Introducing: The Featured Tattoo Artist of the Month
Our goal for the cover-up blog is to continually work towards adding content that our community of tattoo enthusiasts would find valuable. We are excited to announce a new initiative and we need your help! Each month we’d like to feature an up-and-coming or established tattoo artist. If you’d like to nominate a tattoo artist leave a comment below.
In the meantime here’s a great interview of Waylon Rogers written by tattoo blogger Jinxi Boo that was just too good not to share.
Meet Waylon Rogers
At just 23 years old, he has already been tattooing for half his life. Waylon got his first tattoo at only 11 years old from his dad. After that experience he decided that he wanted to become a tattoo artist. Like many tattoo artists, Waylon honed his skills and techniques by working on himself and by the time he was 13, he had completed his entire left arm sleeve all on his own.
Highlights of this interview can be found below. Visit Jinxi Boos’ blog to read the entire interview.
Have you always been an artist? When you were a child, did you envision yourself in the arts, or as a tattoo artist?
I’ve always been into art, ever since I can remember; and for the longest time I wanted to work at M.G.M. Studios doing cartoons.
Until I started messing with a tattoo machine, I had no idea how big tattoos were or anything about them. All I wanted to do was figure this stuff out and cover myself in these permanent pictures. I never really went through an apprenticeship, I just picked things up along the way/
Who are your inspirations in the art world and in the tattoo industry? How do you feel they have had an impact on your work?
All of the obvious artists, which are really too many to list, but for the last three or four years I’ve looked and studied the work of Nick Baxter, for his unreal vision; and Guy Aitchison because anytime I need anything on texture, color, layout, and execution of a design, he is for sure the guy (no pun intended).
You are also a dad and husband to an adorable little boy and a beautiful wife. How do you balance time between your many hours working on your art with your family life?
It’s awesome doing what I do because I don’t have to punch a clock and stay true to a strict schedule. My wife Cameron is also very in tune with the tattoo world. She is a model for H2Ocean, the president of the Gypsy Queens O.K.C, Ladies Of Metal, and is a full-time student in the culinary arts. She has an awesome collection of tattoos on her (90% done by me), and the tattoo on her foot is done by another sick-ass artist, Adrian Dominic. I love being able to spend my time in the morning with my son while my wife is in school. He is by far one of the coolest little kids I’ve ever seen. I can already tell he is going to be into art and he is only two. Every time he sees me set up to paint or something he sits and screams “PAINTING” or “COLOR,” when he wants his crayons.
Are Tattoos Like Potato Chips?
Back in the 1960’s, Lays potato chips launched a TV commercial talking about the golden, crunchy goodness of potato chips. Their catch phrase was “I bet you can’t eat just one!” Truer words were never spoken. I don’t know many people who can eat just one potato chip. I know I can’t!
Many people with tattoos jokingly warn their friends, who are getting their first tattoo that tattoos are addictive and it’s hard to stop with just one. The “I bet you can’t get just one” concept has given rise to the idea that it is possible to become addicted to tattoos.
Tattoo Addiction – Does it Exist?
No doubt, there’s nothing like the experience of receiving your first tattoo. The pain, the adrenalin rush, the sound of the machine humming, it’s almost like you’re all of a sudden part of something bigger.
Getting a tattoo releases endorphins, produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. (region of the brain) In people endorphins are produced during exercise and times of excitement. It said that the effect is similar to taking opiates. The “endorphin rush” produces a sense of well-being.
This is such an interesting topic, unfortunately the issue around tattoos and addiction hasn’t been studied so there is not any scientific evidence available in either direction.
What do you think? Is there such a thing as being addicted to tattoos? Post your comments below!
Guinness Book of World Records – Tattoo Style
Below are some of the latest tattoo related world records.
Longest Tattoo Session – The record for the longest tattoo session lasted for 43 hours 50 minutes achieved by Stephen Grady and Melanie Grieveson (both Australia) at the Twin City Tattoo &Body Piercing, Wodonga, Victoria, Australia, on August 26-28, 2006.
Most Tattooed Person - Lucky Diamond Rich, who has 100% of his body covered in tattoos has spent over 1,000 hours having his body modified by hundreds of tattoo artists. He opted for a 100% covering of black ink, including eyelids, the delicate skin between the toes, down into the ears, and even his gums.
