Tattoo Cover Ups – Think Before You Ink!

Cover up process from start to finish.

            Cover up process from start to finish.

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

                          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.

Tattoo Parlors in Fort Myers

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 Apologizes to Offended Tattoo Shops in Fort Myers

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.

Fort Myers Tattoo Shop Offers Permanent Makeup Information

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.

Ft Myers Tattoo

Fort Myers tattoo shops are numerous, but there is one that never fails to succeed. Articulture Studio Z is a well-established, highly respected tattoo parlor. Along with numerous local customers, Articulture serves the needs of the surrounding community as well. Also, many travelers in the Sunshine State pass by Articulture, having heard of their quality work and seeking tattoos for themselves.

Aside from the traditional tattoo art or body piercing you can receive at Articulture, there is also another service available; tattoo cover up. In the event that you have a tattoo that you are no longer pleased with, or should you make a decision that you regret, you may need to have an existing tattoo camouflaged. This is done by blending a new tattoo with the old one, creating a new work of art on the body.

Talented and experienced tattoo artists know the proper method of determining what type of design to use when covering an old or botched tattoo. They realize that the closer they can come to the same shape and size of the old one, the better the results will be. Obviously, a cover tattoo can always be larger than the old one, but the shapes should meld together so that the underlying ink is not obvious. The shape and the flow of the lines should be similar. The color of the new art should be a high contrast in order to guide the observing eye around the tattoo, distracting the attention from where the actual old tattoo was.

Some wonder why pure white cannot be used to cover a tattoo. To an extent, this method can be used, but it is not a quick process. Eventually, the white will settle in the same layer of skin as the old colors and fade them considerably, but it will never cover them completely. It will, however, improve the eventual outcome of the cover up tattoo.

An artist doing a cover up tattoo may be more effective if he or she doesn’t try to do the entire job in one sitting. Perhaps the first session can be spent working on the finer details. Line strengthening on the piece that will mask the old tattoo may be done first, and high contrasts can be established first as well. White may be packed over exposed parts of the tattoo being covered. It has been proven that old pigments can be lightened by about 10% by doing this. If the old tattoo is very dark, the white pigment can make the cover more manageable. Each time the old tattoo is covered with white, it adds another 10% cover factor. In other words, if the artist works on the client for three sessions, each time covering the exposed old tattoo with white, it will lighten approximately 30%.

Tattoos and application technology, as well as the skill of artists, has made considerable progress over the last few years. The talent of tattoo artists has never been greater, and some of the best artists in the country are located at the Fort Myers tattoo shop, Articulture Studio Z. Not only are we proficient at regular tattoos, we can cover those tattoos that are considered mistakes, or outdated. We also perform high quality body piercing, using only the best body jewelry in the cleanest, most sanitary environment that can be found.

The Best of the Ft Myers Tattoo Shops

Of all the Ft Myers tattoo shops, Articulture Studio Z stands out as the crème de la crème. Specializing in body art and body piercing, Articulture is the type of shop in which other tattoo artists like to come to get their work done.

Here are four important steps to getting a tattoo:

Do Your Homework: In order to know that you are going to get a quality tattoo, you must do some research to determine which shop you trust to do the work, and which artist you feel most comfortable with. It is important to know that the artist that will be marking your body with a permanent design is well trained, experienced and exercises a great degree of professionalism. Just because people call themselves tattoo artists does not make them good … or great. Anyone can open a shop and call himself or herself an artist, but like most things, “the proof is in the pudding!” An online search can help you find the shop and artist you seek. Look at the reviews posted online of those who have gone before you. See what they have to say about the work they received and if they are still pleased. Most shops have a portfolio of each of the artists working there … review them and study their work. Look at photos of people who have received tattoos from them (preferably healed) to see what they look like once the work is done. Make sure that the artist’s work is consistent. Remember that you are placing the beauty of your new body art in the hands of one person; it better be someone you trust.

Don’t Go With the Best Price: Purchasing tattoo services are not like purchasing a new shirt. We are talking about permanency; so don’t just choose the artist that will charge you the least amount of money. If you were buying something like a shirt, you would look for the best bargain. However, you can always take the shirt back if it doesn’t suit you, or even discard it if you get tired of it. Tattoos are a different story; once they are applied, they are staying for the long haul. You must be willing to pay the price it takes to get quality work from a quality tattoo artist.

Visit the Shop: Once you decide which artist you would like to use, visit the shop and look over the conditions. It should be clean and sanitary. You should see a display of the artist’s work. Feel free to ask questions of the people that work there. If they do not take time to inform you of what you need to know, go elsewhere! When you visit a shop like Articulture, you will instantly know that you have entered an establishment of integrity and class, as opposed to other, less desirable shops that would send you running with dread.

Carefully Consider the Design: Make sure that the design you have in mind is going to suit you for the rest of your life. Sometimes it is a very bad idea to place a lover’s name on your body because, heaven forbid you should break up, you could really regret carrying around his or her name on your abdomen for the rest of your life. Also, political statement tattoos may be a bad idea, as opinions can change as you go down life’s road. Even the face of a celebrity is probably risky, just in case you have a particular issue with one of the characters he or she plays. You should select a design that has special meaning to you; something that pleases you and that you would be proud to show others.

