Tattooing is more then just throwing on a stencil and going to town on someones skin. For thousands of years tattooing has represented the many different cultures around the world. One of my favorite styles is that of the great Japanese artist Hiroshi Kawai who tattoos out of his studio in Tokyo Japan. An article with an interview with Hiroshi tells of his attention to detail. Hiroshi believes that the outline of the tattoo must be the first and foremost area of the tattoo the artist must concentrate the most on. Here at Aberration Pro Custom Tattoo we pound this fact in the heads of our apprentices. The outline should take the longest, it should also be crisp and clean. Our shop sees some very bad tattoos done by scratchers who have no other motive but to make the money. For an individual to be an artist he/she must always remember that the work going into the piece must always be 110%.
Many times if an individual has a trained eye. The individual should be able to tell by the piece of art what kind of style had a influence on the piece. Whether it be Western or Eastern. One of the great Western Artist Larry Brogans is located in Joliet Illinois. He is the owner of Skin Art Studio and has been on the convention circuit for many years winning all kinds of awards. If you look at his art you'll be able to pick out the differences from Hiroshi's work. Artist from a particular region of world will always be influenced by the environment around them. Dragons, tigers play a big part in the Japanese culture. While here in the West and more particular the United States skulls, zombies and realism portraits dominate the tattoo scene.
In order to better enjoy and understand the culture of tattooing an individual must go behind the scenes. Look at a piece and see what the piece represents to you or what the artist was trying to convey through the piece. One practice that has really started to disappear in the states is the pre-tattoo meeting. It's still pretty much alive in the east but here in the states tattooing has become very popular. Artist are more concerned with tattooing in a factory assembling line then to sit back with the customer and really dig into what they are wanting the tattoo to represent or given pointers to how to make it look better.
A shop here in Rockford advertises that they are open 24 hrs a day. My questions are many regarding this gimmick. Does it really help the customer coming in for a tattoo at 3 in the morning when the artist is in no mood to tattoo in the first place. This is an example of trying to put money before the customer. It's one thing to be open till 2 in the morning but an entirely different story being open 24 hrs a day and slave driving your employees. The stories have been numerous as people come into the shop for cover ups or fix ups. Or the stories of employees sitting and playing PS3 and ignoring customers. A tattoo shop now a days needs to be friendly and inviting. In the Eastern culture you would never see any of the above taking place. Tattooing is still considered to be a craft that is to be respected. Here in the West we have lost our way, not because we are not artistic but because we are more into the money then the art.
Twilight Dreamz Tattoo and Rockstars Full Service Hair Salon at 404 Gardner South Beloit Illinois. 815-389 -1900
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Carpenters have hammers and Tattooist have their machines
Just like any other profession needs to be familiar with their tools tattooist need to be familiar with their machines. Nothing is worse then when a machine breaks down in the middle of a tattoo. Here your on a roll and all of the sudden a back spring breaks or capacitor goes out. Machine maintenance is often one of the least taught to new apprentices. Now a days it's easy to go onto ebay and just buy a bunch of machines every time one breaks down. This is a scratchers way of doing things. A professional will have a tool kit on hand consisting of extra coils, springs, contact posts, o-rings and even extra frames in case a machine needs to be totally rebuilt from the bottom up.
Many artist have their choice and preference on what type of machines to use. Aberration Tattoo Artist usually prefer the coil machine. These machines have been old reliable for over a hundred years. They have plenty of surplus parts- they are the easiest to break down and get going again. Other machines can cost hundreds of dollars more and basically do the same thing. I was asked by one of the apprentices which one I prefer. I've always been found of the Mickey Sharpz Tattoo Machines. They are unbelievable in quality and craftsmanship. They are balanced and run very smoothly on the skin. Only skilled artist should use them since they are very interesting to tune once out of balance.
As apprentices we usually recommend that they just get a set of good irons. Any brand is fine but we want them to stay away from the cheap machines that are brought in from China. The coils are never any good, the frames crack easy and the lines pulled are never any good. Many scratchers use these machines and many of them wonder why tattoos never come out right. The tools of the trade is one of the most important aspects of the craft. A difference in keep hand tools compared to Snap-On tools-same goes with the machines we use in the business.
So as anyone in the business getting started. U don't have to spend huge amounts for equipment. You don't have to have the best of the best. You do need reliable and solid equipment. This includes your power supplies, inks, grips and so on. Shop around- many supply companies are good on the Internet. Due diligence is your responsibility in choosing your equipment as well as maintaining and tuning it to have it help you do the best that you can.
Many artist have their choice and preference on what type of machines to use. Aberration Tattoo Artist usually prefer the coil machine. These machines have been old reliable for over a hundred years. They have plenty of surplus parts- they are the easiest to break down and get going again. Other machines can cost hundreds of dollars more and basically do the same thing. I was asked by one of the apprentices which one I prefer. I've always been found of the Mickey Sharpz Tattoo Machines. They are unbelievable in quality and craftsmanship. They are balanced and run very smoothly on the skin. Only skilled artist should use them since they are very interesting to tune once out of balance.
As apprentices we usually recommend that they just get a set of good irons. Any brand is fine but we want them to stay away from the cheap machines that are brought in from China. The coils are never any good, the frames crack easy and the lines pulled are never any good. Many scratchers use these machines and many of them wonder why tattoos never come out right. The tools of the trade is one of the most important aspects of the craft. A difference in keep hand tools compared to Snap-On tools-same goes with the machines we use in the business.