Most Tattoos Inked in 24 Hour Period – Imagine creating a tattoo every minute and a half for 24 hours straight. That’s what Jeremy Swan did a few months ago in Los Angeles to set the new world record for most tattoos inked in a 24-hour period – 875! (The old record was 801.)
Is it Safe to Get a Tattoo During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is probably not the best time to consider a new tattoo, there are several ways that getting tattooed during your pregnancy could definitely cause problems. In fact; many tattoo artists will refuse to give pregnant women a tattoo.
Below are some considerations for pregnant women considering a tattoo.
- Hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS are two of many diseases that can be passed along through bodily fluids. This means you can catch these diseases if you get a tattoo from someone who uses a dirty needle. And it’s possible for you to pass these diseases along to your baby while you’re pregnant.
- People are unsure about how tattoo dyes and inks affect a developing baby. Small amounts of chemicals that might be harmless to an adult can have a much bigger impact on a tiny fetus.
- If you’re birthing plan includes an epidural, hold off on getting a tattoo on your back. Although there is no clear evidence for or against giving epidurals near tattoos, it’s best to check out the hospital’s policy is before you’re admitted.
I am willing to bet there are a lot of opinions on this topic both from tattoo artists and those receiving tattoos. We want to know your opinions!
Leave a comment below.
Note: Ink Armor is not trained in the medical field or as a tattoo artist. The information above was brought to you by Baby Zone.
Proud Parents use Tattoos to Honor Their Children
Stretch marks are no longer the only physical reminder of giving birth to a child for some moms. Birthstone jewelry and charm bracelets have been traded in for something a bit more permanent, tattoos. Yep, you read that right parents of all cultural backgrounds are honoring their children in ink. This new trend makes sense given that most people are looking to get a tattoo that has meaning. What can be more meaningful then a tattoo that represents your kiddos?
Tattoo artists say the most popular amongst these tattoos are portraits, initials, names or a symbolic image such as a footprints or a teddy bear.
Would you consider getting a tattoo to honor your child? Do you currently have a tattoo that represents your child/children?
We’d love to hear your story!
2010 Tattoo Trends
Because negative reviews around tattoos is being phased out and replaced by the more excepting opinions of the younger generations, tattoos are becoming much more accepted in today’s society.
There are many reasons people choose to get tattooed, the most common reason being personal meaning behind the tattoo. Many tattoos these days are designed around expressing what you are feeling on the inside. Below are some of the top trends seen in tattoo shops for 2010.
- Remembrance tattoos – Getting a tattoo with the name of a lost loved one is a popular way to remember and honor that person. Generally people chose to tattoo the name of the person or choose a special symbol that reminds them of that person.
- Angel wings – Tattooed angel wings across the entire back is popular amongst both men and women. The meaning of wings is generally a spiritual one. The type of wing design varies on the personal preference and sex of the person receiving the tattoo.
- Flowers – Flower tattoos either on their own or as part of a design are also very popular. It’s a trend mostly seen with women. Flowers also have a deep spiritual meaning behind them, symbolizing the eternal circle of life, death and rebirth.
- Motivational Quotes – quotes and phrases are hot this year. Many choose to get quotes done in fancy scripts or in a language that is written in symbols such as Arabic or Chinese kanji as these forms have beauty of their own.
Some people spend years deciding what design they should get for their first tattoo. Others know right away.
How did you choose your tattoo design? Do you have any of the above mentioned tattoo types?
Leave comments
Are Underage Tattoos “OK” If you’re a Celebrity?
I’m willing to bet that the list of underage celebrities with tattoos is pretty long; but, for whatever reason the media seems to have fixated on the tattoos of 17 year old Miley Cyrus and 16 year old Justin Bieber.
Miley recently got her third tattoo, the word “Love” tattooed on her inner ear. Other tattoos consist of “Just Breathe” on her chest and a symbol that matches the one on her famous father.
According to MTV, Justin’s tattoo was done in March and it is the image of small bird, apparently the tattoo is a family tradition and his father accompanied him when he received the tattoo at the Son of a Gun tattoo parlor in Toronto, Canada.
Tattooing is illegal under the age of eighteen although some laws in the US allow tattoos with parental permission.
I give them credit for getting their tattoos in places that could easily be covered up with clothing but at the end of the day there are many reasons why you have to legally be an adult to get a tattoo.
What Do You Think?
Do you think it is okay for underage teens (celebrity or not) to get tattoos if their parents are on board?
Would you give your permission for your teen to get a tattoo?
What are your thoughts around the parents giving their teen permission?
