Angel Tattoos

Angel tattoos have been around since Europeans and Americans have embraced tattooing as a way to express their beliefs and at the same time have a pictorial representation of their inner being. Angel tattoos can be drawn in the many variations that angels have been depicted through out history. The number of different angels is as numerous as the number of ways a tattoo artist can draw them. Either through religious significance or through love of the icon, angel tattoos can express a persons interest in the after life or their fascination with the beauty of the creature.

There is some debate of whether a Christian can represent their beliefs by wearing an angel tattoo. Some denominations translate the Bible as saying that the body is the temple of the Holy Ghost and to defy the temple is to defy God. This catch all phrase gives religious advocates the right to put alcohol, tobacco, gluttony, and now tattoos as defecation to your body and through the body, God. Even angel tattoos and crucifix tattoos are being scrutinized. In contrast, the Catholic Church, especially those of Hispanic background allow all sorts of religious icons, even those that include angel tattoos and the likeness of Christ.

Angel tattoos can take on the opposite persona when used in an anti-religious context. The Hells Angels and the Devils Disciples, two outlaw bike gangs have embraced the angel tattoo in a different way than those who have religious connections. Scantly clad angel tattoos have been drawn that depict angels in their beauty, but also the beauty of their body. Angel tattoos with bare breasts and long flowing hair are accented with their heavenly gifts of extreme beauty and angelic wings have become an art form that has taken a life of its own.

Another take on the angel tattoo is the opposite side of the religious coin. Lucifer was an archangel that defiled Gods word and was cast from heaven. He has angels that followed him and even considered demons; these dark angels have adorned the body art enthusiast as a form of dark beauty and malevolence. The dark angel tattoo may represent a more sinister vampire attitude than the angel tattoos of their heavenly counterpart. They should not be considered evil or a bad talisman, but an expression of freedom of thought from the viewpoint of the wearer.

No matter if you wear the angel tattoo to express your belief of God and your belief that angels are protectors and messengers or you wear an angel tattoo because it expresses beauty and just plan good art, the angel tattoo is a strong icon that can represent many things. When judging people who have angel tattoos have an open mind. Though the picture may be dark or sacrilegious to you, the body art enthusiast it may just mean that they liked the picture. Tattoos are powerful symbols. Whether you are trying to portray your funny side with a cartoon character or show that you have a religious preference and belief with an angel tattoo, the symbols are a reflection of the wearers likes and beliefs and should not be judged by appearance alone.



Angel Tattoo Gallery

angel tattoos

angel tattoos

angel tattoos

angel tattoos

angel tattoos

angel tattoos

angel tattoos

angel tattoos

Body Piercing Aftercare

body piercing aftercare

 

Common Sense and Piercing

The popularity of body piercing requires that those considering the procedure to think about the things that are common sense practices in order to protect themselves from the not uncommon infected piercings and piercing problems arising from the process.

For example, before you ever allow a needle to touch you, you should insist upon being cleaned with a solution that ensures if something touches you where you're being pierced, nothing will be inserted into your body because of sloppy practices.
Piercing needles are another part of the piercing process we need to look at, as they need to be clean and free of any contaminants that could cause us potentially serious infection and harm.
If we think in terms of what we would do in any typical situation to protect ourselves, we can watch for any type of practice that may do us damage.

Body Piercing Aftercare


While we must be aware of what happens before we ever start getting pierced, we also must remain vigilant afterwards as well. Because if we've missed something, or an unexpected infection or soreness arises, we must be ready to take care of it as quickly as possible and not allow them to continue on, thinking it's just something that is part of being pierced.
There will be soreness in most cases, as that is simply part of having it done to us, but anything more than that should be watched very carefully, especially if fever of any kind accompany it. In that case we should see a physician asap.Taking care of regular piercing soreness
If you're sore after being pierced, no matter where the insertion was made, the best way to take care of that is by applying some ice to it. That should take care of most of the problem if there are no other complications involved.
It can be different depending on the sensitivity of the area, such as tongue piercing, nose piercing, belly button piercing, ear piercing, lip piercing, or any other sensitive area. The following illustration details the recovery times for various body piercings


body piercing aftercare



Piercing and Pain Tolerance

 


