Sunday, 6 February 2011

Tattoos Scaring

 
Now that you’ve decided to get a tattoo, there’s just no stopping the excitement that threatens to take over you unawares! Everyday you stand in front of the mirror and imagine the way your tattoo will look on the shoulder/back/arm, and you desperately count the days till that moment. The meetings with your tattoo artist are done and the design is finalized. All that remains is that you get inked. And of course you know that there will be a price to pay for your tattoo – There will be pain and a great deal of tattoo aftercare, but you’re prepared….Or so you think! ‘Coz you might not even be aware of the possibility of tattoo scarring. What is tattoo scarring and how can it destroy your tattoo? Let us find out.

What is Tattoo Scarring?
It is necessary to understand that every tattoo has scarring – because the very process of tattooing is to bruise the skin and puncture the layers to get the ink in into the body. That is why a tattoo is treated like a wound and tattoo healing and proper tattoo care becomes important. Keeping that in mind, tattoo ‘scarring’ (as opposed to normal tattooing) occurs when the tattoo artist digs the needle a little too deep into the skin or exerts excess force while tattooing. It therefore causes damage.
The other reasons that can lead to tattoo scarring is an individual’s ability to heal. Some people take a long time to heal and are prone to scarring easily with the slightest of wounds. These people are more prone to tattoo scarring as well, than others because of their body’s slow healing process. Read more on infected tattoo care.
Signs of Tattoo Scarring
The most telltale sign of tattoo scarring is raised skin. If you’re lucky (ironically), you can only realize it is raised if you touch it. At other times, the skin is so badly blotched that you can see it clearly. If the tattoo scarring is really severe, it can lead to a running of color as well. Which means that the darker shades of the tattoo will get mixed with the lighter shades and the result will be a very blotched and faded design.
The skin will be uneven, puffy and raised and the colors might seem like they have ridges. These signs of tattoo scarring might not be visible immediately after a tattoo is etched, but could take some time to come about. After the tattoo healing process is complete and you’re left with a tattoo outline that is red and puffy, it could mean that you have tattoo scarring.
The other sign is that of the skin itching followed by the raised skin. But scratching it is not an option because it can lead to the condition becoming worse. Keep a look out for the skin if it becomes too dry. A normally healed tattoo skin should feel like the rest of the body skin. If the skin is exceptionally dry, it could be a sign of tattoo scarring. So also if one sweats a lot then the tattoo will get inflamed and hurt further. Instead of scratching it, apply a soothing lotion for the dryness and the itchiness. Read more on infected tattoo symptoms.
How to Minimize Tattoo Scarring
A tattoo will lead to some amount of scarring. That is a given when it comes to the process of tattooing, but there are ways to minimize tattoo scarring so that it does not damage the skin forever.
Tattoo scarring is tricky because it happens AFTER you’ve been inked, so there’s nothing you can do about it (unless you decide to use surgical tattoo removal methods). So also tattoo scarring usually comes to the fore after a time period of tattooing. That is why it is most important that you choose a tattoo artist who has experience and his good name precedes him. Nonetheless, if you’ve got the tattoo and tattoo scarring has occurred then you can prevent it from getting further inflamed and try to minimize the bad effects. Here’s how:
  1. Aloe Vera is one of the most natural and herbal remedies that you can make use of for minimizing tattoo scarring.
  2. Cut out a part of the leaf and collect the sap that flows out.
  3. Use this sap directly onto the tattoo and spread evenly.
  4. Aloe has a very soothing and cooling effect on the skin.
  5. Keep the sap in place till it dries completely, then wash off and pat dry.
  6. Use this at least 4-5 times a day.
  7. This will prevent itching, making the puffiness worse, and in time will heal the scar.


In spite of that, it is necessary to realize that healing will take several weeks and it is important to keep at it.
Tattoo scarring can be prevented if you’re careful in choosing a good artist. However, if tattoo scarring does occur then use aloe to prevent it from becoming worse. And IF the tattoo is spoilt beyond repair then using one of the tattoo removal methods will be your only choice. So when you decide to get inked, make sure you’re really sure about it.

Chest Tatttoos

 
Chest tattoos have been favorite tattoos  with both sexes. This is also a preferred spot for a tattoo, because of the large canvas available for the artist to do this work. You can either choose to get a big tattoo, which covers the entire chest or opt for a smaller design. The other reason for the popularity of chest tattoos is that any design or motif can be used to make a tattoo on the chest. Sometimes display of tattoos at workplace may not be acceptable. At such times, it is easy to hide the tattoo with a shirt. You can be creative and make an unique chest tattoo designs for yourself.
Chest Tattoo Ideas
Chest tattoos are an impressive as well as intimidating piece of a tattoo. A number of different design elements can be combined to make an intricate tattoo design. When you are getting a chest tattoo, the placement of chest tattoos for men tattoo should be given sufficient thought. The area which is referred to as chest in case of male tattoos, runs from the bottom of their neck to the top of their stomach. The chest area for women starts at the base of their neck and ends at the top of the upper curve of the breasts. Hence, upper chest tattoos are very popular among the womenfolk as compared to menfolk.Eagle tattoos are very popular tattoo designs for men, because they are majestic and at the same time also beautiful. Many people opine that no other bird is able to capture the pure essence of freedom better than an eagle. Normally eagle tattoos are done in Native American motifs or in military motifs.


