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SubjectDate Asked
Alergic to red2/6/2012
  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 out2/3/2012
  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
  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 ...
microdermals1/25/2012
  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 ...
Place to tattoo...1/22/2012
  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 license1/10/2012
  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 tattoo1/9/2012
  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 tender1/8/2012
  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 apprenticeship1/4/2012
  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 artist12/29/2011
  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 ...
URGENT TATTO MESSAGE12/28/2011
  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 ...
potential allergy12/21/2011
  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 waxing12/19/2011
  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 ...
tattoos around stretch marks12/17/2011
  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
  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 City12/14/2011
  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 ...
bumbs12/7/2011
  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
  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 ....again11/22/2011
  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 ...
Piercing in Kansas11/6/2011
  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
  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 started10/21/2011
  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 ...
Gypsy History10/11/2011
  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 ...
"brail-looking" tattoo10/6/2011
  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 ...
Possible infected foot tattoo9/30/2011
  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 tattoo9/27/2011
  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 ...
tattoo9/20/2011
  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 tattoo9/19/2011
  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 tattoo9/16/2011
  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 ...
Tattoo Studios and Care9/15/2011
  Q: If you could please explain to me how you would choose a safe tattoo studio. What makes a good ...
  A: Dani, On my website there are also guidelines on what to look for in a studio and artist. Please ...
Tattoo & Swimming.9/13/2011
  Q: Okay, so i went and got a tattoo about a two weeks ago, me and afriend got them at the same time. ...
  A: Jasmine, All I can say is you have numerous problems with that tattoo. Let's deal with the most ...
about my tatto9/7/2011
  Q: hi iv got a tatoo on the side of my left legg of a catholic cross but 3quarters of the way down it ...
  A: Jordan, I would strongly suggest that you ground the tattoo by bringing a triangular shape of some ...
Tiger/ dragon tattoo as a symbol of my love9/2/2011
  Q: My fiancé is born in the year of the tiger. I the year of the dragon. I wanted to get a tattoo with ...
  A: Chris, It is clear that you are well aware that the Tiger and Dragon are opposing forces. They are ...
Tattoo healed?8/31/2011
  Q: I got a tattoo three weeks ago, it's on the top of my left foot. It has scabbed and the scab has ...
  A: Zoe, It sounds like you have a layer of dead skin over the top of your tattoo. Please use a ...
finding a tattoo shop for apprenticeship8/30/2011
  Q: I wanted to know if you know of a list of shops/gallerys that offer an apprenticeship in the state ...
  A: Ryan, Unfortunately there is no easy way to get an apprenticeship. What I can tell you is that you ...
black tattoo looks blueish8/25/2011
  Q: I got an all black tattoo of a skull cowboy on 8-18-11 its the whole bicep i've been washing it ...
  A: Bob, Unfortunately everything you have done on aftercare has been incorrect from the washing to the ...
daughters tattoo8/24/2011
  Q: My 30 yr. old daughter has many tattoos on her body, mostly blue or black ink. Starting a few months ...
  A: Linea, Your daughter is experiencing a condition known as "RED REACTION". In short she is having an ...
Tattoo is weeping after five days!8/15/2011
  Q: Hey, I got my tattoo finished off last Wednesday and have been using INK a tattoo after care i go ...
  A: Andy, You may have an infection. I would strongly advise that you consult with a physician ...
Discoloured tattoo after touch-up8/14/2011
  Q: I recently got my tattoo touched up (just a few small spots missing colour) but the artist seemed to ...
  A: Kit, I hate to tell you this but the tattoo is very poorly rendered. The tattooist overworked it ...
Faded Tattoo8/12/2011
  Q: Hey Gypsy, I recently got a finger tattoo about 12 days ago... it is currently in the ...
  A: Amanda, Though the finger pic isn't as nice as the last one you sent I can now tell you that you ...
my tattoo8/11/2011
  Q: Hey I got my lower back tattoo n it was healing I was using antibiotic ointment, then I started ...
  A: Sandra, You are suffering an allergic reaction to the A&D ointment. Please discontinue use of all ...
tattoo burning, itching8/4/2011
  Q: Im 51 yrs. old, and a diabetic so sometimes i heel slowly. I got a tattoo on my left arm 16 days ago ...
  A: Marie, It is normal for a tattoo to itch and burn the first couple of days after being completed. ...
Raised Tattoo (7 years old)8/3/2011
  Q: Good Morning, I have 2 tattoos, one on the top of my foot towards the inside (color) and one on my ...
  A: Laura, Often impurities in the original tattoo pigment may take years to work their way to the ...
Becoming a licensed tattoo artist7/25/2011
  Q: So my question is can you skip ahead and just get your license? My cousin and my boyfriend both do ...
  A: Amanda, Would you bypass the swimming lesson and jump off the cliff into the ocean? You cannot take ...
coverup7/24/2011
  Q: old needle and thread tattoo I have a few they are made of ash and newpaper lol ya ya I know but ...
  A: Ted, Any tattoo can be covered and covered well by a skilled, qualified, experienced, licensed ...
2nd scabbing7/22/2011
  Q: I have 4 tattoos, two I got in Canada and the last two were done in china. The last one I got is a ...
  A: Kelsey, It is not normal for a tattoo to "Scab" twice. Without seeing an image of the tattoo I ...
Possible keloid on back of conch7/20/2011
  Q: I got my conch pierced about a year or 2 ago and it's been okay, for the most part. When I first got ...
  A: Rachel, It looks to me like it is a dirt build up inside the whole and that it has created a cyst. ...
Tattoo removal scars7/19/2011
  Q: I have been having laser tattoo removal treatments for more than 5 years. The color is almost ...
  A: Misty, I have a saying I coined; "Nothing is forever except diamonds, death, God and Tattoos." ...
tattoo swelling7/18/2011
  Q: I had jus gottin a tattoo 3 days ago on the 16th. Its on the outside of my thigh about semi large ...
  A: Jay, Sometimes the limbs swell after a tattoo. Keep your leg elevated and apply cold compresses ...
tattooing licensing laws7/12/2011
  Q: i have recently read your reply to Clint about the licensing laws. i am an Oklahoma underground ...
  A: Daniel, Honestly, you should not be looking for easy, you should be looking for best. Which one of ...
How to get a license for tattooing?7/11/2011
  Q: I noticed this page, And was wondering what appropriate things should I take with me to ask for an ...
  A: Victoria, What you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo artist ...
tattoo7/6/2011
  Q: I ask you a question a couple of weeks ago and thank you for answering back so fast. I had another ...
  A: Melissa, Like most languages Romani has it's nuances and word usage in a certain linguistic style. ...
New Tat Swelling7/4/2011
  Q: I just got two tat's yesterday. The first was on my upper thigh and quite large( Tribal Dragon ) No ...
  A: Lisa, Sometimes the body perceives a new tattoo on an extremity (such as an arm), as a sprain and ...
Apprentice questions6/30/2011
  Q: I would like to know if there would be anything I'd need to know or do before asking an artist for ...
  A: Karoline, What you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo artist ...
tattoo6/26/2011
  Q: My name is Melissa and I'm from Holland I have a question about a tattoo i would love to have. I ...
  A: Melissa, In the Romani Language or "Gypsy Jib" there are several ways to say "Mother" and several ...
tatto over a skin graft6/23/2011
  Q: I have had a skin graft on my chest about three years ago,because i've taken the skin from my chest ...
  A: Endrit, Yes, scars can be covered but it is a difficult and tedious process. Also, if the scar is ...
Words on arm5/8/2011
  Q: I plan to get the words "Pain Is Temporary" on my bicep or forearm. I'm having a little trouble ...
  A: Steve, The most common way is to place the words so that others can read them but in the end the ...
tattoo5/7/2011
  Q: I am trying to find out what my tribal tat means
  A: Brian, Your design has no meaning except what you attach to it. It is what is known as "Bologna ...
Tattoo still not 100% healed4/25/2011
  Q: I got a tattoo on my calf over a month ago. It is still dry and sorta scaly appearance. It is not ...
  A: Samantha, It sounds like you have dead skin over the tattoo. I would suggest that you start a ...
Severe Red Reaction4/23/2011
  Q: I had a tattoo done with black and red inks two years ago (March, 2009). The red ink caused reaction ...
  A: Eduardo, First and foremost... Ignore the suggested treatment from the guy from New Zealand. Bad ...
Meaning of polynesain symbols used in tattoo's4/22/2011
  Q: I am in the process of designing the art work with my artist . I was hopin you could direct me to ...
  A: Matt, The best thing I can tell you to do is a Google search for "Tattoo Tribal Symbol Meanings". ...
red itchy bumps around tattoo4/19/2011
  Q: three weeks ago I got a tattoo in the middle of my lower back. I put Vaseline on the tattoo right ...
  A: Krissy, More than likely you are have had an allergic reaction to the Vaseline (which is the worst ...
tattoos4/18/2011
  Q: I am a high school student interested in becoming a tattoo artist; and I was hoping you could help ...
  A: Rebekah, What you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo artist ...
keyloid scarring & tattoo's4/16/2011
  Q: my son has keyloid scarring & wants a tattoo. do you think he should have it done??? if he does - ...
  A: Michelle, It is never advisable, if someone has a tendency to develop keloids, to get a tattoo. ...
Tatto and urticaria4/13/2011
  Q: I know there have been some other urticaria-and-tattoos related questions here, but none of them ...
  A: Victor, Allergic reactions are non-prejudicial, they can occur anywhere on a body whose chemistry ...
Tattoo Apprenticeship4/12/2011
  Q: I am currently an active duty soldier and have a great interest in learning the art of tattooing, ...
  A: William, I know of no one that will take a part-time apprentice. The best advise I can give you is ...
Ink Spread4/5/2011
  Q: I noticed that you seem to be the only person on the net that seems to answer questions on ink ...
  A: Nico, It is very seldom that "Spread" is not the fault of the tattooist. Wrong needle depth and ...
Made a careless mistake; how easy would it be to fix?4/2/2011
  Q: I got a black ink tattoo of a quote today, and a few hours later I realized that I had accidentally ...
  A: Cody, Unfortunately your only options are lazer removal or cover-up of the whole design with a new ...
tattoo3/3/2011
  Q: im not trying to be a jerk cause i dont know near as much about tattoos as u do im sure and i ...
  A: Justin, In a nut shell... If you wanted to be a Doctor or a Lawyer would you cut on a person or ...
Scar cover up2/2/2011
  Q: I got a tummy tuck a year ago and it left a raised scar. I just started taking cortizone injections. ...
  A: Dee, First and foremost keep in mind that if you are prone to Keloids that tattooing is ill ...
first wrist tattoo1/1/2011
  Q: I just got my first wrist tattoo on thursday ; its not red or swollen maybe a little and its just a ...
  A: Jessie, You are not doing the right thing with your tattoo. Please visit my FAQ Page at ...
Color touch up causing more problems?12/6/2010
  Q: About a week and two days ago I had the color touched up on my foot tattoo. When I originally got ...
  A: Kristen, Two things. First, the tattoo is severly over worked and it is infected. Please contact a ...
chronic hives10/28/2010
  Q: ive been breaking out in hives for about 2 months now and my doctor or specialist have no idea from ...
  A: Jamie, I would say that chances are very good that this is the case. More than likly your friend ...
??!!?!?!!!?!9/26/2010
  Q: WHAT ARE YOU A FUCKING PSYCHOPATH???! Telling people with no knowledge to HOLD THEIR BREATH while ...
  A: CJ, I have no idea who you think you are talking to but I have NEVER told anyone to hold their ...
keloid tattoos!?9/25/2010
  Q: My friend got a tattoo on her foot. She took great care of it, it was expensive. A&D for two ...
  A: Shannon, Unfortunately there is nothing that can be done to correct it. If your friend has a ...
Body Piercing/Gauges9/24/2010
  Q: Can you get gauges when you have scar tissue from previous ear piercings??? I haven't put anything ...
  A: Ashley, I would not recomeend it if there is scar tissue involved and you have a problem with ...
Traditional Japanese tattoo9/21/2010
  Q: I'm planning on getting a traditional dragon tattoo (half sleeve to chest). However, I wanted to ...
  A: Phil, Lotus flowers, koi fish and tigers are usual things that people associate with traditional ...
red tattoo ink allergy6/29/2010
  Q: I have a tattoo that is 9 mos old. It has two red roses in it that never healed. It is swollen, ...
  A: Lisa, All you are doing is compounding the problem. In much the same way that the body rejects a ...
Colouring6/26/2010
  Q: I am thinking about getting my first tattoo on my forearm, how does this place rate in pain? i also ...
  A: Dave, Red pigment is not poisonous. Back in the early days of tattooing some red pigments were ...
Tattooing in Tennessee6/25/2010
  Q: My husband held a tattoo apprenticeship in a shop many years ago, but before he could get papers ...
  A: AJ, At this point in time I would say it would be a good idea to hire an attorney experienced in ...
Tattoos and stretch marks6/23/2010
  Q: I have seen the previous posts about tattoos covering stretch marks. I'm trying to find out if there ...
  A: Ashley, I would suggest that you visit http://www.safe-tattoos.com to find a competent tattooist to ...
Tattooing over visible veins.6/22/2010
  Q: I apologize if you've been asked this before but I have been thinking of getting a tattoo on the ...
  A: Neil, If your work is done by an experienced, licensed, skilled tattooist you should have no ...
tattoo to cover rash scar (Subacute cutaneous LE)6/21/2010
  Q: I have Lupus (SLE) and developed scars (Subacute LE) on my upper back, shoulders, and chest. I ...
  A: Amy, I do not advise getting Subacute scars covered because covered due to the increased chance of ...
Urgent question....6/18/2010
  Q: I'm about to get a tattoo this week and am VERY worried about something I'm extremely confused ...
  A: Juliet, There are a lot of things that can cause a tattoo to spread and change, age, stretch marks, ...
Tattoo6/16/2010
  Q: Heya , long story short I'm looking at getting a tattoo across my shoulder blades , as far acrss n ...
  A: Ben, If you are getting the tattoo now it will be more than healed by the 9th of August. You really ...
Butterfly tattooo....6/15/2010
  Q: I have a quick question which I'm very confused about because every tattoo artists tells me ...
  A: Juliet, The yellowing effect on white is most usually caused by sun or uv exposure and the people ...
my tattoo6/11/2010
  Q: my tattoo is not accepting any ink, it looks like all is going well until we wipe it clean and im ...
  A: Daniel, The answer to your question is simple... Find a new tattooist. Honestly, that is the worst ...
sunscreen6/10/2010
  Q: I gotta buy some sunscreen bc it's gonna be summer soon so which specific one do you recommend? ...
  A: Josh, Any sunscreen with an SPF of 35 or above will work to preserve your tattoos. For my money ...
Red Bumps after tattoo6/9/2010
  Q: I got a tattoo on my forearm and used bacetracin afterwards. After the 4th day, I developed little ...
  A: Kelli, Bacetracin is one of the worst things to use on a tattoo. It has way too much petroleum ...
ink spread6/8/2010
  Q: I have had a few tattoos by a couple of different people and all spread a little bit soon after i'd ...
  A: Ruth, There are many reasons for spread, the most common being tattooist error. But other factors ...
Working out6/7/2010
  Q: My Bf is getting a tattoo on his upper arm on Friday. Is it ok for him to go to the gym this week ...
  A: Erin, He should wait at least 10 to 14 days before working out after getting a tattoo. Otherwise ...
old tattoo6/6/2010
  Q: My husband is starting to do tattoos and he did one on his leg 2 years ago and the other day he ...
  A: Chelsey, It sounds like your husband has a severe infection. Please contact a Physician ASAP for a ...
Am allergic to red ink6/5/2010
  Q: am Latoya ,am 27yrs and i had my tattoo done on my Sheen (the front part of my Foot) it had been ...
  A: Latoya, Oral Benadryl and Benadryl XS Spray are the only two things I recommend to ease the itch. ...
Ink Spread6/3/2010
  Q: I've recently found your site, and being quite interested, I read through a good bit of your ...
  A: Kimberly, That is not the purpose of the dry needle and you cannot pull pigment out once it is ...
Is the tattoo to deep4/29/2010
  Q: i'm kinda new to this asking questions online but i just got a tattoo now the lines seem good but on ...
  A: Jamie, It sounds like your tattooist went to deep and on an angle. Unfortunately it will continue ...
13 and 14 yo tattooed at home4/26/2010
  Q: I just found out that my sister allowed her 2 daughters (13 and 14) get tattoos- They both got ...
  A: Melissa, Most states have laws and regulations regarding, licensing, permits, sanitation and age ...
Tattoo bruise4/22/2010
  Q: I wonder if you can help, I got a tattoo on my arm about 7 months ago, but to the left of it there ...
  A: Robert, Unfortunately the tattoo is very poorly done. That is a blowout from the tattooist going in ...
Swollen Tat4/21/2010
  Q: I've had a tattoo on my inner thigh for around a year now and the other night after 'getting busy' ...
  A: Jennifer, Sometimes direct heat on a tattoo can cause a swelling in much the same way that scar ...
bumps on tatto4/19/2010
  Q: I have my tattoo for 1 year and I keep getting bumps on it and I want to know is this something I ...
  A: Chris, You may be having an allergic reaction to compounds in the pigment. I would strongly suggest ...
Beginning a business4/17/2010
  Q: Greetings, my husband is looking into starting his own tattoo business here in WA state. He is ...
  A: Kim, I would strongly advise that your husband consider enrolling in a business class at a local ...
Flakes4/8/2010
  Q: I received my tattoo about a week ago and for the last two days i have been noticing some black ...
  A: Allison, It is normal for a tattoo to flake. That is all part of the healing process. Please do not ...
ww2 tattoos4/7/2010
  Q: My great-grandfather (from scotland as am i) was in ww2. When he lied about his age at 17 and ...
  A: Ailie, Your best bet will be to do a Google search using this searh string; Traditional Tattoos, ...
My tattoo....4/6/2010
  Q: I just got a tattoo done on the front of my wrist and around my tattoo is really red and tight, on ...
  A: Candice, You may have a severe infection. Please contact a physician immediately for a ...
tummy tuck tattoo cover up in phoenix az4/5/2010
  Q: I been looking for an artist with experience on scar cover up in Phoenix Arizona, this is been a ...
  A: Carla, In LA I would recomeend Kari Barba's http://www.outerlimitstattoo.com I would also recomeend ...
Bad tattoo--redone?4/3/2010
  Q: I just got my first tattoo last week. It was a pretty bad experience, adn it didn't turn out at all ...
  A: Deborah, I would advise waiting 6 months before having it redone to give your skin plenty of time ...
muscle gain4/1/2010
  Q: I am 17 and weigh 225, and after my football career is over i am planning on power lifting were i ...
  A: Tim, As the skin cells multiply to accommodate the gain in muscle and tissue mass some distortion ...
Coloring Over RED3/31/2010
  Q: Ok, so I got this tattoo 3 days ago. (I raise turtles, and I have my own special reasons for the ...
  A: Nikki, The pigments are translucent which means that darker colors will always show through lighter ...
Tattoo bruise3/29/2010
  Q: I wonder if you can help, I got a tattoo on my arm about 7 months ago, but to the left of it there ...
  A: Robert, Under normal circumstances no, pigment will not travel that far in a blow out. Please ...
allergic reaction to red ink3/28/2010
  Q: sir..i have this tattoo on my back its a celtic tribal on my back...these tattoo was made 1 year ...
  A: Nimrod, I noticed in the photo that the tattoo looks moist. If it is a year old you should not be ...
Tattoo covering?3/27/2010
  Q: I got a tattoo when I was 15 in Blackpool, kind of a rebel type thing, ran off to blackpool, got a ...
  A: Charlie, I agree with you, the work is very shoddy. In order to cover a tattoo you need a design ...
Tattoo Red Reaction3/25/2010
  Q: I had a multi session coverup done on my arm. Now all my cherry blossom tips in magenta color are ...
  A: Nick, You have apparently read my responses on red reaction... Yes, the color will go away. That is ...
tattoo3/24/2010
  Q: have to talk to tattot artics that is go to get me tatoo but he dont what to use colour and me and ...
  A: Rita, What I think is that you should be going to see a skilled, qualified, licensed professional ...
Career as tattoo artist3/14/2010
  Q: my name is Virginia and i'm doing a project on Tattos and Piercings as a career. Do you think you ...
  A: Virginia, Here are the answers to your questions: 1. What level of schooling must you complete? ...
Interested in a career as a tattoo artist3/12/2010
  Q: i have a few questions for you if you have a moment, I am an aspiring artist and im considering a ...
  A: Matthew, First and foremost... Most studios (not parlor, archaic term no longer used in the ...
tattoo allergy3/10/2010
  Q: so,i had my new two tattoos done almost a month ago!first,they healed pretty good,but then suddenly ...
  A: Diana, You are definitely having a "Red Reaction" that is an allergy to red pigment. Unfortunately ...
white in a tattoo3/8/2010
  Q: I had a tattoo done about 9 months ago. It is a black outlined and filled with white. The white ...
  A: Debbie, I personally do not guarantee white. Some people hold it and some people don't. If the PH ...
Waiting period before becoming pregnant3/7/2010
  Q: I know you are supposed to wait a year after getting a tattoo before you can give blood and I was ...
  A: Jessica, The waiting period rule was set by the Red Cross for fear of disease transmission in ...
about one of your answers3/6/2010
  Q: ive tatd several friends and family and people i dnt realy know they want a tat i tat them i dnt ...
  A: Jason Sullins, As is clearly stated in my Bio I will not answer "HOW TO" questions. I do not nor ...
tatooing scars3/4/2010
  Q: Can an incision from open heart surgery be tattooed to match skin color and hide the scar. Thank ...
  A: Mona, It all depends on how dark your skin is compared to the darkness of the scar. The pigments ...
Tattoo healing process3/2/2010
  Q: I have a question about my tattoos healing process. I had my old tattoo covered up for about two and ...
  A: Karen, First and foremost, you should never use any sot of cream on a tattoo. Ointments only! For a ...
wrist tattoo3/1/2010
  Q: I am thinking about getting a tattoo on the inside of my wrist (by the palm of my hand) but I have ...
  A: Tammie, If the veins are too prominent then it is probably not a good idea. Check with your ...
10992/28/2010
  Q: Okay I didn't file my 2008 1099 cause it didn't seem right. I tracked latest a good 6 months and its ...
  A: Michelle, The 1099 should only show what percentage you received NOT the total. The studio owner ...
covering an old tattoo2/27/2010
  Q: I have a tattoo that i would like to get covered. its located on my left hand between my index ...
  A: Antonio, No one can suggest what type of design is right for you, that is a decision you must make ...
tattoo2/26/2010
  Q: I got a tattoo last May on my leg above my ankle. It is about 10cm by 8cm and is very colorful. It ...
  A: Shari Bell, The tattoo may have been overworked and/or a low grade pigment used on it. I strongly ...
first time2/24/2010
  Q: I've wanted a tattoo for several years but I hate needles (I know it's supposed to feel like a burn ...
  A: Dusty, The first thing I would tell you is if you think you will freak out maybe you shouldn't be ...
tattoo on back2/23/2010
  Q: I got a tattoo last week on the lower middle of my back, its red, black, blue & green. It has been ...
  A: Kim, No it is not normal. You may have an infection. Please consult with a Physician as soon as ...
opening a new tattoo shop in INDIA.2/22/2010
  Q: Hi iam Deelip am from INDIA iam 27 year old and iam doing MBA.Iam a tattoo artist and i want to open ...
  A: Deelip, Since I am not familur with the Body Art codes in India my suggestion is to contact your ...
General questions2/21/2010
  Q: I recently was tattooed, on 02/13/2010 its a small wrist tattoo about the size of a canadian 2 ...
  A: Brooke, As long as no scabbing came off prematurely you should be fine. The wearing of masks is a ...
can you help2/20/2010
  Q: .....any of them? thanks
  A: Kirsty, Please visit http://www.kanjidic.com for a complete list of translations. I hope this has ...
tattoo courses2/19/2010
  Q: "Members of professional organizations like APT and NTA can take a tattoo-specific course that ...
  A: Angela, You cannot take the APT preventing Disease Transmission in Tattooing course online. You ...
wolf, tiger2/17/2010
  Q: hey, i loved your response to someone who asked about tigers and dragons, so i thought i'd give it a ...
  A: Dawn, Both symbols are power symbols. The Wolf being one of transition and the Tiger being one of ...
Hives2/16/2010
  Q: I got my first two tattoos on Saturday the 13th of February. Monday I started to get a rash that ...
  A: Kaytee, More than likely you are experiencing an allergic reaction to the healing compound your ...
Changing colors2/15/2010
  Q: Gypsy, I was wondering if colors in tattoos can be changed easily or will it produce off colors or ...
  A: Mac, Because the colors are translucent darker colors will always show through lighter colors. In ...
Ink in bloodstream2/14/2010
  Q: Unfortunately, I'm one of those rare people who did get ink into their vein, and now my finger looks ...
  A: Maritza, The pigment is not actually in your bloodstream... it is under the top layers of skin. It ...
concerned2/12/2010
  Q: How long will it take to become a tattoo artist? what kind of education would i need to have in ...
  A: Karmane, What you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo artist ...
my tattoo smells funny2/10/2010
  Q: why does my tattoo smell funny?
  A: Eddie, There is only one reason why a tattoo would have an odor of any kind... Severe Infection. ...
Burning sensation in tattoo2/8/2010
  Q: I got my first tattoo about 5 months ago on my collar bone area. Its got some black, red and yellow ...
  A: Sanita, What you are experiencing is not normal after 5 months. Please contact a Physician as soon ...
rash2/7/2010
  Q: i have a new tattoo thats about a week old and have some small little bumps that itch in the lines ...
  A: Louis, More than likely you are having an allergic reaction to what ever healing ointment you are ...
skin grafts2/5/2010
  Q: Hello i had skin grafts to my entire right arm and most of my back nerve deep about 5 years ago and ...
  A: Jason, As long as the scarring is over a year old it is possible. It will take some time and cannot ...
peircing schools2/4/2010
  Q: I am looking for a good body piercing school. I live in N.Y. thank-you. I have been looking on ...
  A: Mackenzy, The best way to learn how to pierce is to serve an apprenticeship with a skilled, ...
leg swelling due to new tattoo2/3/2010
  Q: on saturday i got a 4 inch sugar skull right under my calf, and today..being tuesday my whole ankle ...
