Think before you ink. It’s a common expression here in the tattoo industry but it’s also sound advice. There are so many people who do not think before committing themselves to something permanent on their bodies. All to often we see men and women with regrettable tattoos. They were intoxicated, or didn’t research the meaning of a symbol, were very young, perhaps it is an ex loved ones name. No matter the reason, they are now stuck with a tattoo they no longer desire to have on their bodies.
An alarming percentage of tattoo cover ups come from individuals who made the ultimate mistake and got a tattoo from someone who runs them from home. Non professional tattoos create a number of health risks. Most people don’t realize the dangers or most common mistakes made by a unlicensed “tattooer” during a home tattoo. If they were aware of just how terribly wrong it could go, no one would ever get a tattoo out of someone’s dirty kitchen or basement. Bacteria, cross contamination, and infection IE: AIDS, HEP B are just a few of the hazards when receiving a tattoo from home. Should an infection arise, you’ll have no recourse because a home tattooer or “scratcher” wont have any records considering what he/she is doing is about 10 kinds of ILLEGAL. The very best scenario in this situation is you don’t like the “new and cheap tattoo” and realize at some point WILL need to be covered up!!
Harley cover up
When this happens, there are basically two options, either an expensive laser removal session(s) or a tattoo cover up. Covering a tattoo can sometimes be a challenge depending on the size, location, and design. It is important that you spend some time and really think about the tattoo you are wanting to get. Coming up with an original tattoo idea is essential in creating a piece that is custom for you. If you are having difficulties creating your custom piece, talk with your artist. They are excellent at devising pieces of body art personalized to their clients vision. Custom tattoos can a bit more expensive, however it is far more expensive having to cover up a poorly done tattoo, or go through the painful laser removal process.
We tend to give flowers to our friends and loved ones on a specific occasion. Birthdays, anniversaries, to wish congratulations to aspirations, and misfortunes, appreciation and so on. They almost always conjure some type of feelings or emotion, which would explain why flower tattoos are so highly coveted.
Unique flower tattoo
Flower tattoo designs have become extremely popular among women. They may serve as a way to show off their femininity, or enhance their beauty and grace. Flowers are so diverse their designs can be combined with butterflies, birds or even some delicate filigree. A blooming flower tattoo on its own has the ability to grow into a large bouquet over time should the individual decide to add to it. Often times dainty flower tattoos do just the opposite as they make for excellent fillers around the main focal point of a tattoo.
There are many different meanings associated with the various flowers. Lily flowers for instance are associated with the spiritual health, life changing events. They have become a favorite choice in tattoos today.
colorful realism tattoo of lilies
The cherry blossom flower is another all time favorite and is a symbol of awakening, change and new beginnings. It can be used in a tattoo design as a celebration, of finding the good in all situations. A well done cherry blossom flower tattoo is a sight for all to behold.
cherry blossom flowers on cherry blossom tree.
Lotus flower tattoos have a vast variety of meanings. For some, this particular fashionable flower represents passion and sensuality. For other people it suggests the end of a struggle. Because a lotus flower forces its way up to the waters surface, desperate to feel those rays of sunshine, it is often used to represent an individuals emergence from a hardship or a difficult period of life. Just that fact alone makes this a cherished choice for many.
pink lotus flower tattoo done in realism
All flower tattoo designs can be done by utilizing a bold outline and bright colors, a more of a traditional style if you will, while some flowers are done in more of a realistic manner, being meticulous with the exquisite details. You may notice a brightly colored flower purposely placed next to a Koi fish tattoo, and are regularly chosen to cover-up another tattoo. Flowers are gorgeous, appreciated, meaningful and highly sought-after.