So as anyone in the business getting started. U don't have to spend huge amounts for equipment. You don't have to have the best of the best. You do need reliable and solid equipment. This includes your power supplies, inks, grips and so on. Shop around- many supply companies are good on the Internet. Due diligence is your responsibility in choosing your equipment as well as maintaining and tuning it to have it help you do the best that you can.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Tattoo inks and whats the best or worse
Personally at Aberration Pro Custom Tattoo we have a few artist and with that comes different tastes in tattoo ink. I've worked with many inks over my 15 year career. I started out using Mom's back in the day when it really wasn't anything to talk about let me tell you. Today when of our best color artist use only Mom Tattoo Ink and his color blends are just out of this world. The ink goes in smooth and easy without mixing it with witch'es hazel or water. The ink settles great and stands the test of time.
As for what I use I'm sold on Starbrite and Intense. I really only like using the primaries because from that palette of ink I can pretty much mix any color I want. Over the years in my career I've used the clean and dip method but as time went on and different types of techniques came about I rarely use nothing but the mud and dip technique. I don't like throwing just straight black anymore without mixing it with one of the primaries. The only time I go straight black is when doing a Black and Gray piece but at the same time I stay away from the mixes or dipping method and use the needle to give me my different shades of black.
Outlining ink has been a tough change for me. I use to use Kumo Sumi but now I've decided to go with Dynamic Black ink from Kingpin Tattoo Supply. The black ink goes in just awesome and has a great tone to it. Kumo Sumi I've found has that problem of just lightning up way too much and lately isn't hitting the skin good. Kingpin Tattoo Supply sells the Dynamic Black in 8oz bottles so it's going to last you awhile. I use it for lining as well as shading.
Tattoo Ink is really just a preference of the artist. Some will do better then others. I never recommend going to off brands or tattoo ink made out of the country. The quality is very poor and it could be dangerous because it can contain toxins that the FDA does not allow. Before any artist settles on one brand of ink over the other I suggest trying them all out at least once. Always buy from a Tattoo Supply store that is reputable and sells to professional artist. There is Kingpin, Unimax, and a whole lot more. I would recommend staying away from Superior Tattoo Supply because they are way overpriced and cater mostly to non professionals. Places like Unimax, Cam, and Kingpin actually check out if your a legit pro or apprenticing with a shop.
As for what I use I'm sold on Starbrite and Intense. I really only like using the primaries because from that palette of ink I can pretty much mix any color I want. Over the years in my career I've used the clean and dip method but as time went on and different types of techniques came about I rarely use nothing but the mud and dip technique. I don't like throwing just straight black anymore without mixing it with one of the primaries. The only time I go straight black is when doing a Black and Gray piece but at the same time I stay away from the mixes or dipping method and use the needle to give me my different shades of black.
Outlining ink has been a tough change for me. I use to use Kumo Sumi but now I've decided to go with Dynamic Black ink from Kingpin Tattoo Supply. The black ink goes in just awesome and has a great tone to it. Kumo Sumi I've found has that problem of just lightning up way too much and lately isn't hitting the skin good. Kingpin Tattoo Supply sells the Dynamic Black in 8oz bottles so it's going to last you awhile. I use it for lining as well as shading.
Tattoo Ink is really just a preference of the artist. Some will do better then others. I never recommend going to off brands or tattoo ink made out of the country. The quality is very poor and it could be dangerous because it can contain toxins that the FDA does not allow. Before any artist settles on one brand of ink over the other I suggest trying them all out at least once. Always buy from a Tattoo Supply store that is reputable and sells to professional artist. There is Kingpin, Unimax, and a whole lot more. I would recommend staying away from Superior Tattoo Supply because they are way overpriced and cater mostly to non professionals. Places like Unimax, Cam, and Kingpin actually check out if your a legit pro or apprenticing with a shop.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Some cool facts about tattooing and it's history
The first tattoo machine was actually invented by non other then Thomas Edison. His invention did not gain traction in the commercial world so in 1891 Samuel O'Reily improved on his design and had much better success. In 1899 Alfred Charles Smith invented the modern 2 coil machine. It can give you a perspective on just how long it's been for tattooing to become main stream (Easily 110 years from the modern invention). From my perspective as an artist this machine has carried the industry this far and I don't believe the Neumas or rotary machines will ever be widely used. Call me an old dog but I can't see them taking over as the tool of choice for tattooist.
Did you know the word Tattoo comes from Tahitian "Tatu" which means "To mark something". Since the days of the cavemen the Human race has used tattooing in many ways. It could be a status symbol within a tribe, a religious practice still used today in cultures in the Middle East, Africa and South America. Tattooing could be a right of passage into adulthood for many cultures. It wasn't until the last 20 years that tattooing became socially acceptable in much of North America, South America, Europe. For a really in depth history of tattooing I recommend the Smithsonian which is really a whole world of knowledge on the subject of tattooing.
