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Q: DOES IT HURT?
A: This is the first question in this FAQ because it's usually the first question that people ask. The answer is yes. Having needles pierce your skin *does* hurt. But what you *really* want to know is, "How MUCH does it hurt, and can I handle it?"
It's not nearly as bad as what you might imagine. The pain comes from the cluster of needles on the tattooing machine piercing your skin very rapidly. This sensation, however, doesn't feel like the poking pain of an injection--it's more of a constant vibration. You will be amazed at how quickly your body releases endorphins, (pain killers), which dullens the pain significantly. The pain will also vary according to where on your body you get worked on. Skin right above bones (collarbone, anklebone, etc.) tend to be more painful than other areas. In addition, certain types of needles seem to hurt more than others. I personally think the needles used for outlining produce a sharper, more noticeable pain, while the needles used for shading seem to be much more like an electrical buzz (nearly painless).
Remember, you are volunteering for the experience. The amount of pain will depend on your psychological attitude.
NOTE: Do not drink alcohol or take illegal drugs for pain relief purposes prior to your tattoo sessions. Both aspirin and alcohol thin your blood and promote excessive bleeding. Aspirin also decreases the clotting of blood, which will slow down your healing as well. In addition, artists do not appreciate dealing wit drunks or "out of it" people.
Q: SHOULD I GET A TATTOO IN THE FIRST PLACE?
A: Your reading this may mean you're already interested in getting a tattoo, or may know someone who is. In a survey of 163 tattooed men and women, a third of them had regretted their tattoos! While most of this FAQ discusses the process once you've decided to get one, let's pause for a moment.
*WHY* DO I WANT ONE?
People get tattoos for different reasons. Is it to please your partner? Is it because you want to belong to a group that has tattoos? Do you identify with a certain subculture known for tattoos? Do you want to show your independence, individuality or uniqueness? These are all valid reasons, and why many people get tattooed. However, because of the permanency of your tattoo, try to look at yourself in five, 10, or even 20 years. What will you be doing at that time? You might be a free-spirited college student now, and a web of vines on your wrist would look really lovely. However, are you planning to work in a very conservative field after you graduate? Will others look at your tattoo in a bad way? Will you have to hide it with long sleeve shirts? Are you *willing* to wear long sleeve shirts if the environment is negative? Do you want a tattoo of a tiger because your partner's nickname is "Tiger," and you love the way s/he scratches your skin? Do you think you'll be with this person in five years? If not, how will you look at that tattoo? With fond memories, symbolizing a special period in your life? Or a shameful or painful reminder of somebody who hurt you and didn't care for you? You're a headbanger (or a nose-smasher, ear-bopper or whatever) and you *REALLY* want a tattoo all over your arms just like Axl Rose, but you can't afford a professional artist so you get your friend with the mail-order tattooing machine to do those designs for you? Or perhaps you get spider webs tattooed all over your hands (or your face, which has happened) because you want to be "different" in school. What if you decide to "straighten out" and get a real job; train as a chef or something, and then no restaurant hires you? *GETTING IT REMOVED* is *NOT* easy, and is *NOT* cheap. Expect to pay $1,000 to remove even a fairly small-sized tattoo if you're looking at laser surgery. Expect to have a noticeable ugly scar if you go with a non-laser technique. Expect to pay for every penny out of your own pocket because health insurance companies or ACC will not pay for tattoo removal. There may not be a laser surgery specialist in your area. Then think of all those laser-surgery doctors who are going to get rich off of a person's foolishness or lack of careful thinking....
....Maybe tattooing isn't for you.
...Maybe you shouldn't get that $10 tattoo your friend's been telling you he'll give you, in his garage.
...Maybe you shouldn't let your buddies tattoo your hand with India Ink and a needle at this weekend's party.
...Maybe you should get a tattoo on your back instead of on your hand.
...Maybe you should get a tattoo on your left wrist so it can be covered by your watch if you have to...
...And maybe after reading this FAQ and reading RAB, you'll think carefully about it, and make some informed, wise decisions about what to do with your body.
*Tattooing can be beautiful.*
*Tattooing can be exhilarating.*
*Tattooing can open a whole new world for you.*
...but make sure to do it *RIGHT*.
Subject: RELIGIOUS (CHRISTIAN) ARGUMENTS
Written by: Chris Wayne (cwayne@unm.edu), originator of RAB and a
self-professed Christian.
A word to the religious: In Leviticus 19:28, it says not to tattoo "I am the Lord" on you (i.e. don't take the name of the Lord in vain). It does NOT say you can't mark yourself at all, and it does NOT say there's anything wrong about piercing. What it DOES say is that it prohibits mutilating yourself for the dead, which was a senseless practice at that time. But for Christians, they are no longer bound by the Law. Remember that it's not what you do; it's what's in your heart when you do it. The Talmud even mentions that it's not the tattooing that is wrong, but what the tattoo is of (i.e. if the tattoo is an image of a 'false god' as opposed to just a 'design'). There are probably many 'prim & proper' Christians out there that have had the urge to be tattooed, but have repressed it because they believed it was a sin. Well, if you really believe that it is a sin, then it is. But is getting tattooed really a sin? If it draws you away from Christ or causes someone else to stumble, then yes. But tattooing isn't any more special than anything else we distract ourselves with. Take things in moderation at your speed. We are to deny ourselves of things if they cause us to lose sight of Jesus (for some, it could be driving a car, getting married, having children, going to work, smoking, abusing drugs & alcohol, disrespect, etc.). If you have good discernment, you know what distracts you from Christ and what doesn't.