Memorial tattoos are a way for family members and friends to show love, respect, adoration, and memories, A tribute if you will. This usually takes place after the loved one has passed away, but there are situations where that’s not always the case. Often times I see our clients get a tattoo that shows support and recognition of a loved one. For example, not very long ago a female came in with her mother and wanted the Breast Cancer ribbon tattooed on her. I had assumed that it would be a memorial tattoo, but in fact it was to represent the endless courage, determination and incredible unwavering strength her mother demonstrated while fighting her battle with Breast cancer. This brave woman had a double mastectomy but she doesn’t see herself as a victim. She explained ” I am lucky to be living with cancer, because I AM living. I’ve lost family and loved ones to this viscous disease, so yes, I am lucky”. While watching her daughter get this tribute tattoo she asked me about cosmetic tattoos. She said that cancer of the breast wasn’t going to make her any less sexy, and wanted to get a black lace bra tattooed on her. I smiled due to the level of awesome this woman was!
Cancer Ribbon Tattoo incorporated into a butterfly
Now a days, almost everyone has been affected or knows someone who has been affected with cancer. It’s a scary, there is no doubt about that. There are 21 types of cancer ribbons, different colors correlating to the specific types of cancers.
Don’t let cancer win!
I think that getting a tattoo of a cancer ribbon is an excellent way to show support, respect,and acknowledgement of those we have lost, and to those who are still fighting their battles.
Often times we find ourselves in situations, social or otherwise that allows us to admire someone’s tattoos. Now, just for a moment, try to imagine the story behind that tattoo. I love to hear the stories behind the tattoos, hearing the level of emotional appeal makes me appreciate their tattoo even more.
Beautiful angel tattoo
I’m often asked what types of tattoos are the most popular and the answer really depends on the clientele we get. With that being said, there are a few in my opinion will always remain popular. One of them would be the winged angel tattoo. Angel wing tattoos come in various styles and designs and I find each and every one of them equally beautiful and in some way, very appealing. I’m sure most of you have seen girls walking around with various angels tattooed on their bodies, and as of late, I’ve seen a growing number of men with angel tattoos as well. That’s right! Angel tattoos aren’t just for girls any more. Recently I was able to watch a client get a set of angel wings on his back. He didn’t want the entire angel but the wings were a must. They covered his entire back, came down over his shoulders and were absolutely gorgeous! I asked him why he wanted the angel wings. He replied by saying, ” I am proud to wear these wings, and now I know that when I hug my boys or my wife, they are wrapped in protection.” Honestly, I have to admit that was probably one of the most awesome things I’ve ever heard as an explanation of why a particular tattoo was chosen.
Beautiful angel back piece done in black and grey
Angel tattoos can hold so many different meanings to just as many people. They are protection, they are inner peace, they can be a symbol of faith. There is a tenderness in their power, and a strength in their softness. The mere fact that they are able to dance in this space between two worlds is truly beautiful.
As far as mythological creatures go, dragons are an all time favorite.They are one of the most legendary creatures in the history of mythology and folklore. As children we often hear various legends from our elders. We sit there fascinated and eager to learn more about these fire-breathing, winged creatures.
The two most common type of dragon tattoos we see are Eastern and Western styles. Knowing the difference in style, description and representation is very important when looking for a dragon tattoo. Western dragons are visualized as a bad omen,or maniacal, evil creatures that breathe fire, burn down villages and destroy just about anything it comes into contact with. The Eastern dragons are seen as protectors of life, and good fortune. They are noble creatures with distinct honors and powers, and considered to be very intelligent.
Progress of a full back piece
Dragons are a popular tattoos to both men and woman, each person finding a different, and perhaps personal reason and symbolism behind the dragon. For females, a dragon tattoo usually symbolizes strength, and protection,and wisdom, where as a males dragon tattoo would more likely represent courage and power and ferociousness. Men favor tattoo placement on their back, upper arm, shoulder blade or leg, while females will typically choose the nape of the neck, side/ribs or foot.
black and grey dragon tattoo with wings
Dragons can be tattooed in a variety of different styles, ranging from tribal dragons to traditional dragons or even realistic dragons. The colors in the dragon also have meanings. Certain colors represent the attributes of each dragon. Black- This color means that the parents are old and wise. Green is usually associated with smaller dragons. It also represents life and Earth. Blue is represents compassion and forgiveness. Yellow is suggestive of being self-centered and mean. Gold represents one that has great attributes, such as wisdom, kindness, and helpfulness.
