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Tattoos/Questions
| Subject | Date Asked | Expert |
| Alergic to red | 2/6/2012 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: I have a allergic reaction to red on two tattoos I did a week ago. I read about your tip on not ... A: Kristian, I would not recommend any anti-biotics unless you have an infection. Otherwise just let ... | ||
| Possible blow out | 2/3/2012 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: I was so happy to get my first tattoo at 44. Got it on 1-26-12 and was very happy with it, on 2-2-12 ... A: Crystal, Not only did the person that tattooed you go way too deep, they also inserted the needle ... | ||
| Question about nose screws falling out? | 1/31/2012 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: I have read stories online about some people's nose rings falling out like in the shower, or in ... A: Matilda, I am personally and professionally against using Nose Screws all together. I believe they ... | ||
| microdermals | 1/25/2012 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: I live in Wichita, KS and am just curious if there is anywhere nearby that does microdermals? I've ... A: Emily, Unfortunately microdermals and implants are illegal to perform in the state of Kansas except ... | ||
| printer | 1/24/2012 | Charles Parent - Registered Master Tattoo Artist |
| Q: someone i know is opening a tattoo shop and doesn't know what kind of printer to get,he has a ... A: Okay, CLOSELY GUARDED SECRET HERE! Don't bother with thermal printers at all! Thay are expensive and ... | ||
| tattoo | 1/24/2012 | Charles Parent - Registered Master Tattoo Artist |
| Q: I got a tattoo Tuesday the 17th. Now its tuesday the 24th. I got my tattoo above my right ankle. ... A: First, STOP using the triple antibiotic! It'll damage the tattoo! Second, because it is on a bony ... | ||
| Place to tattoo... | 1/22/2012 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: I enjoy your art by the way! But to get to the point, I have been doing body art, tattooing and ... A: Tobi, I applaud you for wanting to remain legal. Furthermore I congratulate you for not letting ... | ||
| tattoo license | 1/10/2012 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: alright ive been freelance tattooing for a few years now i was jus curious if you dont take an ... A: Ryan, You will need to contact your local licensing board and see what their licensing requirements ... | ||
| New Tattoo--infected? | 1/10/2012 | Charles Parent - Registered Master Tattoo Artist |
| Q: I just got my first tattoo (at 45!) 4 days ago. The problem is it seems more red and more tender the ... A: The photo clearly shows that the bottom character was done far too deep and there appears to be ... | ||
| New Tattoo | 1/10/2012 | Sasha Merritt - Professional Tattoo and Cosmetic Artist |
| Q: I just got my first tattoo (at 45!) 4 days ago. The problem is it seems more red and more tender the ... A: Susan - Hopefully the redness & soreness have subsided by this time. If not, for sure consult your ... | ||
| New tattoo | 1/9/2012 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: Here's the thing I just got a tattoo I received aftercare instructions but my husband which has had ... A: Lizzy, Neither one! Bacitracin is not good to heal a tattoo. It is meant for abrasions and a tattoo ... | ||
| 4-Day old tattoo red and tender | 1/8/2012 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: I just got my first tattoo (at 45!) 4 days ago. The problem is it seems more red and more tender the ... A: Susan, You have two problems. The first is that the tattooist went too deep for the area in which ... | ||
| obtaining an apprenticeship | 1/4/2012 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: I am looking for honest suggestions or at least opinions. I have been tattooing (illegally) out of ... A: Harlan, The bottom line is that regardless of how closely you follow safety regs. and universal ... | ||
| Interested in a career as Tattoo artist | 12/29/2011 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: I am interested in becoming a tattoo artist. Is there any websites or information I can get that ... A: Heather, What you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo artist ... | ||
| becoming a tattoo artist | 12/29/2011 | Sasha Merritt - Professional Tattoo and Cosmetic Artist |
| Q: where can i do my training . im just starting out . please help i leave in tn A: David- What you need is an apprenticeship with an artist in your area. Working with a reputable, ... | ||
| URGENT TATTO MESSAGE | 12/28/2011 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: Wow--I love your work! My daughter would really like to receive a tattoo. She just wants three words ... A: Gabby, Thank you for the compliment. In the state of Kansas a minor can be tattooed with a ... | ||