In chest tattoos for women, a tattoo representing a necklace is very popular. It is seen as a permanent piece of jewelery. However, special attention will have to be paid to the color combination used to make the tattoo. These tattoos end at the shoulders, this gives the person the liberty to make another tattoo on the back. The other designs which are very popular among women tattoo lovers are names of their loved ones or children, heart tattoo designs, flower tattoos, butterfly tattoos and other feminine tattoo designs. A lot of people opt for name of a person who is dearly loved or has passed away. At the same time, lettering tattoos can also be combined with a design or symbol which reminds you of the person. Some of the tattoo artists are also able to make faces of the loved ones on the chest.
A lot of tribal tattoo designs for chest tattoos are also very popular. Among tribal chest tattoos, Maori tribal tattoos are known to make chest tattoos in a ritualistic way. There are some tattoo designs which can be used by both the sexes. The examples of these kind of designs include large tattoos of ships, religious tattoos, etc. However, the pirate ship is more popular among men. Other designs which can also be used along with ships and nautical themes are nautical star tattoos, anchor tattoos, swallow tattoos, etc. Normally, designs which are chosen have their own meaning. You may want to read on anchor tattoos for girls.
When you decide to get chest tattoos, you will also have to give the cost factor a thought, as getting a chest tattoo done can be expensive. Getting chest tattoos made can be a painful process as well, another factor that has to be kept in mind. The areas include the breast bone, where there is typically less fat and muscle to cushion the bone beneath the skin. Hence, you will have to take your pain tolerance level into consideration when you decide to get chest tattoos made. At the same time, it is recommended you opt for an experienced tattoo artist, so that you have the right design and do not regret your decision of getting a tattoo made. In case you think that you can opt for tattoo removal later, then let me tell you it will also be a very painful process. You can opt for a temporary tattoo, and if you are happy with the way it has turned out, you can go in for a permanent tattoo.

Why Do People Get Tattoos

 
One cannot imagine a bigger fashion craze than tattoos. They are everywhere, from prison inmates to young collegians to professionals! What makes tattoos such a big hit? Why does everyone you know, want to get some kind of body art done? Why do people get tattoos, if they are so painful? Earlier, I was of the opinion that whoever gets a tattoo, does it for the sake of fashion. Later, one of my friends got a tattoo in the memory of his lost love. That was the moment I realized that fashion is not the only reason why people get tattoos. There are several other reasons which compel people to get themselves inked. Let us see them one by one.
Reasons Why People Get Tattoos
Personally, I am not a big supporter of tattoos. Although, I very much appreciate the magnificent artwork done by the artists, I believe human body may not be an ideal canvas for such artwork. For one reason, human body is the most beautiful artwork created by God himself and there can be no match for God’s own work. I fail to understand why do people get tattoos on their face, which is already so beautiful. Do they ever think how ugly it will look once they grow old and the skin becomes all wrinkled! However, let’s not get into that debate because, as they say, ‘to each his own’. So, let us see why people get tattoos in the first place.Fashion
Yes, fashion is the most influential factor which drives people into getting themselves inked. Most people get tattoos because it seems like the hottest trend doing rounds, and everyone they know of already has a tattoo, or is planning to get one. These are the people who mostly go for popular quotes, Chinese symbol tattoos and other such unoriginal stuff. This explains why do people get tattoos of stars, a popular design which you see on hundred other people. Those getting a tattoo as a fashion accessory should be careful, since they’ll have tough time removing their tattoo once it goes out of fashion.

