You are here:

Tattoos/preparing for first tattoo

Advertisement

Expert: The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician - 6/15/2009


Question
hi. im currently in the process of planning my first tattoo.  it is a very large and detailed floral and cross piece on my right side starting right beneath my armpit going down to my hip and curving going slightly on the front side of my hip. i am completely aware that this is one of the most sensitive spots but i am determined to have it there. im not generally good with pain or needles but like i said i really want this tattoo in this spot. i have my navel and my nose pierced. my question is what are some techniques to better prepare myself mentally so i can deal with the pain and make things easier on myself and the artist aswell as things i could do during the actual proccess of the tattoo. thanks

Answer
Shauna,

Prep is different for different people. One thing you can do during the tattoo is have a distraction. One of the best distractions is Television. Music is a poor distraction and may even intensify the pain. You need something that makes your mind work. If your tattoist does not have a TV for you to watch then download a movie to your IPOD. Another thing you can do is get the tattoo in sessions instead of trying to complete it all at once.

I hope this has been of some help to you. If I can be of any further assistance please let me know.

-The GYPSY-
http://www.ubtat2d.com
http://www.sekpress.net

Tattoos

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

The GYPSY - Certified Master Tattoo Artist, Body Piercer and Permanant Cosmetic Technician

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

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.