  A: Jazmine, Sometimes the extremities, legs and arms, will perceive a tattoo as a sprain. Why this ...
keloy2/2/2010
  Q: I have a keloy on my chest and I wanted to know would there be any harm if I was to get a tattoo ...
  A: Ricky, It is never advisable, if you have a tendency to develop keloids, to get a tattoo. You ...
Drawling and tatooing2/1/2010
  Q: i can drawl very well when im looking at an object or picture im not very good at drawling off of my ...
  A: Matt, In order to render a tattoo that a person is wanting you need to be able to create and that ...
apprenticeship1/31/2010
  Q: What advice can you give on how to actually approach someone to take me on as an apprentice? What ...
  A: David, Besides the fact that you must have a good portfolio of art work and an attitude to match ...
help with my tattoo touch up1/30/2010
  Q: i am a indian and i am a dark skin tone . i got a tattoo recently (almost 30 days ) and its really ...
  A: Danny, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but both tattoos are very poorly done. The new one you ...
allergic to ink in tattoo1/29/2010
  Q: I got a tattoo 5 mths ago and most of it healed no problem. Part of it had a magentas colour in it ...
  A: Rachel, From what you are describing I would say that you have had an allergic reaction to the red ...
can i get my belly button pierced again after it has been rejected 3 times i have waited 5 yrs and have a fair bit of scar tissue1/27/2010
  Q: The first time i got it pierced the guy said tht he did the holes too close together and to come ...
  A: Cassie, What has happened to you is called "Migration" and once it happens you cannot be pierced ...
White tattoos1/25/2010
  Q: I'm a fellow expert on this site in the poultry farming area :) Which is a bit different to this, I ...
  A: Abi, Short answer here... White will not hold! You are wasting your time and money if you try to ...
Inner Wrist Tattoo1/24/2010
  Q: I want to get a tattoo on my inner wrist, so I was doing some research on the pain level and things ...
  A: Jess, More times than not, if the tattoo was done by a skilled and qualified tattooist, a wrist ...
cover ups1/21/2010
  Q: Is it possible to cover up green, blues, and yellows? I have stars down my back but am looking to ...
  A: Kari, The thing to keep in mind when recoloring any tattoo is that the colors are translucent. ...
tattoo on left ankle1/19/2010
  Q: I got a tattoo on my left ankle 4 days ago. It is healing well with almost no swelling and very ...
  A: Jessica, Sometimes the body will perceive a tattoo on the extremities as a sprain and it will show ...
Tongue Piercing on a Minor1/16/2010
  Q: I recently read your post which states that performing a tongue piercing on a minor is a federal ...
  A: Stephanie, Check your states criminal code under "Sexual Indecency With A Minor" You will find a ...
sasko1/15/2010
  Q: I'm fan of your art and just what to ask, do anyone in Macedonia have a Rights to use Your Studio ...
  A: Aleksandar, Thank you for your concern and for asking. The term "SKIN ART" is a universal ...
Weird reaction1/14/2010
  Q: I just got a tattoo done 3 days ago and right by where the tattoo is I'm having weird muscle spasms ...
  A: Billy, This honestly sounds like something you should be consulting a physician about. There should ...
tattoo coverup1/13/2010
  Q: My daughter had a tattoo done on her neck. It is offset from where she had wanted it, but has ...
  A: Elena, She can use a skin tone theatrical grease paint. There are several different tones and she ...
Hey!1/9/2010
  Q: Why does black ink turn blue once it heals? I have one three years old and its almost as blue as the ...
  A: Brandon, Pigments react differently in each persons skin. There is no standard way that pigments ...
Tattoo 3 days ago1/8/2010
  Q: I got a tattoo on Tuesday (today is Thursday) on the front of my right hip. There is some splotchy ...
  A: Rachel, You may have an infection. I would recommend contacting a physician for a consultation. ...
Change color of black1/6/2010
  Q: I recently got a koi fish tattooed on my lower back. I love the design and most of the coloring, ...
  A: Diana, Unfortunately the colors are translucent which means that darker colors will always show ...
itchy bumps1/5/2010
  Q: I know i have made worlds of mistakes with my most recent tat. 1st i used scented lotion i then ...
  A: Alan, You have had an allergic reaction to the lotion you used. By continuing to put ointments on ...
First Tattoo and Sensitive Skin1/4/2010
  Q: I really want to get a tattoo and was planning on getting a medium sized tattoo on my foot. I am a ...
  A: Marie, If you are prone to Keloids then the chances of scarring from a tattoo are greatly ...
Getting Licensed in Kansas12/22/2009
  Q: I'm a tattooist currently working in Las Vegas, Nevada. I had my apprenticeship in Missouri, and was ...
  A: Tara, In the state of Kansas to get licensed you MUST serve a 1200 hour apprenticeship under a ...
courses12/21/2009
  Q: i am very interested in piercing and tattoos. i am a 14 almost 15 year old female and i have my ...
  A: Hannah, I do not know what Body Art Courses are offered in New Zealand. More than likely you will ...
Wrist Tattoos12/20/2009
  Q: I am looking into getting a small wrist tattoo near the crease between my palm and hand. Is there ...
  A: Arianna, It is true that tattoos below the wrist do not heal well. It is a high wear area and ...
How do I start my own studio12/18/2009
  Q: I have been doing tattoos part time for 15 or so years. I want to open my own studio .. What do I ...
  A: Jimmy, Unless you can prove professional experience in a legally licensed professional studio you ...
Tattoos over mastectomy scars12/16/2009
  Q: I have a scar from a mastectomy that's over a year old. I am ready to have it tattooed over but am ...
  A: Nance, Please visit http://www.safe-tattoos.com There you should find a list of professional ...
tattoo12/15/2009
  Q: My tattoo is 3 weeks old and it itches terrible what is going on and should I use lotion or bag balm ...
  A: Tammy, Please resubmit your question and attach a photo of the tattoo so that I can see what it is ...
nose piercing q's12/14/2009
  Q: I'm getting my nose pierced but i want to know first if there are any nerves you can possibly hit ...
  A: Lydia, You should never use a piercing stud to pierce the nose. Irreparable damage can and often ...
nose piercing q's12/12/2009
  Q: I'm getting my nose pierced but i want to know first if there are any nerves you can possibly hit ...
  A: Lydia, There are nerve clusters all through the body, including the nose. The chances of hitting a ...
allergic reaction12/11/2009
  Q: I recently got a tattoo done in three sessions. The first two sessions went fine, but after the ...
  A: Morgan, Creams, ointments and lotions may just complicate the problem. It sounds like you have a ...
Kansas tattoo artists12/10/2009
  Q: I have been interested in the field of becoming a tattoo artist for many years and now have the ...
  A: Shannon, The first place to start would be with the Kansas Board of Cosmetology. Their website is ...
tattoos in dubai12/7/2009
  Q: i am a student in Dubai and am doing an article on tattoos in the middle east, i need an interview ...
  A: khushboo, My name is not "Stephanie" it is The GYPSY but I will still give you an interview if you ...
Tattoo Aftercare - burning sensation after applying aloe?12/4/2009
  Q: I just got my first tattoo earlier today on my lower abdomen, and after my first time washing it, I ...
  A: Ashley, It is normal for a tattoo to have a burning sensation a couple of days after being ...
tattoo school12/2/2009
  Q: How would I go about obtaining an appointment to the Kansas state Board of Cosmetology? I have a ...
  A: Dennis, Currently in Kansas schools of Body Art are not allowed per the regulations which you can ...
navel piercing12/1/2009
  Q: I am currently 16 years old and i want to get my belly button pierced on my 17th birthday and i ...
  A: Christina, Your piercer should use a 316 LVN Surgical Grade Stainless Steel 14 Gauge 1/2" Captive ...
white ink11/19/2009
  Q: i got a white ink tatttoo but my ink is greeenish grayish in color ... do you no what might have ...
  A: Stephanie, White pigment is a difficult element to keep in the skin. If your skins PH levels are to ...
swollen11/14/2009
  Q: i have 5 tatoos, i have 2 that seem to randomly swell up, 1 at the bottom of my back and 1 on my ...
  A: Andy, Most often there are two cause for this... Poor pigment with impurities or too deep of an ...
nose-piercing11/12/2009
  Q: i've just had my nose pierced today, and i have had slight sinus problems this week. however, i did ...
  A: Nina, Sinus problems can cause a severe infection in the piercing. The bacteria that cause MRSA ...
Tattoo healing problem11/10/2009
  Q: My new tattoo is beautiful except for one small spot, where the skin is rough and has some whitish ...
  A: Sherrys, It sounds like what you are describing is a dead skin area. That is a place where old skin ...
Tattoo business plans11/8/2009
  Q: I'm writing a business plan on a tattoo shop, besides interviews do you know where I can obtain ...
  A: Damario, Start with http://www.safe-tattoos.com That is the official website for the Alliance of ...
what do i do if a tattoo artist keeps moving?11/5/2009
  Q: I want to go to a specific artist for my second tattoo, but it seems that every six months or so she ...
  A: Ashley, Interesting question. It has been my experience that when a tattooist constantly changes ...
Long Term Care: can massage affect my tattoo?10/27/2009
  Q: I was thinking of getting a professional massage (possibly on a continuing basis) and was wondering ...
  A: Julie, As long as the tattoo is healed you should have no concern about damage from massage ...
Is A Licence Required10/25/2009
  Q: I have search on line and can not find the answer. If you wish to become a Tattoo Artist, is a ...
  A: Cynthia, The answer to your question is "YES" you need a license or you are in violation of the ...
Hand Tattoo10/24/2009
  Q: I have just got a tattoo on my hand above my pinky finger and the bone of my wrist by a place called ...
  A: Lynsay, Tattoos below the wrist do not last but they should be visible for a while at least, if ...
becoming a tattoo artist10/23/2009
  Q: I was wondering if you could tell how i could become a tattoo artist. Where i could go to school for ...
  A: TJ, What you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo artist or ...
Tattoo after Laser Removal.10/21/2009
  Q: I had about 12 sessions of Tattoo Laser removal performed about 4 years ago. The tattoo was quite ...
  A: Cheryl, You are proof of what I have said for years: "Nothing is forever except, God, Diamonds, ...
Ink Rejection10/20/2009
  Q: I got my tattoo on Thursday and it is now Tuesday and all of the ink is completely gone. The blood ...
  A: Tara, To outline with color is not the proper thing to do, especially with a light color like pink. ...
Allergy10/19/2009
  Q: I just got my 7th tattoo on my fore arm. It is a huge black wrap-around bracelet, and it seems that ...
  A: Anais, You do not need to get your tattoo removed! All you have to do is stop using any creams, ...
Collar bone tattoo?10/17/2009
  Q: I've been thinking about getting another tattoo for a while now. The design is one a close friend of ...
  A: Ashley, People's tolerance for pain varies from person to person. What might be painful for one may ...
tattoo discolouration10/15/2009
  Q: I got an all black tattoo in the middle of my back exactly 10 days ago. since then it has formed a ...
  A: Laechelle, Usually what causes this is one of two things. Either the tattooist did not work the ...
NOSE PIERCING BLEEDING10/14/2009
  Q: I HAD MY NOSE PIERCED FOR THE 3RD TIME IN THE LAST MAYBE 7 YEARS SAME SIDE NEW HOLE , HOWEVER THIS ...
  A: Wendy, First and foremost stop using the sea salt. Salt eats the skin and is not good for piercing ...
i think my tattoo is too dry10/13/2009
  Q: i got a pirate flag on my calf 6 days ago ive been using a%26d ointment until two days ago. i cant ...
  A: Jon, It sounds like you have a layer of dead skin over the tattoo. If it has no more scabbing you ...
tattoo over skin graft10/12/2009
  Q: i have a scar on the side of my arm wrapping around the under side of my wrist.it is from skin ...
  A: Jess, Any skilled, qualified, licensed and experienced tattooist should be able to cover your scar ...
custom ethics help!!!10/11/2009
  Q: I am getting a new tattoo in a few weeks and i need some advice. the tats i have gotten in the past ...
  A: Susie, When you pick a design from a Tattoo Flash Design Sheet the tattooist is copying something. ...
Shirt10/10/2009
  Q: I'm going to go get my first tat in a few days. Its on my upper arm. I have some scars on my chest ...
  A: Jackie, With a tattoo located on the upper arm I see no reason whatsoever for you to have to remove ...
Itchy rash on a 3 month old tatto10/9/2009
  Q: I have this really itchy rash just in one certain area of my newest tattoo. I think they are hives, ...
  A: Jennifer, You may be having an allergic reaction to that particular pigment but without seeing the ...
peeling around the tattoo10/8/2009
  Q: I have gotten a tattoo that is on the majority of my foot and goes upward a little on my ankle. my ...
  A: Daphne, It sounds like you may have a dead skin build up around and maybe even on the tattoo. Start ...
redness and swelling10/5/2009
  Q: I had a tattoo done on my leg 7 days ago. First there was yellowish stuff, now it is dry but very ...
  A: Cyndi, YES! IMMEDIATELY! You are describing a severe infection. With the risk of MRSA, Staph and ...
Crooked lettering... too small?10/3/2009
  Q: I got my geek tattoo done about 3 weeks ago. I got it done at a well-known shop from an artist with ...
  A: Ryan, The tattooist told you the truth, that is probably about as small as the numbers can go, any ...
Black ink swelling10/1/2009
  Q: why is the blank ink in my ten year old tattoo? Just out of the blue sometimes I will reach to ...
  A: Chris, It is possible for impurities in old tattoo pigment to work their way to the surface after ...
Raised Tattoo9/29/2009
  Q: I got a tattoo of an outline of a horse on the inside of my foot on July 26. It looked terrible so I ...
  A: Chelsea, If it is that badly scarred you should wait at least 60 days before getting it fixed. ...
covering rosacea9/28/2009
  Q: i would like to know if i can cover my rosacea with skin color ink close to my complexion? i have ...
  A: Nick, It is never advisable to tattoo over any skin condition as it can cause complications such as ...
bumps9/25/2009
  Q: okay recently i got a foot piece done my first color tattoo and there are bumps where the artist put ...
  A: Kacey, It sounds like you may have had an allergic reaction to whatever healing compound you are ...
minor tattoo correction9/24/2009
  Q: I recently got a tattoo as an homage to my late dad. I realized just today that instead of the ...
  A: Megan, I looked at the tattoo and I would say that a skilled, qualified, experienced tattooist ...
Virgin/Tiger/Lily9/23/2009
  Q: I don't have any tattoos yet and I never thought about getting one until recelty but I was thinking ...
  A: Laura, This is a question that can be answered by no one but you. You are the only one that can ...
Allergic Reaction to Red Ink8/2/2009
  Q: So I just got a tattoo exactly one week ago (July 25) on my right calf and I am having an ...
  A: Wilson, Polysporin and A&D are not the same thing. Polysporin has compounds in it that can ...
Swelling and Pimples7/30/2009
  Q: I received a very detailed sleeve on my right arm. The work was a total of 13 hours between 3 ...
  A: Chris, If you are still using ointments on the tattoo stop immediately! You may be having an ...
tattoo placement7/29/2009
  Q: ..(nothing major like pro weigh lifting but to get a bit bigger while i lift as i play college ...
  A: Corey, Either place will expand as muscle mass is gained. I would advice you wait until your ...
Rash or Allergic reaction7/28/2009
  Q: I got a tattoo of a butterfly on my upper back in the middle. Well after a few days of healing and ...
  A: Jennifer, You've got two problems. First, you have had an allergic reaction to the A&D ointment. Do ...
Red ink7/26/2009
  Q: I got a tattoo on my foot about 2 weeks ago, it started out fine but about 3 days ago I noticed a ...
  A: Lindsay, It is very possible that you are having an allergic reaction to the red pigment. Continue ...
Tattoo color - dark tan7/24/2009
  Q: I am a very pale white woman who would like single color tat of a lace design in a dark tan or oak ...
  A: Donna, The reason you have been told no is because of the chemical make up of the pigments. Colored ...
tattoo inside the mouth7/22/2009
  Q: is it possible to tattoo the gums ,i have black on the front of my gum from when i broke a tooth ...
  A: Aneurin, It is possible but it will not last due to the acids in your mouth. I hope this has been ...
decorating an arm scar7/19/2009
  Q: I'd like to decorate a scar on my left, upper arm. I'm thinking of a zipper open at the scar and ...
  A: Tom, A skilled tattooist familiar with scar covers should have no problem coloring your scar ...
reaction7/18/2009
  Q: I have got a few cover up tattoos about 4 months ago. I am having problems with one. Its a flower ...
  A: Jimmy, More than likely that is exactly what happened... You have had a red reaction. It is a rare ...
goo from tattoo7/5/2009
  Q: I just got a Tattoo with color in it done july-3-09. which was last night. the color leaks i know ...
  A: Kimberly, You may be putting too much ointment on the tattoo. Only use enough to barely moisturize ...
placement7/3/2009
  Q: so i was thinking of getting a tattoo on my forearm. I have heard if you pierce your ear on the left ...
  A: Ashley, It makes no difference where you get your tattoo. It is a matter of personal preference. ...
losing ink7/1/2009
  Q: i got a tattoo coverup on my chest and i have been cleaning it regularly and doing everything that ...
  A: Colleen, You may be over cleaning your tattoo. Please visit my FAQ page at ...
Irritation to the color red6/30/2009
  Q: I have a new tattoo that is about 5-months old. There is a lot of red in it. I must be having some ...
  A: Nancy, You are having what is commonly known as "RED REACTION" It is an allergic reaction to the ...
Tattoo6/29/2009
  Q: my question is i just got a tattoo and i was wondering if i can put coco buter lotion on it after ...
  A: Enyewu, No, it is not OK to put Coco Butter on a new tattoo. Please visit my FAQ page at ...
tattooing without a license6/28/2009
  Q: My son has tattoo different people including myself, his mom. He doesnt have a license, he has done ...
  A: Suzie, When someone tattoos or pierces without a license they are breaking the law. Laws are made ...
swimming after piercing6/27/2009
  Q: My daughter is on a swim team and is begging to have her ears pierced. Would she be able to swim ...
  A: Kellie, It would really be advisable for your daughter to wait about 10 days before swimming ...
Studio Suggestions and Red Reactions6/25/2009
  Q: First, I'd like to ask you if you could recommend a shop near the Hampton Roads area of VA. I'm sure ...
  A: Jamie, The organic pigments do not last and if you have allergies to plants or animals they are ill ...
swollen tattoo (ribs)6/18/2009
  Q: My ribs tat extends from my armpit to my hip and is three days old. The very bottom is the largest ...
  A: Ashleyy, It is normal for a tattoo to be a little red and swollen a couple of days after it is ...
preparing for first tattoo6/15/2009
  Q: im currently in the process of planning my first tattoo. it is a very large and detailed floral and ...
  A: Shauna, Prep is different for different people. One thing you can do during the tattoo is have a ...
Tattoo6/14/2009
  Q: I want to get a tattoo on the top of my back from shoulder to shoulder.I don't want a big tattoo ...
  A: Onyl, Skin is flexible and as our muscle mass or weight increases new skin cells form and the skin ...
raised outline6/13/2009
  Q: The outlines of all my tattoos are raised and itchy. They are all different colors and all ...
  A: Amy, There are several things that could be wrong: 1. The tattoos may have been overworked by an ...
Tattoo6/12/2009
  Q: it is on my right calf an also it has swollin a little and is red around the tattoo and is still ...
  A: Stuart, You may have an infection. I would strongly recommend that you contact a physician as soon ...
Piercing rejection/tattoo rejection6/11/2009
  Q: My friend has been searching all over the internet to find an answer, and I've been trying to look ...
  A: Jessica, It sounds to me as if your friend may have an allergy to metals. If that is the case she ...
Tatoo5/22/2009
  Q: I got one on my foot its a nautical star I got it sunday and here it is thursday and its still all ...
  A: Nicole, No it is not normal... It sounds like you are having a severe infection. Please consult ...
Fading new tattoo4/25/2009
  Q: I got a tattoo less than 2 weeks ago, and I am unhappy with the color. I would like to get it ...
  A: Cheka, No, I do not recommend that you try these methods! Experimenting in that way is very ...
Tattoos just not coming out the way they should4/24/2009
  Q: I have had a really hard time holding in ink PERIOD. I scab up everytime almost immediately. I take ...
  A: John, For a list of proper care instructions please visit my FAQ page at ...
The meaning of a tattoo4/23/2009
  Q: My brother drew a the tattoo he wants me to get but he said I had to get it on my left shoulder, ...
  A: Erin, There is absolutely no reason for the tattoo to be placed on your left shoulder. Placement of ...
Tattoo on the palm of my hand4/22/2009
  Q: Is it a good idea to get a tattoo on the inside palm on my hand? I have heard that the top of the ...
  A: Melody, The hand is a high wear area and tattoos there require constant touch-up. They usually do ...
Keloids on wrist4/20/2009
  Q: I am a 28 year old white female that seems to be somewhat prone to forming keloids. I was stabbed ...
  A: Sarah, If you are prone to Keloid scarring I strongly advice that you do not get tattooed. ...
blistery tattoo4/19/2009
  Q: i a new tattoo on my shoulder 3 days ago. i have another large one on my back and had no healing ...
  A: Kendra, If you are having an allergic reaction to the A&D ointment you will need to discontinue use ...
apprenticeship question4/18/2009
  Q: I am an aspiring tattoo artist and want to know how to go about getting an apprenticeship. Can you ...
  A: Mikail, What you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo artist or ...
Swelling question4/17/2009
  Q: I got my first tattoo Wednesday, It's a flame cuff around my wrist and halfway up my forearm. It's ...
  A: Brett, Definitely sounds like you may have an infection. I would strongly advise that you consult a ...
Glossy Tattoo4/16/2009
  Q: I got a tattoo last weekend and it scabbed up pretty bad. When in the shower, the whole scab came ...
  A: Kumiko, Unfortunately if the scab comes off too soon, which it appears that yours did, the color ...
rash around, but not on ink4/2/2009
  Q: I got a tattoo on the back of my neck on sunday (today is wednesday) and everything was fine until ...
  A: Sarah, You are having an allergic reaction to the ointment you used. Discontinue use immediately of ...
Belly Button Piercing3/30/2009
  Q: I have a couple questions about my new belly button piercing. Last week was when I got it pierced, ...
  A: Adrienne, You should turn the ring while cleaning to remove dirt and dead skin cells. I strongly ...
lighten tattoo3/26/2009
  Q: i have a 3 month old Lotus tattoo on my inner wrist love the tattoo design but mildly unhappy with ...
  A: Victoria, Lighter colors will not go over darker colors. The colors are translucent and darker will ...
Tattoo extremely cloudy3/25/2009
  Q: Got a wrist tattoo done a week ago, its my 7th tat. This is the first time I had ALOT of thick ...
  A: Christina, Yes, you can use Vitamin E Oil but it does not do the same job the Baby oil does. I ...
tattoo license3/11/2009
  Q: I live in longview tx and I want to open a tattoo shop I already have a building I just need the ...
  A: Eric, You will have to contact your local city and county clerks and see what type of local ...
pregnancy after getting a tatto3/10/2009
  Q: I want to get a tattoo on my hip at my waist line, but of course I don't want it to stretch when I ...
  A: Jewel, Keeping the skin moist and pliant during pregnancy can reduce stretch marks and help ...
Itchy and painful3/9/2009
  Q: I got a tattoo on the lower middle of my back about 3 months ago. I have no idea if this is from the ...
  A: Julie, I would strongly advise that you seek out medical advise. It sounds to me like the tattooist ...
Stretch Marks Covered then pregnant again3/8/2009
  Q: I just had a baby 7 months ago and im thinking of getting a full tattoo covering all the stretch ...
  A: Chanel, That would depend on how bad the stretch marks are. Worse case scenario is that you may ...
Tatts on Scars3/7/2009
  Q: I have been told by friends that I could have acne and old scars from chicken pox easily disguised ...
  A: Paula, Though cosmetic tattooing is used to disguise blemish's it only works if the blemish is a ...
aftercare3/6/2009
  Q: i have a red rash on my currently completed tattoo and after reading your answers and advice to ...
  A: Rob, There should be no long lasting effects. Wait until the rash has been gone for 30 days and ...
new art3/3/2009
  Q: i am doing a project on New art versus Traditional in tattooing and i was wondering if you could ...
  A: Shauna, I have had your question sent to my email. As soon as I have a moment I will write down my ...
Tattoo over birthmark3/2/2009
  Q: I have a birthmark on the back of my leg and i am thinking about getting a tattoo over it, I was ...
  A: Chad, You should never tattoo over a birthmark or other skin abnormality because of the increased ...
tanning for a new tattoo?2/28/2009
  Q: Hey I just got a new tattoo on my foot and I want to tan in the next few days. I don't mind that ...
  A: Amy, No it is not OK to tan even if you cover it. The body perceives a tattoo as a second degree ...
Ankle and leg tattoo2/27/2009
  Q: I had a pretty large tattoo put on my ankle and lower part of my leg a week ago, the pain is not ...
  A: Beth, Often times tattoos on the extremities will react in much the same way that a sprain reacts. ...
Tattoos and economy2/26/2009
  Q: I've seen articles discussing how tattoo shops seem to be recession proof? Do you think this is ...
  A: Ivonne, Art in general has always seemed to be recession proof. Just like with the entertainment ...
burning myself2/25/2009
  Q: i am 16 years old and want to burn a print on to my body by myself. i have heard of kids doing this ...
  A: Forrest, What you should know is DO NOT DO IT! I have made this public in the hopes that your ...
blowouttt2/24/2009
  Q: Hey, I got my first tattoo, about a week ago. I got a small pink heart with a black outline on my ...
  A: Amber, Based on what you have described it is indeed tattooist error and will not just go away. ...
bumps around tattoo.2/23/2009
  Q: i got my first tattoo on valentines day of this year. the guy used clean needles, he shaved my ...
  A: Jessica, You have experienced an allergic reaction to the healing compound you are using. I would ...
Rash2/22/2009
  Q: I got a tattoo on each wrist exactly two weeks ago, and recently I've started to notice small red ...
  A: Benjamin, You have experienced an allergic reaction to the healing compound you are using. I would ...
Post-Tattoo2/21/2009
  Q: I've had my tattoo for about a week now and it seems as if it is starting to scab up. I have a ...