Religious
Religious tattoos are only next to fashion tattoos. Many people make their religious preferences clear through the religiously meaningful tattoos on their bodies. Probably a reason why we see so many religious symbols and scriptures all over the place.
Self Expression
For some people, body art is the most preferred form of self expression. These are the people who are overwhelmed with a single emotion in their life, such as love, hatred, passion, anger. Their tattoo designs often reflect this emotion. They are rebels, who wish to stand out from others. Nonetheless, these people are very original in their approach and get authentic tattoos.
Affiliations
Remember the time when tattoos first became a rage? At that time, they were mostly associated with motorcycle gangs, hence whoever got a tattoo was suspected to have an affiliation with motorcycle gang. Although, tattoos have evolved since then, the motive of affiliation still remains. However, affiliation has taken a whole new meaning now, as many soldiers and cops are seen proudly flaunting tattoos bearing their respective organizations. Even people working for a social cause, or other humanitarian purposes, are also seen flaunting tattoos that announce their particular affiliations.
Love
When you are in love, you obviously want the whole world to know about it and what a better way to profess your love than to ink the name of your beloved on your body? David Beckham did it for Victoria and so have million others all over the world. Professing your love in ink seems like the ultimate expression of love. Celebrities are primarily responsible for bringing this trend. (and yes, we have heard some really strange stories of how people had to alter their tattoo designs to spell a new name after their break ups!).
Memories
Some people mark important memories and events of their life through the medium of memorial tattoos. A few people may etch the names of their departed loved ones permanently on their bodies. Some people see tattoos as a form to record important events in their lives (Indeed a great idea, considering your memory will fade someday, but your tattoo won’t!)
I hope after reading this article, ‘why do people get tattoos’ should be less of a mystery to people like me! If there are any other reasons apart from those mentioned above, please feel free to drop a line and enlighten me!

Unique Tattoos For Men


It is essential to put in a lot of thought if one wishes to have a permanent tattoo made on the body. Firstly one needs to take into consideration the acceptability of a particular design in the society as well as in a person’s career. For e.g., tattooing is not accepted in corporate culture and is often looked down upon. Secondly, certain designs and symbols may create controversy or hurt feeling of certain community. Lastly, one may even get bored of a certain tattoo after some time. One may argue that tattoo removal is possible anytime, however, one should remember that it is a painful and expensive process. If you wish to avoid all this, it is better to go for a design that is decent, socially accepted, yet creative and different. Here are some unique tattoos for men.

Tattoo Ink Colors

 
Tattoo art is getting famous day after day. The craze of getting oneself inked has gained immense popularity, especially among the youngsters. People get themselves tattooed for a variety of reasons. Some consider it to be a great fashion statement while some do it for revealing certain aspects of their personality. For some people it is a way of expressing feelings, and some consider it as a fabulous body art. Whatever the reason be, tattoo art is ruling the fashion and style conscious world. There are variety of tattoo designs and types to choose from. So, if you are thinking of getting a tattoo  done, you may have to consider a lot of things, right from the place you want to get the tattoo done, the pattern and design, and also the tattoo ink colors. Here in this article we shall learn about the various tattoo ink colors and how to mix tattoo ink colors.
What is Tattoo Ink Made of?
Tattoo ink is the substance that gives colors to the various tattoo designs. The tattoo ink is injected into the skin where the color stays. Though it is meant to be permanent, it is prone to a bit of fading over the period of time. The ink comprises of two basic components- pigments and carriers.

Saturday, 5 February 2011

INK: THE TATTOO PROJECT


Το taf παρουσιάζει σε συνεργασία με το Lightroom Projects την έκθεση φωτογραφίας Ink - The Tattoo Project του Παντελή Ζερβού και του Ηλία Αναστασιάδη που θα διαρκέσει από 20 Ιανουαρίου έως 13 Φεβρουαρίου 2011. Η έκθεση διερευνά τις όψεις και τα νοήματα του τατουάζ, όπως αποτυπώνονται σε 200 περίπου δίπτυχα φωτογραφικά πορτρέτα.

Η κοινωνική πρόσληψη και οι συμβολισμοί του τατουάζ έχουν διαφοροποιηθεί σημαντικά μέσα στον χρόνο. Το INK - The Tattoo Project εστιάζει στο τατουάζ ως αφήγηση προσωπικών ιστοριών, μετάδοση μηνυμάτων, σχέση σύγκρουσης, μετάβασης και αποδοχής με τον εαυτό και το κοινωνικό περιβάλλον. Η έκθεση παρουσιάζει φωτογραφίες από τατουάζ σε αντιστοιχία με τα πορτρέτα των κατόχων τους και καλεί τους θεατές να παρατηρήσουν, να συγκρίνουν τις καταγραφές, να αποκρυπτογραφήσουν αυτόν τον οπτικό και σωματικό κώδικα επικοινωνίας, και να δώσουν τις δικές τους ερμηνείες.

Ο Παντελής Ζερβός και ο Ηλίας Αναστασιάδης εργάστηκαν για 12 μήνες με κοινό τους ενδιαφέρον το θέμα - αν και μη έχοντας οι ίδιοι τατουάζ. Ο Ηλίας έβρισκε τους κατάλληλους ανθρώπους και ο Παντελής τους φωτογράφιζε. Το στούντιο του φωτογράφου επισκέφτηκαν πάνω από 200 φορείς τατουάζ και μοιράστηκαν πολυάριθμες γλαφυρές ιστορίες για το πώς τα απέκτησαν.

Επιμέλεια: Ρενάτα Κωνσταντίνου / Lightroom Projects

Links
http://lightroomprojects.com
http://www.theartfoundation.gr

Friday, 4 February 2011