Completed black and grey dragon back piece
The decision to get a dragon tattoo makes a particularly powerful personal statement, rich with diversity for the individual who chooses it as a form of self-expression. No matter black or white, traditional or realistic, Eastern or Western, the tattooed image of a dragon will likely never lose appeal.
There are a number of tattoo Parlors in Fort Myers, but the premier tattoo establishment is worthy of a better title than simply “tattoo parlor.” It would almost be more fitting to call it a “body art gallery.”
It has only been in recent history that tattoos have started to be recognized as not just markings, but as a true art form. Before, the integration of art into the tattoo world was usually identified as performance art. The Spanish artist, Santiago Sierra, was a prime example of this in 2000 when he hired four prostitutes, and filmed them having simple black lines tattooed across their backs. Not unlike graffiti, today tattoos have become more than just cult art, but collectible art.
As proof of the latter paragraph, the Musée du Quai Branly, a prestigious art institution in Paris, is planning an exhibition in May of 2014 that will feature the artistic medium of tattooing. The display is to be called the “Tatoueurs, Tatoués,” or “Tattooists, Tattooed.” Internationally renowned tattoo artists will create the works of art specifically for the show.
One of the most shopped platforms for tattoo recipients has been the Internet. Those seeking amazing works of art have been going to the world wide web in search of designs, or at least ideas, of what may be the right piece of art work to adorn their bodies. This not only benefits the tattoo recipients, but the artists as well, placing their portfolios out for the world to see.
As is the case with contemporary art, questions about originality and copyright have emerged lately. There are those who feel as though their work should remain strictly theirs, and that not just anyone has the right to copy it. However, many tattoo artists look at being imitated as a true form of flattery. The issue comes into play when one tattoo artist copies another, then claims that the work is original.
Just as expensive artwork requires preservation measures be taken to keep it in its original condition, there have been skin preservation measures taken after the death of the bearer of a fine tattoo. Both the Wellcome Collection in London and the Amsterdam Tattoo Museum feature tattoo skins that have been cut from corpses and preserved. The Irish performance artist, Sandra Ann Vita Minchin, had a recreation of a 17th century painting by Jan Davidsz tattooed on her back. She has plans to have her skin preserved once she dies, and sold to the highest bidder at auction. This is one of many instances in which the tattoo does not die with the bearer. It is speculated by many in the industry that this practice of preserving tattoos posthumously is very likely to become quite common as the 20-year-olds of today enter their senior years.
No matter what you plan to do with your tattoo during life, or after death, you can be assured to get the best artwork available in the nation done right here at Articulture.
Articulture is a good example of what a tattoo shop should provide its customers. They are the only tattoo shop in Fort Myers that is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and they place customer service as top priority. The skilled artists at Articulture will sit with a client and help create a design for them that will put a smile on his or her face. Articulture knows that by looking out for the safety and satisfaction of their customers, they are paying tribute to the entire tattoo industry. What others may consider “raising the bar,” Articulture considers the norm.
Articulture has issued an apology to some of the tattoo shops in Fort Myers that became offended at the recent radio commercial put out by Southern Florida’s premier tattoo shop. In the commercial, consumers were warned of unprofessional and inferior tattoo artists in the area. The reason for the radio spot was not to belittle or slander any particular business, but to bring to the attention of tattoo shop owners the fact that some of their artists were not looking out for the best interest of the customers and the industry reputation.