It's this rich history of tattooing that got me in the industry. Aberration which means "Not to conform to society" is in part why I named the shop Aberration Pro Custom Tattoo. I know one day the fad of tattooing or piercing will eventually die out with each and every generation. It's the shops that hold true to it's core beliefs that will make it in the industry. Being an artist is not a job- it's an art form there for each and every individual to express his/her vision on someone else who shares some of the same types of inspiration as we do. As long as there is rebels from outside what society thinks tattooist should be very busy in the future. Hopefully artist will find that passing our craft to the next generation is urgent. Without our traditions as an industry we could see what we know today gone tomorrow.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
How to deal with an employee situation at a tattoo shop
If you are an owner of a tattoo shop or work at a tattoo shop an individual must realize just how important it is to have the right type of artist or even apprentices working with you. Artist are the trickier to hire because this industry is full of drama, full of "I'm the Best" attitudes and frankly individuals who are not business orientated. In the apprenticeship school I teach it's a big point of mine to make sure that the students understand that they are in business for themselves. Each person that works at the shop is the owner of his/her business and must approach their career from that perspective.
As a shop owner it's only my responsibility to promote the shop according tho my marketing plan that was set up. It's the artist who contracts with the shop to ensure that they are building a client base. Lately I've been seeing some disturbing trends within my shop. Artist are getting comfortable relying on walk-ins. Walk-ins are those people who the shop has advertised for on it's own business budget. So this week I must take the step of informing the artist at the shop that they can no longer rely on just walk-ins. Most of their schedules will be based on Appointments only! I've decided that it is better this way because it helps the artist get up and moving and promoting their abilities as a Independent Business Owner.
The artist I want working at Aberration Tattoo are ones that are motivated to better themselves and never become reliant on someone else. As shop owners an individual must always do whats best for his/her shop and clients. This is why it's imperative that the owners or shop managers never become too friendly with staff. Either one of the mentioned must maintain a strictly professional relationship. I've seen many owners go down fast for either being non-professional or never at the shop at all. It's a huge step going from artist to shop owner. It's a big step because this industry is still taking baby steps forward to social acceptance for one. For too long artist or apprentices in this industry have been slow to grasp the concept of being in business for themselves.
Aberration Tattoo prides itself with being an industry leader. We hope all shop owners and artist soon realize it's up to us to set the standards in the industry. Artist must always maintain a professional attitude as well as a professional look to them. Customers don't want to walk in seeing an artist about to do a tattoo dirty or smelling bad. No they want to see an artist who is professional. The Illinois Tattoo Body Code has even stated this in its rules and regulations for tattoo shops. What does a shop do when faced with a unprofessional artist? The shop owner or manager must address the problem with the artist before it becomes a problem for the business. A shop owner must remember that it is his/her shop that will suffer when customers walk out the door.
So it is important for an owner of the shop to think about his/her business. Issues that come up should be addressed right away before the business is affected. Artist and apprentices must remember by getting into this field that they are self employed. Both need to promote their businesses because that's why most shops pay them a 50/50 cut. If an artist and owner cannot agree on an issue then it's up to the owner to use his/her best judgement in making sure the business don't suffer.
As a shop owner it's only my responsibility to promote the shop according tho my marketing plan that was set up. It's the artist who contracts with the shop to ensure that they are building a client base. Lately I've been seeing some disturbing trends within my shop. Artist are getting comfortable relying on walk-ins. Walk-ins are those people who the shop has advertised for on it's own business budget. So this week I must take the step of informing the artist at the shop that they can no longer rely on just walk-ins. Most of their schedules will be based on Appointments only! I've decided that it is better this way because it helps the artist get up and moving and promoting their abilities as a Independent Business Owner.
The artist I want working at Aberration Tattoo are ones that are motivated to better themselves and never become reliant on someone else. As shop owners an individual must always do whats best for his/her shop and clients. This is why it's imperative that the owners or shop managers never become too friendly with staff. Either one of the mentioned must maintain a strictly professional relationship. I've seen many owners go down fast for either being non-professional or never at the shop at all. It's a huge step going from artist to shop owner. It's a big step because this industry is still taking baby steps forward to social acceptance for one. For too long artist or apprentices in this industry have been slow to grasp the concept of being in business for themselves.
Aberration Tattoo prides itself with being an industry leader. We hope all shop owners and artist soon realize it's up to us to set the standards in the industry. Artist must always maintain a professional attitude as well as a professional look to them. Customers don't want to walk in seeing an artist about to do a tattoo dirty or smelling bad. No they want to see an artist who is professional. The Illinois Tattoo Body Code has even stated this in its rules and regulations for tattoo shops. What does a shop do when faced with a unprofessional artist? The shop owner or manager must address the problem with the artist before it becomes a problem for the business. A shop owner must remember that it is his/her shop that will suffer when customers walk out the door.
So it is important for an owner of the shop to think about his/her business. Issues that come up should be addressed right away before the business is affected. Artist and apprentices must remember by getting into this field that they are self employed. Both need to promote their businesses because that's why most shops pay them a 50/50 cut. If an artist and owner cannot agree on an issue then it's up to the owner to use his/her best judgement in making sure the business don't suffer.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
How emotion plays a big part in your art
Teaching a class last night at the tattoo school the apprentices learned how pressure changes the emotions which they have when drawing. Starting the exercise I started to lay the pressure on them through timed drawings as well as throwing out negative feedback. At first they started sweating and shaking and the pictures they were drawing showed how they were acting to the stresses that were being put on them.