Leave comments below.
Coming to a Town near You – August Tattoo Events
For those tattoo enthusiasts out there, we thought you might be interested in knowing about some upcoming tattoo events taking place next month. If you have an event you’d like to add, feel free to leave a comment below with the information.
Note: Ink Armor is not affiliated with any of these events.
Dates: August 13-15, 2010
Event: South Florida Tattoo Expo
Location: Deerfield Beach Hilton
Website: http://floridatattooexpo.com
Dates: August 27-29, 2010
Event: Hell City 10 “Let It Burn”
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Website: www.hellcity.com
Dates: August 27- 29, 2010
Event: Beneath the Machine Tattoo & Bike Festival
Location: Heirs Park in Huntington, Indiana
Website: http://beneaththemachinetattooandbikefestival.webs.com
Dates: August 27-29, 2010
Event: Painful Pleasure Rock & Ink Expo!
Location: The Fireside, Auburn Maine
Website: http://www.krishowestattoos.com
Yikes – I Hope this is a Sharpie!
I have to admit, I used to confuse “Your” and “You’re”
all the time. It was Ross on the sitcom “Friends” that taught me the difference between the two with this quote;
“Oh-oh-oh, and by the way, Y-O-U-apostrophe-R-E means ‘you are.’ Y-O-U-R means your!”
If only this guy would have seen that same episode before he got this tattoo.
The Tattooed Need Not Apply
Meet Mark Johnson, he is a tattooed English teacher in the Ogden school district where he has been employed for the past 15 years. Mark could lose his job if he decides not to comply with the new district-wide dress code for teachers that require all tattoos to be covered up.
Mark has stated that his tattoos aren’t offending anyone; they’re his kids’ names and wife’s initials. He claims he does not necessarily want to lose his job, but he feel discriminated against for his body art.
A spokesperson for the school district had this to say: “we decided that teaching is a career, teaching is a profession, and we want to set a professional standard so that our students will look at their teachers and say, ‘Yes, they are a professional and yes, I could be a teacher, and I would love to have education as my career for 30 years”
Given the above statement are we to assume this spokesperson does not feel people with tattoos are professional? I guess rules are rules but wow after employing this guy for almost 2 decades, a district is willing to fire a good teacher over ink. Wouldn’t a high school student related better to a teacher with tats?
Worlds Youngest Tattoo Artist
What were you doing when you were three years old? I personally was playing with my dolls and coloring rainbow bright pictures with my big box of 64 crayola crayons.
Ruby Dickinson a 3 year old from Wales is learning the tattoo trade by her father Blane Dickenson who owns his own tattoo shop. After daycare everyday she attends tattoo lessons where she gets to practice with a toy kit.
Being her dad already has 70% of his body covered already he allows ruby to practice her skills on him as well. Ruby has been working on perfecting her favorite design, a spider and is looking forward to her 4th birthday when she’ll get her very own miniature tatoo kit.
Before Ruby, the prior recorded holder was Emilie Darrigade from Canada who inked a butterfly on her dads arm when she was just five years old.
Note: The ink you see on her arm was done in Pen
3D Tattoo Designs
A few years back 3Ds tattoo came on the scene. 3D tattoos are a unique style of tattooing that adds depth and realism to the tattoo design. Some tattoo artists accomplished this look by adding shadow to the design to make it look like it is either a part of your skin, or something standing on top of your skin.
Other tattoo artists take a more extreme route by either injecting hyaluronic acid (sugar) under the skin or working with subdermal implants that are placed under the skin to make a design.
Although I don’t think I would personally get a 3D tattoo, I have to admit some of the designs I’ve seen online are pretty darn cool looking.
Eyeball Tattoos – Innovative Tattoo Trend or Just Plain Nuts?
I know eyeball tattooing sounds like something people could only think up while on some sort of mind-altering substance, but it’s actually a medical procedure that been around for quite some time.
Dyes injected into the eye were often used as a cosmetics improvement to mask cloudy structures over the cornea called corneal opacities. Eye tattoos have also been used to reduce glare and improve vision impairments caused by numerous eye diseases and other eye trauma.
Eyeball Tattoos Have Evolved
Believe it or not, the latest craze is tattooing your eyeball. During this procedure, a needle penetrates the eyeball injecting colored ink into the whites of the eyes. Like most tattoos, these are also permanent.
