AboutThe GYPSY - Professional Tattoo Artist and Body Piercer 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
Past/Present clients I tattoo/pierce over 1200 people per year. Multiply that by 31 years and I have tattooed and/or pierced approx. 37,200 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 VIST THESE SITES: www.ubtat2d.com - www.ablazable.com - www.emerald-city.us - www.sekpress.net - www.freaky-links.com and www.pluribusunum.net
Question Hey last summer i fell on my knee n theres a huge scar do u think i can get a tattoo over it
Answer Nina,
Yes, scars can be covered but it is a difficult and tedious process. Also, if the scar is raised there will be an indistinct area in the tattoo (where the scar is) that will be raised. Below is what is involved in covering a scar.
1. It is time consuming. Depending on the individual's skin or scar texture, a single line may require two or more passes with the needle before it takes.
2. It can be and often is more painful than the average tattoo. Scar tissue is very sensitive since the nerve endings are closer to the "new skin" (unless the nerve ends were destroyed when the damage occurred).
3. Once set within the scar or graft tissue black will stay. Color can be set within the tissue however, may bleed or fade from the skin and this possibility should anticipated but not expected. There is always a slight possibility that the black may blot or run beneath the tissue, but if a very fine line is used this problem can be virtually eliminated.
4. I often recommend to my clients who wish to have their scar or graft tissue tattooed that they get a very small tattoo within the area first, as a test to determine if their skin will accept the pigment. Then, if all is well, the small tattoo can be covered or incorporated when the major artwork is applied.
5. Last but certainly not least, it is very important that the scar and/or graft tissue be at least one year old before tattooing is attempted (the older the scar, the better). Destroyed tissue takes a long time to heal, so the older the scar, the better it will take the pigment.
I hope this has been of some help to you. If I can be of any further assistance please let me know.