Articulture Studio Z is a Fort Myers tattoo parlor that has gone over and above the call of duty when it comes to helping people with their body art and piercing. We employ some of the best and most experienced artists and body piercers in the nation. We strive harder to be the best of the best when compared to other Ft Myers tattoo shops. To learn more, visit us at ArticultureStudioZ.com.

Tattoo Parlors In Ft Myers are Not Created Equal

There are plenty of tattoo parlors in Ft Myers, but you only need one so you might as well find the best. Articulture Studio Z is a tattoo parlor that goes above and beyond the call of duty, not just meeting, but exceeding the expectations of each customer. Not only do we help our clients find the right design for the tattoo they want, we can also help them decide what the best placement is for their new body art.

While beautiful body art is a pleasure to behold, there are some establishments who don’t want to behold any tattoos, and will not tolerate any visible tats. For this reason, careful consideration should be taken when deciding just where your tattoo should appear … or not appear!

Neck and Face – One form of facial tattooing comes in the form of permanent makeup. Skilled artists can actually apply tattoos that become eyeliner, eyebrows or even lip liner. They relieve the recipient from having to constantly apply makeup. The tattoos last for ten to twenty years before having to be redone. There are other facial tattoos that can be placed on the inner lip, the eyeball, the eyelid or on the neck. There are also tattoos that can be applied on the scalp. Obviously these will not show properly if the wearer isn’t completely bald (either shaved or naturally).

Hands, Back and Shoulders – A very common location for a “first timer” tattoo recipient is on the shoulder. It is called a sleeve, and can vary greatly in size. Some of them extend all the way down to the hand. Depending on how extensive your sleeve is, this form of tattoo can be very time consuming and costly, but the final product can be a beautiful work of art. This type of tattoo would probably not be best suited for those working in an environment that doesn’t tolerate visible tattoos.

Legs and Feet – The tattoos that fade the quickest are those around ankles and legs. Because these are the areas that bear your entire body weight, water accumulates within that area and flushes out the color pigments in the tattoo ink. Beside the fact that the foot is a very sensitive area, it can also be a very visible area as well, especially if sandals or flip-flops are worn.

Side of the Body, Ribcage – These are very thin skinned, sensitive areas of the body. For this reason, they tend to be a little more painful. Nevertheless, these are good locations for those who want a tattoo but do not want to show it off to the world.

Hip and Stomach – Not only are these tattoo areas a little less painful than the others; they are also much easier to hide. This hiding factor prevents accidental “revealing” of the body art. For a woman it is important to consider that the lower abdomen is subject to stretch marks should she become pregnant. While not always the case, stretch marks can mutilate the original design of an abdominal tattoo.

Let one of the most successful tattoo parlors in Ft Myers help you decide where the best place to get a tattoo on your body would be . You can give them a call, or look them up at ArticultureStudioZ.com

Ft Myers Tattoo Shop Suggests Proper Preparation

If you are in Florida and looking for quality tattoos in Ft Meyers, make sure to choose wisely, as there is only one that stands out above all the others. Articulture Studio Z is a state-of-the-art Ft. Myers tattoo parlor that goes way beyond the norm to make their clients comfortable and relaxed.

Aside from choosing the right Ft Myers tattoo establishment, there are a few other preparations one must make to assure a pleasurable experience as your new body art comes to life. For instance, find a design for your new tattoo that will provide you with a lifetime of pleasure…something that has personal meaning to you. Designs can be found on websites dedicated to helping those searching for new body art. Also, tattoo shops all have portfolios you can browse through to get ideas on what you might like to have applied on your body. Perhaps you want to design your own original art. If that is the case, our talented experienced artists at Articulture can help you make your ideas become a reality. Designs, colors and tattoo locations on the body must be determined before the process can begin.

Once you have all the preliminary decisions made, there are preparations for you to make on the day you’re going in to the shop. You will be sitting rather still for a long time as your body art is applied. Also, you may be in varying degrees of pain during the process, and while it is happening, you need to be able to sustain one position. You may have what seems to be an irresistible desire to move around, but it is necessary for the success of the tattoo to remain still and let the artist do his or her work. For this reason, it is important to eat a good nourishing meal before you get to the shop, and to be well rested. Being tired or fatigued will not help you stay more still, it will actually lead to more wriggling. By having a light, healthy meal before getting your tattoo, it will help keep you from getting light headed or dizzy when the needle starts pricking the skin. Try not to eat anything heavy or greasy that would upset your stomach before the tattoo, so that you can remain comfortable during the work.

It is also a good idea to drink plenty of water in order to stay well hydrated. Stay away from alcohol or caffeine, as it can make you fidgety and cause more trips to the bathroom. It can also make your tattoo experience more painful. Many tattoo shops will not work on someone that appears to be intoxicated. Also, being drunk will cause more bleeding, as it thins the blood. Needless to say, drugs should not be ingested before getting a tattoo. Marijuana or painkillers can actually complicate the process rather than help it.

If you are shopping around for great tattoos, Ft Meyers is the best place you could be, and Articulture Studio Z is the best shop you could be in. In order to learn more about how to prepare for getting a tattoo, visit us at articulturestudioz.com.