Tattoos
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www.TheCitizensWhoCare.org
|
 Getting
a Tattoo
Tattoo
Removal
Scary
long-term damages of tattoo ink on your
body
Environmentalist
or Not, Don't Go Green
Snippets
Newsbytes
Related
Issue: Body
Piercing  ,
Talking
With Kids About Tough Issues
The Semicolon Tattoo
Project Facebook
;
The
Semicolon Campaign
Getting
a Tattoo
Many of today's tattoo artists have had formal art training,
and have also served a rigorous apprenticeship with another
tattooist to learn the technical aspects of the medium. But
lurking in the shadows is the dreaded scratcher. The
scratcher is an untrained tattooist who, for whatever
reason, has decided that he has a great artistic gift to
share with the world. The scratcher may work out of a
studio, but often works from his home, the back room of a
bar, or even your basement if he can persuade you to let him
set up shop there. He rarely bothers about sterilizing his
instruments, or changing his needles between customers. He's
often had no training in tattooing, having purchased
equipment through the mail. He may spread disease and
certainly scars people for life. Beware the
scratcher.
But, somewhere in between the dark
world of the scratcher and the brightly lit sanitary studio
of the professional tattoo artist is a shadowy world,
populated by tattooists that have managed to scrape up
enough money to establish themselves in a shop, and are
working according to sterile procedure. Yet the tattoos they
apply are badly executed, the outlines run from thick to
thin, the colors are badly chosen and splotchy, and the
actual artwork - well, suffice to say that perspective,
proportion, and well thought out composition is not a
consideration in this shop.
The first decision that you must make,
after the big one of actually deciding to get a tattoo, is
that you will not settle for anything less than wonderful
work. Banal, boring imagery, uninspired colors, and badly
drawn imagery has no place in modern tattooing.
You are responsible for choosing a
professional who is capable of rendering a beautiful work of
art on your skin. You are also responsible for choosing a
design that will bring you joy and make you proud for the
rest of your life. You may have to travel to get work from
the artist of your choice. You will certainly have to invest
some money in the project, not enough to feed a small
nation, but good tattoos do not come cheap (and cheap
tattoos are not good). Getting a tattoo is a big decision so
take the time to educate yourself before you get inked, not
after.
- Finding
Your Tattoo
Getting a tattoo is the most
permanent commitment that many of us will ever make. And
if you're thinking -- "but I can always get it removed"
-- then you are definitely not ready to get a
tattoo.
We live in a disposable society and
tattoos are decidedly permanent. That's what makes them
scary, and that's what makes them powerful. Making an
irrevocable choice is good for the soul.
If you put energy and thought into
choosing your tattoo design, it can become much more than
just a piece of permanent jewelry. Properly chosen
tattoos confer blessings on you. Ask yourself "What am I
willing to commit to forever?" "What do I aspire to?"
"What gives me strength?" Thinking about the answers to
these questions can help you decide on the image or
images that will compose a very personal tattoo. You'll
also learn something about yourself in the
process.
You may want a custom tattoo,
something created by the tattooist just for you, or you
may find just the image you want in the flash designs
hanging on your tattooist's studio wall. Flash designs
are often altered slightly for each person anyway so
you'll still have something of a unique piece.
When it comes to tattooing your
imagination is your only limitation. But a word of
caution; although any image can be tattooed, some
translate more successfully into the medium than others.
In general, a big, bold image will look better on your
skin than a overly detailed small piece. And if your
artist urges you to go bigger with a design, listen to
him. Those big pieces often have an impact that the
little ones lack. American tattooist Walt Dailey sums up
the "bigger is better" issue by saying "A beautiful, big,
fierce bear head design just looks like an angry
hamster's face when you shrink it down."
- Styles
There are many different styles of
tattooing. Here are a few of the most popular:
Black and Gray Work: Just what it
sounds like. The tattoo is done with only tones of black
and gray. This style originated in the prison systems of
America, due to the prisoner's difficulty in obtaining
colored ink. When several tattooists, notably
California's Jack Rudy and Good Time Charlie Cartwright,
saw the work they realized that there was great artistic
potential in adapting it for use in tattoo shops outside
of the penitentiary walls. They went on to develop this
ultra refined and highly detailed style that has become
so popular today.
Traditional: These pieces have bold
black outlines, strong black shading, and bright colors.
The style was first developed to meet the needs of busy
tattooers near military bases (it was a no-nonsense and
quick way to tattoo) and to utilize the limited color
palette available to a tattooist in the thirties and
forties.
Fineline: Delicate outlines, often
highly detailed. Black and gray work is almost always
done in this style, as are many color pieces. The success
of the finished tattoo depends a great deal on the
artist's use of negative space, and his or her refraining
from adding yet more detail. An overly detailed fineline
tattoo, or one that was not carefully planned out, may
dissolve into mush after a few years.