  A: Chris, If you are seeing flesh tones through the pigment or if you are missing color you will need ...
ugly tattoo2/20/2009
  Q: i have a very ugly tattoo that takes up most of my shoulder/bicep... I'm finding it very hard to ...
  A: Sydney, I have seen tattoos worse than yours that I have been able to cover. You just haven't ...
Foot Tattoo2/19/2009
  Q: I want to get a tattoo on the arch of my foot. Not on the bottom, or on the outer portion - but in ...
  A: Nyah, Foot tattoos are the most painful of all tattoos and they usually do not last without ...
tattoo healing process2/18/2009
  Q: Hey I got my 1st tattoo on my wrist last thursday and the scab formed quite quickly, the 1st few ...
  A: Emma, In my opinion Tattoo Goo is one of the worst things you can use on a healing tattoo. It does ...
Tattoo on a scar from heart surgery2/16/2009
  Q: I’m a 31 years old woman. When I was nine I underwent heart surgery. As a consequence, I have a ...
  A: Sonia, Yes I do have experience with scar cover-ups. I am the one that developed and refined the ...
is this normal peeling?2/15/2009
  Q: I got a tat on my lower hip and its peeled a very bright color. But I got it done a couple days ...
  A: Barbie, If the protective crust comes off before it is suppose to then your tattoo can end up ...
piercing2/14/2009
  Q: i just had my belly button pierced a little over 2 weeks ago. Things are going great... i think it's ...
  A: Jane, Different people have different scar healing. Some may not be noticible while others may ...
MILD SOAP2/13/2009
  Q: I got my first tattoo today and I was wondering exactly what kind of soap is okay to use to wash it ...
  A: Cherish, You should NEVER wash a fresh tattoo. Please visit my FAQ page at ...
tattoos and vitiligo2/11/2009
  Q: Why is it bad to get a tattoo on skin affected by vitiligo? counld you point me in the direction on ...
  A: Amanda, You should never get a tattoo on any abnormal skin condition including birth marks and ...
Stained skin around nose piercing!2/9/2009
  Q: Please help me with this issue! I had a nose piercing for about 3 years and it left a black/grayish ...
  A: Jessica, Unfortunately I do not have good news for you. Whatever piece of jewelry you had in your ...
Is the ink in my blood stream??2/7/2009
  Q: I recently got a white ink tattoo on my inner wrist "Nothing gold can stay" and then got the tattoo ...
  A: Rachel, The chances of pigment being in your blood stream is remote if not impossible. Sometimes ...
rash like bumps2/6/2009
  Q: have had a full arm tattoo for about a year now.. i have alot of others. but this is the only one ...
  A: Amy, There may be impurities in the pigment that was used and in much the same way that the body ...
Rash like appearance near and around tattoo2/5/2009
  Q: I got my tattoo a couple of weeks ago, it is spread across my lower back, and I have been following ...
  A: Jackie, You are probably experiencing an allergic reaction to whatever healing compound you are ...
Love birds tattoo2/4/2009
  Q: Hey, I was wondering what the significance was of a tattoo with the disgn in the image is. And ...
  A: Amanda, The design is a "Swallow" design. There are a couple of standard meanings for the design. ...
stretching tattoos during pregnancy2/3/2009
  Q: i want to get a tattoo on both hips of nuatical stars, and i just wonder if thats too high up and ...
  A: Nicole, I cannot tell you where on your body to get a tattoo. That is a personal choice for you, ...
tattoo artist career2/2/2009
  Q: Hey I've been contemplating the idea of becoming a tattoo artist since I was 13. Im now 17 and ...
  A: Laura, What you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo artist or ...
tattoo itching years later1/31/2009
  Q: My first tat I got back in 2001, it still itches occasionally, it has gotten a lot better tho. I ...
  A: Addie, You are not allergic to the pigment, rather you are allergic to some compound in the ...
Tattoo breaking open after 2 years!1/30/2009
  Q: I have just noticed that my tattoos ( both of them , 1 on my back and 1 on my upper arm ) have just ...
  A: Preston, Without seeing the tattoo it will be hard for me to tell you what is going on. If you ...
Tattoo help1/26/2009
  Q: I got a tattoo a week ago today and got a rash from the A&D ointment the parlor told me to use so i ...
  A: Steve, When having an allergic reaction to any ointment, cream or lotion the best thing you can do ...
my hand feel asleep during tattoo...1/25/2009
  Q: I went in to get a large cover up on my lower back, about an hour in my right hand started tingling, ...
  A: Shannon, If you sat for a long time you may have thrown your back out of alignment. I usually ...
The real skinny on tattoo specific lotions/products1/24/2009
  Q: I got a tattoo on my right leg below the knee about 3.5 weeks ago and it is now fully healed and ...
  A: Derick, First and foremost Tattoo Goo is junk. Do not use it. It is only sold by shops that are ...
outline1/23/2009
  Q: I got a tattoo about a year and a half ago and it faded a bit. I doesn't show up as much as i'd like ...
  A: Samalia, If your skin is very dark have your tattooist use a dark uncut purple for the outline. The ...
scratching my tattoo when i sleep1/22/2009
  Q: i got my first tattoo on my wrist 4 days ago and i have no problems with it apart from i wake myself ...
  A: Catherine, If the protective crust that forms is knocked or picked off and not allowed to flake off ...
shiny tattoo1/21/2009
  Q: I just got a quarter sleve on my right arm 5 days ago. The first 2 days I used Bacitracin, then when ...
  A: Chris, First and foremost, the compounds you used on your tattoo are some of the worst things you ...
tattoo design1/20/2009
  Q: I am looking to get a tattoo in memory of 3 people very close to me who died in the past 2 years. I ...
  A: Amanda, This is something that I cannot help you with. The choice of a tattoo to honor someone is a ...
tattoo1/18/2009
  Q: i had a tattoo jan.16th 2009 done and i don't like it. i want to cover it with another design.mine ...
  A: Brandy, The minimum amount of time you should wait is 30 days. However ideally you should wait 90 ...
Swelling of foot1/16/2009
  Q: I had a tattoo done on my left outer ankle on Tuesday. My left foot has come to a sudden swelling ...
  A: Amber, Tattoos on the extremities, legs and arms sometimes have a tendency to react as if a muscle ...
white ink1/13/2009
  Q: hey i have had 3 large tattos - all using black ink with large areas being shade and have always ...
  A: Christopher, Unless the tattoo is hot to the touch, seeping, sore and red you should have no ...
keloid Art1/12/2009
  Q: I'm a 42 year African American male. I've always been impressed with some examples of traditional ...
  A: Acarphinus, There are a lot of studios that do scarification art. Check studios in your region for ...
Sterilization process?1/11/2009
  Q: I have just a few questions, and then a favor. I love tattoos and have a few and plan on getting ...
  A: ChrisZ, There is nothing anywhere that says that a woman and even a man cannot have tattoos on ...
tragus infected1/8/2009
  Q: I think my tragus piercing disinfected since there is a red bump that formed around it along with a ...
  A: Jestra, You will need to contact a physician for treatment. Do not remove the ring as it may trap ...
Red Bumps1/5/2009
  Q: I just recently got a sleeve piece on my left arm about 5 days ago. I few days later I started ...
  A: Davey, Normally I would have said that you had an allergic reaction to the healing ointment you ...
Infected tattoo1/4/2009
  Q: Hey. I got my first tattoo 2 Saturdays ago,and during what i want to believe was the healing ...
  A: Casha, Triple anti-biotic ointment is the worst thing you can use on a tattoo. You have had an ...
Numbing creams12/28/2008
  Q: I am busy looking around for my first tattoo and seem to be leaning in the direction of a large one ...
  A: Brian, First and foremost if your friend vomited while getting a tattoo he either has a very low ...
tattoos and never damage12/26/2008
  Q: i had a tattoo done in Oct of 2007 now all of the sudden i am having nerve problems with it it is on ...
  A: Elizabeth, You may be having other problems that are not associated with the tattoo at all. I would ...
Tiny Bumps on 4 month old tattoo12/25/2008
  Q: About 4 months ago I got a tattoo on my inner arm; it takes up my entire inner arm, has lots of ...
  A: Jen, Usually what is happening in situations like this is that the body is rejecting impurities in ...
Acne12/23/2008
  Q: i have a little bit of acne on my back and some scares from when it healed. i wanted to know if i ...
  A: Tiffique, I would strongly recomeend that you wait until the condition clears before getting ...
tattoo12/21/2008
  Q: I got a tattoo a little over a week ago and have been washing it with anti-bacterial soap and ...
  A: Sam, Hand lotion is one of the worst things you can put on a tattoo. You are having an allergic ...
new tattoo12/19/2008
  Q: I just got my tattoo done last night.Its the second night now, and my ankle is the size of a small ...
  A: Meagan, Tattoos on the extremities, legs, ankles, wrists and arms sometimes have a tendency to ...
apprenticeships12/16/2008
  Q: i am looking to get an apprenticeship as a tattoo artist and wondering if you had any tips or info. ...
  A: Sarah, What you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo artist or ...
red pimples??12/15/2008
  Q: I know that probably youve been asked a lot about this, but I got my first tattoo about 3 weeks ago, ...
  A: Natalie, What you are experiencing is an allergic reaction to the healing compounds you used. You ...
complications of self tattooing?12/14/2008
  Q: D When i was younger i always wanted to be a tattoo artist Now I'm 14 years old and I've been ...
  A: Cher, YOU SHOULD NOT BE TATTOOING YOURSELF! Especially at 14 years of age. There is a whole lot of ...
ichthyosis and tattoos12/12/2008
  Q: I have x-linked ichthyosis, which is simply really dry skin all over my body. I was also looking ...
  A: Zak, The dry skin will cause the tattoos to look ashy. Also you stand the risk of having dead skin ...
tattoo12/11/2008
  Q: how long do you have to use a&d onitment on a tattoo?
  A: Chanda, The normal time period is 7 - 10 Days. For a complete list of aftercare instuctions please ...
advice about prices...12/8/2008
  Q: I am not sure if I am being overcharged so maybe you can help. I just gave $325 for a tattoo of ...
  A: Lee, Prices vary from region to region, studio to studio and tattooist to tattooist. What a person ...
Labret12/7/2008
  Q: I recently got my lip pierced last week and i have a 16g stud in. I noticed yesterday when i woke up ...
  A: MG, First and foremost your piercer should not have cut your lip unless he has had proper medical ...
tattoo12/6/2008
  Q: I recently have gotten my second tattoo and have been using a&d ointment on it. a couple days after, ...
  A: Emily, You have experienced an allergic reaction to the A&D ointment. You have done the right thing ...
Tatoos over stretch marks.12/4/2008
  Q: I am an 18 year old college student and have been worrying about my stretch marks ever since they ...
  A: CM, Any qualified, experienced, licensed and professional studio should be able to do the work for ...
thigh tattoo12/3/2008
  Q: I got a thigh tattoo yesterday. I noticed last night that the pain was more severe than any other ...
  A: Liz, Tattoos on the extremities, legs and arms sometimes have a tendency to react as if a muscle ...
4 yr old tat raised today....11/27/2008
  Q: I have a 4 year old tattoo on my ankle that I noticed was very itchy today and realized it is bumpy ...
  A: Brandy, The pigment that was originally used on your tattoo may have had some impurities in it. In ...
TATTOO THAT BLED11/26/2008
  Q: i just got a tattoo---and it seems that a small part of the outline bled and kinda looks crappy --i ...
  A: Susan, If the outline bled then you may have been the victim of an unskilled tattooist. There are ...
soul-patch piercing11/24/2008
  Q: I have heard that soul-patch piercings can cause gum damage. Is that true? If so, is there ...
  A: Ski, The LABRET piercing can cause damage to the gums if it is not properly aligned as it will rub ...
licence11/23/2008
  Q: did they really do away with the licecing on tattoos...
  A: Angel, Every State, County and City in the United States now has licensing requirements for ...
finding a tattoo artist11/18/2008
  Q: I've been looking for a good tattoo artist to tattoo my penis and the area around it. I live NW of ...
  A: Patrick, I am going to direct you to The Jade Dragon Tattoo. You can check them out by going to ...
Piercing Test11/17/2008
  Q: My father has pierced for more than 10 years, and the state that we live in has now required to be ...
  A: Brandy, First and foremost if the State failed to notify him then he should file a complaint with ...
Hives on a Tattoo after it has healed11/16/2008
  Q: I have had a tattoo for bout 7 to 9 week then all the sudden I started to get hives or an iritated ...
  A: David, Did you see the State issued license? If not or if the person was not working in a ...
Tattoo Allergie Question11/13/2008
  Q: I got a tattoo almost 2 months ago without any problems. I am very sensitive and allergic to many ...
  A: Blake D, I have never heard of anaphylaxis shock happening with any tattoo let alone years later. ...
Tattoo11/11/2008
  Q: I got a tattoo in 5/07 and now it is itching really bad, red and scaly can you let me know what I ...
  A: Erin, Your body may be rejecting the pigment. If there were inpurities in the pigment they may lay ...
Tattoo shop11/10/2008
  Q: I am thinking about opening a shop in ohio. What kind of licenses do I need and how do I get them? ...
  A: Dustin, You will need to check with the Ohio Department of Health for a list of rules and ...
tattoo.. pen ink.. numb11/9/2008
  Q: i used an needle wit pen ink to tat a name on my right wrist in july.. now from my top wrist to half ...
  A: Becca, What you did to yourself was extremely ignorant and extremely dangerous. You may be ...
painkillers11/8/2008
  Q: I want to get a tattoo but i was wondering if there is anything I shouldn't take while getting one ...
  A: Stacey, Ibuprofen should have no effect on the tattoo at all. There are certain medications, such ...
what should i get and how much would it be?11/7/2008
  Q: ok i have always wanted to get a tattoo but never had the money and now i have a job. i have been ...
  A: Sean, Neither I nor anyone else can advise you on what tattoo is best for you. That is a matter of ...
Tattoo Healing11/6/2008
  Q: Gypsy, I had a tattoo done on my forearm about three weeks ago now. I followed the aftercare ...
  A: John, Not only did you over treat the tattoo but you also used the wrong things to treat it with. ...
Ink Allergy?11/5/2008
  Q: Gypsy - I got my masterpieve two months ago, over Labor day weekend. Of course, being young and dumb ...
  A: Tony, What you are experiencing is an allergic reaction to the healing compounds you used. You ...
razor blade11/4/2008
  Q: Have you ever done any tattoo like a razor blade penetrating the skin with some blood? What meaning ...
  A: Cody, Most of the photos of my work prior to 1993 were lost in the flooding that hit the Midwest in ...
Stinging pain on an old tattoo11/3/2008
  Q: I have had a tattoo for about 12 years on my upper right hand shoulder. Over the summer it became ...
  A: Cindy, Please contact a physician immediately for a consultation as this is not normal. This is ...
razor blade11/2/2008
  Q: Have you ever done any tattoo like a razor blade penetrating the skin with some blood? What meaning ...
  A: Cody, One of the first tattoos I ever did over 32 years ago was a razor balde penetrating the skin. ...
skin color10/31/2008
  Q: I got my tattoo almost a month and a half ago around my ankle and foot. I was told everything was ...
  A: Ann, You did nothing wrong outside of using the wrong compounds for the healing of your tattoo. But ...
Red bumps on and around my Tat10/30/2008
  Q: I have been using A&D and about 5 days ago i started getting red bumps on and around my tat.Some are ...
  A: Melissa, Besides the allergic reaction that you had to the A & D Ointment it sounds like you may be ...
Tattoo Bruise or Ink Spread?10/28/2008
  Q: Two months later, I have a blue-ish hue around it. (it's a small Chinese symbol, done in one color, ...
  A: Lisa, The truth of the matter is that you will not get rid of it. The pigment is spreading under ...
Tattoos10/27/2008
  Q: My question is do you think that before a young person gets tattooed they should take into ...
  A: Jenn, First off let me apologize for taking a few days to answer your question. My status should ...
coloring over a tat10/25/2008
  Q: I have a tattoo with red, yellow, and orange in it. I want to know if I can color over these with ...
  A: rholloway, First off let me apologize for taking a couple of days to get back to you. My status ...
tattoo healing10/23/2008
  Q: hey i got my tatoo about a weeg ago now. its all black no colour and on my uppr bicept. it sms to be ...
  A: Josh, First off let me apologize for taking a few days to get back to you. I was on vacation and my ...
Not happy with tattoo10/22/2008
  Q: I have 4 tattoo's, all drawings of diamonds to coincide with my name. I have one on my inner wrist, ...
  A: Gemma, Right from the start, based on what you have told me, it sounds like you went to an ...
Licensing10/19/2008
  Q: I know that you have to have a license to tattoo and/or pierce, my question is that this guy I know ...
  A: Hannah, You are absolutely correct to question what this guy has told you. YOU MUST BE LICENSED ...
Tattoo-ing over navel scar that is unclosed after 2 years10/18/2008
  Q: I was in Junior High when I got both my top and bottom navel pierced, as you can imagine I was very ...
  A: Alicia, First and foremost the chances of you being allergic are slim. But if that is a concern ...
How to Tattoo Artists get Paid?10/15/2008
  Q: I was curious how Tattoo Artists are generally paid from your experience? I've heard that they are ...
  A: Jamie, Tattoo artists receive payment in advance. Most tattooists working in the studio environs, ...
Going over colour with different colours10/13/2008
  Q: I apologise if you have answered this question, but i recently had a tatoo done in colour and now ...
  A: Cath, Unfortunately unles your talking about covering the whole tattoo in solid black there is not ...
tatoo issue10/10/2008
  Q: From time to time the outline of my tatoo, which is 15 yrs old, with raise up. Meaning I can "feel" ...
  A: Carol, The tattooist who did your tattoo went to deep on the outline creating a scar. What is ...
tattoo pain10/9/2008
  Q: I just got a tattoo yesterday that was a redo of my old one. Now I never had pain the next day ...
  A: Carol, You may have an infection I would strongly advise that you contact a physician ASAP. Please ...
A gypsy tatoo10/7/2008
  Q: A friend of mine has always wanted to get a tattoo symbolizing her gypsy heritage. She considered ...
  A: Enoch, You came to the right person with this question as my family is Romani. have your friend do ...
poor quality tattoos10/5/2008
  Q: I got a 2 inch tattoo 7 days ago on my chest. its of a purple ribbon for pancreatic cancer. The ...
  A: Andee, First off, "A 30 Day Guarantee"? That is questionable to begin with. Most studios offer a ...
Yellow in my tattoo9/30/2008
  Q: Friday, Sept 26th I got a tattoo of a half moon. The moon was supposed to be yellow with a little ...
  A: Jolyn, You should have nothing to be concerned over. The colors are always darker until the tattoo ...
skin rash9/29/2008
  Q: i got a tattoo about a week and a half ago Saturday it got bumpy and started itching real bad what ...
  A: Kathlene, Without being able to see what you are refering too it sounds like you maybe having an ...
lines on my forearm9/28/2008
  Q: hey there. I wanted to get two simple black lines around the upper portion of my left forearm, and ...
  A: Carolyn, To my knowledge there is no significance past what you yourself apply to it. -The GYPSY ...
my tattoo has water blisters9/27/2008
  Q: i just got a tattoo on wednesday on my wraist, it is a yellow ribbion. the first two days the tattoo ...
  A: Katy, Without being able to see what you are refering too it sounds like you maybe having an ...
new tattoo9/26/2008
  Q: I had a tattoo done on my wrist ( a small italic 'R') 2 days ago, all in black. I followed the ...
  A: Rachel, First and foremost you are using the wrong things on your tattoo. Please visit my FAQ page ...
Pimples and bumps around tattoo9/25/2008
  Q: I recived a tattoo on Fri. and used a&d. Everything was fine. I ordered tattoo goo and it came in 3 ...
  A: Alex, The first thing to know and understand is that products like Tattoo Goo and their like are ...
Penis tattoos9/24/2008
  Q: I'm interested in getting a tattoo on my penis. i wish to cover up some scarring from circumcision. ...
  A: Mont, Please visit Body Modification Ezine at URL http://www.bmezine.com/ They should have the ...
My tattoo...8/16/2008
  Q: I got my first tat on my arm, it is beautiful with no problems. So I got my second, on my upper ...
  A: J, There is nothing else to do. You have experienced an allergic reaction to the ointment you were ...
the leg i got my tattoo on feels numb8/13/2008
  Q: I got my first tattoo about 4 days ago. It's on the calf of my left leg. Last night from my knee ...
  A: Heidi, Sometimes the body, when a tattoo is done on the extremities, thinks it has received a ...
hives on year old tatoo8/12/2008
  Q: I have had a tatoo for over a year now on my wrist and 8 month old one on my side. I just now am ...
  A: TJ, The benadryl and hydrocortizone will probably only irritate the situation. What is probably ...
"cloudy" tattoo8/10/2008
  Q: i had 2 roses added to my chest piece, one on each side, and i had the right one done 2 days before ...
  A: Col, It sounds as though you may have a layer of dead skin over the tattoo. I see this happening ...
Going over a Tattoo8/9/2008
  Q: I have read your answer to Elaine about covering a tattoo with white to lighten it. I had a tattoo ...
  A: Clare, The tattooist did a lot wrong. The main thing he did was to over work your tattoo. You can ...
Allergic reaction to a specific color8/6/2008
  Q: Is it possible to have an allergic reaction to a specific color and have it start after the tattoo ...
  A: Torakochan, It does sound as if you have had an allergic reaction to the pigment which was used. If ...
green scabs6/29/2008
  Q: My boyfriend's tattoo had a large portion that was solid black. In those spots the scabs turned ...
  A: Gina, No, it is not normal for scabs to raise and turn greenish white. Your boyfriend may have an ...
raised skin6/28/2008
  Q: I had an industrial piercing on my ear and took it out after a year because it was still so ...
  A: Kristina, The bumps are either scar tissue or imbedded dirt or a combination of both. You will need ...
Tattoo color bleeding6/27/2008
  Q: I just recieved a colored tattoo spanning the entire length of the backside of my forearm (just the ...
  A: Mark, You should NOT be washing the tattoo as it has a tendency to take out pigment, knock off the ...
scar tattooing-coverup6/26/2008
  Q: I am an African-American 40 something year old female, who had a tattoo excised from my left forearm ...
  A: Sandy, Everyone at Fun City is skilled and qualified. Any pigment color will work on your scar but ...
scar tattooing-coverup6/25/2008
  Q: I am an African-American 40 something year old female, who had a tattoo excised from my left forearm ...
  A: Sandy, Contact the good folks over at Fun City Tattoo. They should be able to assist you. I hope ...
my friends tat is horrid.6/24/2008
  Q: A week ago today me and 2 of my friends went to a very well known tattoo parlor, all of us got ...
  A: Lena, I have no way to email you as I never see the email addresses of the people who ask the ...
swelling6/23/2008
  Q: ..i think maybe i put too much lotion on ...it does not hurt at all however..i was wondering what i ...
  A: Nicholas, There may be a very good chance that you have an infection. Please contact a physician as ...
Too bright around the edges6/22/2008
  Q: I had my tatoo done in the past 12 hours. Two of the colors are brighter than I would like them to ...
  A: Tammy, Applying lemon juice to your tattoo would not only be painful it would be a total waste of ...
tattoo problem6/21/2008
  Q: I have a tattoo on my upper ankle that has been itching like crazy for over a year (I got it back in ...
  A: Kristen, You are having what is commonly refered to as "Red Reaction" that is an allergic reaction ...
Is this normal?6/20/2008
  Q: I got 2 fairly large tats on my stomach ( 2 black & Gray swallows with my children's names) on ...
  A: Stephanie, No this is not normal healing. The care treatment you are using is what is affecting how ...
Tattoo Redness6/19/2008
  Q: I got a tattoo 48hrs ago, there is redness around the tattoo and little pain and a bit of stiffness. ...
  A: Natas, No, it is not normal. You may have an infection. Please contact a physician immediately for ...
spotty6/18/2008
  Q: I got a tattoo about two weeks ago and it scabed and started peeling and now that's done my color ...
  A: Brigitte, Yes, it sounds as though you will need to have it touched up. Please wait at least 30 ...
tattoo over scar6/17/2008
  Q: I just went and got an estimate to tattoo over a scar on my back that is 7in. long and 3 in. wide. ...
  A: Sheila, Without seeing what design you choose for your cover-up it would be diffulcult for me to ...
tats/bloodthinners6/16/2008
  Q: I saw your reply about not performing tats while customer is on blood thinners. My question is, how ...
  A: Evan, You should be off the thinners a minimum of 60 days before getting tattooed. This gives the ...
keloides from tattoo6/14/2008
  Q: I had a belly ring piercing 5 years ago and about a year later it had rejected the jewellery and ...
  A: Kerry-lee, The rule of thumb is that if a person is prone to keloid scarring then they are not a ...
Question about Tattoo and Pregnancy6/13/2008
  Q: I would love to get a tattoo sometime but right now I am pregnant with my son and I am about 6-7 ...
  A: Lacey, Very good question and very resposible of you to ask it. You should wait at least 6 weeks ...
tatoo6/11/2008
  Q: im planning to get a tattoo need some necessary but casual advise and precaution to be taken and ...
  A: James, Please visit my FAQ page at http://www.ubtat2d.com/faq.html for a comprehensive list of what ...
Polynesian style tattoos6/11/2008
  Q: Im thinking of getting a Polynesian style tattoo {for example see attached image} on my right calf ...
  A: Dave, There are different outline needle configurations and different shading needle ...
swollen ankle6/10/2008
  Q: I got a tattoo right above my ankle 2 weeks ago - all black and 1 small area of blue. Black healed ...
  A: Debbie, The trouble you are having with your blue is not typical. Blue is one of the most ...
Pain in only one color ink6/8/2008
  Q: I consider myself a very experienced tattoo guy. I have an entire back piece, a sleeve on my left ...
  A: Jason, I can answer your question quite simply. Chances are that you are experiencing an allergic ...
Behind Ear Tattooing6/6/2008
  Q: I am having a hard time finding out if tattoos behind your ear will hold the shape. I want to get a ...
  A: Paige, The ear is one of the areas on your body that continue to grow your entire life. Over time ...
i think my tattoo is infected..6/5/2008
  Q: ok well i got a tattoo above my ankle exactly a week and 3 days ago.. this is my second tattoo and ...