As the exercise continued you could look at the drawings and you could see that they started to learn how to control the pressure and negative feedback. The exercise was designed to ensure that when they become tattoo artist it would help them understand how the acts of emotion will effect the art they put out. When customers come in an spend lots of money on a piece they expect the piece to be perfect every time. In order for artist to meet that expectation they have to clear their minds and concentrate at the task at hand.
Being a tattoo artist is more then just throwing a piece on someones arm or back. The human body is a huge canvas and just waiting to be decorated with art from great artist. A tattoo artist has to look further then just collecting money or the career as a job. They have to look at this career through the eyes of expression. Those who are great will always be drawing, engaged in more then just tattooing but in other art forms as well. It could be watercolor, paintings, working with clay. An artist is never hindered just by one craft. An artist must always carry their imagination with them at all times. Look at the world and it's possessions as a big canvas and make your own realty out of it. When your able to accomplish such things you can be the king of the mountain in the tattoo world, you will become the master of your own destiny.
A great article on emotions in art can be found at (Role of Emotions in Art)
WHAT DO YOU SEE IN THE PIC BELOW??
PIC BY Michael-Maier
As the exercise continued you could look at the drawings and you could see that they started to learn how to control the pressure and negative feedback. The exercise was designed to ensure that when they become tattoo artist it would help them understand how the acts of emotion will effect the art they put out. When customers come in an spend lots of money on a piece they expect the piece to be perfect every time. In order for artist to meet that expectation they have to clear their minds and concentrate at the task at hand.
Being a tattoo artist is more then just throwing a piece on someones arm or back. The human body is a huge canvas and just waiting to be decorated with art from great artist. A tattoo artist has to look further then just collecting money or the career as a job. They have to look at this career through the eyes of expression. Those who are great will always be drawing, engaged in more then just tattooing but in other art forms as well. It could be watercolor, paintings, working with clay. An artist is never hindered just by one craft. An artist must always carry their imagination with them at all times. Look at the world and it's possessions as a big canvas and make your own realty out of it. When your able to accomplish such things you can be the king of the mountain in the tattoo world, you will become the master of your own destiny.
A great article on emotions in art can be found at (Role of Emotions in Art)
WHAT DO YOU SEE IN THE PIC BELOW??
PIC BY Michael-Maier
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Social Networking for your Tattoo Business
The tattoo industry has always been a word of mouth venture. In the old days of the industry owners and artist in shops had to take out yellow page ads or spend huge amounts of money on billboards, flyers etc. An average advertising budget could run into the thousands monthly or quarterly. Even with that amount of money you always had to worry about your return on investment. If you are not familiar with your return on investment an example would be a shop puts out say $500 on radio commercials and the shop hopes to get at least $1000 back in customer traffic. In a large city say like Chicago a shop had to worry about the competition and what they were doing or if they were copying the deals heard on your commercials. In other words your advertising could help out the competition.
Now a days we were blessed with something called the internet. It has revolutionized the tattoo industry as we know it. Shops are now able to build a personal relationship with clients through websites like Facebook, Mypace, Twitter and a whole host more. To use this new tool shop owners as well as artist have to learn that it's relationship building that pays off. People are sick and tired of those in any industry shoving commercials down their throats. I know that I cannot stand for someone to sell me something every time I go to a site. The products I use is because I've built a relationship with the product. I get good customer service as well as quick answers to my concerns. I'm engaged on a personal level and not someone telling me to buy something.
Social Networking should be a breeze and second nature to the Tattoo industry because we engage and interact with customers on a daily basis. Sometimes were head doctors because we sit through and help people through problems while we are tattooing. Other times we give an individual comfort of just having someone to talk too when they have no one else. Besides the artwork on them customers come back to us because they feel comfortable with us and how they were treated in the shop. So as tattooist we have to take what we do in the shop and bring it into the online environment. By bringing it to the online environment we can not only gain customers, we can gain friends. We all know by gaining a friend or even an associate that helps build our business for years to come.
I would recommend any shop out there start a organized social network plan. Newspapers and print media are now going to be extinct. For a shop to get a good return on investment they must go to where the audience is. That is on the internet and sites like facebook that account for 25% of all internet traffic.
Now a days we were blessed with something called the internet. It has revolutionized the tattoo industry as we know it. Shops are now able to build a personal relationship with clients through websites like Facebook, Mypace, Twitter and a whole host more. To use this new tool shop owners as well as artist have to learn that it's relationship building that pays off. People are sick and tired of those in any industry shoving commercials down their throats. I know that I cannot stand for someone to sell me something every time I go to a site. The products I use is because I've built a relationship with the product. I get good customer service as well as quick answers to my concerns. I'm engaged on a personal level and not someone telling me to buy something.
Social Networking should be a breeze and second nature to the Tattoo industry because we engage and interact with customers on a daily basis. Sometimes were head doctors because we sit through and help people through problems while we are tattooing. Other times we give an individual comfort of just having someone to talk too when they have no one else. Besides the artwork on them customers come back to us because they feel comfortable with us and how they were treated in the shop. So as tattooist we have to take what we do in the shop and bring it into the online environment. By bringing it to the online environment we can not only gain customers, we can gain friends. We all know by gaining a friend or even an associate that helps build our business for years to come.
