Tattoo Process

What is a tattoo gun?

A Tattoo machine is a hand-held device generally used to create a tattoo, a permanent marking of the skin with ink

The tattoo machine has remained relatively unchanged since its invention by Samuel O'Reilly in the late 1800s. O'Reilly based his design on the autographic printer, an engraving machine invented by Thomas Edison. Edison created the printer to engrave hard surfaces. O’Reilly modified Edison’s machine by changing the tube system and modifying its rotary-driven electromagnet isolating unit to enable the machine to drive the needle.

Modern tattoo machines have several basic components:

• A sterilized needle
• A tube system, which draws the ink through the machine
• An electric motor
• A foot pedal, like those used on sewing machines, which controls the vertical movement of the needle.

Why do tattoos last so long and how?

The human skin is made up of two principal parts - the epidermis and the dermis. The outer, thinner epidermis consists

of four or five cell layers. The inner dermis is made up of two portions: the upper papillary region and the reticular region. Tattoos are made by ins

erting ink into the deepest layers (the Dermis portion) of the skin, which shed cells at a much slower rate than layers closer to the surface. That is why a tattoo can last a lifetime.

This is the reason that getting a tattoo may sometimes pose a serious health risk. Inserting needles into the Dermis layer can lead to skin infection or even a blood infection, If the tattoo shop conditions are unsanitary. That is why

all tattoo shops should have a certificate labeling them legal to tattoo the public. If they do not have a certificate stay well away from them for your own well being.

(below is a diagram showing the tattoo process and what makes the tattoo stay in)

What process can I expect to happen when I am ready for a tattoo?

When you are old enough and have found a design you are confident you want on your body for you and you alone,

find a tattoo studio which you can trust and has a good healthy reputation and that you are confident with.

Then bring the tattooist a image to scale of what you want (if it isn't already in the tattooists portfolios or flash art)

Then book an appointment. When it comes to the day and you are back in the studio. The artist should have already

drawn up your design onto some special tattoo transfer paper. they will then ask where you want it 'my back' for example. The artist should then shave your back to get rid of any hairs, as when the tattoo scabs over the last thing you want is bits of ink falling out due to hairs in the way. Now your skins smooth the transfer is applied and you are shown what it lo

oks like. All being well you are happy with the positioning, If not make sure you say so because it is going to be on you forever. The tattooist will then wash off the transfer and re apply if this is the case. When the transfer

is on, it is then time for the work to begin. The tattooist then draws on your 'back' with the tattoo gun, He/She will

start with the outline of the design and then add shading, colour or both to the piece. When finished the artist will whipe the tattoo clean and apply some cream on it to keep it moist (so it doesn't scab over straight away. They will

then show you the work before they cover it up with cling film in order to protect it from it sticking to clothing or getting into the oxygen and scabbing up.