  A: Lady Troubles, First and foremost lets deal with your swelling and pain: In some instance the body ...
loss of color on my new tattoo6/3/2008
  Q: My tattoo is peeling and scabbing pretty bad. I got it done at a really reputable place and I did ...
  A: Lauren, Usually a tattoo that is peeling and scabbing badly is a sign of an overworked tattoo. ...
venom tongue piercing6/1/2008
  Q: i was wondering, what exactly is the dangers of a venom tongue piercing. now i have been considering ...
  A: Arielle, For this particular question I am going to give you a referral. Please contact Arturo ...
cover up tattoo5/31/2008
  Q: I have a green, yello, and orange color tat, I want to cover it up, but if I can't I want to change ...
  A: Dana, The yellow to pink might work as long as it is a darker, more intense pink but the purple ...
Possible allergic reaction and the future5/30/2008
  Q: I had shading and color work finished on large work on my arm and shoulder over 2 weeks ago. The ...
  A: Frank, The chances of it being a reaction to the black pigment are very rare. More than likely it ...
scarred tattoo5/2/2008
  Q: Got a tattoo on my left wrist about 2 months ago off my dads initials, dob and dod. The tattoo got ...
  A: Robyn, If it is as heavily scarred as you have indicated you will need to wait at least one year ...
Tattoo and inner bicep5/1/2008
  Q: I'm a pretty skinny kid, (5' 9" and 130lbs.) and I want a tattoo on the inner left bicep.(I'm right ...
  A: Vijay, Skinny, Fat or Medium buils makes no difference. The skin is elastic and the tattoo will ...
Red Ink4/29/2008
  Q: My friend just got a a tattoo and it is almost all red, and she seems to be having an allergic ...
  A: Laura, Your friend may be suffering from a condition known as "RED REACTION" this is an allergic ...
Tattoo Stretching4/21/2008
  Q: I am looking at getting my first tattoo, on my lower back. It will Say "Libertad" in gothic writing, ...
  A: Patrick, For whatever reason the system did not send you my original answer to your question so I ...
Music Tattoo4/19/2008
  Q: I'm musical, and I'd really like a music stave depicting my favourite piece of music across my lower ...
  A: Lauren The minimum width would have to be at least 1 1/2" for what you are describing in order for ...
Starting a shop4/18/2008
  Q: Me and a close friend of mine are in an economics class and we have to start and run a business, ...
  A: Chansce, You picked one hell of a business to "Hypothetically" start and run. Lets start with the ...
Tattoo weeping/ink transference4/17/2008
  Q: I got my second tattoo yesterday of a realistic shamrock, with bright greens and yellows. Last ...
  A: Lisa, It is very normal for a tattoo to weep a little during the healing period, Plasma and excess ...
straight lines4/16/2008
  Q: I recently got a tattoo that was full of unstraight lines, So my qustion is can crooked lines be ...
  A: Matt, You will need to seek out a skilled, qualified, licensed, tattooist to fix your tattoo. I go ...
CAMOUFLAGEING A SCAR4/13/2008
  Q: MY FRIEND I DID ALOT OF RESEARCH AND YOU SEEM THE BEST PERSON TO GO TO FOR A TRUTHFUL ANSWER.I`M ...
  A: Freddie, I would suggest that you contact Jonathan Shaw at Fun City Studios in NYC the number is in ...
cover up ink allergy or regular healing?4/12/2008
  Q: i have 2 tattoos on my forearm with a some red ink on them, no problem... 3 days ago i got a tattoo ...
  A: Rob, Without seeing a photo of the tattoo it will be diffulcult to tell you what is going on. But ...
About my scar4/11/2008
  Q: Hey last summer i fell on my knee n theres a huge scar do u think i can get a tattoo over it
  A: Nina, Yes, scars can be covered but it is a difficult and tedious process. Also, if the scar is ...
small white bump on tattoo4/10/2008
  Q: I recently just had a tattoo done on my neck along the spine and it starts at my hairline. Towards ...
  A: Pamela, Generally little bumps around a tattoo are an indication that the person is allergic to the ...
my tat is peeling off4/9/2008
  Q: 4 days ago i got a tattoo on my hip and while i was getting it, it was so painful. when i was ...
  A: Nikki, It sounds, based on what you have told me, that you are suffering from a severe infection. I ...
First Tattoo Questions4/8/2008
  Q: 1. Is any color possible on ink? 2. what happens if you get a zit, or any kind of injury in a ...
  A: Sophie, 1. Is any color possible on ink? A SKILLED, QUALIFIED, LICENSCED TATTOOIST SHOULD BE ABLE ...
post foot tattoo swelling.4/7/2008
  Q: I recently got a tattoo on the top of my left foot (April 3rd) and it covers most of the bottom half ...
  A: April, One of the major problems associated with tattoos on the extremities i.e.; Feet, Ankles, ...
Timing4/4/2008
  Q: I have booked an appointment for my first Tattoo. It is a crest that will be on my upper arm. 14 ...
  A: Dennis, I would strongly advise that you wait until you return home to get your tattoo. After it is ...
Inner Bicep4/1/2008
  Q: i was wondering a pain factor how sore this would be the shoulder area was fine, my muscle line on ...
  A: Jason, The inner bicep is one of the most tender areas to have tattooed. However considering that ...
Tattoo Infection (follow up)3/31/2008
  Q: Two months ago I got a tattoo on my right arm. It was a reputable parlour with certificates from the ...
  A: David, I need further info from you before I can answer this question. What is the color of pigment ...
waterproofing3/30/2008
  Q: I just got a fresh tattoo two days ago and I am getting baptized a week from tomorrow. I didn't know ...
  A: Matt, Getting a new tattoo wet for just a moment or in the shower will not effect it. You cannot ...
beyond intenterested3/28/2008
  Q: I am very interested in apprenticing, I have practiced some with my kit and i always watch & learn ...
  A: Jacquei, What you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo artist ...
Can I get my stretch marks tattooed over...3/26/2008
  Q: I have a question for you. I had my first (and only!) pregnancy 2 years ago and I have some ...
  A: Nikki, Unfortunately a tattoo will not mask loose skin and may even cause it to be more noticiable. ...
Good placement with future employment in mind.3/23/2008
  Q: I am the only person in my family that doesn't have a tattoo, and I feel that it is time. I've ...
  A: Cable, The upper bicep is the least painful area to get a tattoo and it can be viewed easily and ...
new tattoo splotchy and lines raised3/22/2008
  Q: I read your tattoo website and kept seeing your answers when I googled my problem, so I figured ...
  A: MG, Based on the photo you have two problems going on. First, your tattooist went to deep and has ...
new tattoo splotchy and lines raised3/21/2008
  Q: I read your tattoo website and kept seeing your answers when I googled my problem, so I figured ...
  A: MG, You may be experiencing a "Red Reaction" that is a reaction to the red pigment in the tattoo. ...
tattoos3/20/2008
  Q: i got a tattoo a week ago and about two hours after i got the tattoo a rash began to form so i went ...
  A: James, You have developed an allergic reaction to the healing compound you were instructed to use. ...
tattoos3/10/2008
  Q: I am doing this paper in english about tattoos, and I was wondering if the position of a tattoo is ...
  A: Chelsey, Different studios use different pricing methods. Some studios add an extra charge for ...
my tattoo...3/9/2008
  Q: I just got my tattoo about a month ago and i wanted it in white but all the artist advised me not ...
  A: Jaden, I am afraid that there is really nothing that can be done. Because the pigments are ...
painful tattoo3/6/2008
  Q: I just had another tat done on my for arm, its by no way my first, All I can say is it hurts, ...
  A: Michael, It is a large tattoo so that can account for some of the pain factor. However it does look ...
tattoo allergic reaction3/5/2008
  Q: I recently got a tattoo one month ago. I have small dots that itch like crazy under the skin not ...
  A: Kelle, Stop using the hydrocortisone immediately all you are doing is irritating the condition. You ...
fading3/2/2008
  Q: okay, i got a cover up recently like a week and 2 days ago. its on the side of my leg, towards my ...
  A: Melissa, You are going to have to have it retouched, once faded it will not darken again. More than ...
my tatoo2/28/2008
  Q: i got my first set of tatoos last friday, the 22, and they are on the tops of both my feet....my ...
  A: Deanna, Itching is normal with a healing tattoo and your tattooist should have warned you about ...
Raised tattoo2/27/2008
  Q: I have three tattoos on my upper middle back that I have had for a year now. The problem I've had ...
  A: Ariana, Blue and Green reactions, though rare, do occur but usually not after a year. If you are ...
tattoo infection?2/26/2008
  Q: i figured it was irritated because of my shoes and socks rubbing against. Now at day 10 it has red ...
  A: Justine, Please forgive the gap in getting back to you, I was called out of town on an emergency ...
7YR OLD TATTOO GETS ITCHY BUMP2/23/2008
  Q: I HAVE A 7 YR OLD TATTOO AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY NEW JOB I HAVE TO COVER IT UPS WITH BAND ...
  A: Jessica, There may be an impurity in the original pigment which was used on the tattoo 7 years ago. ...
Tranverse Navel Piercing2/20/2008
  Q: I want to get a surface piercing like this ...
  A: Tiffany, Rejection rate is very low on this style of piercing. Not saying that it cannot happen ...
tattoo over an apendectomy scar2/19/2008
  Q: Hey Gypsy. I have a very small scar resulting from an apendectomy from over 2 years ago, it is ...
  A: Biko, Tattooing over a scar can be tender because the nerve endings are closer to the surface and ...
Tattooing at conventions or other places outside of the shop.2/15/2008
  Q: Hey how's it going? I do a lot of tattooing on the road outside of the shop. With all the new ...
  A: Adam, This isn't "becoming an issue", it is an issue. If you are tattooing at conventions the ...
Wrinkled Tattoo2/10/2008
  Q: I got a tattoo a little over a month ago,it is just black ink (Which is still very black) It ...
  A: Phylicia, If you are allergic to baby oil try using pure aloe vera gel. It is a good natural ...
Can I get a touch up?2/9/2008
  Q: I have previously asked a question on this site that David very kindly answered on 20th December, ...
  A: Ruth, If you have been applying baby oil to the area and the skin is still dry and flakey then ...
north carolina1/28/2008
  Q: I have been slinging ink for about 14 years or so, but have yet to make my way into a shop, I have ...
  A: Wilie, You have to follow whatever the law is in the State you are trying to get licensed in. If ...
Tattoo question1/27/2008
  Q: ive had my tattoo for a week and its my first one. ive taken really good care of it but it looks ...
  A: Amanda, You are not taking proper care of the tattoo. Please visit my FAQ page at ...
cross tattoo1/26/2008
  Q: my son recently came home with a cross tatoo on the inside of his forearm with initials on either ...
  A: Rick, It is absolutely amazing how tattoos can be construed to mean things that they do not mean. ...
Pimples & white heads on Tattoo1/25/2008
  Q: I got a tattoo about 10 months ago, its on my upper back. Since Ive had it iv been getting alot of ...
  A: Jenifer, The pigment that was used in your tattoo may have had some impurities in it. In much the ...
teardrop tat on arm1/24/2008
  Q: OK, so I have a gorgeous pheonix sleeve. Mine is crying three teardrops. To me, it represents ...
  A: Bren, Unfortunately "Gangs" have corrupted a lot of things including tattoo meanings. Of course the ...
tattoo scabbing?1/23/2008
  Q: Hey I got my first tattoo three days ago, on the top of my foot. It's a red ribbon with a black ...
  A: Jacqui, Vaseline or any Petroleum Jelly is the worst thing you can use on a tattoo as it draws out ...
Leg tattoo pain1/22/2008
  Q: Three days ago I got a tattoo that wraps around my calf. It's pretty big. My artist went over part ...
  A: Paula, Your tattooist overworked the area. There really is no need to hit the same area more than ...
first tattoo location1/21/2008
  Q: I am wanting to get my first tattoo on the top of my foot, have wanted to for a long time now, but ...
  A: Robyn, You definately need to eat at least one hour before getting the tattoo. Drink plenty of ...
tattooing a keloid1/18/2008
  Q: i was operated on 2 years ago and was left with a keloid on my tommy. i was given an intradermic ...
  A: Fiona, Scar tissue, even Keloids, can be tattooed over as long as the scar tissue is over a year ...
meanings1/17/2008
  Q: i was just wondering what the meaning is of a teardrop tattoo that is tattooed in the inside of your ...
  A: Kevin, That is a new one on me! A teardrop by the eye represents time served but one on the ...
Tattoo and Nerves1/16/2008
  Q: I have a friend who has problems with her Nerves and is in a wheelchair. She can walk and has ...
  A: Joel, I have never known a tattoo to cause nerve damage nor affect the nerves in any way. However, ...
Labret Piercing1/12/2008
  Q: I had my labret pierced yesterday and I'm aware that there's going to be minor pain, swelling, etc ...
  A: Jeremiah, Keep in mind that just because someone has been in business for 30 years does not mean ...
Shin Tattoo1/10/2008
  Q: I have recently been trying my hand at tattooing and using myself for practice. I recently tattooed ...
  A: Michelle, The best answer I can give you here is to seek out proper training. Just like you would ...
CLEANING1/9/2008
  Q: AFTER 4 DAYS OF HAVING MY TATTOO I STOPED CLEANING IT LIKE THEY SAYED BUT NOW IT STARTING TO PEAL A ...
  A: Ashley, Tattoos are suppose to peel to heal properly. The key is DO NOT PICK IT! Let it flake off ...
Tattoo stretching1/7/2008
  Q: I am 22 and looking into getting my first tattoo. My weight has fluctuated greatly over the years, ...
  A: Monique, Weight change does affect how a tattoo will look. You most probably will need to get it ...
cover up scar1/6/2008
  Q: i have a scar approx 6inches long by 1/2 inch wion my shoulder, one end of the scar is slightly ...
  A: Dean, Yes, scars can be covered but it is a difficult and tedious process. Also, if the scar is ...
licensing1/3/2008
  Q: I'm in Illinois and have been tattooing for about 15 years and recently was approached concerning ...
  A: Angelo, Please visit http://www.ubtat2d.com/laws.html for a list of all state laws. I hope this ...
tattoo apprenticeship12/21/2007
  Q: I recently asked about tattoo licensing in Pennsylvania, and appreciate the advice you gave me. The ...
  A: Tim, Apprenticeship is the only way and if you want it bad enough you'll keep trying to get an ...
should i be worried?12/20/2007
  Q: My friend, lets say...BOB has just got his first tattoo this evening. I did not stay to watch the ...
  A: Bear, You should be very worried! First and foremost.... If the MAN was doing it from within his ...
Infection12/19/2007
  Q: I have a dozen tattoos - I just got a new, small one on my ankle and has scabbed over, is painful ...
  A: Elizabeth, That is probably a good bet. Why someone would tattoo an area without proper cleansing ...
COLORED TATTOO12/18/2007
  Q: I JUST GOT A COLORED TATTOO ON THE 15TH AND I PUT A+D OINTMENT AND COVER IT....WHEN I TAKE THE ...
  A: Ashely, You are NOT suppose to cover the tattoo after the original dressing is removed. DO NOT ...
tattoos12/17/2007
  Q: i was told to apply a hot water cloth to my tattoo to open the pours on my skin for the day after i ...
  A: Matthew, First off let me apologise for taking so long to get back to you. I had to go out of town ...
pimples12/16/2007
  Q: i got a tattoo on the back of my shoulder anout 3 weeks ago. i sometimes get pimples there and have ...
  A: Jen, First off let me apologise for taking so long to get back to you. I had to go out of town on ...
Tattoo bleeding12/14/2007
  Q: I have read several of your replys regarding new tattoo's and what appears to be bleeding ink. I ...
  A: Lisa, First off let me apologise for taking so long to get back to you. I had to go out of town on ...
tattoo licensing in PA12/13/2007
  Q: I am not the most qualified person when it comes to reading through legal statues, and I have ...
  A: Tim, You cannot get a tattoo license in Pennsylvania or many other states without going through an ...
tattoo cover-up questions12/12/2007
  Q: and thank you in advance. I got a tattoo two months ago that I am really regretting. I thought ...
  A: May, You are very wise in not returning to the person who ruined your tattoo in the first place. ...
Removal - "new" method12/4/2007
  Q: I've been tattooed for a number of years, and am currently working on a half back piece with a very ...
  A: Dan, I went and looked at the site. I suspect that they are using a combination of citrus juices to ...
New tattoo adjustment.12/3/2007
  Q: Hey. Thanks in advance for your advice. I had an arm band put on about 3 days ago. I was hoping it ...
  A: Chuck, Your minimum wait after getting a piece done is 2 weeks. Optimum is 30 days. The body needs ...
New Hip Tattoo12/2/2007
  Q: I just got a tattoo on my left hip and it seems to be more red and swollen then any of my other ...
  A: Emily, There are several reasons this can happen. The skin in the hip area is very tender and thin. ...
ink problem11/30/2007
  Q: recently had a tattoo of a snake on my left upper arm. Had a lot of heavy scabbing mostly in the ...
  A: Jason, Your problem is not within the pigment but within the person applying the pigment. That is a ...
studio promotion & studio management suggestions11/28/2007
  Q: Gypsy... Based on your experience, what are the most cost effective ways to promote a new studio? ...
  A: Heather, Three most important factors in promoting a studio are Location, Visability and Word of ...
abdomen tattoo: myth or fact?11/18/2007
  Q: I was during some research on lower abdomen tattoos (i want a large, old school style tattoo with ...
  A: Julia, First off let me apologize for taking a few days to get back to you. I had to go out of town ...
tattoo itching11/15/2007
  Q: I read all the other answers as to why tattoo's itch and get bumpy but they were all concerning new ...
  A: Shawna, You probably notice that the tattoos become swollen and itchy when your body heat is up. ...
uv ink11/12/2007
  Q: Is there a place in Chicago that uses UV ink? My usual place does not and I'm looking to touch up ...
  A: Gretchen, I am sorry but I do not recomeend UV Ink nor will I refer anyone to any studio that uses ...
tattoo11/11/2007
  Q: I have a tattoo on my forearm and i want to get a tattoo behind it . I am trying to find out if it ...
  A: Thilo, Any tattoo can be added to or extended by any skilled, qualified, licensed professional. ...
stretch marks11/10/2007
  Q: i have strchmarks on my lower back and some off to my left side. Would a stretch mark coverup be the ...
  A: Mike, You can cover stretch marks. Any skilled, qualified, licensed professional can do this for ...
black ink Allergy11/9/2007
  Q: 6 months ago while visiting California I received a large Japanese tattoo on the back of my arm ...
  A: Jacob, Unfortunately Doctors do not know anything about tattoos and thier causes. What happened was ...
Pain for months11/8/2007
  Q: I got a tattoo on my upper back between my shoulder blades 4 months ago. I have a constant bad achy ...
  A: Lacey, This is not a normal reaction. The tattooist may have gone too deep and damaged the muscle ...
Allerigic to Ink11/7/2007
  Q: I got a tattoo a little over a month ago. A few weeks into it, my tattoo started to get these little ...
  A: Abby, Unfortunately Doctors do not know anything about tattoos and thier causes. What happened was ...
tattoo ink11/1/2007
  Q: I got a tattoo about three months ago and I have noticed that around the border of the tattoo it ...
  A: Jen, What causes "Hazeing" which is what you are describing is the tattooist going in too deep and ...
Tattoo rash?10/30/2007
  Q: I just got my first tattoo done 5 days ago, a butterfly on my leg. Around two days ago I suddenly ...
  A: Mary, You may be having an allergic reaction to the healing ointment you are using. Discontinue use ...
rib/side tat10/27/2007
  Q: Gypsy, In a few weeks I will be going in for a tat along my left side from my hip to where my bra ...
  A: Anna, The rib area can be tender but I would say that you have already received enough work that ...
red ink allergy in past, magenta now10/26/2007
  Q: I told my artist not to use red as I lost a tattoo (took two years) to a red ink allergy. He used ...
  A: Tasha, No you should not expect such a thing from your tattooist. The tattooist has absolutely no ...
Tattoo behind ear10/25/2007
  Q: I am considering getting a tattoo behind my ear/on my neck. I have a few queries about it, though. ...
  A: Jess, If someone lost a color from a tattoo behind the ear it wasn't because of natural causes, it ...
Tattoo Overmoisturizing10/24/2007
  Q: I recently got a 3rd session on my half sleeve, and seeing as this had the most fill, I got really ...
  A: Gareth, It sounds as if you are having an allergic reaction to the ointment. Please discontinue use ...
Location and Fading10/23/2007
  Q: I have a few questions...I'm considering a tattoo behind my ear, but was wondering about how quickly ...
  A: Michelle, Fading should not be a factor if you go to a skilled, qualified and licensed ...
tattoo10/22/2007
  Q: i am planning on getting a tattoo below my abdominal right on the fatty area above pussy i was ...
  A: Niki, That area is notorious for stretch marks. A tattoo in that area will surely need a touch up ...
Apprenticeship10/18/2007
  Q: I would love to get into tattooing professionally when I'm 18- is there anything I need to do before ...
  A: Abi, What you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo artist or ...
tattoo problems?10/17/2007
  Q: I got a tattoo on my wrist/forearm on Friday, done entirely in white ink. Since then around the ...
  A: Jessica, First thing you need to know is that white does not last, it will eventually go away. The ...
teaxs liciencising requirments10/15/2007
  Q: I am currently tattooing in Illinois, where there is no licence requirement, but I am thinking of ...
  A: Christy, Texas does have licensing not only at the State level but also at the county and city ...
My tattoo looks wierd10/14/2007
  Q: I got a tattoo of a rose about 5 weeks ago. This was my first time getting color (I have very a very ...
  A: Tracey, It sounds as if you may have dead skin over the top of the tattoo preventing new skin from ...
Over moisturized tattoo10/13/2007
  Q: I got 2 tattoos on my ankles, lower heels 1 week ago while I was out o town. A couple days later ...
  A: Danielle, You can probably expect some color loss and will probably need to get a touch up after ...
Need help with Aftercare of my new tattoo10/12/2007
  Q: I just got a tattoo on saturday and the scabs are pretty bad. I started feeling some pain on monday ...
  A: Crystal, It sounds to me like you may have gone to an unskilled tattooist that may have gone to ...
recent tattoo10/11/2007
  Q: I just recently (5 days ago) got a small tattoo behind my left shoulder on my back. It's a ...
  A: Dana, The main problem here is that you were tattooed by what is commonly refered to as a ...
blurring10/9/2007
  Q: I want to eventually get a tattoo. I'm thinking about one, big snake across my body, maybe a ...
  A: Elisha, Modern tattooing is a lot different than it was in our Grandfathers day. Modern technics ...
Second Tattoo10/5/2007
  Q: How long do I wait after my first tattoo to get a second? I was told 6 months to a year.
  A: Zbaby, Two weeks is usually the norm. You can get one sooner but it is best to let your body heal ...
meaning of tattoo10/2/2007
  Q: i saw a tattoo online of an ankh, heart and ring and it looks slightly celtic. it is supposed to ...
  A: Lauren, The design is what is commonly refered to as "Bologna Tribal" The overall design really has ...
Tattoo in skin graft with no muscle7/23/2007
  Q: My skin graft is 6 yrs old and I wanted to put tattoo on it.Located above the ankle,there is no ...
  A: Lovelyn, Yes, scars can be covered but it is a difficult and tedious process. Also, if the scar is ...
tattooed over moles and only just noticed7/22/2007
  Q: I had a tattoo in march and have only recently noticed its tattooed over some small skin coloured ...
  A: Vicki, The tattooist should have never tattooed over your moles because of the risk of malanoma. ...
Removing nipple rings7/20/2007
  Q: I had my nipples pierced about a year ago and have never tried to take them out until recently so I ...
  A: Mike, It depends on the type of rings you have. Are they captive bead rings? If so all you need do ...
tattoo fading7/18/2007
  Q: my tatt is about done healing is in all black, the color that is staying it almost looks like a ...
  A: William, You may have some dead skin over the top of the tattoo. After the healing is complete use ...
a blistery rash7/17/2007
  Q: I got a tattoo 6 days ago of two hearts with my kids names in it on my calf. the first 3 days i got ...
  A: Jen, First off let me apologise for taking a couple of days to get back to you, I have been having ...
Dragon tattoo7/14/2007
  Q: I'm looking at getting a dragon (protection)to blend with my daughters name . Just wondering if ...
  A: Troy, First off let me apologise for taking a few daysw to get back to you. My status was suppose ...
greenish stain around tattoo7/14/2007
  Q: WHAT CAN BE DONE TO GET RID OF IT??????
  A: Adam, First off let me apologise for taking a few daysw to get back to you. My status was suppose ...
Color match7/13/2007
  Q: I have an all black tattoo. I want some negative lettering on part of it filled in. I can't find my ...
  A: Chris, First off let me apologise for taking a few days to get back to you. My status was suppose ...
proper design7/12/2007
  Q: I've lived on the same cul-de-sac my entire life, and my street is basically family... in fact I'm ...
  A: Cristine, It is perfectly acceptable for you to walk into a studio with a "BLANK CANVAS" that is ...
steal your face7/11/2007
  Q: I have the traditional steal your face on my left upper arm...I would no longer like to look at this ...
  A: Angela, Covering a tattoo is simple as long as you use lots of detail and color with a heavy ...
tattoo fading7/11/2007
  Q: How effective and/or safe are tattoo "fading" creams that I see sold on the internet? How do they ...
  A: Jinnifer, Please do not contact me again for an answer to a question. I gave you an honest and ...
lip tattoo7/10/2007
  Q: Basically was out with some friends... emotions were running high and we all decided to get tatoo's. ...
  A: David, Most lip tattoos fade over time because of the acids in the mouth. Just relax and let nature ...
tattoo7/9/2007
  Q: i got a tattoo about a week ago and all of a sudden itchy white dots started to show up. And i want ...
  A: Gabrieal, It is anallergic reaction to the healing ointment. Discontinue us of all creams, ...
muscle mass and tattoos7/9/2007
  Q: I am looking to get a tattoo soon, but I have been in the gym a lot, and am gaining muscle mass. If ...
  A: Matt, Yes it will. You would be wise to wait until you have finished getting to your maintained mas ...
tat7/8/2007
  Q: about a week ago i got my 3rd tat and it is a ying yang sign of two dragons. it is on my back ...