I would recommend any shop out there start a organized social network plan. Newspapers and print media are now going to be extinct. For a shop to get a good return on investment they must go to where the audience is. That is on the internet and sites like facebook that account for 25% of all internet traffic.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Evolution of art in the Tattoo Studio
Back in the early 40's and 50's art in the tattoo studio might of been USN with anchors or USMC with a bullog. On the West Coast it could of been a chicano traditional portrait that by today's standard would be a cartoon. As you progressed in the 60's 70s and even the early part of the 80's the skull, panther and eagle dominated flash racks all over the Unite States.
During my apprenticeship during the early 90s we were taught flash and how to shade them with the minimal amount of shade and contrast. Most tattoos back then that were custom were done by only a few amount of artist around the country. We use to say that artist were just a copy machine because we were to take a pic someone picked off the wall and do the best we could to copy it on the person who picked it out. We never worried about color blending, never worried about soft or hard lining. We were paid to copy the picture.
At the beginning of this century we started to see artist break out of that mold. Many started refusing to just take a flash piece and put it on the body. They wanted to put their own view on the piece. Color blending started to take root. Adding on to a piece became popular with the artists twist. You can always tell a new school artist versus an old school artist. Old School artist follow the flash to a tee or refuse to do a lot of pieces because of the work involved. It's the attitude of the artist that also show how the studio is looked at by the others in the industry.
Some shops are happy just being a flash studio and nothing is wrong with that. Those studio's are still needed in the industry. They tend to be less expensive then most shops that do just custom work. I see no problems with that since I might be old school I still embrace the new generation of artist. At the same time embracing the new school I still like to see prices stay within reason. Does a portrait need to start at $350? Yes it does because of the skill needed by the artist to get the piece on. Does a kangi symbol need to be $50 bucks? No that's out of line because it's a flash piece for one, second off it takes like 15 minutes of work. Thats where Aberration Pro Custom Tattoo came up with the $10 Tattoo.
Would the shop charge $10 for say a heart an name? No but we would charge a fair price for it. Not $100 bucks for something like that, maybe $50 which is fair. So the art in shops will continue to evolve into more and more cool things. But prices will always remain the top priority to a shop in order to compete an stay afloat. It's a circus to try and mange both. But the shops that stay around are the ones who will make it in the business.
During my apprenticeship during the early 90s we were taught flash and how to shade them with the minimal amount of shade and contrast. Most tattoos back then that were custom were done by only a few amount of artist around the country. We use to say that artist were just a copy machine because we were to take a pic someone picked off the wall and do the best we could to copy it on the person who picked it out. We never worried about color blending, never worried about soft or hard lining. We were paid to copy the picture.
At the beginning of this century we started to see artist break out of that mold. Many started refusing to just take a flash piece and put it on the body. They wanted to put their own view on the piece. Color blending started to take root. Adding on to a piece became popular with the artists twist. You can always tell a new school artist versus an old school artist. Old School artist follow the flash to a tee or refuse to do a lot of pieces because of the work involved. It's the attitude of the artist that also show how the studio is looked at by the others in the industry.
Some shops are happy just being a flash studio and nothing is wrong with that. Those studio's are still needed in the industry. They tend to be less expensive then most shops that do just custom work. I see no problems with that since I might be old school I still embrace the new generation of artist. At the same time embracing the new school I still like to see prices stay within reason. Does a portrait need to start at $350? Yes it does because of the skill needed by the artist to get the piece on. Does a kangi symbol need to be $50 bucks? No that's out of line because it's a flash piece for one, second off it takes like 15 minutes of work. Thats where Aberration Pro Custom Tattoo came up with the $10 Tattoo.
Would the shop charge $10 for say a heart an name? No but we would charge a fair price for it. Not $100 bucks for something like that, maybe $50 which is fair. So the art in shops will continue to evolve into more and more cool things. But prices will always remain the top priority to a shop in order to compete an stay afloat. It's a circus to try and mange both. But the shops that stay around are the ones who will make it in the business.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
One small thing the Illinois Tattoo Law got wrong
I sat here most of the day pondering a question about the new Illinois Tattoo Law that was passed back in 2008 and until recently was finally being enforced. Do you know that a Hairstylist has to complete at least 1500 hours of schooling both in the classroom and doing practicals? Also do you know that most medical careers are required to complete hours both in the classroom and on the job training? So I was thinking to myself and pondering why in the world doesn't tattoo artist or piercers need to complete any kind of training? Ya the law says that artist have to be Bloodborne Pathogen certified!! But does that really mean they have training in the art of tattooing or body piercing? No it does not. Most people go and buy equipment of Ebay or Craigslist not even knowing how to tune a machine by the way-then go and screw someone up.
I believe that Artist and Piercers need to have so many hours of education as well as an apprenticeship before being allowed to tattoo. I think that a 1500 hour educational program would do wonders with weeding all the bad shops out as well as push fines on scratchers that work out of non certified shops. I believe it would help the industry remain stable through the years as well as get rid of fly by nights that are just there for their pocket book.
Well how could something like this work? Well all artist now that are listed on a shops sheet with the State of Illinois would be grandfathered in and regarded as licensed under that shop. Real Estate salespersons have there licensed sponsored by a broker in order to work. I think something similar could work in the Tattoo industry. An artist would have to be licensed but sponsored by a shop only after receiving the appropriate number of hours with a state certified school. Alot of people will pay up to $8000 for an apprenticeship and learn very little and not receive any certification what so ever. If the State of Illinois requires certification then paying that kind of money will mean something and other shops will then recognize that certification as legit.