Another factor is the pain tolerance of the recipient of the piercing.
Piercing infection can happen in any area, and we must not ignore it, even if we do have a high tolerance for pain. Again, probably the most important factor is the fever aspect, as pain in general is hard to gauge with the inevitable soreness, and in a number of cases - sensitive areas - that will without a doubt experience some discomfort from the needles.
This doesn't mean we are to be fearful and in torment about the process, what it means is even though you're getting the treatment in what looks like a clean atmosphere, you still must watch what's happening, as it's really a type of medical procedure, and that means there are potential risks that accompany the procedure.
So piercing aftercare is mostly similar to any medical experience we have; watching for infections and fevers, and observing where we've been pierced, even if they are more than one place. That's just good practice, and don't assume everything is ok just because nothing happens immediately. Simply be aware that it needs to be watched closely until it heals and all danger of possible infection is past.

body piercing aftercare

Body piercing problems


One of the more irresponsible aspects of body piercing is thinking it's done in something similar to a tattoo parlour and so the idea of nothing could happen is part of our thought processes, even when the potential risks are real.
This isn't to say the risks aren't solvable, or that negative results can't be healed or taken care of, but it's the neglecting of them that can cause the problems. The attitude is out there by some that there's nothing that could really happen from being body pierced, so we have a nonchalant attitude that could be harmful if some side effects emerge from the piercing.
Be aware that body piercing aftercare is primarily watching more than anything, and once your piercing is healed you can be a little less vigilant, although it never hurts to keep watching to see if everything remains okay.
This also must continue on if you somehow rip open or tear the place you've been pierced, as that's no different than if you were pierced again with a needle, so the observation period must begin again if some type of accident causes that to happen.

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How to be a Tattoo Artist

Many young people grow up with a passion for drawing and art that often gets turned away after high school. Sometimes though, these individuals take the path of becoming professional artists, either graphic designers, painters, or even the romantic life of a comic book artist. Another venue for this type of creativity is becoming a tattoo artist. However, moving into this industry isn't more complicated than many other career paths, as it's typically not something one just gets a degree in and then "gets a job".

It usually means a tattoo artist to be must take the initiative to learn all they can, however they can. This ideally means working their way into a shop as an intern or apprentice, getting a first hand taste of what tattooing is all about. However, there are far more people who want that type of job than their are jobs available. What to do?

Often, left with no other choice, many decide to go at it alone, and buy some tattooing equipment, instructional DVD's, and hopefully some fake skin to practice on (or some brave friends.) In this article, let's take a look at what those "must have" basic tattoo supplies would be that a person would need to get things started. This will be a basic overview without any fluff or extra items.

1. A Tattoo Machine.

how to be a tattoo artist + tattoo machine
A Basic Tattoo Machine




This is the primary instrument of tattooing. It's best to refer to it as a tattoo machine and not a tattoo gun - professions kind of scorn the term 'gun' as trite. In any event, this gun-like device is what most everyone is familiar with when it comes to tattooing. Learning how to handle, clean, and properly load a tattoo gun is something you'd want to learn.

2. Tattoo Inks.

how to be a tattoo artist + tattoo ink
Tattoo Inks


Tattoo ink and the needles work in tandem with the machine to inject skin into the flesh. For starters needing the least amount of tattoo supplies, black of course is the most common tattoo ink colour used. If only a 2-3 other inks were to be purchased, the colours to pick would likely be: red, green, and blue, but the more colours you can get the better!

3. Tattooing Needles.

how to be a tattoo artist + tattoo needles
Tattoo Needles


The tattoo needles are instrumental in performing the job - without them, there'd be no way to get the ink into the skin. Tattoo machines work with two different types of needles, known as shader and liner needles. Shader needles make it easier to colour wider or larger areas, whereas liner needles are used to perform detailed work and outlining work.

4. A Power Supply.

how to be a tattoo artist + tattoo power supply
Tattooist Power Supply


A tattoo machine is not battery operated! A good power supply needs to be hooked up to the unit for it to function. If affordable, seek out a power supply that offers control from a pedal switch that can be operated by stepping on them with your feet. This leaves the artists hands free to focus and guide the actual tattoo work being done without needing to be concerned about supplying power to their unit.