  A: ItalysRain, Unfortuntely tattoo pigment is translucent which means that darker pigment will always ...
red spots on my new tatt7/7/2007
  Q: i just got my tattoo yesterday and i noticed a few red dots/spots on my tatt(not around).it doesnt ...
  A: Johnmin, You should NEVER use any sort of cream on a fresh tattoo. It sounds to me like you are ...
pen ink tattoo's7/7/2007
  Q: my brother and his friends are all 15. i just walked in 2 my kitchen and saw them sitting there with ...
  A: Nicole, The ink that is in writting pen ink IS NOT tattoo pigment. It is of a chemical base and is ...
Would it be possible to cover this tat?7/6/2007
  Q: I have an existing tat that was the first one I had done, I no longer want it, It is a blue colored ...
  A: Carrissa, Any tattoo can be covered with another tattoo. You just need to have color and detail.... ...
Mr. Gypsy7/6/2007
  Q: What do I have to do to get my tattoo license. State of New jersey.To keep it real I have done ...
  A: What you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo artist or piercer ...
my tattoo7/4/2007
  Q: i got a tat last night its been 24 hours and 1/2 inch to the right of my tattoo all the way down ...
  A: Kathryn, You may have a severe infection. I would strongly recommend that you contact a physician ...
weightloss and tattoos7/4/2007
  Q: i recently lost 40lbs and i want to get a tattoo on my lower back i still have another 30lbs to lose ...
  A: Latanya, It is best to wait until you have lost all desired weight before getting a tattoo. I hope ...
My new tattoo is weeping... What do I do?7/3/2007
  Q: I got a tattoo about 4 days ago... I've been using bacitracin and the tattoo started getting bumpy ...
  A: Tiffany, The first thing you should do is take that tin of Tattoo Goo and skip it across a lake ...
Tattoo artist recommendation7/2/2007
  Q: ..do you know any tattoo artists who specialize in tattooing over scars in or near Philadelphia, PA? ...
  A: Yen, I do not know who in Philadelphia is the most skilled in scar coverup. You may have to do some ...
scars7/2/2007
  Q: What did you mean when you say that you develop a technic "tattoos over scars" is there a special ...
  A: Irene, Yes, scars can be covered but it is a difficult and tedious process. Also, if the scar is ...
Bad outline7/1/2007
  Q: I got a tribal tattoo and on the outside of the outline you can see ink under my skin. So now the ...
  A: Ed, By not going to a skilled, qualified and licensed professional you opened yourself up for all ...
Foot tattoos and water6/30/2007
  Q: I'm wanting to get a tattoo on the top of my foot. It's about 4 inches long, and 2 inches wide. I'm ...
  A: Kayla, Four days will not be long enough. The tattoo must stay out of the water for 7 - 10 days or ...
Tattoo behind the ear6/30/2007
  Q: I'm considering getting a small tattoo of a few small black stars behind my left ear. I was ...
  A: Tena, There really is no health risk as long as you go to a skilled, licensed professional. ...
Ink Transfer6/29/2007
  Q: I got my first tattoo earlier today, about nine hours ago. My artist gave me specific instructions ...
  A: Amanda, A little seepage is normal immediately after getting tattooed as the body will reject any ...
ink fading6/29/2007
  Q: ok i got a tattoo on my hand about 6 days ago. I done everything that the artist told me to do to ...
  A: Danielle, Tattoos on the back of the hand generally do not last. But whether or not you can hold ...
Tattoo Weeping6/28/2007
  Q: I just got a tattoo yesterday, and some of the green color looks as if it is bleeding into the ...
  A: Tammy, It is perfectly normal for a tattoo to weep immediately after it is finished. Use your ...
Eyebrow, Labret, and Scrumper piercings.6/26/2007
  Q: I just have a few questions about my piercings. Any help would be appreciated. 1. I got my left ...
  A: Brit, 1. The dry skin syndrome is normal around piercings especially in the facial region. Skin ...
HELP!!!!!!6/26/2007
  Q: I got a retouch done on a year old tattoo about a month ago. Everything healed perfect. (I thought). ...
  A: Laurie, It sounds as if you had dead skin covering the tattoo. The sunblock got under the dead skin ...
Sun/Swimming6/25/2007
  Q: I got a tattoo on my back a few days ago and I've been avoiding direct sun exposure like i was told, ...
  A: Scar, You should not swim for 7 to 10 days. White cotton is the best thing to wear over a fresh ...
tattoo infection6/25/2007
  Q: I received a tatoo about a week ago on the top of my foot. It is very painful. My foot was red and ...
  A: Sara, First off I am sorry that it took a couple of days to get back to you my computer was in the ...
Laws about tattooing over a scar6/24/2007
  Q: I recently read on a website that in Ohio a tattoo artist can not tattoo over a scar. Is this true? ...
  A: Erin, Please visit http://www.ubtat2d.com/laws.html for a list of laws for Ohio. I would also ...
Red ink risk6/23/2007
  Q: I'd like to get a tattoo, but I'm concerned about red ink. The design I want is a Chinese Phoenix, ...
  A: Lauren, First off let me apologise for taking a couple of days to get back to you, my computer was ...
Tanning6/23/2007
  Q: I got my tattoo on my chest exactly two weeks ago, how long do i need to wait before tanning in a ...
  A: Sarah, First off leme apologise for taking a couple of days to get back to you, my computer was in ...
Itchy Tat6/22/2007
  Q: I have two tattoos, one on my upper back, and one on my left upper arm, Both Black. The one on my ...
  A: Alex, First off let me apologise for taking a couple of days to get back to you, my computer was in ...
NYC6/22/2007
  Q: Sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if you knew of any skilled artists/parlors in the heart of ...
  A: Kieran, I would strongly recomeend "Jonathan Shaws Fun City Tattoo." The number should be in your ...
Tattooing over or around keloid scars6/21/2007
  Q: You seem like an expert in this category and I was hoping you could answer my question. I have ...
  A: Andy, I always strongly advise people that are subject to Keloid scarring to avoid getting a tattoo ...
red and itchy tattoo6/21/2007
  Q: I got a tattoo on my feet about 13 days ago (black text) and had no problems until the past 3 days. ...
  A: Debi, Please discontinue use of all creams, lotions and ointments immediately you are only ...
Question6/21/2007
  Q: I have a tattoo on my forearm, its been really red since i got it 3 weeks ago and still the red ...
  A: Will, If it is that red for that long I would strongly suggest that you contact a physician ...
ink reaction (help)6/20/2007
  Q: is there a cream i can buy to clear up the reaction i am having without going to a dermatologist
  A: Rob, If you are having a reaction to the pigment all you can truly do is let nature take it's ...
Tattoo with cremation ashes.6/20/2007
  Q: I am wanting to get a memorial tattoo with some cremation ashes mixed in with the ink. It would be ...
  A: Lindsi, Honestly I personally would not recomeend it. The body has a tendency to reject impurities ...
blotchy tattoo6/20/2007
  Q: I recently got a tattoo and now that it has healed it is blotchy - as if the ink didn't take all ...
  A: Marilyn, The products you used for the aftercare of your tattoo is what caused your problem. You ...
Itchy pimples6/19/2007
  Q: i had a tattoo done 4 months ago, but lately the white ink of the tattoo its been itchy and raised. ...
  A: Mary, Your body is rejecting the white pigment which happens sometimes. The white pigment may have ...
Tattoo removal6/19/2007
  Q: Do you know if any of those cremes they advertise (tatbgone, tat-off) work? I have a small tattoo ...
  A: Jacquelyn, Removal creams are a scam and ripoff. They use a grit to remove skin which can lead to ...
Tattoo words stretching to much?6/12/2007
  Q: I'm 16, and my parents have agreed to sign for me to get a tattoo. My sister, brother, and brother ...
  A: Chelsea, Unless you gain a lot of weight you should have nothing to worry about. I hope this has ...
old tattoo itches6/11/2007
  Q: I have a 10 yr old tattoo (on shoulder/back)that has recently (about 2 months now) become a bit ...
  A: Jaime, It sounds as though your body is rejecting some impurity in the pigment. In much the same ...
raised tattoo6/10/2007
  Q: Hey, I've read your response to a few questions about a raised tattoo, but I just want to make sure ...
  A: Kathy, You probably notice that the raising in your tattoo is more pronounced when ever you body ...
nose piercing6/10/2007
  Q: I got my nose pierced yesturday, and everything went well. Ive had it done before but I took it out ...
  A: Karina, I do not know what aftercare instructions you were given but as long as you follow proper ...
ink6/10/2007
  Q: I got a tattoo a 8 days ago and ever since I took the bandage off, the ink has been coming off on ...
  A: Elyse, Stop using anything at all. Over use of any after care product can damage a tattoo. No ...
Its all gone wrong!6/9/2007
  Q: I had my 5th tattoo on the side of my wrist about 2 months ago. The bloke doing it has done all my ...
  A: Liz, I see what you mean. That is a pretty nasty and poorly done tattoo. It is very apparent that ...
6 months old tattoo6/8/2007
  Q: I had my 7th tattoo done 6 months ago and just recently part of it started itching. There are small ...
  A: Mark, More than likely what is happening is a rejection of impurities in the pigment. In much the ...
PLEASE HELP!6/8/2007
  Q: I RECENTLY GOT A TATTOO ON MY WRIST 3 DAYS AGO THAT I ALREADY REGRET...BIG TIME! THE ARTIST DID A ...
  A: Christie, Short of doing a coverup which would increase the size of the tattoo I am afraid that the ...
Firt tattoo question...6/7/2007
  Q: I am looking into getting my first tattoo, and the decision has been rather daunting. I want to ...
  A: Kendra, A skilled, qualified and licensed tattooist should already know the proper needle depth. ...
Pelvic tattoo6/7/2007
  Q: I'm planning on getting a tattoo that trails from my belly button into my pelvic region. I was ...
  A: Brandon, There is really nothing special that you need to do to prepare for this type of tattoo. It ...
Proper Aftercare6/6/2007
  Q: I read past questions and answers, so I think I know that I'm having an allergic reaction to my ...
  A: Melissa, I will answer each one of your questions seperately: 1. You say that after the bumps are ...
lip tattoo6/6/2007
  Q: I want to get a tattoo on my inner lip and I know that I will have to get touch ups because of ...
  A: Megan, If you do not get it done by a skilled, qualified, licensed professional that is familiar ...
New Tattoo5/30/2007
  Q: I just got a New tattoo on my back its pretty much a 7 hr back piece. I was using A&D for the first ...
  A: Kevin, Curel is one of the worst things you can use on a healing tattoo. For a list of proper care ...
aspiring artist5/30/2007
  Q: hey gypsy.. i'm an aspiring tattoo artist and i'm not sure what step to take next... i've had some ...
  A: Kristine, You do not need to go to art school to obtain an apprenticeship but artistic talent ...
tattoo5/23/2007
  Q: i know you have a lot of people asking about the red bumps they get after a tattoo.in the past week ...
  A: Steve, You are spreading them by scratching them. Leave them be and they should go away in 7 to 10 ...
new tattoo5/23/2007
  Q: I hope you can answer my question. About three weeks ago i got a tattoo on my wrist while in Reno. ...
  A: Rhonda, Your son may well be correct. I would suggest that you contact a skilled, qualified, ...
tattoo ink allergies5/15/2007
  Q: Is it possible to color a tattoo that has had a red ink allergic reaction with a different color and ...
  A: Brenda, Please wait until all of the red pigment is out of the body and the flaking and itching ...
bruses5/15/2007
  Q: i havea bruse and i was wondering if i can still get a tattoo
  A: Shawn, It is not advisable to tattoo over a bruise. Please wait until you are healed. I hope this ...
Tattoo and waxing5/15/2007
  Q: I have a rather large tattoo on my leg and I would like to know if waxing can damage the tattoo at ...
  A: Kristen, Waxing not only removes hair it also removes skin forcing the pigment to the surface ...
raised lines5/14/2007
  Q: I had a black outline of a dove tattooed on the middle of my back about 9 months ago and it healed ...
  A: Maggie, The tattooist may have very well scared you but from what you are describing I would say ...
Rib cage tattoo5/14/2007
  Q: I am getting a new tattoo this week and I am really wanting it on my left side beneath my armpit... ...
  A: Gracie, Granted, rib cage tattoos can be pretty tender but no more so than an ankle, back or hip. I ...
new tattoo5/14/2007
  Q: I just got a tattoo on the top of my foot three days ago and I just began applying lotion as I was ...
  A: Kayli, You should never use any lotions, creams, triple anti-biotic ointments or vaseline on your ...
color came out5/13/2007
  Q: I had a 10-year old tattoo retouched recently. When it healed, all the color came out, and it looks ...
  A: Lori, First off let me apologize for taking so long to answer your question. My computer was in the ...
tattoo healing?5/12/2007
  Q: its been 2 weeks since i got my tattoo. (i got red lips and marilyn monroe's signature) the first ...
  A: Lauren, First off let me apologize for taking so long to answer your question. My computer was in ...
tattoo ink allergies5/12/2007
  Q: Is it possible to color a tattoo that has had a red ink allergic reaction with a different color and ...
  A: Brenda, First off let me apologize for taking so long to answer your question. My computer was in ...
infection?5/11/2007
  Q: I got a tattoo 9 days ago. It seems as if it's been healing normally until the last day or two. I ...
  A: Alicia, First off let me apologize for taking so long to answer your question. My computer was in ...
pain5/11/2007
  Q: i got my tattoo retouched 4 days ago, and the pain is unbearable. i didnt feel pain like this even ...
  A: Collleen, First off let me apologize for taking so long to answer your question. My computer was in ...
A Calus?5/10/2007
  Q: 3 weeks ago I got a tattoo on the top of my foot. I was very careful with it, i didnt have anything ...
  A: Jani, First off let me apologize for taking so long to answer your question. My computer was in the ...
Family Crest Positioning5/10/2007
  Q: I am in a debate with my bros about where to put my family crest tattoo. I would like to have it on ...
  A: Jim, First off let me apologize for taking so long to answer your question. My computer was in the ...
Ink Fading5/10/2007
  Q: I have 2 tattoos, one is 3 yrs old, one is 2 weeks old. the first one is black and red which faded ...
  A: John, First off let me apologize for taking so long to answer your question. My computer was in the ...
tattoo5/9/2007
  Q: Wonder if you can help me I had a tattoo of a tiny heart on my wrist a red heart with black out ...
  A: Morgan, First off let me apologize for taking so long to answer your question. My computer was in ...
pregnant and tattooed5/9/2007
  Q: I am planning on getting a tattoo near my hip (a little bit towards the middle and a little bit ...
  A: Emily, First off let me apologize for taking a couple of days to get back to you. My computer was ...
Tattoo Slightly crooked4/28/2007
  Q: I recently got a tattoo 4 days ago and it seems a little crooked maybe by a couple centimeters. Can ...
  A: Mary, Flaking is normal just don't rub soap into it. If the scabbing comes off to soon it can pull ...
itchy bumps around tattoo4/28/2007
  Q: i just got my tattoo 3 weeks ago and just today i started getting bumps and they itch. theres one ...
  A: Ace, First and foremost you should NEVER use any form of lotion on a fresh tattoo. The lotion has ...
RED PIMPLES4/28/2007
  Q: hey Gypsy i read some of your answers to the pimples, i stopped using any lotions at all. i been ...
  A: Michael, Stop using ANYTHING on it, including mild soap. You just continue to irritate it further ...
tattoos and acne scars4/27/2007
  Q: hey i was wondering if its alright to tattoo over the acne scars i have on my back. i use to break ...
  A: Mike, Yes, acne scars can be covered but it is a difficult and tedious process. Also, if the scar ...
coverup4/27/2007
  Q: I recently had a coverup done and the artist had to go around a raised mole. I was just wondering, ...
  A: ARLYN, Once the mole is removed and the scar has had a year to heal and your Doctor OK's it, then ...
itchy bumps around tattoo4/27/2007
  Q: i just got my tattoo 3 weeks ago and just today i started getting bumps and they itch. theres one ...
  A: Ace, You are having an allergic reaction to the lotion you are using. Discontinue use of ALL ...
correcting a tattoo4/26/2007
  Q: I recently got a tattoo of a skeleton hand with a black background and noticed an awkward part in ...
  A: Elaine, Tattoo pigments are trascluscent and darker colors will always show through lighter colors. ...
nose piercings4/26/2007
  Q: ve had my nose pierced for about 6 years now, I've worn it maybe 10 times in 2. The problem is that ...
  A: Brandi, The "Black Dot" is caused by two things.... Cheap jewelry or Gold Jewelry. Cheap jewelry ...
darkened tattoo4/25/2007
  Q: I am a brown-skinned woman and I have a new tattoo that I got two weeks ago. It is a tree frog with ...
  A: Melissa, Your tattooist should have told you that tattoo pigments are translucsent which means that ...
mri question4/25/2007
  Q: I have a question about tattoos I have a large 10 year old black and grey tattoo on my lower back, ...
  A: Bridget, The problem is that you do not know what type of pigment was used on you. Newer pigments ...
work.4/24/2007
  Q: I have to take my nose piercing out when I'm at work -- will it close if I leave the ring out for 9 ...
  A: Becki, Nine hours is pushing it. Go to your local body piercing studio and tell them you need a ...
tattoo infection?4/24/2007
  Q: its been about ten days since i got my tattoo.. its a pink butterfly on the top of my foot.. and it ...
  A: Beth, If there is puss coming out of the tattoo then you have an infection. Discontinue use of all ...
names in a tatt4/23/2007
  Q: After I have my next kid I am wanting a butterfly tattoo on my back with both of my kids names in ...
  A: Cassondra, If you go to a skilled, qualified, licensed tattoo artist you should have no trouble ...
Helpp!!4/23/2007
  Q: A little over three weeks ago i received my third tattoo, this one is on my foot. I really loved it, ...
  A: Nattie, First and foremost you should never use A&D longer than 10 days. You can get an allergic ...
lip tattoo4/22/2007
  Q: I want a tat on the inside of my bottom lip and i am worried about the fading. One tattoo artist ...
  A: Jorden, The tattooist that told you that did not know what they were talking about. Permenant ...
what should i do?4/22/2007
  Q: alright. so i got a tattoo about a week ago. about 3 or 4 days into healing i was at work at some ...
  A: Amy, From the sound of it you have developed a severe infection. Please contact a physician as soon ...
2 month tattoo red bumps and itchy4/21/2007
  Q: I got my first tattoo about about 2 months ago at a shop. recently there was a small itchy red bump. ...
  A: Maggie, Your tattoo may be having an allergic reaction to the tanning oil you use or it could be ...
Faded Tattoo4/21/2007
  Q: About a month ago I got a blue star tattooed on my ankle. After I got it it started to scab. After ...
  A: Alyssa, The tattooist you visited was apparently inskilled. From what you have described he over ...
white ink4/21/2007
  Q: i have medium ivory skin and i was wondering if i got a tattoo on my wrist in white ink if it would ...
  A: Marie, The only time that white pigment is dangerous is in the hands of an inexperienced tattooist. ...
Coverup colors4/20/2007
  Q: I have an animal tattoo with a mouth, but I want to change the way the teeth look. Unfortunately, ...
  A: Bill, You have thought this out and the good news is that you figured out the answer to your ...
nose jewelry4/20/2007
  Q: My job has recently changed the rules regarding piercings, and now I have to take mine out every ...
  A: Heather, Use a clear retainer while you are working. They are virtually invisible and can be ...
New tattoo...Infected?4/20/2007
  Q: I had 7 stars tattooed on the top of my foot (4 outlined only and 3 shaded in) a week ago. Two of ...
  A: Mindy, Discontinue use of all ointments, lotions and creams immediately. It sounds like you may ...
hair removal over tattoo4/19/2007
  Q: I was thinking about getting a tattoo on my leg, but I wax my legs in the summer. Would it be safe ...
  A: Vanessa, I generally tell my clients to wait at least a year before doing hair removal treatments ...
Tattoo of a sparrow4/19/2007
  Q: I am trying to find a specific tat of a sparrow that my father had gotten when he was in the ...
  A: Joyce, One could place to check out is the design catalogs of Spaulding and Rogers, Inc. They carry ...
tattoo state laws4/18/2007
  Q: Hey, i'm sure you probably get this a lot from people my age. So sorry for the repeat. well, i'm 17 ...
  A: Stephen, Please visit http://www.ubtat2d.com/laws.html for information on ALL State laws governing ...
tattoos while getting big4/18/2007
  Q: hey i have 3 tattoos and i am 16 one on my outer forearm one on my inner forearm and one on my upper ...
  A: Travis, One of the reasons why I always STRONGLY advise against getting a tattoo until a person is ...
dry tattoo4/3/2007
  Q: i have four days with my tattoo and i've been using neosporin on it instead of a&d ointment and my ...
  A: Francis, You should NEVER use Neosporin or any other form of triple antibiotic ointment on a new ...
tattoos and eczema4/3/2007
  Q: I'm planning to have a tattoo done soon, but I suffer from eczema (usually just on my face). Will I ...
  A: Steven, I strongly advise against people with eczema or any other skin condition getting a tattoo. ...
my tattoo is very bubbly4/2/2007
  Q: i got a tattoo 4 days ago, i got 5 stars all different colors the green star is very badly bubbly ...
  A: Kristy, It sounds like you are suffering a severe infection. I would strongly advise that you ...
Higher risk of infection - myths or fact?3/31/2007
  Q: Is it true that a tattoo on the ankle is at higher risk of infection? And risk factors for infection ...
  A: Suzanne, I have never heard of an "Infection Barrier" and I am an LPN with 31 years in this ...
New tattoo3/31/2007
  Q: On 4-10-07 I got a 2" x 1" red heart outlined with black with the letters sp in black inside the ...
  A: Rox, Unfortunately you went to someone that does not know what they are doing. Basically what they ...
Wrist tattoo3/30/2007
  Q: Is it safe to get a wrist tattoo? because of all the veins there?
  A: Brian, If you go to a skilled, qualified, licensed tattooist you should have no concerns. I hope ...
Itchy tattoo3/30/2007
  Q: I recently got my third tattoo(3-22-07), in memory of my mother. It is the largest i have gotten ...
  A: Tina, The tattoo should not be itching or burning. Please discontinue use of the A&D ointment ...
Red bumps around my tattoo3/29/2007
  Q: I just got a tattoo on my lower back like a little over two weeks ago and it was itching in the ...
  A: Courteney, You are having an allergic reaction to the ointments and lotions you've been using. ...
infected tattoo3/29/2007
  Q: I have given over 40 tatts and they all came out perfect.I gave my mother one on her ankle and it ...
  A: Roger, Your mom has a severe infection and she needs to seek medical attention immediately!! If ...
itchy tattoo3/27/2007
  Q: i recently got a tattoo and it is very itchy and it has a reddish glow and some red splotches around ...
  A: Tabitha, You are having an allergic reaction to whatever ointment you are using. Discontinue use of ...
LICENCE3/27/2007
  Q:
  A: OGMIST, Please visit http://www.ubtat2d.com/laws.html for a comprehensive list of laws and ...
Rejecting Ink3/27/2007
  Q: I have read your posts on tattoos rejecting ink especially red. I have had mine for 4 years or so. ...
  A: Breeze, Red rejection can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few years. The longest that I ever ...
Red bumps on and around week old tat3/26/2007
  Q: I got an awesome tat of Marilyn last week. I used the same artist I have used for my other 4 tats. ...
  A: Angela, You have had an allergic reaction to the A&D ointment. Let the tattoo dry completely out ...
possible infection?3/25/2007
  Q: my boyfriend got a tattoo yesterday on his forearm, which is a just text. Today it is red around the ...
  A: Katie, Contact a physician as soon as possible. At this point I would even suggest an emergecy room ...
eczema and tattoo's3/24/2007
  Q: I have had eczema most of my life, I have very small, dime sized patches on my lower arms that come ...
  A: Steve, You should never tattoo over any skin abnormality such as eczema, psoriosis, birthmarks, ...
Problems with my tat3/23/2007
  Q: I got my third tat about a week ago. Most has scaled off. A piece of my lettering got snagged on my ...
  A: Michelle, The truth of the matter is that you will have a scar where the "S" was. The first 7 to 10 ...
semi-new tat but still rash3/23/2007
  Q: i had been working on my leg n back for a lil while now n the last time he did my ...
  A: Julia, You may be having an allergic reaction to the red pigment. This is known as "RED REACTION" ...
tattoos3/23/2007
  Q: I have an allergic reaction to nickel and one day i would like to get a tattoo. Do you know if there ...
  A: Heather, To my knowledge tattoo pigments no longer contain any ambient metals. Modern tattoo ...
license3/22/2007
  Q: How do I get a tattoo license in Missouri?
  A: Arnold, Please visit http://www.ubtat2d.com/laws.html to view the laws and licensing requirements ...
bad shading3/22/2007
  Q: I recently had an old tattoo recolored with some new ink and artwork. The artist did some shading ...
  A: Lisa, Unfortunately tattoo pigment is transparent which means that darker colors will always show ...
I want to get a tattoo3/22/2007
  Q: I have a birthmark, thats in a circular shape. Its brown, and i was wondering if i can get a tattoo ...
  A: Kate, You should never tattoo over any skin abnormality such as birthmarks, moles, rosetta, etc. It ...
wanting brighter color in tattoo3/20/2007
  Q: I recieved a tattoo and it is purple, i would like to go brightercolor, it seems to be a dull ...
  A: Connie, Tattoo pigment is translucent. That is to say that darker colors will always show through ...
"homemade" tattoo3/10/2007
  Q: My son took it upon himself to "tattoo" a girls name on his arm. He says he used a razor then pour ...
  A: Dennise, As you already know, what your son did was very foolish. Not only is he cutting himself, ...
Lettering Question3/9/2007
  Q: I have a tattoo of a scroll with words written in it and recently went to another tattoo artist to ...
  A: Becky, Though it is true that tattoos that are to small have a tendency to blur over time putting ...
tat problom3/9/2007
  Q: I had a tat done on my upper back three months ago. It didn't heal too good, there are a couple ...
  A: Amanda, If you are experiencing an acne type rash three months after the tattoo was completed then ...
Wrist tattoo3/9/2007
  Q: I got my inner wrist tattoos about 2 weeks for today (8/03/07)and its not done healing. The black ...
  A: Valerie, Wrist tattoos may sometimes take longer to heal than some other tattoos. You may either ...