I truly believe this is where the industry needs to go. Aberration Pro Custom Tattoo has already started a Tattoo School which requires at least a one year schedule. If a law was passed to train artist not only in the arts and safety but also require additional skills that a person can use if they dont make it in the tattoo world it would just be great for everyone involved.
For more info on attending Aberration Pro Custom Tattoos School visit http://www.aberrationink.com or to view information about tattoo laws visit http://tattoos.lovetoknow.com/State_Tattooing_Laws which gives a number of great articles on the regulation of the profession.
I believe that Artist and Piercers need to have so many hours of education as well as an apprenticeship before being allowed to tattoo. I think that a 1500 hour educational program would do wonders with weeding all the bad shops out as well as push fines on scratchers that work out of non certified shops. I believe it would help the industry remain stable through the years as well as get rid of fly by nights that are just there for their pocket book.
Well how could something like this work? Well all artist now that are listed on a shops sheet with the State of Illinois would be grandfathered in and regarded as licensed under that shop. Real Estate salespersons have there licensed sponsored by a broker in order to work. I think something similar could work in the Tattoo industry. An artist would have to be licensed but sponsored by a shop only after receiving the appropriate number of hours with a state certified school. Alot of people will pay up to $8000 for an apprenticeship and learn very little and not receive any certification what so ever. If the State of Illinois requires certification then paying that kind of money will mean something and other shops will then recognize that certification as legit.
I truly believe this is where the industry needs to go. Aberration Pro Custom Tattoo has already started a Tattoo School which requires at least a one year schedule. If a law was passed to train artist not only in the arts and safety but also require additional skills that a person can use if they dont make it in the tattoo world it would just be great for everyone involved.
For more info on attending Aberration Pro Custom Tattoos School visit http://www.aberrationink.com or to view information about tattoo laws visit http://tattoos.lovetoknow.com/State_Tattooing_Laws which gives a number of great articles on the regulation of the profession.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Tattoos versus Piercings
Tattoos and Piercings have been around for thousands of years. Many different cultures used either or to make a statement about who they were or where they were from. Piercings were more prevalent in the Eastern countries until the 80's and 90's when finally they began becoming more widely performed in the West such as the USA. In the beginning it was celebrities and members of new age music bands that sported piercings other then the normal ear piercings. As the bands toured the country and younger people started seeing them piercings started to hit the mainstream and it was the tattoo shops around the country that started performing the procedures.
During the first few years of this new fad shops made a killing money wise. They would often start out charging $80 dollars for just a nose piercing. Then to add on to that tattoo shops were really the only place that you could by the out of this world jewelry nobody else could find. So add on another $20 bucks and the shop was making some very decent money. Piercings in the industry is quick easy money that can get an artist by when tattoos are slow. Piercings have been excellent source of publicity for tattoo shops because it's a procedure that takes no time at all to complete and most people do not associate that much pain with piercings as tattoos do.
What many need to realize before going to get a body piercing is that risks are present when shops and artist do not take the proper precautions regards to sterilization and education. Apprentices at Abberation Tattoo must complete 100 piercings of each type of piercing with a master artist before being allowed to pierce on clients. The shop does have a body piercing apprenticeship program that individuals can enroll in. Aberration Tattoo has actually started Illinois first Tattoo and Body Piercing school. We are hopeful that state regulators will one day require actual schooling and training in the arts so that artist can be certified by the State of Illinois
A lot of shops in the area would not support the regulation of artist because they are still getting use to the new shop regulations. But for the industry to keep moving forward into the mainstream we need to push schooling our artist in the craft. It only helps the industry grow and help customers know they will get quality pieces.
As far as some of the risks involved in body piercings I would recommend Web MD and their articles on some of the medical risks that could happen if precautions are not taken.
During the first few years of this new fad shops made a killing money wise. They would often start out charging $80 dollars for just a nose piercing. Then to add on to that tattoo shops were really the only place that you could by the out of this world jewelry nobody else could find. So add on another $20 bucks and the shop was making some very decent money. Piercings in the industry is quick easy money that can get an artist by when tattoos are slow. Piercings have been excellent source of publicity for tattoo shops because it's a procedure that takes no time at all to complete and most people do not associate that much pain with piercings as tattoos do.
What many need to realize before going to get a body piercing is that risks are present when shops and artist do not take the proper precautions regards to sterilization and education. Apprentices at Abberation Tattoo must complete 100 piercings of each type of piercing with a master artist before being allowed to pierce on clients. The shop does have a body piercing apprenticeship program that individuals can enroll in. Aberration Tattoo has actually started Illinois first Tattoo and Body Piercing school. We are hopeful that state regulators will one day require actual schooling and training in the arts so that artist can be certified by the State of Illinois
A lot of shops in the area would not support the regulation of artist because they are still getting use to the new shop regulations. But for the industry to keep moving forward into the mainstream we need to push schooling our artist in the craft. It only helps the industry grow and help customers know they will get quality pieces.