There are currently laws under consideration in some states to ban the risky procedure, in fact; as of July, 2009 eyeball tattoos were banned in Oklahoma and as of April 13th 2010 the Illinois senate voted to also ban this form of body mortification. Eye tattooing is said to be very dangerous (Ah Duh!) in that in can cause blindness or other long-term effects, such as infection, perforation, and hemorrhaging of the cornea.
Unique Cosmetic “Tattoos” for Veteran Amputees
Memorial Day is more than simply a day off work. It’s a time to honor and remember the veterans who’ve risked and often sacrificed their lives for us and our country. There are a lot of people out their supporting our Veterans with money, time and services. One of these people is a guy by the name of Dan Horkey.
Dan is the founder and president of Global Tattoo Orthotic Prosthetic Innovations (GTOPI), and works with veteran hospitals throughout the U.S. to offer his tattoos for prosthetics and orthotics. Dan, a below knee amputee himself believes he is empowering fellow amputees to express their individualistic ideas through custom orthotic tattoo.
“I really want to help fellow amputees open up and not be ashamed or hide their prosthesis and recover the self-confidence they had lost with their injuries by empowering amputees to embrace and express their individualistic ideas through custom orthotic tattoo”
Custom designs allow amputees to express their individual ideas through tattoos to the socket or cup, part of prosthetic limbs. Cost is based on the technique used but ranges from $150.00-$600.00.
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Test Your Tattoo Out, Virtually
You can find just about anything online these days including virtual makeovers, dressing rooms, hairstyles and now
Virtual tattoos. Obsessive Ink, the latest site to give you the ability to create a “virtual you” that can be modified to show you what a potential tattoo would like.
To help you create an avatar as realistic to yourself as possible, they offer a service that can map an image of your face into a 3D head using a high resolution image of your face that you upload. As for tattoo placement, you can try the tattoo out anywhere on your avatar body, except private areas.
At the end of the day tattoos are permanent, Obsessive Ink lets you “try it” before you “buy it”, virtually anyway. Check it out for yourself!
Coming to a Town Near You – July Tattoo Events
For those tattoo enthusiasts out there, we thought you might be interested in knowing about some upcoming tattoo events taking place next month. If you have an event you’d like to add, leave a comment below with the information. Note: Ink Armor is not affiliated with any of these events.
Dates: July 2nd – 4th 2010
Event: Texas Tattoo Show Down
Location: El Paso, Texas
Website: www.myspace.com/texastattooshowdown
Dates: July 16th-18th 2010
Event: Fredericksburg Tattoo Expo
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Website: http://fredtattooexpo.com
Dates: July 16th – 18th 2010
Event: Immersed In Ink Tattoo & Arts Festival
Location: Little Rock Arkansas
Website: www.ImmersedInInk.com
Dates: July 23rd, 24th and 25th
Event: 4th Annual Live Free or Die Tattoo Expo
Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
Website: www.livefreeordietattoo.com
Dates: July 22nd – 24th 2010
Event: InkFest Live
Location: San Francisco, California
Website: InkFestLive.com
Best wishes for an excellent Memorial Day!
Whether you’re attending a memorial service, visiting a cemetery, hosting a backyard barbecue, or enjoying a trip, we hope you are having an excellent Memorial Day.
Ink Armor would like to say a special thank you to all the service men and women around the world, past and present who have fought to protect our freedom!
“Poporn” anyone? Yep, You read that right.
Tattoos are forever – or at least forever minus the input of lasers. If you’re getting inked, you’d think that it’d be wise to run a spellchecker on your body art.
Henna Tattoos – Not 100% Safe
Henna tattoos are popular in Indian & Middle Eastern cultures, where they are used for special occasions such as marriages however; they are becoming increasingly popular in North America as a short-term alternative to permanent tattoos. Henna tattoos are widely available and usually harmless. But certain kinds of henna can cause powerful allergic reactions.
What is Henna?
Henna is a vegetable dye that can be brown, red or green. A henna tattoo can last anywhere for a few days to a few weeks. Some tattoo artists add a chemical called para-phenylenediamine, or PPD to their henna dye in order to get a darker finished product that dries faster. Henna containing PPD is known as “black henna”.
Because the henna dye is applied while the PPD is in its oxidation process, its potential as an allergen is increased. Black Henna tattoos often result in a skin reaction similar to a chemical burn, which in turn results in a scar where the skin was tattooed. If you’re thinking of doing a temporary henna tattoo, make sure the ink does not contain PPD otherwise it may not be so temporary after all.
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