Tribal: Bold, black, silhouette
style designs. Most of this work is based on ancient
tattoo designs, though nowadays artists tend to go more
for the feeling evoked by the traditional designs, rather
than copying them exactly. It's a wonderful strong look
that, when inked by a skilled tattooist, will certainly
stand the test of time.
Realistic: Photographic quality
work, usually portraits or nature scenes.
Custom: Original work designed just
for you
Oriental: This style of tattooing
is more concerned with approach than subject matter. It
utilizes the entire body as canvas, rather than the
western approach of adding a tattoo here and there as the
spirit moves you. The Oriental style usually incorporates
swirling patterns and figures from eastern mythology into
the designs.
Do try to be practical when
choosing a tattoo design. Getting the name of your
current love on your arm is almost always a sure route to
a cover-up. And, hard as it may be to believe, the band
whose music turned you on when you were 18 may not have
the same effect on you when you're 40. Your infatuations
will often fade much quicker than tattoos do. Pick
something that's a little open ended. On the other hand,
some of the best tattoo collections I've seen have been
almost like a personal scrapbook of the wearer's life.
Perhaps they aren't dedicated deadheads anymore but that
"Keep On Trucking" tattoo reminds them of a wonderful
period in their life.
Here's a true story from which you
can draw whatever moral you want. Despite all my warnings
to others that they should never, ever get a name inked
on them. I have my fiance's name tattooed on my shoulder
blade, But adding a permanent symbol to my body of what I
hope will be a forever and beyond friendship was
important to me. I was terrified for about a week after I
got the tattoo, especially during our first post- tattoo
quarrel, but I don't regret getting the piece. Sometimes
you just have to follow your heart.
- Finding your
tattoo artist
Tattoos are created by placing
colored pigments in between the permanent base layer of
your skin and the constantly changing top layer. The
pigment becomes bonded to the skin cells and is visible
through the translucent outer layer of your skin. So
applying a tattoo properly takes much more than just the
ability to draw pretty pictures. A professional tattooist
is an artist, a technician and a craftsperson.
If the ink is placed too deeply
into your skin, your body fluids will cause it to "Blow
Up" (spread and lose definition). If it's not in the skin
deeply enough the colors will "Fall Out" (fade or
actually disappear) just a few months after you get the
tattoo (don't confuse color falling out with the healing
process of a new tattoo. It's normal to have small pieces
of skin flaking off during the healing process, much as
skin peels after being sunburned.)
So obviously selecting the artist
who is going to apply your tattoo is one of the most
important decisions you'll ever make. Once you get a
tattoo you'll never have unmarked skin in that area
again. Hopefully you'll have enough healthy self esteem
to think long and hard about whose hands you'll be
putting your skin in.
First off, you want to get tattooed
in a tattoo studio that is as clean as your doctor's or
dentist's office. With extremely rare exceptions, you do
not want to get tattooed in someone's kitchen, a bar, or
in the middle of a field at a biker's meet. Sterile
conditions can be met at outdoor rallies, such as in
self-contained mobile tattoo studios, but not if the
tattooist is working in a tent and has positioned
himself, for example, close to the drag race track. Use
your common sense and if sterile conditions can not be
maintained in your artist's place of work, go somewhere
else.
Everything that is used to apply
your tattoo should be sterilized or disposable (and if
it's disposable it should be disposed of after use). For
example your artist should not be dipping his needle into
a big bottle of ink, he should have poured enough ink to
complete the work at hand into small disposable ink
containers, which will be used only for you. Vaseline and
ointments should be taken from their containers with
disposable sterile spreaders, not a swipe of the
tattooist's fingers. Sterile, disposable gloves should
always be worn. New sterile needles should be used for
every tattoo.
All non-disposable equipment should
be sterilized after each use with an autoclave.
Ultra-sonic cleaning does not sterilize equipment. It
should only be used as a method of cleaning the equipment
before it's placed into the autoclave.
Having found a tattooist who works
clean, you now want to see actual examples of his or her
work. Photo albums will most likely be provided in the
studio for you to browse through. The more cautious or
paranoid among us will dwell on the fact that photos can
be stolen or bought and will want to see examples of the
artist's work in the flesh. An easy way to accomplish
this, without demanding an artist produce live clients,
is to attend a tattoo convention and simply ask owners of
wonderful tattoos who did their work. Tattooed people are
always happy to talk about their tattoos, if the person
who is asking has a good attitude and a sincere interest
in the art, and will be glad to recommend artists that
they are satisfied with. Don't be shy, even if you don't
have any tattoos yet. You'll be respected for taking
tattooing so seriously.
Also take into consideration the
type of tattoo you want. Artists have their specialties,
specific styles of tattooing that they excel at and love
to do. Yes, a good tattooist can usually put on any style
of tattoo you might desire and do a more than adequate
job of it. But why not see if you can find out who
originated the style you're interested in or who is doing
the best work in the style? Some artists love to work in
tones of black and gray, others have a wonderful sense of
color. Terrific tattoos are born when both artist and
client are enthusiastic about the piece.