As far as some of the risks involved in body piercings I would recommend Web MD and their articles on some of the medical risks that could happen if precautions are not taken.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Tattooing in the 21st Century
Before tattooing was mainstream Tattoo Shops were scarce. You couldn't find them on every corner as you can today. "Tattoo Wars" as we old timers use to call it were apart of the business of tattooing. Shops back then would go break windows or go on smear campaigns of one another shops because clients were really limited. Actually back then many tattoo shops were considered to be apart of motorcycle club cultures because of course many tattooist were apart of the club scene.
Slowly over time those who did their apprenticeships with no ties to the biker culture started going out on their own and starting shops. These were those artist that actually started reaching new clients and eventually led to the tattoo culture going mainstream. But the ugly side of owning a shop still goes on. Shops still haven't grown up. Instead of coming together the war of words started ramping up. I see many posts on craigslist about one shop saying this shops works sucks, or one shop going after another. Instead of these morons understanding that their is enough money to go around and its time to come together through our common work, they still go around acting like a bunch of freaking kids.
According to the US Department of Labor tattooing will still become a major force in the labor market. We hold positions that can earn us on average $100 an hour. But with that comes the pain of marketing ones talent. Thus were most of these others morons go out and start bashing you. I'm a huge believer in the push for States to require an extensive education process for tattooist and piercers. By doing this the industry can start training it's people correctly and through the years weed out the idiots as I call them.
Aberration Pro Custom Tattoo is trying to be a leader in the field by having a comprehensive 1 year training program that not only teaches the tattooing and piercing aspect but also that of business management and other comprehensive subjects. For more information on our school check out the website at http://www.aberrationink.com or give us a call at the shop at 779-475-0750
Slowly over time those who did their apprenticeships with no ties to the biker culture started going out on their own and starting shops. These were those artist that actually started reaching new clients and eventually led to the tattoo culture going mainstream. But the ugly side of owning a shop still goes on. Shops still haven't grown up. Instead of coming together the war of words started ramping up. I see many posts on craigslist about one shop saying this shops works sucks, or one shop going after another. Instead of these morons understanding that their is enough money to go around and its time to come together through our common work, they still go around acting like a bunch of freaking kids.
According to the US Department of Labor tattooing will still become a major force in the labor market. We hold positions that can earn us on average $100 an hour. But with that comes the pain of marketing ones talent. Thus were most of these others morons go out and start bashing you. I'm a huge believer in the push for States to require an extensive education process for tattooist and piercers. By doing this the industry can start training it's people correctly and through the years weed out the idiots as I call them.
Aberration Pro Custom Tattoo is trying to be a leader in the field by having a comprehensive 1 year training program that not only teaches the tattooing and piercing aspect but also that of business management and other comprehensive subjects. For more information on our school check out the website at http://www.aberrationink.com or give us a call at the shop at 779-475-0750
Thursday, December 9, 2010
What does it mean when a shop or artist claim to be "Certified"?
In many craigslist ads you will see many claim that they are "Certified"!! My question then becomes what kind of certification are they talking about? I know in the State of Illinois that in order to be certified a shop (Not the Artist) has to make an application to the State of Illinois to get certified by Public Health. See the link right from the Health Department in regards to the Illinois Body Art Code.
In order for a shop to get certified they must undergo a yearly review by the Department of Public Health. Blood Born Pathogens does not constitute being a certified Tattoo Artist. The Blood Borne Pathogen Certification is one of only many requirements that the State of Illinois requires of a shops artist. They also require that a shop submit floor plans, Operation and Sterilization Procedures, Names and Addresses of Artist who perform the work as well as a variety of mandatory shop equipment that is needed.
So if you follow the link to the Body Art Code you will find that all these artist working out of their own private home studio or going to your location is indeed not certified by the State of Illinois. A studio is required by law to apply for a temporary permit 14 days prior to the event to be tattooed. I highly doubt that these artist have that when going to your house.
Bloodborne Pathogen certification is important. It's important in the shop environment because many things can and sometimes go wrong. The safety of the artist and also the client is at stake. So it's very important to go to a certified shop from your tattoo because the process in which that shop became certified for your protection.
In order for a shop to get certified they must undergo a yearly review by the Department of Public Health. Blood Born Pathogens does not constitute being a certified Tattoo Artist. The Blood Borne Pathogen Certification is one of only many requirements that the State of Illinois requires of a shops artist. They also require that a shop submit floor plans, Operation and Sterilization Procedures, Names and Addresses of Artist who perform the work as well as a variety of mandatory shop equipment that is needed.
So if you follow the link to the Body Art Code you will find that all these artist working out of their own private home studio or going to your location is indeed not certified by the State of Illinois. A studio is required by law to apply for a temporary permit 14 days prior to the event to be tattooed. I highly doubt that these artist have that when going to your house.
Bloodborne Pathogen certification is important. It's important in the shop environment because many things can and sometimes go wrong. The safety of the artist and also the client is at stake. So it's very important to go to a certified shop from your tattoo because the process in which that shop became certified for your protection.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Some cool tattoo design websites
As many of you know when coming into Aberration Pro Custom Tattoo we do a lot of custom pieces. Yes we carry a few thousand designs of flash but it's the custom stuff we like doing for those who want a truly unique piece. Here are a few sites that you can go to for ideas for your next tattoo.