Nose Piercing3/8/2007
  Q: I had my nose pierced about 3 wks ago...Really liking it. My question is, my friend told me that if ...
  A: Vanessa, The nostril, as with many other body part, is made up of skin structures genetically ...
Tattoo Rash3/8/2007
  Q: After four days of getting my tattoo my skin got irratated. Its not your normal red skin rash with ...
  A: Lynn, You have probably had an allergic reaction to the healing ointment you are using. Discontinue ...
New Tattoo3/7/2007
  Q: I just got my first tattoo, did all the right things, but the black part has turned out grey and it ...
  A: Mortisha, Your tattooist may have overworked the skin. Let the tattoo heal at least thirty days and ...
black ink3/7/2007
  Q: Alright i just recently got a tattoo about 4 months ago. It's a black sun with a blue moon in the ...
  A: Melissa, You can tattoo black on black but no other color. Darker pigments will always show through ...
Do i need tattoo's to become an artist3/6/2007
  Q: i have always been interested in art and tattoos i have a degree in art and have done it all my life ...
  A: Liloyd, There is an old addage, "Never trust a Butcher that won't eat their own meat." You can ...
Ink Quality3/6/2007
  Q: How do I know if my tattoo artist is using good quality inks or inks that are compatible with my ...
  A: Ken, Tattoo pigments are translucnt which means the darker pigment will always show through lighter ...
Pigment rejection?3/5/2007
  Q: I got my first tattoo on my ankle a week ago and it is still not healed, the inside of the plumeria ...
  A: Dani, You have a couple of things going on. First, you should NOT be using soap on a fresh tattoo ...
tats3/3/2007
  Q: i recently got out of jail and want a tattoo that symbolizes freedom. i want it either on either my ...
  A: Bella, The most common tattoo that symbolizes freedom is an Eagle soaring design. I hope this has ...
Tattoo colour3/2/2007
  Q: i got a black tribal tattoo on my chest a couple of years ago and the colour was very faded. A year ...
  A: Chris, No, it isn't true. You need to find a more skilled, qaulified, licensed tattooist. It sounds ...
nautical star3/1/2007
  Q: i have a black tattoo of a nautical star centered along my belt line... about where my belt buckle ...
  A: Ashley, This is why it is best to go to a professional, licesed studio to get your tattoos done. ...
Tattoos in Chicago Suburbs3/1/2007
  Q: How familiar with tattoo artists in the Chicago area? Can you suggest or recommend some? I do not ...
  A: Dan, I would recomeend, Jade Dragon Tattoo & Piercing www.jadedragontattoo.com 5331 W Belmont Ave, ...
Wrist tattoo, color, and recommendations3/1/2007
  Q: I want to get a wrist tattoo. I am considering a tribal or aztec band all the way around and about ...
  A: Dan, You would be absolutely amazed at the amount of pigment colors that are available. There is a ...
Year old tattoo2/27/2007
  Q: I have a year old tattoo that in some areas, is senstive to touch and feels tender, even area around ...
  A: Marie, I hate to tell you this but it sounds as if the tattooist you went to may have over worked ...
Still red after 2 weeks2/26/2007
  Q: If the redness remains, can it be covered up with darker graywash or a different, light color (I ...
  A: Bill, A darker gray wash can be used over it. I would advise waiting a minimum of 30 days before ...
meaning2/26/2007
  Q: Im a sailor from sweden. I have a question about the meaning of the popular eagle tattoo...the one ...
  A: Joel, The eagle with the broken arrows is one of the most powerful of all Patriotic tattoos. A ...
wrist tattoo2/25/2007
  Q: i am getting a tattoo on the inside of my wrist in a week. this will be my 1st tattoo. do u think ...
  A: Becca, The wrist is a tender area. You might consider a tattoo in a different, less tender area for ...
new artist2/25/2007
  Q: I am a new artist.that is in the tattoo buissness i have been drawing for about 18 years.and i dont ...
  A: Mad Mando, What you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo artist ...
Daughters Tattoo2/25/2007
  Q: My 19 year old daughter got a tattoo on her lower back about 4 days ago. After the tattoo she had ...
  A: Linda, Please contact a physician immediately. Your daughter has a severe infection that should be ...
Older tattoos2/24/2007
  Q: I have a color tatto (mostly blues and greens) (peacock) done almost 2 years ago...also mind you i ...
  A: Marcella, More than likely what is happening is your body is rejecting impurities in the original ...
tattoo coverup2/24/2007
  Q: about a year ago i got a small black tattoo on my lowerback. i was wondering what colors would be ...
  A: Bethanie, You will need to use darker colors like shades of, red, blue, green, brown and purple. ...
infected tattoo2/24/2007
  Q: i got a tattoo about a month ago, and while it was healing, part of it peeled off, and it was really ...
  A: Sarah, What probably happened was that the scabbing fell off before the tattoo was healed ...
Still red after 2 weeks2/22/2007
  Q: 2 weeks ago I had some light gray added to an existing tattoo. The whole area looked to be a dark ...
  A: Bill, Your tattooist may have either used NOT enough gray wash or may have overworked the skin. ...
Tattoo spreading2/22/2007
  Q: I had gotten a tattoo about 4 months ago, after the fact I noticed that my skin was blue all around ...
  A: JO, Your "PROFESSIONAL" more than likely went in to the tissue too deep and at an angle. That is ...
body piercings2/21/2007
  Q: i plan to do body piercings when i get out of school but i dont really know what i need to do in ...
  A: Cheyenne, What you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified piercer in a ...
tattoo ink2/21/2007
  Q: I am looking to get my 2nd tattoo. My first one is almost 2 yrs old and is already pretty faded. How ...
  A: Becky, Whether a tattoo fades or not is not solely dependant on the type of PIGMENT that is used. A ...
tattoo aftercare/redness2/20/2007
  Q: i just got a tattoo satetday(1-17-07) it is now 1-20-07 an i have redness around it but not to bad ...
  A: Dustin, The redness may be just a mild infection or you may be experiencing an infection. Keep a ...
Lower Back Tattoo2/20/2007
  Q: I would like to get a lower back tattoo, i only have one concern not sure if it's an issue, I am a ...
  A: Rachel, The lower back is a tender area to recieve a tattoo under normal circumstances. If you are ...
My 1st tatt is bleeding together..2/19/2007
  Q: Here's a pic of it when it was new... ...
  A: Emily, I looked at the photos. Your tattooist went too deep and at an angle with the needle. That ...
swelling after new tattoo2/19/2007
  Q: I just recently got a new tattoo on my arm, large in size. it took about 5 hours. my arm and elbow ...
  A: Sabrina, The tattooist overworked your tattoo. Five hours in the chair is too long on one sitting. ...
full sleeve2/18/2007
  Q: i was wondering if i eventually wanted a full sleeve to i have to get the whole thing at once or can ...
  A: Michelle, The best thing to do with any tattoo work that will encompass a large area, such as a ...
Dry, cracked tattoo2/18/2007
  Q: I got a second touch up on a tattoo just about two weeks ago. The day after the second touch up, I ...
  A: Allie, Aquaphor is one of the worst things to use on a tattoo. It is a product that is sold by ...
rib cage tattoo as a first2/17/2007
  Q: i was thinking of getting a tattoo of words going from under my arm pit to about above my hit bone. ...
  A: Louie, The rib cage is one of the more tender areas of the body. To help reduce the effects ...
Tattoo Irritation2/16/2007
  Q: I realized that I was using a lotion that was not fragrance free on my new tattoo. Now the skin ...
  A: Chris, You have experienced an allergic reaction to the ointment you were using. The best thing you ...
healed tattoo that is dry2/16/2007
  Q: .. My secondI am planning on getting this tattoo touched up in near future and I want to know what ...
  A: Lucie, Please visit my FAQ page at http://www.ubtat2d.com/faq.html for a complete and comprehensive ...
scabbing2/15/2007
  Q: The yellow on my tattoo is looking kind of dark and brownish greenish its not pussing or hurting so ...
  A: Rochelle, Lighter colors have a tendency to look darker during the healing period due to the blood ...
i rebandaged now what do i do?2/14/2007
  Q: I got my tattoo done not to long ago and the onitment was getting all over the place and when i ...
  A: Asia, Your tattooist should have told you NEVER rebandage a new tattoo. In order for the tattoo to ...
Scabbing2/13/2007
  Q: Evening, I had a tattoo of an angel on my right should done last week weds, most of the tattoo is ...
  A: Mike, It is very possible that the tattoo was overworked. If you would like please visit my website ...
Skin discoloration2/13/2007
  Q: I got my second tattoo about three days ago and have been experiencing a problem. It is a red ink ...
  A: Eric, You may have one of two things happening. You may be having a "Red Reaction" this is an ...
cover an old tattoo2/12/2007
  Q: I have a old tatto that is all black and want to cover it with a new one. can you just pick any art ...
  A: Mike, In order to cover an old tattoo with a new one you have to use a lot of detail and color. ...
Infected Tattoo2/12/2007
  Q: I just got a second tattoo done on my leg and I am putting on the a and d but there is a part in the ...
  A: Rochelle, First and foremost color, such as red, should never be used to outline a tattoo as it ...
healed tattoo that is dry2/12/2007
  Q: I got my tattoo done in the beginning of December. It is now fully healed but it seems to me that ...
  A: Lucie, You have a layer of dry skin over the top of your tattoo. What you will need to do is use ...
wolf and tiger1/31/2007
  Q: I have been wanting a tattoo of a wolf and tiger, not against each other but more of assisting in ...
  A: Scott, The tiger is the hunter and aggressor. The wolf though also a hunter is also symbolic of ...
11 year old tattoo becoming bumpy1/31/2007
  Q: I got an all black tattoo on my lower back, right side about 11 years ago. Recently it has become ...
  A: Irene, Your body may be trying to reject some impurities that were in the original pigment that was ...
foot tattoo....1/30/2007
  Q:
  A: Kelly, Tattoos on the feet can be very tender. Also please be aware that they have a tendency to ...
lip tattoo1/30/2007
  Q: i want a tattoo in the inside of my lip but i hear it will fade and that it hurts, do you recomend ...
  A: Lizette, Pain is relative to the individual. Lip tattoos are a little painful and yes they do fade ...
infected tattoo1/29/2007
  Q: i have plenty of tattoos and just recently got another one but its healing differently then all the ...
  A: Bleu, If it looks infected it probably is. I would recommend contacting a physician immediately. ...
new white outline1/29/2007
  Q: i just got my first tattoo about 10 days ago of a butterfly on my inner right ankle. At first it ...
  A: Kat Van Dyk, It sounds like your tattooist may have overworked your tattoo. You may have to have it ...
can i....?1/27/2007
  Q: ive just had my first tattoo, im so happy, it looks really good, i was so excited in the tattoo ...
  A: Lois, The tattooist that did you work should have given you proper care instructions afterward. It ...
Tattoo on top of foot1/25/2007
  Q: I got a one inch pink tattoo with red outline on the top of my foot on the 30th of Dec. The artist ...
  A: Jennifer, Quite simply, your tattooist overworked the tattoo. Also, you cannot not use a color to ...
aftercare1/24/2007
  Q: I have been reading a lot of your past questions and answers and it had caused me to have a question ...
  A: Errica, I will answer your last question first; A red reaction can occur at anytime and may be ...
pimply reaction1/23/2007
  Q: I got a tattoo on the inside of my ankle about 3 weeks ago. Now all the way up to my knee I'm ...
  A: Lisa, If you have not already done so STOP using the ointment that you are applying for aftercare. ...
nose piercing1/23/2007
  Q: I've recently gotten my nose pierced for the 2nd time (the 1st wouldn't heal so I just took it out.) ...
  A: Katie, NO piercing close to the face is not normal and can be dangerous. As long as the old pierced ...
sparrow tattoo1/23/2007
  Q: I know and have seen alot of my navy brothers with Sparrow tattos someplaces on their body I wasw ...
  A: Fireman, Actually they are not "Sparrow" tattoos they are "Swallow" tattoos. The swallow symbolizes ...
weight flutuation and tattoo1/21/2007
  Q: I already told you on my last post that I wanted a tattoo on my lower back and you suggested that it ...
  A: Yan, Beacause the skin is elastic it stretches and contracts during weight flucuation. When it ...
Fading a tattoo1/21/2007
  Q: I've heard of several ways to fade tattoos (some highly questionable, as you can imagine). Among ...
  A: Linzi, There's two terms that should never be used together regarding tattoos.... Hydrogen Peroxide ...
Lower back tattoo1/20/2007
  Q: I am considering getting a tattoo on my lower back but I'm afraid that if I lose weight, it will ...
  A: Yan, I would strongly recommend waiting until the weight is lost before getting the tattoo done as ...
Tattoos on keloids1/19/2007
  Q: If i am prone to keloids and i get a tattoo could i get some treatment in advance so that whlie my ...
  A: Angel, It is strongly advised that people who are prone to Keloid scarring not only avoid getting a ...
scabbing1/17/2007
  Q: I got a tattoo 4 days ago, and I has started to scab. I am scabbing very heavy, but only on one ...
  A: Maria, That area of the tattoo may have been over worked by the tattooist. Scabbing takes 7 to 10 ...
Dried out after reaction, now what???1/17/2007
  Q: I developed a cluster of pimples while using A&D about 6 days after getting my tattoo - saw your ...
  A: Bill, Once all the pimples are gone then use baby oil on the tattoo for 7 to 10 days. The flaking ...
touch up on a tattoo1/17/2007
  Q: i just got a tattoo that was done over another on my wrist, the artist said he could see it coming ...
  A: Mary, Tipping is a symbol of a job well done. You should never feel obligated to tip someone. If ...
Old Tattoo1/16/2007
  Q: I have a tattoo thats just under a year old, and everytime i take a shower, some parts of it get ...
  A: Marcella, Apparently the pigment that was used had some impurites in it and your body is trying to ...
lower back tattoo1/15/2007
  Q: well i want to get a lower back tattoo but i want one that no one else has because many people get ...
  A: Aly, Find a skilled, qualified, licensed tattoo artist in your area and consult with them. A ...
artists recommendation1/15/2007
  Q: Do you know of any tattoo artists in the Louisville, KY area that specialize in tattooing over ...
  A: Adam, I am not familiar with the studios in Louisville but I have heard of an artist that use to ...
Healing Problems1/14/2007
  Q: well i got a tattoo about 3 months ago,it was on my leg and it is only with the color black n a ...
  A: Sarah, It sounds to me like you have highly sensitive skin that is prone to allergies. The reaction ...
tanning1/14/2007
  Q: How long after i get a tattoo should i wait to go tanning and is there anything special i should put ...
  A: Tara, You should wait 7 to 10 days after the tattoo is completed before you tan. Then use an SPF 35 ...
Tattoo on Big Scars1/14/2007
  Q: I had Gastric Bypass and Intestinal Surgery and it left me with a scar about 1/5" thick (which isn't ...
  A: Doug, A tattoo to cover a scar, just like with any tattoo, is a choice of personal preference. The ...
ying yang1/12/2007
  Q: Question I already have a tattoo of a ying yang in the middle of back. would it be appropriate to ...
  A: Lawson, The dragon and the tiger in opposition to each other is a recurring theme in Asian art. I ...
bad tattoo reaction1/12/2007
  Q: i had a tattoo done aug of 06 of a lotus flower artist used red ink & blue ink in the flower.leaves ...
  A: Deborah, Red reactions do resemble keloid scars but they are not. Much in the same way the body ...
apprenticeship cost?1/11/2007
  Q: I have someone that has offered me an apprenticeship for 3000.00 Is that a good price,bad price?
  A: Ron, That is an average cost. What you will pay for an apprenticeship is dependent on the skill and ...
healing tattoo...1/11/2007
  Q: I got a tattoo on the top of my foot about 3 weeks ago. It has been nothing but problems. Well, I ...
  A: Lisa, Honestly, you should not be using anything on the tattoo until all the scabbing is gone. You ...
1st Tattoo1/11/2007
  Q: i really want to have a tattoo but my skin is very sensitive, when i went on holiday a couple of ...
  A: Sam, Tattoo pigments are carbon based and allergic reactions though rare are possible. Henna has ...
White Ink Tattoo1/10/2007
  Q: all had white ink used, and I take white ink very well (PH balance). I recently decided to get an ...
  A: Lisa, This is exactely why white should only be used as a mixer or highlight and not a prominant ...
scarred tattoo1/9/2007
  Q: I had a small red test patch done a few months ago as I had reacted badly in the past to red with it ...
  A: Sponge, The scared area should eventually go down on it's own. It will take about a year for this ...
I want a tattoo1/8/2007
  Q: i am a big girl and was wondering what would be the best place to put a tattoo so if i loose or gain ...
  A: Jessica, I would suggest either shoulder blade or upper chest. These are the least likely places ...
very itchy raised tatoo1/8/2007
  Q: i recently got a cover up tatoo on my neck,and its very itchy,its a little raised. i also have one ...
  A: Myraferrer00, If the color is red then you may be having what is typically refered to as a red ...
Exercise and new tatoo1/8/2007
  Q: How soon can you resume a running program (and working up a good sweat) after getting a tattoo? ...
  A: Bill, A good rule of thumb is 7 to 10 days or after all the scabbing has flaked off to begin your ...
Full Head Tribal Tattoo1/7/2007
  Q: I've been meaning to get a full head (not face) technicolor tribal tattoo... Would you have any ...
  A: Twytch, Tattoo prices vary from region to region. What you will pay is dertermined on where you ...
burn and tattoo1/7/2007
  Q: my friend was burned recently (2nd degree) and she has not yet removed the bandages, but she is ...
  A: Lauren, There is no definative answer to this question. I have seen it both ways. Either way she ...
blood inside the tattoo...1/6/2007
  Q: i just got a tattoo yesterday, it is a heart with country blue ink inside it. when my artist was ...
  A: Angelica, You will not be able to tell if there is permanant damage until the tattoo heals but from ...
New tatoo aftercare1/5/2007
  Q: When my tatooist completed my tattoo, he completely coated it with Vaseline and wrapped it, told me ...
  A: Bill, Prolonged use of Vaseline can have an adverse effect on your tattoo. As long as it was not on ...
Bleeding1/5/2007
  Q: I currently have 6 tattoo's and the last one i got i bled alot and have to keep getting it patched ...
  A: Sharon, If you suddenly are experiencing a lot of bleeding with a tattoo (or anything else for that ...
tattoo healing problems...1/4/2007
  Q: I got a tattoo about two weeks ago on the top of my foot, and it has been nothing but problems. I ...
  A: Lisa, I'm sorry but there is no bringing your tattoo back to life. Unfortunately your tattooist did ...
what would happen if .....1/4/2007
  Q: yeah so how would the tattoo look if you tattooed over a keloid scar ? and what would happen if ...
  A: Amanda, How would it look? In a word CRAPPY! I advise people that are prone to Keloid scaring to ...
Tattoo (Ink Reaction)1/3/2007
  Q: I recently read about a tattoo that was done bad. Dug too deep and had a bad reaction. I had a ...
  A: Celso, It is not "one of those things that just happen" a skilled, professional and qualified ...
blotchy blue1/3/2007
  Q: just finished getting lower half of sleeve done 3 weeks ago and the blue has come out all blotchy ...
  A: Jeff, I usually urge people to wait at least 30 days before having a tattoo redone to give the skin ...
4 YEAR OLD TATTOO..1/2/2007
  Q: I HAVE A 4 YEAR OLD TATTOO ON MY WRIST (BOTTOM SIDE). IT IS A SOLID BLACK STAR WITHIN A SOLID BLUE ...
  A: Annie, Apparently there were some impurities in the pigment which was used. It can take sometime ...
Tattoo damage during pregnancy1/2/2007
  Q: What's the best way to preserve my tattoo during pregnancy? It runs from the top of my right hip, ...
  A: Stephanie, To minimize damage to a tattoo during pregnancy follow these steps: 1. Upon learning ...
all healed up1/1/2007
  Q: ..1 week and day ago i got my first tattoo....a red rose on my ankle, my husband's Christmas ...
  A: Trish, Please visit my FAQ page at http://www.ubtat2d.com/faq.html for a list of proper care ...
black and blue1/1/2007
  Q: I had a tattoo done on my upper leg about two months ago It has been black and blue around the piece ...
  A: Ellen, I regret to tell you this but the black and blue is from a poorly done tattoo. Apparently ...
tattoo meanings12/31/2006
  Q: .. any ideas??
  A: Karl, Either try Kanjii symbols or consider using your Chinese Zodiac symbol. I don't know if you ...
Developing varicose veins in tattooed area12/31/2006
  Q: I am 19 and already have a couple vericose veins on my legs. I also plan to have tattoos on my legs ...
  A: Kristina, I have never known Varicose Veins to affect a tattoo a fully healed tattoo. You should ...
New Tattoo Problem12/30/2006
  Q: I recently got a beautiful portrait of my daughter on my forearm two weeks ago. Two days after I ...
  A: Daniel, I hate to tell you this but you used the two worst things you could have used on your ...
Lower Back Tattoo12/30/2006
  Q: I'm considering getting a tattoo on my lower back area - this will be my 1st tattoo. However, I'm ...
  A: Michelle, The lower back is one of the most tender areas to receive a tattoo but it is not ...
Red bumps ON tattoo12/29/2006
  Q: well i got this about 8in x 9in tattoo about more than 1 month. first week i got a bad rash but then ...
  A: Junior, You have had an allergic reaction to the healing ointment he used. Discontinue use of all ...
toenail tattoo's12/28/2006
  Q: I'm a 44 yo female who has just been through surgery to remove two toenails (not for body mod, but ...
  A: Chaz, First and foremost because you have Diabetes and because you are aware of the increased ...
Old Tattoo, Outbreak of pimples on top12/28/2006
  Q: My tattoo is situated about three inches below the base of my neck, atop my spine and ...
  A: Amanda, Apparently there were some impurities in the pigment which was used. Such as a splinter is ...
Where should I get my tattoo?12/27/2006
  Q: I want to get my first tattoo but i dont know where to put it. I'm kind of a wuss and was wondering ...
  A: Amanda, The least painful spot on the body is the outer bicep. You really should not be to ...
New tattoo12/27/2006
  Q: Is my tattoo going to be ruined in anyway color wise since I have been using the vaseline on it and ...
  A: Sherry, You will probably have to look at a touchup at some point. Please consider finding a new ...
New tattoo12/26/2006
  Q: I finished the color fill in on my tattoo on the 22nd of December. It has scabbed over real bad, I ...
  A: Sherry, First and foremost find another tattooist. The person who is working on you does not know ...
i need a price range12/26/2006
  Q: i want to get a tatoo of my husbands name with a little heart after his name right above my heart. ...
  A: Jaycie, Tattoo prices vary from region to region. What you will pay is dertermined on where you ...
My Boyfriend's First Tat12/25/2006
  Q: My boyfriend got his first tattoo the same night i got my second one. Mine has healed up just nicely ...
  A: Nita, Your boyfriend has had an allergic reaction to the healing ointment he used. Discontinue use ...
White Heads12/25/2006
  Q: I am 15 years old and from ohio. So in October I get a tattoo for my birthday then in November I ...
  A: Chris, You have had an allergic reaction to the healing ointment you used. Discontinue use of all ...
Tattoo meaning12/25/2006
  Q: What does a casper the friendly ghost tattoo on the neck mean?
  A: Jimb, First off let me apologise for taking a couple of days to get back to you, I was celebrating ...
scoliosis scars12/22/2006
  Q: i want to get a small tattoo on the top of my spine do you think this would be ok for the tattooist ...
  A: Becky, First off let me apologise for taking a couple of days to respond, I was spending Christmas ...
Keratosis Pilaris and Tattoos12/22/2006
  Q: I want to get a tattoo on my upper arm, but the back of it has a little bit of keratosis pilaris ...
  A: Bigbilly, First off let me apologise for taking a couple of days to get back to you, I was out of ...
"venom" tongue piercing12/22/2006
  Q: I want to get my tongue pierced, but since I play the oboe the traditional piercing in the center ...
  A: Krissy, You answered your own question. Everything you listed is exactly why it is less popular. ...
tongue tattoos12/21/2006
  Q: I was born with dark brown taste buds on the tip of my tongue and all my life I've looked at funny ...
  A: Antoinette, Tattooing the tongue can destroy the taste buds. You also must take into consideration ...
Looking for a tattoo shop in Pittsburgh12/20/2006
  Q: Gypsy: I moved back to PGH a year ago and am looking for some artists in town to do a memorial ...
  A: Ellis, I would recommend "BUDDAH'S" in Erie. They are highly professional and very competent. I ...
tattooing over lipoma12/20/2006
  Q: I have lipoma on my left arm, wrist to mid-forearm - I want to get a tattoo on my left wrist to ...
  A: Karen, Unfortunately, yes it is a problem. You should NEVER tattoo over ANY skin disorder as there ...
Tattoo Prices12/20/2006
  Q: I've been wanting to get a tattoo for awhile now. I live in Michigan, but have not heard much on the ...
  A: Sarah, Tattoo prices vary from region to region. What you will pay is dertermined on where you ...
belly button peircing scar12/18/2006
  Q: i have a scar from a belly button ring but its not a raised scar. instead the scar is softer skin ...
  A: Aleasha, Yes, scars can be covered but it is a difficult and tedious process. Also, if the scar is ...
tattos12/18/2006
  Q: What is the meaning that the eye tatto has?
  A: Michelle, Usually, eyes stand for insight into certain things. Think the third all seeing eye of ...
permanent tattoos12/18/2006
  Q: I'm interested in getting permanent tattoos. Yet, I don't want to get pierced by needles. Is it ...
  A: Daniel, You can be tattooed by needles, by bamboo, by knifes or by sharpened sticks. No matter how ...
1 day old tattoo - bumpy, raised - I'm worried12/17/2006
  Q: I just got a small heart tattooed on my wrist last night. I realize it's very early in the healing ...
  A: Kim, If the heart is red you may be suffering from a condition known as "RED REACTION" this is an ...
tattooing over brands12/17/2006
  Q: A couple of buddies branded my inner arm abouta year ago. I have a hypertrophic as a result, it is ...
  A: Joe, Yes, scars, even brands, can be covered but it is a difficult and tedious process. Also, if ...
Big Brother tattoo12/14/2006
  Q: I asked you a question about a month ago. My brother has a tattoo in Chinese that means ...
