“The tattoo is now well established as the fashion statement of the new millennium”

The English word ‘tattoo’ originates from the Tahitian word ‘tatu’, which means ‘to mark’. In tattooing, ink is applied below the surface of the skin with a needle (often electrically driven). Traditional tattoos, which are purely decorative, may be applied to all parts of the body, but a tattoo is usually not applied to parts of the body that are not usually covered by clothing, such as the face or hands.

Tattoos are often used in rites of passage and as a means of expressing group identity.

Choosing Your Tattoo Design

If you want a tattoo but don´t know exactly what you want, look at a tattoo magazine or an on-line tattoo e-zine. Art galleries, photo studios, sketch books, animation magazines and books, and comic books all could be inspiration for a great design.

Remember that this tattoo will be with you for your entire life and you only have one shot at getting it right.

Do Tattooing  Hurt?

Yes and No ! It depends on the spot you choose - it would hurt more when you get it done close to the bone, like on the ankle or close to the ribs. But the shoulders and lower back remain the favourites. Keep in mind that your mental state also has a lot to do with how well you handle the pain. You shouldn’t be overly tired or emotionally exhausted, nor too cold or too hot.

Here are some tattooing tips you might find useful:

1. Tell the artist if you have any allergies to pigments, latex, iodine (antiseptics), etc. before getting started.

2. Get written information on healing time and cleaning steps on how to clean and care for your tattoo to help prevent an infection.

3. Always wash your hands before cleaning the tattoo or the surrounding area.

4. Tattooing near eyes can be dangerous.