Free Tattoo Flash - http://www.tattooflash.org
About article on Tattoo Flash- tattoo.about.com/od/tatflash
Tattoo Designs- www.bullseyetattoos.com
Tattoo noodles- www.tattoodles.com
Alot of the flash we have in the shop comes from years of collecting in the business. But these websites are a great source of getting a general idea of what you want so we can draw it up by hand for you. Don't forget to feel free to come in the shop for a free session with one of our artist to draw up that perfect tattoo.
http://www.aberrationink.com To visit the shops gallery of tattoos already done by our two artist.
Free Tattoo Flash - http://www.tattooflash.org
About article on Tattoo Flash- tattoo.about.com/od/tatflash
Tattoo Designs- www.bullseyetattoos.com
Tattoo noodles- www.tattoodles.com
Alot of the flash we have in the shop comes from years of collecting in the business. But these websites are a great source of getting a general idea of what you want so we can draw it up by hand for you. Don't forget to feel free to come in the shop for a free session with one of our artist to draw up that perfect tattoo.
http://www.aberrationink.com To visit the shops gallery of tattoos already done by our two artist.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Dare to Dream
Making your dreams come true what does that say to you? Everyone has dreams that they envision everyday. It could be to get out of an individuals situation that they are currently in that they dream big. They don't like where their life is right now and want something better. Or a person could have a dream long held since childhood that they still haven't gotten around to achieving yet. Why do people sit by and not act on the dream they have? Many will say dreams are for those who have money. Still yet many say dreams are for children and the real world doesn't allow for dreamers. I have to disagree with both the above situations. Life is a gift that the old man upstairs has given each and every one of us. Nothing has ever been predetermined for any of us. It is our responsibility to dream and make our lives better. It's an individual experience not a collective whole that must go after the dreams we might have had since childhood.
What makes it hard for someone to achieve the dreams they set out to achieve is the lack of vision, desire and most of all hard work. An individual must believe in their capabilities. An Individual must solve problems and break through any and all barriers in order to make that dream come true. Life is a hard game just getting by as it is. But life loves throwing those curve balls at a person to get them off the path they were going down. Once that curve ball happens people get all off their game plan and most of the time never find the way back to their original path. It is hard to accept some of the cards life deals. In honest terms though it is the individual that is the creator of their own problems. It's the failure to address the problems head on that lead to the problem to become bigger then it already was.
The biggest dream most have is to be rich. Well isn't it? Be honest now with yourself. Look at all the people who have millions and billions. Now look at those who look to the government for their care. Is there a pattern here? Yes the rich get richer and the poorer get poorer. Why is that? The rich have a outlook-dreams to live a better life. The poor want the government to solve their problems. I'm not rich by far. Actually I live paycheck by paycheck like most people. One thing I'm doing is reaching out with two feet planted and given it all I have to make myself learn more about how to make more money and take the risk to achieve it. I've been doing a lot of reading. Books like Rich Dad and Poor Dad or even books by Donald Trump. Who better to get advice from then those who already achieved their dreams? At the end of the post I will give the reader some of the links I go to for my education. Yes I said it education. In order to achieve your dreams you have to get educated. Without education and especially financial education which school doesn't teach us you will have little chance of getting rich if thats your dream. Without training in a sport you won't be able to make it in that arena either.
So whats the point of everything here? Work and more work along with education will enable you to achieve your dreams. Be the person who takes on problems and spits at them. Develop a strategy and follow it. If it doesn't work then adjust to another one until it works for you and where you want to be in life.
http://www.richdad.com
http://www.trump.com/
http://www.yousaveusa.com
What makes it hard for someone to achieve the dreams they set out to achieve is the lack of vision, desire and most of all hard work. An individual must believe in their capabilities. An Individual must solve problems and break through any and all barriers in order to make that dream come true. Life is a hard game just getting by as it is. But life loves throwing those curve balls at a person to get them off the path they were going down. Once that curve ball happens people get all off their game plan and most of the time never find the way back to their original path. It is hard to accept some of the cards life deals. In honest terms though it is the individual that is the creator of their own problems. It's the failure to address the problems head on that lead to the problem to become bigger then it already was.
The biggest dream most have is to be rich. Well isn't it? Be honest now with yourself. Look at all the people who have millions and billions. Now look at those who look to the government for their care. Is there a pattern here? Yes the rich get richer and the poorer get poorer. Why is that? The rich have a outlook-dreams to live a better life. The poor want the government to solve their problems. I'm not rich by far. Actually I live paycheck by paycheck like most people. One thing I'm doing is reaching out with two feet planted and given it all I have to make myself learn more about how to make more money and take the risk to achieve it. I've been doing a lot of reading. Books like Rich Dad and Poor Dad or even books by Donald Trump. Who better to get advice from then those who already achieved their dreams? At the end of the post I will give the reader some of the links I go to for my education. Yes I said it education. In order to achieve your dreams you have to get educated. Without education and especially financial education which school doesn't teach us you will have little chance of getting rich if thats your dream. Without training in a sport you won't be able to make it in that arena either.
So whats the point of everything here? Work and more work along with education will enable you to achieve your dreams. Be the person who takes on problems and spits at them. Develop a strategy and follow it. If it doesn't work then adjust to another one until it works for you and where you want to be in life.
http://www.richdad.com
http://www.trump.com/
http://www.yousaveusa.com
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