| Tattoo left calf just had color put in | 12/21/2011 | Sasha Merritt - Professional Tattoo and Cosmetic Artist |
| Q: So i had the basic out line but had color put into day not even 12 hours ago it has swelled up ... A: Erin- It is pretty common for the lower parts of legs (below the knee) to swell after a longer ... | ||
| potential allergy | 12/21/2011 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: I am a 50 yo female with ivory, very sensitive skin. I am allergic to adhesive, latex, some steroid ... A: Deanna, Based on the types of allergies you have getting a tattoo may be very risky for you and I ... | ||
| tattoo and waxing | 12/19/2011 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: Hey, i m planning to get a tattoo on my legs so would have to wax my legs before getting it dond. ... A: Payal, For the purposes of getting a tattoo shaving is always better. If waxing wait 7 days before ... | ||
| Tattoo/ Tattoo Meaning | 12/18/2011 | Charles Parent - Registered Master Tattoo Artist |
| Q: What is the meaning of an old school panther with a dagger through it? Like the panthers head with a ... A: A black panther is a big cat, which makes it ideal to be tattooed on tough muscles, or as crawling ... | ||
| tattoos around stretch marks | 12/17/2011 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: i was wondering ive always wanted a tattoo around my hips or lower stomach or lower back area also i ... A: Lizzy, You will need to wait until the stretch marks are at least 1 year old before tattooing on ... | ||
| Tattooing as a career. | 12/15/2011 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: I'm a 17 year old girl interested in tattooing, I've been tattooing for almost a year and I really ... A: Doryea, What you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo artist or ... | ||
| Micro-Dermal near Kansas City | 12/14/2011 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: I live just outside of Kansas City and have been wanting to get two micro-dermals, but I cannot seem ... A: Caitlin, It is illegal in the state of Kansas to do Micro-Dermal Piercings. The Board of ... | ||
| bumbs | 12/7/2011 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: i got my tattoo about 2 weeks ago on my wrist. i had a little cluster of bumps on it. the next day i ... A: Alyssa-Jordan, You are having an allergic reaction to the healing ointment you are using. ... | ||
| Possible Blow out??? | 11/27/2011 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: I had a tattoo done on my ear 1 week ago. The day after having it done I noticed what I thought was ... A: Chellie, Your tattooist definately went to deep on your tattoo and caused a blow-out. Unfortunately ... | ||
| Dragon + Tiger Tattooo ....again | 11/22/2011 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: I too am looking at a dragon/tiger tattoo but for a different reason....I was born in the year of ... A: Sonja, I would suggest placing both in a position of peace. This is usually denoted by an animal in ... | ||
| Shave after Tattoo | 11/17/2011 | Sasha Merritt - Professional Tattoo and Cosmetic Artist |
| Q: I got a new rather large tattoo that will be 2 weeks old. It's a butterfly that covers most my foot, ... A: Kristin- It shouldn't be a problem to shave your leg if the skin is healed (finished flaking) I ... | ||
| Piercing in Kansas | 11/6/2011 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: I am currently a licensed cosmetologist in the state of Kansas and would like to also do body ... A: Sharolyn, Body Piercing is also governed by Kansas Board of Cosmetology. You can visit their ... | ||
| koi fish with tiger!! | 10/25/2011 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: what would be the right placement and meaning ? i tried searching but haven't found anything yet! i ... A: Joel, The Tiger is always in opposition to the Koi as well as the Dragon (Koi's turn into Dragons ... | ||
| Getting started | 10/21/2011 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: first of all it seems that your experience and work is impecable, so I appreciate that you take the ... A: Hollie, Here is some advise that may help set you on the right path; What your daughter should do ... | ||
| ink leaking into my skin | 10/14/2011 | Sasha Merritt - Professional Tattoo and Cosmetic Artist |
| Q: I have now gotten two stick and poke tattoos from a friend and both have a blue tinge around them. ... A: Lindsay- While I do some hand poking tattooing, I work mostly with a machine, so I can only talk ... | ||
| Gypsy History | 10/11/2011 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: In reading a couple of your questions, I believe that you may be a good person to ask, though it may ... A: Leola, The Gypsies did originally come out of India and spread into Africa then into eastern Europe ... | ||
| Tattoo Pricing | 10/10/2011 | Sasha Merritt - Professional Tattoo and Cosmetic Artist |