Tattooists have an expression "You
get the tattoo you deserve". That translates to mean that
attitude counts. You don't have to be best friends with
your artist but you should both treat each other with
respect. You have a right to have your important
questions answered, and not to feel pressured into
settling for a piece that's not quite right for you. On
the other side, remember your artist is a business person
and cannot devote hours to discussing a proposed piece
with you. Most artists are happy to work with the client,
if they know the client is serious about getting work.
And, once you've picked your artist and design, and
you're sitting in the chair getting tattooed, resist the
urge to be an art director. If you've made your wishes
clear, and by this point you should have, quizzing the
artist about technical aspects of the tattoo process will
only irritate him.
- Keeping
your tattoo
Once it's on your body it's your
responsibility. Think of your brand new tattoo as a new
pet. You have to feed it (with healing ointments) water
it (keep it clean) and walk it (expose it to air). And,
unlike a puppy, no matter how much it begs you must not
scratch it!
Actually the above is a somewhat
poor attempt to make the aftercare process a little less
boring than it is. Shortly after you get your new tattoo
you'll notice the skin in the area of your new
acquisition will be a little bit irritated and sensitive,
rather like you'd spent a few hours out in the sun.
Emotionally you'll be feeling very charged up. This is a
direct result of the endorphins which your body releases
in response to any stimulating experience, like that
little energy jolt you get when a loud noise startles
you. The way you feel after getting tattooed can be
summed up, rather crudely, as the "fuck or fight"
syndrome. So please remember to make love, not
war!
Okay, you've got your new tattoo
home. Now what? Nothing. Leave the bandage on for exactly
the amount of time specified by your tattooist. No
peeking. You've got the rest of your life to look at
it.
In anywhere from four to ten hours
after you get tattooed you'll be able to take off the
bandage. If that time coincides with the period that
you'd usually be sleeping, or is close to it, leave the
bandage on over night. This will give your tattoo, and
your sheets, a little added protection.
When the time comes, take the
bandage off gently. If it sticks use only the amount of
warm water that it takes to unstick it. Then, using your
hand, not a washcloth, and some gentle unscented soap,
gently rinse the tattoo clean of old ointment and all the
other yucky crusty stuff that might be there. Pat dry
(gently!!) and lightly cover the tattoo with a small
amount of healing creme (I use one with a mild
antibiotic, such as they sell in drugstores for healing
cuts). You don't want to slather the tattoo with the
cream, use just enough to keep it moist. During the day,
reapply the cream when the tattoo starts feeling dry and
tight. Wash it again in the evening. After the first week
I switch to using a non-fragranced lotion for dry skin
instead of the healing ointment. I also expose the tattoo
to the air as much as possible to speed healing. And I
take my vitamins, extra B complex and Zinc seem to help
my body heal faster. The tattoo may develop a light scab,
and may peel slightly. It will itch and you must not
scratch it or pick at any scabs that might form. Keep
your hands (and anybody else's) off it, except to wash it
and apply the ointment. It will heal in about 10 days to
two weeks.
Do not soak your new tattoo. You
can shower but keep it out of the direct spray of water.
I cover my new tattoo with ointment, a little heavier
application than usual, before I get into the shower.
Don't swim for at least a couple of weeks, and don't
sunbathe. You have to let your tattoo heal and settle
into your skin with as little trauma as possible. I also
make a point of wearing old, soft clothes over the new
tattoo, things that have been washed often enough to have
the excess dye removed. A fresh tattoo is an open wound -
treat it with care and common sense.
- Getting
rid of your tattoo
If you've got a horrible something
or other decorating your skin, or if the person whose
name is in that banner on your arm just ran off with your
best friend, it's time to consider your tattoo removal
options.
If you like being tattooed but just
don't like the particular tattoo(s) that you currently
have, consider getting a cover-up. Years ago, artists had
stock designs that they used to cover offending tattoos.
These pieces usually had heavy fields of black; black
panthers, black clouds with lightening, etc. Peacocks
were a favorite also, you could hide a multitude of sins
in those heavily shaded tail feathers.
Nowadays we don't believe that the
only way to cover a tattoo is with a large dark mass. But
you need a skilled artist for a cover-up job, unless you
relish the idea of eventually getting a cover-up over
your cover-up ( I know someone who has had the four
cover-ups, one right on top of the other, and he's still
not happy with the piece!). You will need a custom piece
because it will have to be designed to fit over and
obliterate the existing one. Cover-up work is demanding
and exacting so you will also pay more for a cover-up
piece then you would for the same sized tattoo applied on
virgin skin.
Choose somebody with a good design
sense, who can work out an image that will hide the old
tattoo, and still give you a beautiful new tattoo to be
proud of. Your artist may ask you to come back after the
new piece is healed so he can go over it again and
intensify the color.