  A: Jered, Dick Warsoki is the expert on this. He is a very busy person. What I would advise is this; ...
lost12/14/2006
  Q: i got my tattoo april of 2005 on my back and it still itches every now and then and sometimes burns ...
  A: Valerie, Apparently there were some impurities in the pigment which was used. Such as a splinter is ...
word tattoo, placement and detail of tattoo12/13/2006
  Q: first off, thanks for taking the time to read this... secondly im in the market to get a new tattoo, ...
  A: Turkish, You will find that most professional studios offer a very wide variety of font styles. In ...
why me?12/13/2006
  Q: gypsy, i just got my forth tattoo. the first was on my breast and healed fine. the second and third ...
  A: Liz, I am going to STRONGLY suggest to you two things. First and foremost contact a physician ...
training12/12/2006
  Q: what kind of training do you guys have to go through? Do you have to go to college for it? I am ...
  A: Kyle, What you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo artist or ...
becoming a tattoo artist12/12/2006
  Q: My supervisor at work noticed my celtic knotwork drawings at work and said I should be a tatto ...
  A: Christina, What you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo artist ...
Not thrilled with my tattoo12/12/2006
  Q: I just got my first tattoo 4 days ago, and I'm not thrilled with it. The piece was supposed to be ...
  A: Jared, I was wondering how your tattoo healed up after I reworked it for you. Hope you are pleased ...
Raised Tattoo After It Has Healed12/11/2006
  Q: I have an all black tattoo on my shoulder which i have had for about four months now. Recently a ...
  A: Nate, You may have rubbed it or your body may be trying to reject an impurity in the pigment. These ...
innerlip tattoos12/9/2006
  Q: About how much is an inner lip tattoo cost and how long does it last for? Do you recommend getting ...
  A: Alicia, What you will pay is dependant on the region where you live and the skill and reputation of ...
red itchy bumps12/8/2006
  Q: I got a tattoo on my upper back between my shoulder blades and when i went back to get the red ...
  A: Flemena, The bumps are caused by an allergic reaction to the healing ointment you are using. ...
colour.12/7/2006
  Q: Hey, i got my first tattoo on my wrist yesteday, its not sore or weeping,and the outline is ...
  A: Lena, Unfortunately no it won't. It is an indication that your tattooist amy have not only gone too ...
Head Tattoo, Acne medication12/7/2006
  Q: This is fairly crazy but I'm sure you've heard equally crazy. I am a young bald fellow with a ...
  A: Pete, Due to the medication you are on and because your skin is prone to acne you should strongly ...
Want A Tattoo But, Where I Want It There's Acne!12/7/2006
  Q: Embarrassing As It Is: I have acne on my shoulders and that is the only place that I am wanting to ...
  A: Donna, If you find a tattooist that is willing to tattoo over acne then they are not professional ...
Liability Waiver12/6/2006
  Q: I've heard that the FDA now "requires" some sort (release of liability) of form to be filled out by ...
  A: Jed, It has nothing to do with the FDA. Each licensing board has regulations that they issue to the ...
Tattoos over scars12/6/2006
  Q: I have a very large surgical scar from a procedure to correct my pectus excavatum (sunken chest) ...
  A: Noah, I have covered very large scars in my carreer numerous times and it can be done. What you ...
Tattoo infection12/5/2006
  Q: I have been going to the same tattooist for over 2 years now. I am a dark-skinned person as well. I ...
  A: Tiff, First and foremost DON'T GO BACK TO HIM! Just by what you told me I can tell you two things ...
TATTOO SCABS12/5/2006
  Q: I just noticed too small scabs on it and am wondering if it is normal for such an old tattoo to ...
  A: Eleni, You may have scrapped it or your body may be trying to reject an impurity in the pigment. ...
lower back tattoo12/5/2006
  Q: am thinking of getting a lower back tattoo, and am trying to find the best place to get my tattoo, i ...
  A: Martha, I am going to refer you to "PAPA SANS" in Arlington. For my money they are the best in the ...
Waterproofing aftercare12/4/2006
  Q: Hey, me and a friend got tattoo's a few days ago, and were advised not to go in the ocean/swimming ...
  A: Sarah, You will need to follow your tattooist's aftercare instructions. First and foremost a tattoo ...
TATTOO AFTERCARE12/3/2006
  Q: WILL THE PIGMENT STAIN AROUND THE TATTOO WASH OFF?
  A: Kurt, Yes the stain on the skin will go away.... It is only permanant if it is in the skin, not on ...
artistic quality?12/3/2006
  Q: I like the design but friends told me that it isn't a high quality tat. Are they just being retarded ...
  A: Sherrie, Don't take too much stock in what your friends say.... The photo you sent was kind of ...
tattooing12/2/2006
  Q: Will you still take and start apprentices and if so how does one get one started with you. I'm ...
  A: Dan, I am not at this time accepting any apprentices. The reason for this is because most people ...
lip tatoo12/2/2006
  Q: i want to get my lip tattooed but somone told me eventual it is vissible on the other side.
  A: Joshua, Whoever told you that was either pulling your leg, did not know what they were talking ...
new tattoo12/2/2006
  Q: I had a tattoo 48 hours ago on my upper back, covering some of my spine. Is it normal for it to feel ...
  A: Sara, Tattoos on the back, because of the amount of nerves in that location, can sometimes be ...
Itchy bumps on old tattoo...12/1/2006
  Q: Someone had already posted a question like this I was wondering if maybe thats what is wrong with my ...
  A: Bambi, Apparently there were some impurities in the pigment which was used. Such as a splinter is ...
Problems with new tattoo12/1/2006
  Q: I got a new tattoo a week ago on my left ankle. My foot has been in pain and I cannot hardly walk ...
  A: Sherry O, Unfortunately the condition you described sometimes occurs due to the slight trauma that ...
tattooing over scars11/30/2006
  Q: Is there anyone you would personally recomend to do scar cover ups? I'm willing to fly anywhere and ...
  A: Jaynee, Without seeming to brag on myself I am the one that originally developed the technic for ...
scar tissue11/30/2006
  Q: I am interested in a coverup tattoo on the back of my neck. I had a head surgery, and now have a ...
  A: Jennifer, Yes, scars can be covered, even on the head, but it is a difficult and tedious process. I ...
Red Ink11/29/2006
  Q: With all the difficulties with red ink that I am reading about at your website, can you recommend a ...
  A: Jack, To my knowledge "Intenze Ink" has the least amount of reactions of any other brand. I hope ...
piercing problem11/29/2006
  Q: i got my belly button done in august and the skin was thick where the piercing was but when i just ...
  A: Liz, To begin with you should never put any sort of ointment on a piercing as it can impack in the ...
Tattoo and pregnancy11/28/2006
  Q: I am trying to become pregnant. Would it be safe to get a tattoo? Is there a safe time to wait ...
  A: Amanda, You should never get a tattoo during pregnancy. Your body needs everything it has for the ...
help designing my own tattoo11/28/2006
  Q: im still young so i cant get my own tattoo on, but i want to know how can i design my own tattoo ...
  A: Ivan, I would suggest making several drawings of what you have in mind then finding a friend or ...
tattoo11/28/2006
  Q: When i turn 18 I'd like to get a tattoo. its this little symbol thing i've drawn on the bottom of my ...
  A: Nicole, The bottom of the foot is the most painful place on the body to get a tattoo due to the ...
the color white on a tattoo11/27/2006
  Q: I just had a tattoo of the st georges cross which is a red cross on a shield with white background. ...
  A: Norman, White pigment is not like any other pigment, some people hold it, some don't. Whether or ...
acne & Tattoos11/26/2006
  Q: I want to get a tattoo on my shoulder blade. But I do have some acne there. It's not a seriously ...
  A: Terri, The answer to both of your questions is YES! Yes acne would affect the tattoo and how it ...
green?11/26/2006
  Q: ok i got a tattoo, just the outline yesterday and it is tinted green. is it brusied or what? please ...
  A: Frankie, Your tattooist went to deep and used a low grade of pigment even possibly India Ink which ...
How long to wait before fixing up a tattoo11/25/2006
  Q: Hey there, I just got a tattoo almost two weeks ago. For one I did everything my tattoo artist ...
  A: Jonathan, Being Hispanic has nothing to do with your problem. If you followed the care instructions ...
Plus Size tattooing11/25/2006
  Q: I am currently a plus size woman who is losing weight. I want to mark this joyous experience with my ...
  A: Smallfutures, It is advisable to wait until you have lost the amount of weight you are wanting to ...
Wrist Tattoo11/24/2006
  Q: I recently got a tattoo of a chinese symbol on the inside of my wrist. It is completely black. It ...
  A: Rose, More than likely you will have to have the tattoo touched up. It should not have scabbed ...
Tattoos11/23/2006
  Q: Every time I get a tattoo my skin will stop taking the ink after about 30 minutes. Why is that? Iy ...
  A: Michael, Find another tattooist. There is an extremely rare skin condition where pigment will not ...
tattoo scabbing11/23/2006
  Q: I just got a lower back tattoo about 4 days ago, and I was just wondering how long until the ...
  A: Vanessa, The average tattoo takes 7 to 10 days to heal properly. I am surprised that your tattooist ...
Ink bleeding into fine lines?11/22/2006
  Q: I had my tattoo done 4 days ago, and spent a lot of time researching to find a good studio. My ...
  A: Emma, The ankle is a tricky area especially for an unskilled tattooist. BLEEDING and BLURRING is ...
what you have to do to be a tattoo artist11/22/2006
  Q: im only 16 but im a very good drawer, i have my own folio and am really creative..im into the gothic ...
  A: Sinead, All states require that you MUST be at least 18 years old for licensing, both professional ...
blisters11/21/2006
  Q: I got a tattoo on the top of my foot five days ago. It's a pacman frog, with black outlines, brown ...
  A: Dee, A tattoo should never blister. You may have an infection. I would advise visiting a physician ...
Fading color11/21/2006
  Q: Hey, so i just got a tatoo 6 days ago of a light blue moon and purple clouds on my ankle down to ...
  A: Chris, The fading is more than likely caused by an inexperienced tattooist applying a tattoo in a ...
I wanna do it!11/20/2006
  Q: I have been great at art my whole life and I want to find a job that involves art so I will be able ...
  A: Katie, A business degree as well as art classes are definately a big help. If you are serious about ...
Red reaction?11/19/2006
  Q: I got a tattoo a week ago and after it peeled I noticed that the parts with red ink are puffy and ...
  A: Ryan, The little white bumps are an allergic reaction to the ointment. Discontinue use immediately ...
terrible tattoo11/19/2006
  Q: I had drawn up a nice tribal frog tattoo for my wife's first tattoo. As a present, took her to get ...
  A: Scott, I am sorry that you fell prey to an unskilled tattooist. There are several things you can ...
Designing My Own Tattoo...11/19/2006
  Q: Hey, my name is Jenniah and I was wondering if maybe you could help me come up with an original ...
  A: Jenniah, The best thing you can do is sit down with a tattooist in your area for a consultation. ...
tattoo salary11/18/2006
  Q: i was wondering if you could tell me how much money a tattoo artist should make i cant seem to find ...
  A: Josh, A tattooist working within a studio is usually paid either a percentage of what they do or ...
blistering11/17/2006
  Q: I have tiny blisters on my new tattoo. It is only in the blue part of the tattoo. Is this serious? ...
  A: Ashley, Though it is extremely rare you may be having an allergic reaction to the blue pigment in ...
my tattoo11/17/2006
  Q: i got a tattoo on my wrist it is red and white and i think it is infected. i don't hev health isn. ...
  A: Leslie, It sounds as if you are having what is known as a "Red Reaction." That is an allergic ...
Tatto is scabbing bad11/17/2006
  Q: I'm getting worried and i've read so many contradicting things on the internet i have no idea what ...
  A: AirSki, Based on what you have told me you are taking care of the tattoo incorrectly. You should ...
Looking for recommendation11/16/2006
  Q: I would like another tattoo on my lower back, but I have some stretch marks in that area. I've read ...
  A: Koffibean, There are so many fine artists in both of those regions that can meet your needs. Please ...
tattoos11/16/2006
  Q: Hope your day is going well. I want to get a tattoo of a star on my right inner wrist. I'm not ...
  A: Adrienne, The wrist of course, as you have already figured out, is a very high wear area. Color ...
color question11/15/2006
  Q: I wanted to know if it is ok to tattoo oer blue ink?- I have a tattoo which is almost all a medium ...
  A: Molly, Darker colors will always cover lighter colors. You should have no problem covering the blue ...
LOOKING FOR A SPECIFIC TATTOO11/15/2006
  Q: I looked up the Cherokee Alphabet with not to much success of finding a Indian translation for ...
  A: Jerred, Check with Dick Warsoki at Grinn and Barrett Tattoos in Omaha, Nebraska. The URL for their ...
tattooing11/15/2006
  Q: who makes the highest quality supplies in the industry? (machines, inks, etc.) Basically, what names ...
  A: Jared, Buying tattoo equipment and supplies is a lot like buying any other form of merchandise. Do ...
Itchy tattoo11/14/2006
  Q: I got a tattoo on my outside right ankle ten years ago and just went to have it redone two and half ...
  A: Anna, You are having what is known as a "Red Reaction." That is an allergic reaction to the red ...
tattoo ink bleeding11/13/2006
  Q: I got a tattoo a little over on week ago and it seems that there are a few areas that the out line ...
  A: Rachael, Be concerned! Though itching in a healing tattoo is normal bleeding, fuzzy looking lines ...
tattoos11/13/2006
  Q: today is the 12th i got my second tattoo last night on the 11th. i really like it, its on my thigh. ...
  A: Tonya, Sounds like you went to a tattooist that has a heavy hand. The thigh is a tender area and ...
tattoo scar11/12/2006
  Q: I have a tattoo that became infected in the healing process. A year and a half later it is scarred. ...
  A: Anthony, A skilled, qualified, licensed professional can cover that for you but the texture of the ...
small star tattoos11/11/2006
  Q: well i'd like to get 3 small star tattoos on both my hips, so six in total. the largest stars will ...
  A: Morgan, The cost of a tattoo is dependent on the region you live in and the skill and fame of the ...
LOOKING FOR A SPECIFIC TATTOO11/11/2006
  Q: I hope you can assist me. My brother got a younger brother tattoo symbol in Chinese. I would like to ...
  A: Jerred, You might consider using the "Cherokee Alphabet" to accomplish this. Type in your search ...
Black ink tattoo complication10/24/2006
  Q: I recently had a large tribal tattoo done on my arm. I have had it for over a month now and it has ...
  A: Matthew, It sounds to me like you have dead skin over the top of the tattoo. What happens is new ...
Tattoo10/23/2006
  Q: I want to get on tattoo on the top of my pussy? Is that dangerous at all?
  A: Chelsea, Not in the hands of a skilled, qualified, licensed professional. For what to look for in ...
bumps after tattoo10/23/2006
  Q: My daughter got a lower back tattoo about a month ago. since then, she has developed a rash of skin ...
  A: Danny, More than likely it is an allergic reaction to the healing ointment she used. My advise is ...
bumps in old tattoo10/22/2006
  Q: I have a black tribal sun on my lower back that I got 4 years ago, and I had a small red heart put ...
  A: Kristen, The impurities will come out through the surface of the skin. They are not something you ...
how old.10/21/2006
  Q: I have a few guestions. I live in northern california, how old do you have to be to be a tattoo ...
  A: Jeff, Eighteen, eighteen and eighteen. To see the California regulations please visit ...
Tatoos10/20/2006
  Q: I got my tattoo on my upper right forearm a week ago tomorrow, around the edges it looks kind of ...
  A: Abby, First off stop using the ointment or any other lotions or creams on it. Contact your ...
lip tatto10/20/2006
  Q: i want to know the risk and after care of a lip tattoo and should an artist thats never done one try ...
  A: Matt, To let an unskilled tattooist work on your friend or any one else for that matter is ...
Tattoo Question10/20/2006
  Q: I got a tat of a red hibiscus with green leaves and three black turtles at the end of June. It ...
  A: Leilani, You are having what is known as a "Red Reaction." That is an allergic reaction to the red ...
raised tattoo10/19/2006
  Q: additional information : the only raised areas are the "red" of the roses and itchy.....the green ...
  A: Leslie, You are having what is known as a "Red Reaction." That is an allergic reaction to the red ...
Color Fading10/19/2006
  Q: I have a lower back tattoo that I love. But lately I've had a lot of back pain. I use Icy Hot or ...
  A: Melissa, As long as the tattoo is aged, that is to say over 30 days old, there should be no problem ...
tattoo10/18/2006
  Q: jihad a tattoo done on Saturday gone i noticed it was painful when i squeezed it puss came out i was ...
  A: Wayne, You have a severe infection. My advise is that you contact a physician immediately for ...
raised tattoo10/18/2006
  Q: I got my first tattoo about a year ago. It is on the small of my lower back. I took good care of ...
  A: Leslie, I will need further info from you before I can answer your question. In what color is the ...
lip tattoos10/18/2006
  Q: I would like to know approximitly how long a lip tatto lasts. Also if it ever fades completely ...
  A: Karol, The amount of time that an interlip tattoo lasts is dependent on the amount of acidity ...
helpp plzz10/17/2006
  Q: ------------------------- ok well thanx but no im talkin like i can get the ring in but i dont kno ...
  A: Nicole, If it is a captive bead ring the bead justs snaps in and out between the opening. If the ...
Dry, and odd looking skin outline around the Tattoo.10/17/2006
  Q: I had gotten my first Tattoo around 4-5 weeks ago. The Tattoo didn't peal like a sun burn at first, ...
  A: Elizabeth, I am sorry to tell you this but you did everything wrong that you could have possibly ...
infection??!??10/17/2006
  Q: i got a tattoo 10 days ago. the layer of skin peeled of except for one part in the middle where ...
  A: Brian, Sounds like the yellow area was overworked. DO NOT pick the scab let it flake off naturally. ...
new tattoo irritation10/16/2006
  Q: i just got a new tattoo on saturday. ive done everything they told me to do. its on my high leg ...
  A: Cynthia, You may indeed have an infection or the tattooist may have overworked the skin. Please ...
Bumps on tattoo10/16/2006
  Q: I have no idea what it could be because i got it done about 1 year ago and has been fine ever since. ...
  A: Zoe, Apparently there were some impurities in the pigment which was used. Such as a splinter is ...
Lower Back tattoo10/15/2006
  Q: getting a tattoo in the lower back painful..
  A: Sheila, First off let me apologize for taking a few days to get back to you. My email has been ...
The Question..10/15/2006
  Q: Im making tattoos.i started when i was 17.now im 21 and i was wondering if any of you could tell me ...
  A: Dado, First off let me apologize for taking a few days to get back to you. My email has been ...
tattoo problem10/15/2006
  Q: I got my frist tattoo last Saturday, and am experiencing problems with it healing. I have to wear ...
  A: Tammy, First off let me apologize for taking a few days to get back to you. My email has been ...
Polynesian design10/14/2006
  Q: Im am looking to get a polynesian tattoo with many difrent design in it on my arm i was wonder if u ...
  A: Chris, First off let me apologize for taking a few days to get back to you. My email has been ...
swollen feet10/14/2006
  Q: Firstly, thank you for your help. here is my problem, i had a new tattoo 3days ago(Monday) on my ...
  A: Fanta1011, First off let me apologize for taking a few days to get back to you. My email has been ...
helpp plzz10/13/2006
  Q: so ive had my nose pierced for bout a year and i got a beaded nose ring and i tried puttin it in but ...
  A: Nicole, First off let me apologize for taking a few days to get back to you. My email has been ...
Solid Black Tattoo10/13/2006
  Q: I got a quite large solid black tattoo on my lower back two days ago and have been very careful ...
  A: Lorz, First off let me apologize for not being able to get back to you for a few days. My email has ...
My tattoo Color10/12/2006
  Q: I just reacently got my first tattoo about 2 weeks ago, its af a big Red, Yellow, orange, and White ...
  A: Algis, White pigment is one of the hardest colors to take in the skin. If your PH level is too high ...
Tattoo color10/12/2006
  Q: I'm thinking about getting my first tattoo in a few weeks, and want to get small lettering in a pale ...
  A: Ellen, The lighter the color the quicker the fade. Since light pink is one of the lightest colors, ...
Placement10/11/2006
  Q: Ok so i will soon be getting a tattoo but i am unsure about where to place it. i either want it in ...
  A: Jason, The choice of placement is a personal choice and noone can help you with that decision. ...
color10/11/2006
  Q: is it true african americans can not get white on there tattoos?.
  A: Veronica, Tattoo pigments are translucsent and let light pass through. Because of this lighter ...
Tattoo pricing and artist rating10/11/2006
  Q: I haven't gone into a shop yet, because I have been comparing different tattoo artists in my area ...
  A: Christine, After looking at everyone's work I would have to say that Wendy Hamilton from Tidewater ...
Red Ink reactions10/10/2006
  Q: I had a tattoo re-done in May of this year on my lower back, the original was all black, the artist ...
  A: Deanna, You are having what is commonly refered to as a "Red Reaction" which is an allergic ...
Infected tattoo? or allergic reaction10/10/2006
  Q: I went out and got a tattoo on the top of my foot about a little over a week ago. its already has ...
  A: Mrs. Fosoty, First off stop using Neosporin on your tattoo. Triple anti biotic ointments are the ...
reaction on scar tissue10/9/2006
  Q: firstly thank you for your time. I recently had a large tattoo on my arm, it went right through the ...
  A: Alex, You are having an allergic reaction to the cream you are using. Discontinue use of all ...
pricing10/9/2006
  Q: i want to know how much a six by six inch cross would be in louisville kentucky ...
  A: Eric, The first thing to understand is that photo is of someone elses personal design and a true ...
is a tattoo carreeer a good one10/8/2006
  Q: i have resently thought about tattooing as a carreer i don't have a gun but i did a tat on my ...
  A: Veronica, India Ink IS NOT tattooing pigment. It is highly toxic and can lead to severe infections, ...
Itchy bump like pimples on tat10/8/2006
  Q: I had my tattoo done over a month ago. It healed nicely, then 7 days ago, I started noticing itchy ...
  A: BJ, First off stop using the lotion you are only aggravating the problem. Usually when pimple type ...
tragus peircing10/7/2006
  Q: i've been wanting to get my tragus peirced for the longest time, but my dad is paranoid about me ...
  A: Atheima, A true professional will not tattoo or pierce anyone under 18 for any reason. If you find ...
lower body10/7/2006
  Q: i am a guy i wanna get a tatto on my lower body more like lower then belly button ...is it cool for ...
  A: Alo, The location of the tattoo is a personal choice and decision. Any place is "COOL" as long as ...
how soon?10/6/2006
  Q: just a quick question, i got my tattoo 7 days ago and want to know if its kewl to shower now or ...
  A: James, There is no reason why you could not shower. It's OK to shower with a new tattoo just don't ...
Blisters?10/6/2006
  Q: Does it cost anything to get a touchup from an artist other than the original? If so, how much do ...
  A: Daniel, Any artist other than the original (and sometimes the original), will charge you for the ...
tattoo placement10/6/2006
  Q: I am considering getting my second tattoo on my wrist. I have fairly small wrists and very visible ...
  A: Alicia, I am truly sorry if you did not like the answer I gave you but I told you only the truth. I ...
tattoo licence10/5/2006
  Q: I was wondering on how you go about getting a tattoo licence for the state of kansas. What all needs ...
  A: Dan, You can visit http://www.ubtat2d.com/laws.html to find out about Kansas licensing requirements ...
Extemrely heavy scabbing on tattoo10/5/2006
  Q: My tattoo is 4 days old and is still red around some areas on the inside of my forearm and wrist. ...
  A: Eric, First off you should not be using soap and water on the tattoo as it has a tendency to knock ...
Tattooing10/4/2006
  Q: Ok, im on level 4 of 6 levels of learning kanji (japanese writing) and japanese languge, ive always ...
  A: Eddy, Quite simply do not attempt to tattoo on yourself especially if you have had no training. And ...
Blisters?10/4/2006
  Q: Hey. I got a tattoo about 30 days from a very reputable tattoo artist. I got a nice black tribal ...
  A: Daniel, Hate to tell you this but a "Reputable Tattoo Artist" would not have rendered the type of ...
infected tattoo10/4/2006
  Q: I got 2 tattoo's on my calfs 2 1/2 weeks ago. Both got infected, and I was put un antibiotics for ...
  A: Tommy, Sounds to me like you went to the wrong tattooist. Not only did you get an infection but ...
meaning of tattoo10/3/2006
  Q: Im thinking about tattoo. I like the polynesian one. But I don't know almost nth about its meaning. ...
  A: Liba, Do a simple web search with the search string of "POLYNESIAN, TATTOO, SYMBOLS" and a whole ...
ankle tattoo10/3/2006
  Q: I am considering getting a tattoo on my ankle in the near future but I have a few questions before I ...
  A: Angela, If you are prone to Keloids it is not a good idea to consider a tattoo. It really makes no ...
tattoo licence10/3/2006
  Q: i am woundering about how to get my tattoo licence. im only 17, but my high school said they can ...
  A: Jesse, What you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo artist or ...
Tattoo's and scaring.9/28/2006
  Q: scar tissue. I scar very easily but I wan't a tattoo. I was wondering if that is a problem for ...
  A: Jessica, If you are prone to scarring ie; Keloids, I would strongly advise against getting a tattoo ...
tattoo peeling9/27/2006
  Q: about 5 days after getting a new tattoo done, i have been applying bepanthen cream 3 times a day, as ...
  A: Louise, I do not know who told you to apply Bepanthen Cream to your tattoo but they did not know ...
faded tattoo9/27/2006
  Q: hey. i got my tattoo about 3 weeks ago. it doesnt hurt or anything anymore. but for some reason it ...
  A: Jonathan, A lot of things can cause fading from improper aftercare to artist error. Without ...
tattoo problem9/20/2006
  Q: I got a tattoo almost 2 weeks ago on my wrist. I started getting red bumps on my arm and hand some ...
  A: Kelly, More than likely it is something other than an allergic reaction. This is not normal ...
raised bumps9/20/2006
  Q: I recieved a tattoo about 3-4 weeks ago. It is a purple flower on the inner side of my right ...
  A: Jennifer, You are having an allergic reaction to the healing ointment you used on the tattoo. ...