| Q: I wanted to get 'to live doesn't mean you're alive' tattooed in black and white across my lower ... A: Brianna- There are so many variables as to the cost of a tattoo that it is not possible for me to ... | ||
| "brail-looking" tattoo | 10/6/2011 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: My brother got a tattoo on his upper and lower arm at a reputable tattoo shop (I have also gotten ... A: Joanna, In some cases certain medications will have a reaction to impurities in the skin causing ... | ||
| apprenticeship | 9/30/2011 | Charles Parent - Registered Master Tattoo Artist |
| Q: Do you have to have artistic ability such as being able to draw and sketch well to be able to get an ... A: The answer depends on whether you just want to be a "cookie-cutter" tattoo technician or a REAL ... | ||
| Possible infected foot tattoo | 9/30/2011 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: I got a tattoo on my foot almost 2 weeks ago. This is my third tattoo so I understand that it takes ... A: Karen, Yes, an overworked tattoo can have a blow-out. Also, FYI; I strongly advise against the use ... | ||
| Possible infected foot tattoo | 9/27/2011 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: I got a tattoo on my foot almost 2 weeks ago. This is my third tattoo so I understand that it takes ... A: Karen, An animal carries a lot of bacteria on their body especially on their feet. I am not a ... | ||
| tattoo | 9/20/2011 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: what is the meaning of 1% tattoed on the neck. A: Shirley, Most often the 1% symbol is adapted by outlaw bikers. The 1% symbol is indicitive of the ... | ||
| Rash on year old tattoo | 9/19/2011 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: I've had a slight rash (you can actually count the number of bumps)on my year old tattoo since ... A: Carol, Stop using the Hydrocortisone. You are doing nothing but complication the reaction you are ... | ||
| Suggestion on what to wear after getting a tattoo | 9/16/2011 | The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician |
| Q: I want to get a tattoo on my side. The problem is that about half of it would be under my bra. I ... A: Christy, You cannot compromise on the bra thing. You cannot wear one during the healing period. Try ... | ||
Answers by Expert:
The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I can accept questions on proper tattooing and piercing procedures, including but not limited to, licensing, sterilization, studio promotion, safety, what to look for in an artist/studio, aftercare, apprenticeship, studio management and proper design/piercing placement. I can also rate artistic quality. We also can answer questions on tattoo/piercing resources, ie; books, videos, studios and artists/piercers. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE ASKING YOUR QUESTION: I will NOT answer "How To" questions. If you want to know how to tattoo or pierce do the right thing and seek out a formal apprenticeship. Tattooing and piercing are not a "Learn On Your Own" professions. ALSO: Please DO NOT ask me about tattoo or piercing prices. Rates vary from region to region. You will need to check with studios in your area for their current rates.
Experience
I was appointed By Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson in September 2009 to the Kansas Board of Cosmetology. I represent Body Art Studios and Artists on the board for the State of Kansas. I am one of only 27 people worldwide who have taken and passed the Tattoo Mastery Test presented by the Alliance of Professional Tattooists. I have been in the Body Art Business since 1976. I got my start in this business due to the inspiration, great advise and guidance I received from Gene Grimm of Grimm's Tattoo Studio in Kansas City, Missouri. I took formal classes in Micro-Dermal Implantation (Permanent Cosmetics) in 1990. I had formal Body Piercing Training in 1992.
Organizations
Alliance Of Professional Tattooists and Kansas State Board of Cosmetology
Publications
"STANDARD PERIODICAL" FEBRUARY 1974
"TEEN TODAY" MARCH 1974
"ABILENE MAGAZINE" JUNE 1981
"SCOUT JAMBOREE PROGRAM" NOVEMBER 1981
"PRONGHORN PRESS" DECEMBER 1981, FEBRUARY 1982, MARCH 1983, MAY 1983
"ENEWS" JUNE 1983, JUNE 1986
"EL PASO SUN TIMES" OCTOBER 1985
"BAXTER CITIZEN" AUGUST 1992
"TATTOO" OCTOBER 1992
"TATTOO" MARCH 1993
"BAXTER CITIZEN" JUNE 1993
"SKIN & INK" APRIL 1994
"PARSONS TIMES" APRIL 1995
"CROSSROADS" SPRING 1995
"PITTSBURG SUN" APRIL 1995, APRIL 1996 & APRIL 1997
"JOPLIN GLOBE" OCTOBER 1996
"ASC TATTOO DIRECTORY" 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
"AMARILLO GLOBE-NEWS" JANUARY 1999
"EASYRIDER MAGAZINE" OCTOBER 2001
"HISTORY OF TATTOOING IN AMERICA"
"A COMPLETE GUIDE TO TATTOOING"
Please visit http://ubtat2d.com/ To View A Complete List Of Other Media That I Have Been Featured In.