Reworking a tattoo is another
repair method. This means the artist doesn't cover the
old tattoo but just works with it to enhance it. Perhaps
you went to a scratcher and now the color in your floral
piece is faded, or the outline on your arm band is
jagged? If you're basically happy with the piece you
might just need some corrective work. The best example of
reworking a tattoo that I've ever seen was done on a
portrait piece on my friend's arm. The tattoo in question
was a portrait of his wife who ended up leaving him in a
particularly nasty way. He didn't have the tattoo covered
up, no -- he had it subtly reworked just enough to turn
the lovely portrait of his wife into that of a screaming,
crazed demon who still had, very recognizably, the wife's
face.
Any reputable tattooist will also
fix any skips in color or the outline that may be
discovered shortly after the piece is healed. But if you
picked and scratched at it during the healing process and
literally stripped the color out of your skin, don't
expect the tattooist to perform this service for free. If
you were conscientious about your aftercare routine and
still notice a problem, go back and ask the tattooist
about it.
If you're really unhappy about
being tattooed, or have one of the rare pieces that can't
be covered up, you can investigate laser removal. Its
pros are that it can remove almost any tattoo, with very
few incidences of scarring or hyper-pigmentation, and is
relatively painless, it's usually compared to having a
rubber band snapped against your skin. Unfortunately,
it's very expensive.
Dermabrasion has also been used for
tattoo removal, which is sort of like having the tattoo
sandpapered off your skin, as have chemical peels and
acids. My feeling is that treatment with a ruby laser is
the way to go. Check with a plastic surgeon for a more in
depth discussion of your options and recommendations
about who should do the procedure. And if the doctor has
a lousy attitude about tattoos, go somewhere
else.
Of course, if you remember to think
before you ink, you'll never have to worry about the
expense and pain of getting rid of an unwanted
tattoo!
- Does it
hurt?
Last year I was at a party with a
few friends and a bunch of people I didn't know. During
the course of the evening one large burly man lifted the
sleeve of his t-shirt and exposed a fairly new, and
rather unimpressive, tattoo. He then proceeded to
entertain his audience with a terrifying tale of how
agonizing the process of getting this little blip on his
arm was. One of my friends, a born troublemaker if there
ever was one, couldn't resist lifting my sleeve and
showing my upper arm, which is completely sleeved and
saying "Gee, Michelle said it didn't hurt at
all."
The point of this story is not what
a brave person I am (my pain threshold is normal and
getting that tattoo on my arm really didn't hurt much)
nor what a sissy the other person was. It's a caution to
you not to believe what others may have to say about
their tattoo experiences. By and large, getting tattooed
is mostly just plain annoying, rather than out and out
painful. There are areas that hurt more than others, and
I wouldn't suggest your getting a first tattoo on your
ankle, rib cage or spine. Areas located close to bones
hurt more. Well padded bits hurt much less. To feel the
difference pinch your upper arm between your fingernails,
and then pinch the top of your hand. Actually I've found
this pinch test to be a fairly good indicator of the
sensitivity factor of any area where I might wish to be
tattooed.
The bottom line is that I have
never gotten a tattoo that hurt horribly or I certainly
would never have gone back for another (and another and
another). And whatever small irritation I experienced
during the tattoo process was more than adequately
compensated for by the joy and pride that my tattoos
bring to me every day of my life.
Source: Everything
You Ever Wanted To Know About Tattoos....But Were Afraid
To Ask!
By Michelle Delio, St. Martin's Press
Scary long-term
damages of tattoo ink on your body
We get it. You didn't think the little peace sign on your
wrist would do harm, and the philosophical words on your
back meant a lot to you at the time. In fact, you probably
worried more about hiding the ink from your parents than you
did about the major health issues.
However, recent research has shown
that tattoo ink is actually much more dangerous to us than
originally thought. According to a recent report by the
European Commission's Joint Research Centre, the long-term
impact is very scary.
Not only is the ink made out of
extremely dangerous chemicals, like carcinogens, it has
traces of lead, bacteria, nickel and arsenic. As the
popularity of getting inked rises, so do concerns about it
causing "cancer, genetic mutations, toxic effects on
reproduction, allergies or other adverse effects on health,"
the report says. Additionally, the damage to the body's
lymphatic system is probably significant.
As the report gains traction, so do
countries researching these health effects. European
countries such as Germany, France and the Netherlands are
working to regulate tattoo application, and possibly
"initiate the restriction process".
So, maybe the question to ask isn't
"does it hurt?". Maybe it's "does it hurt my health?".
Source: www.aol.com/article/lifestyle/2016/08/30/scary-long-term-damages-of-tattoo-ink-on-your-body/21462061/
Tattoo
Removal
It might have seemed like a great idea when you got that
tattoo a few years back - but now you'd like to get rid of
it. If this sounds all too familiar, don't despair, it might
be possible to have the tattoo removed. The reason we say
that it "might" be possible to have it removed, is based on
the fact that there are many different things that need to
be evaluated to determine what your choices are and what the
end result will be.
