure for a few seconds. They are easy to apply, and last until you wash them off. If you decide to get a longer lasting temporary tattoo, it will last for a longer period of time. This way, you can decide if a permanent tattoo is going to be worth the investment.


You can find temporary tattoos in local stores or on the Internet. They are very affordable as well, even cheaper if you buy them in bulk. Tattoo artists also sell them, and normally have a large selection on hand. This way, you can look through the available selections and find the tattoo that best fits your style.


All in all, temporary tattoos are easier to apply than permanent tattoos and they pose no risk to your skin or your health. Those that are afraid of needles tend to like them as well, as they give you the chance to have a tattoo without going under the needle. Before you rush out and get a tattoo, you should instead give permanent tattoos a try. They wont cost you a lot of money - yet they will give you the chance to see how you look with a tattoo - and decide if a permanent tattoo is really something you want.

Are You Aware Of The Risks Of Having A Tattoo?
By Ben Needles

 Many people are having tattoos done nowadays as they are currently very fashionable. Even top celebrities are having them done. However most people are not fully aware of the potential health risks of having a tattoo.

There are several risks in all and although they are generally rare, you should still be aware of them. The first of which is the risk of getting an infection. If you get a tattoo done you will soon see if you have suffered an infection because the affected area of the skin will be red and swelling. This happens as a direct result of the tattoo artist using unsterilized equipment and needles so you should always make sure you use a professional, licensed tattoo parlour who sterilizes all of their equipment. If youre not sure, always ask and insist on this before they start any work.

This is so important because not only can you get a nasty infection, but you can also get more serious blood-borne diseases as well through unsterile equipment. So youre potentially at risk of getting hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV in extreme cases.

As well as the risk of getting an infection or disease, another risk associated with getting a tattoo is skin disorders or granulomas. These are little bumps that appear on the skin around the tattoo and are often a result of an adverse reaction to the tattoo ink being inserted into the skin.

Another possible risk is the risk of getting an allergic reaction. This happens in very few cases but it is nevertheless a possibility. Unfortunately the only way you will find out is after you have your first tattoo applied. There is no where of knowing beforehand.

The final risk is one everyone contemplating getting a tattoo will be aware of and thats the risk of not liking the tattoo design, either straight after its been applied or in later years. A tattoo is permanent and you will have to live with it for the rest of your life, which is why the decision over the tattoo design, and indeed the choice of tattoo artist, is so important.

If you are subsequently unhappy with a tattoo then you can either live with it or decide to have it removed. This removal procedure brings additional risks because it is not always completely successful and may leave scarring or skin discolouration.

Overall though for most people, the action of getting a tattoo done passes without any complications. There are small risks of course but most people end up delighted with their chosen tattoo design and encounter few problems. As long as you choose a professional tattoo artist who uses sterile equipment, and take your time choosing a tattoo design you are happy with, then you should end up delighted with any tattoos you have done.

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