Education/Credentials
West Platte High School - Weston, Missouri
United States Department of Agriculture: Forestry and Wildlife Management - Nemo, South Dakota
Platte College: Technical Illustration and Mechanical Drafting - St. Joseph and Kansas City, Missouri
Grimms Tattoo Studio: Tattoo Career Guidance - Kansas City, Missouri
Missouri Department of Mental Health: Psychiatric Technician - St. Joseph, Missouri
Concho Career Institute: CDL Training - San Angelo, Texas
Institute of Micro-Dermal Implantation: Permanent Cosmetic Technician - Kansas City, Missouri
Sir Fredrick's A-1 Tattoo: Body Piercer Trainee - Gladstone, Missouri
Successful Entrepreneur Program: Independence Community College - Independence, Kansas
Awards and Honors
SKIN ART CREATIONS TATTOO SHOW - 1993, "BEST BLACK & GREY TATTOO"
SKIN ART CREATIONS TATTOO SHOW - 1993, "BEST OVER-ALL TATTOO MALE"
TATTOO RENDEZVOUS - 1993, "BEST OVER-ALL TATTOO - MALE"
TATTOO RENDEZVOUS - 1993, CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION FOR PARTICIPATION
THE GATHERING PLACE - 1994, CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR ARTISTIC TALENT
LION'S CLUB INTERNATIONAL - 1994, CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION AS GUEST SPEAKER
SKIN ART CREATIONS TATTOO SHOW - 1994, "BEST TRADITIONAL TATTOO"
TATTOO RENDEZVOUS - 1994, CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION FOR PARTICIPATION
STURGINK - 1995, 2ND PLACE "BEST COLOR TATTOO"
STURGINK - 1995, 3RD PLACE "BEST TATTOO OF STURGIS"
HAWG HAWLER - 1996, 2ND PLACE "BEST TATTOOS"
SKIN ART CREATIONS TATTOO SHOW - 1997, "BEST FRONT PANEL"
25th ANNIVERSARY REUNION CONVENTION - 1/19/2001, 2nd PLACE "BEST TATTOO OF THE DAY"
ABATE OF TULSA MOTORCYCLE & TATTOO SHOW - MARCH 2002, 1st PLACE "BEST PATRIOTIC TATTOO"
ABATE OF TULSA MOTORCYCLE & TATTOO SHOW - MARCH 2002, 3rd PLACE "MOST REALISTIC TATTOO"
BIKER DAYS IN THE OSAGE - SEPTEMBER 2007, "BEST TATTOO OF SHOW"
APT TATTOO MASTERY TEST - JULY 2008, "CERTIFICATE OF TATTOO MASTERY"
MAYFIT - MAY 2009, "BEST TATTOO OF SHOW"
Past/Present Clients
I tattoo/pierce an average of over 1200 people per year. Multiply that by 34 years and I have tattooed and/or pierced approx. 40,800 people.
The GYPSY founder of Skin Art Creations Tattoo Emporium® is a State of Kansas licensed Tattoo & Piercing Artist & Trainer and has been in the Tattoo & Piercing Industry since 1976. He is a Professional Member of APT (Alliance of Professional Tattooist), and has taken and passed the APT Tattoo Mastery Test. His formal art training and experience has helped him win numerous awards both Nationally and Internationally. The GYPSY's art has been exhibited in museums World wide, including the Smithsonian. He has also appeared on television, documentaries, albums, radio talk shows and in numerous magazines. Along with his Wife Debbie they have developed and maintained numerous projects including resource and shopping sites. WE INVITE YOU TO VISIT THESE SITES: www.ubtat2d.com - www.ablazable.com - www.emerald-city.us - www.sekpress.net - www.freaky-links.com and www.pluribusunum.net
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