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 I got a tattoo right above my ankle 2 weeks ago - all black and 1 small area of blue. Black healed great - the blue part developed a red ring around it - took antibiotics for 7 days assuming an infection - the red ring around the tattoo seems to be getting better but the area of blue is very scabbed with still a very little bit of blood in the middle - ankle still a little swollen - is this a normal healing process for the blue area of the tattoo?
Answer Debbie,
The trouble you are having with your blue is not typical. Blue is one of the most diffulcult colors to place into the skin and an inexperienced tattooist will sometimes overwork it. From what you have told me that may have been what happened. You will need to consult with a skilled, qualified, experienced, licensed professional after the tattoo is healed to see about a fix-up.
As for the swelling; The body often times reacts to a tattoo in the ankle and foot area as a sprain injury so it must be treated the same way. Elevate your foot and apply cold compresses. If the condition has not passed within a couple of days contact your physician and have him check for tissue trauma.
Whenever you get an infection anywhere on the body, for any reason it is best to consult a physician. If the antibiotics you used were not prescribed by a physician for that particular infection then you will need to make an appointment for a consultation immediately. There is a preconcieved notion that all antibiotics are universal and treat every infection and that is not true. Many infections require specialized antibiotics. What is good for a cold is not effective on a staph infection.
I hope this has been of some help to you. If I can be of any further assistance please let me know.
