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 My tattoo is peeling and scabbing pretty bad. I got it done at a really reputable place and I did not pick at the scabs, but the scabs fall off and there's no color underneath them. This is my first tattoo and I know this is not normal. I just don't know what to do. Please help!
Answer Lauren,
Usually a tattoo that is peeling and scabbing badly is a sign of an overworked tattoo. Because your tattoo was probably overworked you will lose color as the scabbing falls off as you have already observed. You can do nothing at this time except allow the tattoo to heal normally. There is a chance the tissue has been scarred so my advise to you is to wait 6 months to a year after total healing has taken place and consult with a skilled, qualified, experienced, licensed tattooist for a rework.
The term "Reputable Place" is an oxymoron. If the studio has more than one tattooist working that does not mean that all tattooists within the facility are of the same skill level. Some may be more skilled and experienced than others. When looking for a tattooist to do your work don't look at the overall reputation of the studio (though that is important), look more towards the overall reputation of the individual tattooist. Please visit my FAQ page at http://www.ubtat2d.com/faq.html for a list of what to look for in a tattooist.
I hope this has been of some help to you. If I can be of any further assistance please let me know.