There are other tattoo supplies of interest, such as ink caps, gloves, and other smaller items, but the 4 aforementioned supplies will get you started. The only supply left that's relevant to mention is the use of fake skin to practice on. It sounds gross, but it's something you'd definitely want to use before trying to tattoo anyone's actual skin, including your own. At the same time, it goes without saying that some kind of instructional or educational DVD's or books would also be a great idea to use in combination with these beginner tattoo supplies.
As mentioned earlier, the items listed above are what you would need as a basic requirement to get started as a tattooist, in future articles I will look at "How to be a Tattooist" from a more advanced stand point.


Tattoo Aftercare

 

 
tattoo aftercare

 

A New Tattoo? So What Do You Do Now?

 

You've endured the procedure and now your skin is graced with some new artwork. Congratulations! However, getting the tattoo work done is just the first step. You now need to take care of the tattoo and help it heal.
How can you do this?
It's not hard, it only takes a little understanding of what you put your skin through, and what you need to do to help it heal.

Always Listen To Your Artist


First and foremost, always listen to your tattoo artist. Unless you are getting your work done in someone's garage, your tattoo artist should explain to you everything you need to know to properly care for your tattoo after the tattoo session is completed.
If you begin to see an infection or an allergic reaction to the ink used or the process itself, consult your tattoo artist or a medical professional. DO NOT WAIT to see if the symptoms will go away on their own. They just might go away on their own, but could also skew or distort your tattoo, turning what should be a nice piece of artwork into an embarrassing mess.

Caring For Your New Tattoo - Tattoo Aftercare


Caring for your new tattoo is easy, and all you really need to do is listen to what your skin is telling you.
The aftercare you provide your new tattoo depends upon the size and location of the tattoo. If you get a tattoo on part of your skin that is constantly rubbing against clothing or other body parts, you might have a harder time healing, and thus increase the number of days of healing time required.
With that in mind, and every tattoo being unique, as well as every person being unique and having varying degrees of healing rates, the following general outline describes what you will go through and what you should be doing during hours to days after getting your new tattoo.
Keep your new tattoo out of sunlight, this is a really important part of your tattoo aftercare! (you will be reminded about this if you do catch any sunlight on this as you'll feel an intense stinging), stay out of any swimming pools, the ocean or anything else that would submerge the tattoo and keep it from getting oxygen. Once the tattoo is fully healed, you can resume these types of activities.
Your new tattoo will also have a pretty red glow about it. After all, you just tortured your skin with a million needle pricks. The red glow will go away naturally and is a normal part of getting a tattoo. Some say tattoo's look their best with the red glow there.

Follow these simple steps as part of your tattoo aftercare routine:

  • 1 Hour after - Around an hour or two after getting your new tattoo, you should give the skin a good cleaning using soap and water. Feel free to rub the skin a little and work up a good lather. The goal is to remove all loose ink and blood from the skin. Allow it to air dry and then apply a thin layer of A&D ointment to the tattoo.
  • 3 hours after - Check your skin for anything new happening. It is within the first few hours that you might notice certain inks (like red for instance) might begin to show signs of an allergic reaction. If this is you, get yourself to a medical professional for assistance immediately.
  • 1 hour to 2 days after - You should clean the tattoo regularly, allowing it to air dry and then applying a thin layer of A&D ointment.
  • 2 to 4 days later - By this time your skin should be well on it's way to being properly healed. If any scabs have shown up, continue to apply A&D ointment to your scabs and don't you dare pick at them. Allow them to heal naturally.
  • 4 to 7 days - You are now ready for lotion if the tattoo appears to be well healed. Your skin will begin to flake and become dry, and keeping it well moisturised is now your number one priority.
  • 7 days and beyond - A tattoo will be on you for life, and the best way to maintain that fresh look is to keep your skin moisturised. That's right, time to buy stock in Lubriderm.  Maintain a daily ritual of applying lotion to your skin and tattooed areas.
Following the above guidelines on tattoo aftercare will help you keep your tattoo looking bright and fresh as the day you received it.

Free Tattoos - Limited Time Offer to fist 75 Applicants

 

Free Tattoo $150 credit downtown Halifax Studio to first 75 people registered at Nova Scotia Tattoo Forum. This is a deal you do not want to miss! http://novascotiatattooforum.ca/ See TATTOO NEWS area within Forum for details.  

 

Oldschool Traditional American Tattoo Design Addition Update