The best way to determine if tattoo
removal is best for you is to meet with a doctor who is
trained in the use of lasers and does tattoo removal on a
regular basis. Make a list of questions and take it along
with you for your first consultation. Make sure that you get
satisfactory answers to all of your questions.
What You Need to Know: About the
Procedure. Who Is a Candidate? Preparing for Treatment.
Pain. Recovery. Risks. Costs. How to Find a Specialist.
Discussion Forums is MORE
Tattoo
removal business booming
Environmentalist
or Not, Don't Go Green
Getting a tattoo? If you think there's a chance you may
want to erase it someday, (25% of people have them removed
within 5 years), don't go green. Most green ink contains
titanium dioxide, which is very difficult to remove with
laser treatments. Removal of a red or black tattoo usually
takes four or five laser treatments, at $150 to $500 a pop.
But green tattoos can still be visible after up to 20
treatments. Note: Ankle tattoos are among the toughest
to remove because the skin there is so thin.
Snippets
- Most Painful - Penis. Imagine
peeing broken glass. Takes 6 months to heal.
- Most school friendly: Ears.
Least painful
- Most Sports
Friendly: Nipples. Facial piercings can get torn off
or smashed. Be sure to cover your nipples with gauze and
tape before you play, in case you take a chest hit. Have
it done in the off-season.
- Most Problematic: Tongue. The
metal bar constantly clacks against your teeth, causing
fractures and receding gums in about 70% of cases. Other
side effects: choking and drooling.
- Biggest Waste of
Money: Eyebrows. 25% of them migrate - meaning the
skin expels the barbell or stuff, and you have to get
pierced again.
Source: MH-18,
Fall, 01
Newsbytes
Have you seen
anyone with a semicolon tattoo? Here's what it's about.
One small character, one big purpose.
Have you seen anyone with a tattoo of
a semi-colon? If not, you may not be looking close enough.
They're popping up...everywhere.
That's right: the semicolon. It's a
tattoo that has gained popularity in recent years, but
unlike other random or mystifying trends, this one has a
serious meaning behind it. (And no, it's not just the mark
of a really committed grammar nerd.)
This mark represents mental health
struggles and the importance of suicide
prevention.
Project
Semicolon
was born from a social media movement in 2013.
They describe themselves as a
"movement dedicated to presenting hope and love to those who
are struggling with depression, suicide, addiction, and
self-injury. Project Semicolon exists to encourage, love,
and inspire."
But why a semicolon?
"A semicolon is used when an
author could've chosen to end their sentence, but chose
not to. The author is you and the sentence is your
life."
Originally created as a day where
people were encouraged to draw a semicolon on their bodies
and photograph it, it quickly grew into something greater
and more permanent. Today, people all over the world are
tattooing the mark as a reminder of their struggle, victory,
and survival.
I spoke with Jenn Brown and Jeremy
Jaramillo of The Semicolon Tattoo Project, an organization
inspired by the semicolon movement. Along with some friends,
Jenn and Jeremy saw an opportunity to both help the
community and reduce the stigma around mental
illness.
In
2012, over 43 million Americans dealt with a mental
illness.
Mental illness is not uncommon, yet there is a stigma around
it that prevents a lot of people from talking about it
— and that's a barrier to getting help.
More conversations that lead to
less stigma? Yes please.
"[The tattoo] is a
conversation starter," explains Jenn. "People ask what it is
and we get to tell them the purpose."
"I think if you see someone's tattoo
that you're interested in, that's fair game to start a
conversation with someone you don't know," adds Jeremy. "It
provides a great opportunity to talk. Tattoos are
interesting — marks we put on our bodies that are
important to us."
Last year, The Semicolon Tattoo
Project held an event at several tattoo shops where people
could get a semicolon tattoo for a flat rate. "That money
was a fundraiser for our crisis center," said Jenn. In
total, over 400 people received semicolon tattoos in one
day. Even better, what began as a local event has spread far
and wide, and people all over the world are getting
semicolon tattoos.
And it's not just about the
conversation — it's about providing tangible support
and help too.
Jenn and Jeremy work with the
Agora
Crisis Center
.
Founded in 1970, it's one of the oldest crisis centers in
the country. Through The Semicolon Tattoo Project, they've
been able to connect even more people with the help they
need during times of crisis. (If you need someone to talk
to, scroll to the end of the article for the center's
contact information.)
So next time you see this small
punctuation tattoo, remember the words of Upworthy writer
Parker Molloy:
"I recently decided to get a
semicolon tattoo. Not because it's trendy (though, it
certainly seems to be at the moment), but because it's a
reminder of the things I've overcome in my life. I've
dealt with anxiety, depression, and gender dysphoria for
the better part of my life, and at times, that led me
down a path that included self-harm and suicide
attempts.