Articulture Founder, John Improta, explained that since opening the shop in Fort Myers, he has seen a lot of poor work being produced by some of the local artists. He said that not only did the tattoos lack creativity and style, but were applied using inferior methods, using no blending or shading. He added that this type of second-rate bodywork and lack of attention to details also leads to a danger of infection to the customers. These are things that Improta feels should just be automatic … part of a shop’s standard operating procedure.
Another thing that Improta claims is that many of these artists are applying tattoos on people that should be turned away. People who don’t know what they are doing, or who are completely naïve to the permanency of the procedure, should be turned away and given time to consider their decision. For instance, a young girl who comes into the shop on a whim, wanting the majority of her body covered in black ink, should not be serviced on that date. The body artist has a responsibility to sit with her and review the ramifications of what she is about to do. Improta emphasizes the importance of tattoo shops acting in a manner that will most benefit the client and the industry, not what will make the shop a quick dollar.
Improta takes great measures to assure that the tattoo artists employed by him are amongst the best in the nation, and feels like all tattoo establishments should follow suit. He believes many of the shops in the Fort Myers area should raise the qualification standards of their artists by providing better training and extensive critiquing of their work before allowing them to move forward as a fully qualified tattoo artist. He states that just passing the licensing test should not qualify anyone to start work immediately unless there has been a successful apprenticeship and a proof of abilities to the shop owners.
Articulture is a good example of what a tattoo shop should provide its customers. They are the only tattoo shop in Fort Myers that is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and they place customer service as top priority. The skilled artists at Articulture will sit with a client and help create a design for them that will put a smile on his or her face. Articulture knows that by looking out for the safety and satisfaction of the customers, they are paying tribute to the entire tattoo industry. What others may consider “raising the bar,” Articulture considers the norm.
Articulture is the premier Fort Myers tattoo shop, offering the latest and greatest tattoo techniques to their customers. Lately, many have asked about permanent makeup, and what it’s all about. Articulture does not yet offer the service, but provides some information on a service that they may be offering in the future.
In today’s “hurry up” world, we do anything we can to expedite any process. It is as though saving time has become an obsession with our country. How often do you get impatient if your computer takes a few extra seconds to process something? When we are in a hurry, how frustrating is it that a red light seemingly keeps us stopped for what we perceive as an eternity? We have become lovers of the “fast and easy” lifestyle. Permanent makeup is just another way to save minutes and decrease the preparation time to getting ready in the mornings, so it’s no wonder why make up wearers are clambering to become a part of the permanent makeup movement.
Permanent makeup is actually a well-placed and properly colored tattoo that gives the impression that you are always wearing makeup. The pigment is applied by the technician with a tattoo needle. After time, you may wish to return to get it touched up and brightened. When you visit an establishment that provides permanent makeup, you can choose whatever color you want your makeup to be, and the tattoo artist will draw on the areas on your skin that will be pigmented. The color ink is then applied to the area with a hollow needle. The ink is not placed deep into the skin; it remains in the top layers only, however it can sting a little, just as conventional tattoos sting when being applied. The pigment will not appear as the color you selected for about three weeks, until it has faded to the right shade.
Another name for permanent makeup is micropigmentation. It has become a specialized service in the makeup industry, as well as the tattoo industry. This field is expanding as demand grows greater. Not only is it a boon to those wishing to save time, but for those who have medical issues that keep their hands from functioning properly, such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis. Others who have issues with eyesight no longer have to wonder if they applied their makeup correctly. Those who get it never have to worry about their makeup smudging after swimming, or after crying, or even after working out.
Aside from the conventional makeup application, there are other uses for permanent makeup. For instance, breast cancer patients who undergo breast reconstruction after mastectomies can have nipples applied with the tattoo methods. Those who lose their hair may wish to have eyebrows applied permanently, or those who have lip scars can have the lip color smoothed out with the tattoo method.
Anyone considering getting permanent makeup applied should consider a few other factors. While it is very handy and saves time, you lose the ability to vary the color of eyeliner you wear, or other features, and tattoo removal can be very difficult, so it’s important to be very confident of exactly what you want.
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