Tattooing isn't inherently evil; it got it's 'evil' status because GOD-less heathens from places like the South Pacific were tattooed. Do what pleases GOD; and one thing that pleases GOD is to be confident in oneself (not overly prideful, but confidence tempered with discernment, almost bordering on arrogance). Tattooing can bring out that confidence, because to be tattooed requires commitment. And that's a conquering power over fear and old ruts. GOD wants mature dynamic individuals that fear him to fellowship with, not people cowering in fear from some rigid set of laws. Note: fear of GOD is totally different from cowering in fear.
Some Christians will claim that drinking any amount of alcohol is sinful, but the medical community is saying that 2-3 drinks a day is good for the heart. Drink responsibly. So, for those that have repressed getting a tattoo because of family or religious upbringing, just do it. If it's not for you, fine--but don't ruin it for the others. Tattooing in no way marks who's saved and who's not. If you've seen the trilogy "A Distant Thunder," the Mark of the Beast was tattooed on your right hand or forehead. The tattoo was 666 in binary '6's (i.e. 1 0 11 0 11 0 1 Sort of like a UPC code), but this doesn't mean that every tattoo is a Mark of the Beast.
People have stated that the credit card and the computer were tools of the Devil. So what? Everybody depends on both today, even if the Anti-Christ is to use the computer to control the population, it doesn't mean that if you use a computer, you're a follower of the Devil.I believe that religion, when improperly used, is a dangerous thing. Christianity has wasted a lot of valuable time trying to influence people in believing that unimportant things are evil instead of spreading the word of GOD. Christianity (or those prideful, arrogant, self righteous leaders) has looked down on tattooing far too long.
Subject: A TEMPORARY ALTERNATIVE?
A) For those who might not be ready for the plunge, but are seriously
considering what it would look/feel like to have a tattoo, Julian
(an54349@anon.penet.fi) recommends a particular type of temporary
tattoo that uses very light Japanese rice paper. He says these are of
very high quality, and last about two weeks WITH CARE. I have had the
phone number confirmed recently so they are still in business. Note:
This will the only time I'll discuss *temporary* tattoos. :)
Don Ling's Removable Tattoos & Fantoos, 507/956-2024
P.O.Box 309 Butterfield, MN 56120
or 102 2nd ST. South Butterfield, MN 56120
Temptu now has a web page at http://www.temptu.com which describes
their products. The following is from Roy at Temptu:
"The rice paper temporary tattoo you...mention is made in New York by
Temptu studios. It is a cosmetic ink printed on an archival
cigarette-like tissue paper. Special cosmetic inks are then used to
paint in the 'tattoo.' The result is totally realistic, waterproof,
and longlasting (yep, up to 2 weeks!)
"This process was used in _Cape Fear_ on Robert de Niro, _Once Were
Warriors_, and currently on Sean Penn at the end of _Dead Man
Walking_. Also see Bruce Willis' Head in _The 12 Monkeys_. It was
invented by Dr. S. Zuckerman for the film _Tattoo_ (Bruce Dern/Maude
Adams in 1981.
"Often we are asked to create at temporary tattoo for someone who wants
to 'test drive a tattoo,' so they can decide on position, color,
before deciding what and where.
"Temptu primarily develops semi-permanent body art. Current interests
include working on a 'safe' and legal line of tattoo inks, airbrush
body art, and Indian Mehandi (henna). I work closely with the New York
Body Archive, a strange and wonderful place!"
Roy adds one of comment: "I'm frequently asked about the six-month
tattoo you mention in FAQ. East Coast people say it's available in
California. But this is bullsh*t. No such animal!"
B) For some, the easiest thing to do is to simply draw on the skin with
a non-toxic marker. In fact, many people who already have tattoos do
this to figure out placement and design. If you want it to wash off
right away, use something temporary. Crayola's washable markers work
well. I you wanna see if you can live with a design for a couple of
days, try a permanent marker such as the Sharpies. They come in basic
colors.
C) MEHENDI: In some countries such as India, brides are covered from head to
toe with intricate bridalwear (including the face). To try to show off as
much of what skin they can show, they paint their hands and forearms
with something called henna. Henna, when applied correctly, stains
the skin and can last several weeks. Mehendi has become popular with
the mainstream, with a number of mehendi tattoo shops cropping up in some
cities such as Berkeley and Los Angeles.
Part of the process of getting a tattoo is coming to terms with its
permanency. It's like losing your virginity. You lose it once, and you
can't get it back. You can neck and make out, but it's not intercourse.
If you're afraid of losing your virginity, you have to come to terms
with THAT before you can have sex.
But once you lose your virginity, you forget all about how you feared
its loss, and simply enjoy having sex! :)
*Debunking of urban folklore*
Someone asked to confirm a rumour about the possibility of temporary
tattoos obtainable by using a tattooing machine very shallowly on the
skin, to have the tattoo last only six months or so.
Several professional tattoo artists replied with a very strong *NO*.
There is no way to be able to prevent the needles from entering the
second layer of skin (the dermis), where tattoo inks normally go.
Further, even if the tattoo machine only enters the top layer of skin
(the epidermis), you will end up with too much scarring that the tattoo
will never really go away.
Considering the time, cost and pain factors, this is not an option--and
no professional tattoo artist will want to experiment on you.
A proprietor posted on RAB about a "new! discovery!" of a temporary
tattoo that was removable after a couple of years. All efforts by
various reviewers and professionals to confirm the validity of this
product have been unsuccessful--this product, whatever it is being
touted as, is *not* endorsable.
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