But here I am, years later, finally
fitting the pieces of my life together in a way I never
thought they could before. The semicolon (and the message
that goes along with it) is a reminder that I've faced
dark times, but I'm still here."
No matter how we get there, the end
result is so important: help and support for more people to
also be able to say " I'm still here."
Source: www.upworthy.com/have-you-seen-anyone-with-a-semicolon-tattoo-heres-what-its-about?c=ufb1
Tattoos Can Pose
Health Hazards, Doctor Warns
Tattoos have become increasingly popular in the United
States in recent years, but along with that comes a rise in
problems such as allergic reactions and infections, an
expert says.
More than one-third of Americans aged
18 to 25 report getting a tattoo, according to the Pew
Research Center. But if you're thinking about getting
"inked," there are some things to consider before you head
to the tattoo parlor
"Since tattoos are not regulated in
any way, there are many unknowns that could pose potential
problems for consumers in terms of the inks and tools used,"
Dr. Michi Shinohara, a clinical assistant professor of
dermatology at the University of Washington in Seattle, said
in an American Academy of Dermatology news
release.
"It is especially important for
consumers to be aware of the potential risks, report any
problem that develops to the tattoo artist and see a
board-certified dermatologist for proper diagnosis and
treatment," Shinohara added.
Tattooing inks have changed a great
deal over the years and many modern tattoo inks contain
organic azo dyes with plastic-based pigments that are also
used industrially in printing, textiles and car paint. Many
unknowns exist about how these new tattoo inks interact with
the skin and within the body.
Allergic reaction to the tattoo
pigments is one of the most common problems associated with
tattooing. Infections also can pose a serious threat to
health. Along with localized bacterial infections, there
have been reports of people being infected with syphilis and
hepatitis B and C due to non-sterile tattooing practices,
Shinohara said.
Skin cancer is another potential risk
associated with tattoos because they can make it hard to
detect cancer-related changes in moles. If you get a tattoo,
make sure it's not placed over an existing mole.
A tattoo can also cause a reaction
that creates a bump that resembles a type of skin cancer
called squamous cell carcinoma. Because it is hard to
distinguish from skin cancer, the bump could lead to
potentially unnecessary and expensive skin cancer treatment,
including surgery, Shinohara said.
She offered the following advice for
people who want to get a tattoo:
Go to a professional tattoo
parlor and to a tattoo artist who is licensed according
to state requirements. Insist on seeing tattoo equipment
in sterile packaging.
Tell the tattoo artist if you have
a reaction. If a problem lasts more than one to two
weeks, see a dermatologist.
People with a chronic skin
condition such as psoriasis, eczema or a tendency toward
keloid scarring should check with a dermatologist before
getting a tattoo.
Do not get a tattoo over a mole.
Doing so will make it more difficult to diagnose a
problem if the mole changes in the future.
More information
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
has more about tattoos
and permanent makeup
.
Source: www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20130301/tattoos-can-pose-health-hazards-doctor-warns?src=RSS_PUBLIC
Is
Tattooing Safe?
If you're thinking about getting a tattoo, you should know
what risks are involved. Before you make up your mind, read
this article to find out whether a tattoo is a good idea for
you.
Source: www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_body/skin_stuff/safe_tattooing.html
Body
Art
Piercings and tattoos carry health risks.
Source: www.healthcentral.com/news/NewsFullText.cfm?id=512187
Have you seen anyone with a
semicolon tattoo?
;
Here's what it's about. One small
character, one big purpose.
Have you seen anyone with a tattoo of
a semi-colon? If not, you may not be looking close enough.
They're popping up...everywhere.
That's right: the semicolon. It's a
tattoo that has gained popularity in recent years, but
unlike other random or mystifying trends, this one has a
serious meaning behind it. (And no, it's not just the mark
of a really committed grammar nerd.)
This mark represents mental health
struggles and the importance of suicide
prevention.
Project
Semicolon
was born from a social media movement in 2013.
They describe themselves as a
"movement dedicated to presenting hope and love to those who
are struggling with depression, suicide, addiction, and
self-injury. Project Semicolon exists to encourage, love,
and inspire."
But why a semicolon?
"A semicolon is used when an
author could've chosen to end their sentence, but chose
not to. The author is you and the sentence is your
life."
Originally created as a day where
people were encouraged to draw a semicolon on their bodies
and photograph it, it quickly grew into something greater
and more permanent. Today, people all over the world are
tattooing the mark as a reminder of their struggle, victory,
and survival.
I spoke with Jenn Brown and Jeremy
Jaramillo of The Semicolon Tattoo Project, an organization
inspired by the semicolon movement. Along with some friends,
Jenn and Jeremy saw an opportunity to both help the
community and reduce the stigma around mental
illness.
In
2012, over 43 million Americans dealt with a mental
illness
.
Mental illness is not uncommon,
yet there is a stigma around it that prevents a lot of
people from talking about it — and that's a barrier to
getting help.
More conversations that lead to
less stigma? Yes please.
"[The tattoo] is a
conversation starter," explains Jenn. "People ask what it is
and we get to tell them the purpose."
"I think if you see someone's tattoo
that you're interested in, that's fair game to start a
conversation with someone you don't know," adds Jeremy. "It
provides a great opportunity to talk. Tattoos are
interesting — marks we put on our bodies that are
important to us."
Last year, The Semicolon Tattoo
Project held an event at several tattoo shops where people
could get a semicolon tattoo for a flat rate. "That money
was a fundraiser for our crisis center," said Jenn. In
total, over 400 people received semicolon tattoos in one
day. Even better, what began as a local event has spread far
and wide, and people all over the world are getting
semicolon tattoos.
And it's not just about the
conversation — it's about providing tangible support
and help too.
Jenn and Jeremy work with the
Agora
Crisis Center.
Founded in 1970, it's one of the oldest crisis centers in
the country. Through The Semicolon Tattoo Project, they've
been able to connect even more people with the help they
need during times of crisis. (If you need someone to talk
to, scroll to the end of the article for the center's
contact information.)
So next time you see this small
punctuation tattoo, remember the words of Upworthy writer
Parker Molloy:
"I recently decided to get a
semicolon tattoo. Not because it's trendy (though, it
certainly seems to be at the moment), but because it's a
reminder of the things I've overcome in my life. I've
dealt with anxiety, depression, and gender dysphoria for
the better part of my life, and at times, that led me
down a path that included self-harm and suicide
attempts.
But here I am, years later, finally
fitting the pieces of my life together in a way I never
thought they could before. The semicolon (and the message
that goes along with it) is a reminder that I've faced
dark times, but I'm still here."
No matter how we get there, the end
result is so important: help and support for more people to
also be able to say "I'm still here."
Source: www.upworthy.com/have-you-seen-anyone-with-a-semicolon-tattoo-heres-what-its-about?c=ufb1
Global Semicolon
Tattoo Trend Is A Sign Of Strength Among Faithful
Individuals Dealing With Mental Health Problems
Ever wondered what the story is behind someone's
tattoo?
Some have more significance than
others, but the meaning behind the recent trend of semicolon
tattoos is ever-important and heartfelt.
The trend of semicolon tattoos was
started by Project Semicolon, which describes itself as "a
faith-based non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope
and love to those who are struggling with depression,
suicide, addiction and self-injury." As to the significance
of the symbol itself, the organization writes on its
website, "a semicolon is used when an author could've chosen
to end their sentence, but chose not to. The author is you
and the sentence is your life;" thus, in the case of these
tattoos, it is a physical representation of personal
strength in the face of internal struggle.
Though a Christian organization,
Project Semicolon is quick to clarify that they do not
exclude those who follow any other beliefs or religions.
Founder Amy Bleuel got a semicolon tattoo in honor of her
father, who lost his life to suicide when Amy was
18.
Now, two years after the movement
formally began, the tattoos are popping up all over the
place.
In a blog post, Bleuel says that her
father's death "brought more pain to [her] life than
anything [she] had ever experienced." In light of
her own struggles, those of her father, and the tremendous
pain she felt as a family member of someone who took his own
life, Amy set out to provide support and guidance to others
dealing with similar issues.
The movement meant enough to Heather
Parrie that she got a semicolon tattooed on her forearm, and
wrote a blog post about her own personal struggles with
mental wellness.
In the post, Heather explains her
diagnosis of "depression and anxiety," and describes having
to leave a job she loved because her mental health problems
inhibited her work performance. Still fighting these
battles, but continuing on each day, Heather
writes:
I will show my tattoo proudly and
champion for the people who cannot champion for themselves.
Every day that I say no to the dark thoughts depression
tries to tangle my mind with, I am winning a battle that
society has not made easy to win.
Today, the movement continues to grow
and will hopefully continue to raise awareness about these
issues.
Need help? In the U.S., call
1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention
Lifeline.
Source: www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/07/project-semicolon-tattoos_n_7745358.html
Here's the
Beautiful Reason People Are Getting Tattoos of
Semicolons
A tattoo is always filled with hidden meaning. Sometimes,
its message is personal and intimate; other times, it's
global and expressive. All over the world, people have been
getting tattoos of semicolons to promote Project Semicolon
— a faith-based nonprofit movement that seeks to
promote "hope and love to those who are struggling with
depression, suicide, addiction and self-injury."
Amy Bleul founded the campaign in 2013
in tribute to her late father, who took his own life. She
chose the semicolon for its symbolism.
"A semicolon is used when an author
could've chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to. The
author is you and the sentence is your life," the website
reads.
While the organization is faith-based,
the website also stresses that participants do not need to
be of any denomination — all beliefs and religions are
welcome. The vision of the movement is to inspire hope and
spread the word that there's always a reason to go
on.
The movement has gone viral in recent
weeks, with many people showing solidarity with others
struggling with mental health issues and celebrating the
road to recovery and the determination to keep moving
forward no matter what.
Source: www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/news/a42920/semicolon-tattoos/
Here’s The
Heartwarming Reason People Are Getting Semicolon
Tattoos
There's a powerful message behind them.
It’s difficult to see the battles
we fight inside ourselves everyday, and yet these feel like
the hardest to win. Now, people are using semicolon tattoos
as an external reminder of an internal triumph over mental
health issues.
It’s part of a movement called
Project Semicolon, which describes itself as “a
faith-based non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope
and love to those who are struggling with depression,
suicide, addiction and self-injury.” Those who have
struggled with mental illness, or know someone who is, are
encouraged to get a tattoo or drawing of the semicolon as a
sign of solidarity.
Why the semicolon? “A semicolon
is used when an author could’ve chosen to end their
sentence, but chose not to,” the site said, “The
sentence is your life and the author is
you.”
The movement started with Amy Bleuel,
who founded Project Semicolon in 2013 after her father died
by suicide ten years earlier:
Now, the movement has inspired people
from all over the world. Many have taken to social media to
share their pictures — and their stories:
“Project Semicolon is honored to
be a part of those continuing stories, and to be an
inspiration to those who are struggling,” their site
said.
If you or someone you know is
struggling with mental health, you can contact the National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) or visit
HalfOfUs.com.
Source: www.mtv.com/news/2204380/project-semicolon-tattoo/
Semicolon
tattoos raise awareness about mental illness
A semicolon is a pause in a sentence, not the end of
one.
That's why Amy Bleuel
selected it for her mental health awareness campaign,
Project
Semicolon. The
non-profit encourages people to draw (or tattoo) semicolons
on their bodies as a way to represent and support those
dealing with mental illness or loss of someone from
suicide.
Text: I could
have ended my life, but I chose not to. #ProjectSemicolon
#semicolonproject
"I started it to honor
my father," Bleuel told USA TODAY Network. "And to tell my
story of my struggle with mental illness." Bleuel's father
committed suicide in 2003. Ten years later, she launched
Project Semicolon in 2013.
"I wanted to tell my
story to inspire others to tell their story. I wanted to
start a conversation that can't be stopped, a conversation
about mental illness and suicide so we can address it and
lower those rates," she said.
The semicolon is
intended to encourage people to keep going in
life.
"A semicolon is used
when an author could've chosen to end their sentence, but
chose not to. The author is you and the sentence is your
life," according to a statement
on Project Semicolon's website.
Suicide is the 10th
leading cause of death in the USA, according to the most
recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. In 2013, there were 41,149 reported deaths from
suicide.
The conversation
Bleuel started took off and continues today with people
taking photos of their tattoos and drawings and uploading
them to social media with the hashtag #projectsemicolon or
#semicolonproject.
"It's impacted people
who struggle with self-harm, addiction and suicide, as well
as people who have lost people from suicide and addiction.
It's attracted everyone," Bleuel said.
Text: I got a
tattoo today. A semicolon represents a sentence the
author could've ended but chose not to
#semicolonproject
Text. You are the
author and your life is the sentence- Don't let your
sentence end; #ProjectSemicolon
Text: My story
isn't ending here...its
continuing.#semicolonproject
Text: not scars but
a badge of honor. a road map of the journey i survived
& the strength i gained #SemicolonProject
Source:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/07/09/semicolon-tattoo-mental-health/29904291/
Need help? In the U.S., call
1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
or Text "SOS" at the Criris Text Line number
741741
Scroll down to 6:20 video
I've seen it all over Facebook and now
I’m asking myself, “Why is everyone getting a
tattoo of a semicolon on their wrist?” I decided to
find out….First of all, the semicolon represents where
the sentence could’ve ended but didn’t. Just as
how suicide could be prevented but wasn’t. Many
teachers are getting this tattoo in support of the fight
against suicide in students. Three teens self harm every
hour, teachers see this in students everyday and are
spreading awareness to put it to a stop.
Their mission statement on Facebook
reads…”We are trying to raise awareness about self
harming. We are a group of people who will listen to your
stories and help you get through any tough time, answer and
questions, and give as much advice as possible.Together we
can get through anything.”
If you know of someone who can benefit
from this Facebook page, maybe even yourself, here is the
link: www.facebook.com/TheSemicolonProject/info
Let’s stop the self harming, the
suicides and the bullying.
Source: www.upworthy.com/9-beautiful-semicolon-tattoos-our-readers-shared-to-destigmatize-mental-health-challenges?g=2&c=ufb1
* * *
53% of Millennials sport at least one
tattoo and 38 is the average age most
Americans (57%) think tattoos no longer look cool on
you.
Source: PicoSure/Wakefield
Reserarch survey of 1,000 U.S. Adults.
One
in three adult Ameericans has a
tattoo
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wwwTheCitizensWhoCare.org/tattoo.html
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