Lip Tattoo9/20/2006
  Q: I recently just got a lip tattoo a few days ago. It has already faded. I`m not exagerating either. ...
  A: Alyssa, Due to the high acid content within the mouth lip tattoos NEVER last. More than likely what ...
pimples on tatttoos9/12/2006
  Q: if the GYPSY told us not to put anything on after you see a rash or pimples around the tattoo. then ...
  A: Jonathan, The tattoo needs to dry out for the tattoo to clear up. Putting anything else on it will ...
red bumps9/12/2006
  Q: i got my first tattoo on thursday (7th). i started using a & d ointment and on monday (11th) i ...
  A: Jonathan, You are having an allergic reaction to the A&D Ointment. Discontinue use immediately and ...
Raised bumps on red ink9/11/2006
  Q: Would this also cause it to itch and feel like its burnt.Also is there a way to speed up the ...
  A: Dave, Yes, the itching and burning are from the red reaction. There is no way to speed up the ...
Tattoo9/11/2006
  Q: I am very allergic to some metals, gold, silver and some metals. Does that matter when i get a tat?
  A: Andrew, Professional pigments contain no metal. But if you have allergies I would advise getting a ...
white ink9/11/2006
  Q: I have had the white redone on my tattoo. Both times it has disappeared. What can be done to correct ...
  A: Stewart, Nothing can be done about it. White is made up of a different compound than other ...
Query on Ink Leaking into Skin?9/10/2006
  Q: I have just read an answer you gave to someone else about this where you said: - 'Unfortunately ...
  A: Sarah, It is not a bruise it is indeed a spreading of the pigment. The red/purple reaction you had ...
Piercing shops in Southwest Kansas9/10/2006
  Q: I am having trouble finding a piercing shop is southwest kansas. I have thought about doing them ...
  A: Big Al, In the State of Kansas you must be State licensed and work in a State licensed facility in ...
Raised bumps on red ink9/9/2006
  Q: I got a tatoo over a year ago and still have areas on all of the red ink that is raised and still ...
  A: Dave, You are experiencing what is known as red reaction which is an allergic reaction to red ...
big itchy pimples on my tattoo9/6/2006
  Q: .. what do you think is the cause of this? and do i need to see a doctor to get rid of them?
  A: Cristine, You are having an allergic reaction to the ointment you are using. Please discontinue use ...
itchy bumps8/28/2006
  Q: i got a sparrow on my foot about one both ago. It looks nice besides the blue in it. There are ...
  A: April, It sounds to me like the tattooist that worked on you may have used a pigment that has a lot ...
Tattoo swelling 1 inch around tattoo8/28/2006
  Q: About 12 hours after getting a new tattoo around my upper arm, there was 1 inch of swelling around ...
  A: Jules, That type of swelling usually does not occur. If the condition persists I would strongly ...
Tattoos & Pregnancy8/26/2006
  Q: Can u get a tattoo when u are pregnant? will it hurt or cause any problems with ur unborn baby. what ...
  A: Satouris, You should wait until 6 weeks after the baby is born to get a tattoo. Your body needs ...
Rib Tattoo8/26/2006
  Q: This Monday (8/28/06) I will be getting a tattoo on my upper left rib - is the pain excruciating or ...
  A: Amanda, Tylenol won't hurt a thing but stay away from asprin as it thins the blood and can bleed ...
raised skin on old tattoos8/25/2006
  Q: during a routine physical today my doctor commented on a tattoo on my shoulder that is raised in ...
  A: Jessi, When a tattoo is rendered too deeply or with the wrong type of pigment the tattooed ...
tattoo artist8/25/2006
  Q: Can anyone be a tattoo artist? if you cant draw and you start now like me at 15 tracing and taking ...
  A: Michelle, I get questions like yours all the time. What you should do first is try to find an ...
raised itchy tattoo8/24/2006
  Q: I received a large flower cover-up on my shoulder balde starting in January 06. I had three sessions ...
  A: Maryanne, Please email me a photo of the entire tattoo and it's affected area so that I can see ...
new tattoo8/24/2006
  Q: I would like to get it finished. The tattoo was done in a shop. However the artist said it was still ...
  A: Dave, A tattoo only takes 7 to 10 days to heal. Anytime that I hear that the line work is "Raised" ...
Tattoo concern questions ... .. .8/23/2006
  Q: I'm planning on getting my first tattoo shortly but am slightly concerned due to some un-encouraging ...
  A: Alison Louise, First and foremost tattoos can not cause paralysis. Whoever told you that has ...
tattoo8/23/2006
  Q: will tattoo artists tattoo my wrist? (the underside with the veins) and are they any more of a risk ...
  A: Simon, Some studios are prevented from tattooing certain areas due to the regulations for their ...
tattoo8/23/2006
  Q: how much would it cost to get a picture of a faded face and a name?
  A: Majestic, Different studios have different rates. What you will pay is dependant on the region ...
tattooing scars8/22/2006
  Q: I have a plastic surgery scar on my stomach and was wondering if it's possible to tattoo it flesh ...
  A: Sallie, Yes, a skilled, licensed, cosmetic or micro pigment implantation technician can assist you ...
Kelis' Tat8/21/2006
  Q: Hey, I was wondering where can I get a clearer drawing of Kelis' tattoo on her back so I can show ...
  A: Mizz-T, The only clear photo that I know of is located at URL ...
Stretching and Fading8/21/2006
  Q: hows it going. Read alot of your answers and there Great. Keep it up. Now ive got afew tattoos and ...
  A: Dave, Every once in a while I have someone write me who has been fed a line of bull by a tattoo ...
licencing8/20/2006
  Q: Im interested in obtaining a Licence in Mississippi, but cant find any info on how to,can you help? ...
  A: Adam, Please visit my laws page at http://www.ubtat2d.com/laws.html There you will find a link for ...
Take Ink Hard8/20/2006
  Q: I recently had a large piece done on the side of my ribs. I have had two previous tattoos on my ...
  A: Scott, Some people have trouble accepting pigment. Most times it is caused by two problems dense ...
Tattoo Scab8/19/2006
  Q: A month a ago I got 2 tattoos on the lower part of my leg. One tattoo is healing fine, but the ...
  A: Kissy, More than likely it is a dead skin build up. Start using baby oil on it 2 to 3 times daily ...
tattoo aftercare8/19/2006
  Q: I have a tattoo on my foot and ut had small bumps around the outline and itches like crazy, i have ...
  A: Jenny, Stop using whatever healing ointment you are currently using on it. You have had an allergic ...
Red Reaction8/18/2006
  Q: I am having a red reaction to my tattoo. I had it done on July 1, 2006. The Dr gave me steriod ...
  A: Carla, Unfortunately Doctors are not schooled nor experienced with the various tattoo reactions. ...
hives after tattoo8/18/2006
  Q: i got a colored tattoo about 3 weeks ago. one week after, i broke out in itchy hives on the tattoo, ...
  A: Kecia, More than likely you had a reaction to the healing ointment you used not the pigment. If you ...
Training8/17/2006
  Q: My son is very interested in becoming a tattoo artist. He has numerous tattoos and would like to ...
  A: Debbie, What your son should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo ...
wrist tattoo and tattoo artist search8/17/2006
  Q: How well do inner wrist tattoos stay? such that is it a good idea to get one there or is the ...
  A: Christina, The wrist is a high wear area and a tattoo in that area may not hold up as well as ...
Pain and Healing8/17/2006
  Q: I want to get a skull tattoo approx. 4 inches x 4 inches on the top part of my outer arm almost near ...
  A: Candee, The area you have choosen for your tattoo is one of the least painful places to get a ...
Tattoo Rash8/16/2006
  Q: Dude I just got a tat done it's black and Red with UV ink The thing is I woke up this morning ...
  A: Ann, UV ink is processed with a substance known as Radium which is a low frequency radioactive ...
tattoo on scars8/16/2006
  Q: My boyfriend has some scars from cuts on his upper arm, they are 18 months old and he would like to ...
  A: Maya, I myself am very experienced in scar cover-ups being the person who developed and refined the ...
Prenancy and tattoos'7/27/2006
  Q: My daughter is 6 months prenant and wants do get a tattoo,is it safe for her to do so? Thanks.....
  A: Demi, Your daughter needs to wait until six weeks after the baby is born before getting tattooed or ...
tattoo design, native american7/26/2006
  Q: there's a 'native american' tatto design I want to get, but I'm not sure of it's meaning. Hawkeye ...
  A: FBT, I am going to refer you to Dick Warsocki at; Grinn And Barrett Tattoo Studio 5002 Center ...
Tattoos7/26/2006
  Q: I would like to get a tattoos on my lower back not a big on just a small one but I heard a while ago ...
  A: Dana, It is an old wives tale and, to my knowledge, has no effect on the epideral procedure. ...
18 year old tattooing at home7/25/2006
  Q: My son just called and informed me that a friend at school had just given him his first tattoo. ...
  A: Lisa, First and foremost your concern should really be that this friend of your sons tattooed him. ...
Red itchy bumps. Help.7/24/2006
  Q: I got a tattoo of a star exactly a week ago, on the 17th. It's on my lower back, on the right side. ...
  A: Samantha, You are experiencing an allergic reaction to the A&D ointment. Discontinue use of ALL ...
Tattoo Question7/23/2006
  Q: Is the comedy vs tragedy faces tattoo gang related? what does it mean? Thanks, ...
  A: Kevin, The Comedy and Tragedy masks are theaspian (actor) symbols and are representative of the ...
Tattoo on foot7/23/2006
  Q: I would like to get a tat on the bottom of my foot, but due to natural extra skin etc, I was ...
  A: Lauren, The two things to know about getting a tattoo on the bottom of the foot is this: 1. It ...
meaning of.....7/22/2006
  Q: i was just wondering if there is a meaning behind having lips tattooed on your neck.
  A: Alex, You like hickey's? LOL! No not really, there is no special meaning behind it except whatever ...
MEANING7/21/2006
  Q: WHAT DOES A GECKO ON THE LEFT SHOULDER IN THE BACK OF THE BODY MEAN?
  A: Joseph, Gecko's are usually considered watchers. One on the back would probably be akin to someone ...
drawing design7/21/2006
  Q: So after wanting to get a tattoo for a few years I am expierimenting with drawing my own design. I ...
  A: Mary, The first thing that I will tell you is that the key word here is "ARTIST" You have to make ...
Tattoo Infection causes7/20/2006
  Q: My husband and I recently (12 days ago) got our first tattoos. We went to a local reputable tattoo ...
  A: Cherridah, It is very possible to be allergic to tattoo pigment especially red which cause an ...
older tattoo rash?7/19/2006
  Q: i have a ttoo on my arm that is about two years old and just got hive like bumps and is slightly ...
  A: Darren, Have you ever had a splinter? What is happening to you is a lot like the body rejecting a ...
dry heal tattoo7/19/2006
  Q: i read on one of your answers and you said use baby oil to lift dead skin. if i dobnt use baby oil ...
  A: Dan, New skin will continue to grow under the dead skin and could cause a calus type condition. ...
TATOO PLACEMENT7/18/2006
  Q: I have decided to get a tatoo of the Japanese Symbols for the word "Bushido" I am a professional ...
  A: Mark, First and foremost your wife is mistaken. There is no "WOMAN" place for a tattoo and likewise ...
Weeping tattoo7/18/2006
  Q: I got a new tattoo on my calf last Friday. 3 turtles, mostly shades of blue, and a little white. Its ...
  A: Desiree, You have a severe infection. Please contact a physician as soon as possible for treatment. ...
Scabbing7/18/2006
  Q: It all sounds really wierd to me...the fact that two different tattoo artists from different shops ...
  A: JC, First off H2Ocean is a crap product and is only recomended by people who do not know any ...
Scabbing7/18/2006
  Q: I have two tattoos...both on my inner forearms...one is all black and the other is colored with much ...
  A: JC, Unfortunately you are wrong on both counts. Heavy scabbing IS due to improper tattooing ...
Tattooing over a stretched keloid7/18/2006
  Q: I recieved a keloid when I was 12 years old due to shoulder surgery to repair a broken growth plate. ...
  A: Les, If the tattooist is a licensed, skilled and qualified professional they should be able to ...
apprenticeship requirements7/17/2006
  Q: I am fervent to become a tattoo apprentice/artist; I refuse to be a scratcher. I have a BFA in ...
  A: Anya, I get questions like yours all the time. Many schools, including Red Cross, have Pathogens ...
Cracked Tattoo7/17/2006
  Q: Hey, Got a small black tattoo done about a week back on my wrist, following the aftercare ...
  A: Sash, Your tattooist should have told you that the wrist is a diffulcult area to heal. If the ...
Bird Tattoos7/16/2006
  Q: Someone has already asked you about the meaning of the bird tattoo. I was wondering if you had any ...
  A: Em, The swallow tattoo is, as you have already read, a sign of enduring or everlasting love. Any ...
cover up7/16/2006
  Q: I have a small (5 inches) black and gret gargoil type tattoo that I got maybe 6 years ago. I am ...
  A: Jason, Tattoo pigments are translucent and darker colors will always show through lighter colors. ...
Weeping ink7/15/2006
  Q: I just reccently got a tattoo and there was weeping ink the first day. I have continued to keep ...
  A: Kerri, The tattoo will slightly bleed within it's first days of completion. This is normal as the ...
tattoo aftercare7/15/2006
  Q: I just got a new tattoo and used a Triple antibiotic ointment thinking it was the same as A&D ...
  A: Chris, Your tattooist should have explained to you that you never use any form of triple ...
Aftercare Inquiry7/14/2006
  Q: Im fully aware of all the tattoo aftercare instructions, but I was curious to Why they are what they ...
  A: Shannon, Chlorine is the main ingrediant in bleach and just like bleach chlorine can pull the color ...
Gecko tattoo7/14/2006
  Q: im planning to get a tattoo of a gecko on my foot to comemorate my uncle who past away. Now if a ...
  A: Jessica, Here is the one thing about tattoos that everybody should always keep in mind; It does not ...
Tattoo help7/13/2006
  Q: Im 14 and im thinking of getting a tattoo for my 15th birth day or 16th on my lower back and i am ...
  A: Jenna, A tattoo sensation is an aggravating pain not a hurtful pain. It's like stubbing your toe, ...
covering scars with tattoos7/12/2006
  Q: 20 years ago I had a breakout on my legs (maybe chicken pox). This left me with a lot of little ...
  A: Simone, Yes, scars can be covered but it is a difficult and tedious process. Also, if the scar is ...
Covering exsisting tattoo!7/12/2006
  Q: I have a tattoo i got on the back of my neck about 2 years ago. It's very small and all black. I ...
  A: Lindsie, In order to cover a tattoo properly you need two things, Color and Detail. As long as you ...
Tattoo on the arch of the foot7/12/2006
  Q: My wife got a celtic tattoo on the side of her foot, right above the arch, about a month ago. It is ...
  A: Justin, If the tattoo is on the arch of the foot not only is the healing time longer but the tattoo ...
tattoo licence7/12/2006
  Q: I live in scottsdale AZ. I was woundering if they had a law that you have to have an aprenticep to ...
  A: Clint, Please visit my LAW page at http://www.ubtat2d.com/laws/arizona.html for a list of Arizona ...
first tattoo7/10/2006
  Q: i am about to get my very first tattoo and i want it on my lower back, however i am a puss when it ...
  A: Monica, Let's deal with your pain issue first. Tattoo pain can be likened to a sunburn. It is not a ...
Navel piercing7/10/2006
  Q: I want to get my navel pierced. Im 15. My mom said she would take me this week but Im going to a big ...
  A: Rebecca, I always strongly advise that someone under 18 years of age should not get pierced or ...
birthmark/safety7/9/2006
  Q: Aloha! I plan to get a tattoo, first one, on july 10th on my shin. I have a birthmark there the ...
  A: Christina, NEVER tattoo over a birth mark. If the tattooist you are seeing is a true, licensed, ...
Tattooing young?7/8/2006
  Q: What happens if a person gets a tattoo while they're still growning? Will the tattoo become ...
  A: Kal, Good question and I hope you heed my response. You should never get a tattoo or piercing ...
Lettering Cost7/8/2006
  Q: I am getting a couple ukrainian words on my forearms , yeCTb ( honor ) and another that is 9 letters ...
  A: Sam, Rates vary from studio to studio depending on region, location, skill of artist, fame of ...
Tattoo meaning7/7/2006
  Q: I have a picture of a tattoo but do not know the meaning...are you able to help me? Thank you,Heidi ...
  A: Heidi, You may email it to me. Go to my website at http://www.ubtat2d.com Go to the email link and ...
New tattoo, black ink fading after 6 days7/7/2006
  Q: I have a new tattoo (6 days old) composed of thin, sharp, black lines and black shading. The image ...
  A: Michael, If you knocked off the protective crust before the healing was complete then you lost some ...
lettering size on tats7/7/2006
  Q: I went to Vegas and was going to get my 1st tat. I wanted two cherries hanging from a stem with the ...
  A: Stephanie, You went to the wrong place! I have myself rendered lettering as small as 1/4" high. The ...
Asian tattoo7/6/2006
  Q: When I was living in Singapore I saw a tattoo that covered most of the back of the woman who had it. ...
  A: Bob, More than likely it was a design that was created for her by a skilled artist. Whatever ...
small bumps in tattoo7/6/2006
  Q: i've had my tattoo for over three years and all has been fine with it. However, in the lasts week ...
  A: Ash, This is usually caused by two things in combination with each other. A tattoo that was ...
Naval tatoo6/29/2006
  Q: My father had a tatoo of a sparrow or a swallow, I am not sure which one. One one each side of his ...
  A: Trevor, A sparrow, or more accurately a swallow tattoo is a symbol of everlasting love that always ...
allergic reaction??6/29/2006
  Q: 3 weeks ago i got a colorful tattoo covering the lower half of my back.reds, yellows, greens. for ...
  A: Leslie, You are having an severe allergic reaction to the ointment you are using. Please ...
looking for a Tatto Artist in the Reno, NV area6/29/2006
  Q: I thought you might be able to help me with this question. I have a design that I have drawn and ...
  A: Jen, I do not know anything about the studios in Reno what I can tell you is this. Nevada has some ...
Irritated tattoo?6/28/2006
  Q: About a week and a half ago I got the color on the tattoo on my side. Now there are red bumps that ...
  A: Ian, You are having an allergic reaction to the ointment you are using. Please discontinue use ...
healing time6/27/2006
  Q: I had a discreet tribal armband on June 20th.No line on it is thicker than say 8mm. the majority a ...
  A: Harvey, Please do not use hand cream on the tattoo that would be a mistake. It sounds like you may ...
heavy scabbed/infected tattoo6/27/2006
  Q: I just got my forst tattoo 2 weeks ago. It did get infected/red and swollen. I called the place ...
  A: Karen, Anytime you contract an infection it is a good idea to contact a physician immediately. An ...
cover up/scar tissue6/26/2006
  Q: 4 years ago I got a small black tattoo on my lower stomach which was very horribly done and left me ...
  A: Al, Yes, scars can be covered but it is a difficult and tedious process. Also, if the scar is ...
hairless tattoo6/26/2006
  Q: It's not the gender thing that worries me....its more the fact that I would have one arm shaved...or ...
  A: JC, No different than an unshaved arm. People don't think about it unless you are in competition. ...
Ink fading in tattoo6/26/2006
  Q: I got a tattoo about 7 days ago. My artist said to after about 1-2 hours take the bandage off and ...
  A: Jessica, The best way that I can answer this for you is to first go to my FAQ page at ...
How deep for proper tattooing.6/25/2006
  Q: I am new to the art of giving tattoos. I have yet to do real skin and am actually in the process of ...
  A: Aaron, The advice that you were given was given to you from my 30 plus years of experience in this ...
Scarring and tattoos6/25/2006
  Q: I had surgery over a year ago on the back of my arms. I have 2 long scars on them that are smooth ...
  A: Harley John-Charles, Yes, scars can be covered but it is a difficult and tedious process. Also, if ...
foot tatoo6/25/2006
  Q: l would like to get a tatoo of a small flower on my big toe,what l would like to know is there any ...
  A: Teresa, Foot tattoos can be summed up in one sentence; They are more painful than other tattoos ...
Itching6/24/2006
  Q: I have a tattoo on my ankle that was done almost 3 years ago. Suddenly a couple of weeks ago it ...
  A: Mandy, This is usually caused by two things in combination with each other. A tattoo that was ...
Scarred Tattoo Cover Up6/24/2006
  Q: About 8 years ago, I got a small tattoo on my right arm that ended up getting scarred. It was raised ...
  A: Erin, As long as the complete healing is over a year old you should have no problems with a ...
TATOOS6/24/2006
  Q: WHAT DOES A GECKO ON THE LOWER LEFT SIDE OF THE STOMACH,RIGHT ABOVE THE PRIVATE AREA MEAN?
  A: Dave, In some cultures a Gecko is a representation of life. Others use it to signify clan ...
Laerning the right way the 1st time...6/23/2006
  Q: is my intention (incase it wasn't clear in the 1st question). And the artist that did my bro's ...
  A: Daniel, No it is not sufficent training. Proper training takes approx. 1200 hours in the studio ...
after care6/23/2006
  Q: Hey Gypsy, I got an awesome tatoo last week, and my very first one. Its my code of arms and its ...
  A: J.C., You should only use Vitamin E on a tattoo after it is totally healed (aprox. 30 days). ...
hairless tattoo6/23/2006
  Q: I have a large tattoo on the inside of my arm...just wondering if I should shave my arm or ...
  A: JC, A lot of tattoo collectors shave their entire bodies to better display their art. The choice to ...
bumps on tattoo6/23/2006
  Q: I got my first tattoo on my foot One week ago. I have been washing it with Caress soap and putting ...
  A: Alese, First and foremost you are not suppose to wash the tattoo with any form of soap during the ...
polynesian symbols for family6/23/2006
  Q: I am looking for the polynesian symbol for family. My family and I would like to get a tattoo ...
  A: Lori, I did am extensive search for you on the internet today trying to locate something for you ...
Bad Tattoo, scarring and Infection6/22/2006
  Q: My two best friends and I got matching 1 inch raindrops tattooed onto the outside of our ankle. We ...
  A: Aliza, Before I can answer your question I need just a little more info: 1. Did you go to a ...
Follow-Up Question6/21/2006
  Q: The artist/shop that I went to gives free touch ups; should I stick with this shop and return after ...
  A: Jessica, The rule of thumb that I have always followed is this: If they messed you up once, why ...
prices for apprenticeship in kansas6/21/2006
  Q: I live in South East Kansas, and was wanting an idea for prices to get an apprenticeship. I talked ...
  A: Tracy, The cost of the apprenticeship is directly related to the skill of the artist teaching you. ...
tattoo problem..very worried!!6/20/2006
  Q: i got a tattoo last week and after i went home a couple days ago at the really dark places it looked ...
  A: Shanna, You are probably having an allergic reaction to whatever healing ointment you are using. My ...
Ink too far?6/20/2006
  Q: He does have a studio and I did see him open everything before he used it so I know they were ...
  A: Amy, That possibility is there but your description does not coincide with the symptoms of an ...
Ink too far?6/20/2006
  Q: I got a tattoo on 6/17/06 from a friend who has been doing them since December 2005. He was adding ...
  A: Amy, I think it is very possible that if your friend is not a licensed, qualifued professional ...
Meaning of razor blade, cut throat razor tattoos6/20/2006
  Q: the question subject, kindof sums my question up. wat is the meaning of this tattoo.... ...
  A: Martin, The straight razor tattoo is exactly what you have already stated... A Cut Throat Tattoo. ...
allergic reaction6/20/2006
  Q: i am allergic to neosporin and bacitracin, what else can i use to put on my tattoo that will not ...
  A: Chris, You have several alternatives that you can use. First though let me just tell you that ...
to fade a tattoo6/19/2006
  Q: the person person doing the tattoo was new and made a litte oops on the outer area of the lower lid, ...
  A: Marge, Sorry no there isn't except time. This is a case where going to an experienced person is ...
Allergic reaction6/19/2006
  Q: I had work done on my second tattoo a little over a week ago on my shoulder/upper back/upper arm. ...
  A: Mike, You ARE haveing an allergic reaction to the A&D ointment. The allergy can develop at anytime ...
tattoo scabbing heavily6/19/2006
  Q: I just got a 5th tattoo (all black, inside of right bicep) from a very reputable shop and am having ...
  A: Nellie, If you scabbed heavy, if the skin is tender and it looks like there is no color then more ...
to fade a tattoo6/19/2006
  Q: how do you get permanent eyeliner to fade that is about 3-4 months old? thank you
  A: Marge, There is an old saying (which I originated), "NOTHING IS FOREVER EXCEPT GOD, DIAMONDS, DEATH ...
I need a quote.6/18/2006
  Q: I want to get a tattoo of an angel on my left arm. She would be about 3 1/2 inches tall, 1 1/2 wide ...
  A: Cory, First off I can't (nor can any other studio or artsit) give you a quote without actually ...
Tattoo Color While Healing6/17/2006
  Q: I got an ankle tattoo at a reptuable tattoo and piercing shop about a week ago. Now as the tat is ...
  A: Jessica, I would question whether the shop you got worked on at is that reputable if they are ...
about white ink6/17/2006
  Q: im useing three diferent types one is fantasia,another is from powerline, and one i dont no the name ...
  A: Yorkie, White is a nuetral pigment and does not act the same in the skin as other pigments. ...
how to.....6/16/2006
  Q: ive been wanting to do tattos since i was twelve, but i dont know how to go abuot doing it. advice?
  A: Jacy, What you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo artist or ...
licensing6/16/2006
  Q: I am a tattoo artist in Georgia & would like to know if u have any tips on getting licenced
  A: Kurt, Check with your local licensing board. Usually it is the Health Department or Board of ...
running with a fresh tattoo6/15/2006
  Q: I'm just got my tattoo yesterday on the back of my calf, I'm a runner and I have a national race ...
  A: Seth, The sweat is not the best thing in the world for a healing tattoo but it should not effect ...
tattoo cleaning6/14/2006
  Q: my tattoo is only 2 days i want to know how long or how many times do i clean it a day to i keep it ...
  A: Efron, I have to say that I am amazed that your tattooist did not give you any aftercare ...
ear tattoos6/14/2006
  Q: This question isnt really about the placement, the pain, or anything else like that. I am just ...
  A: Halley, Three things that I have been able to use in the ear with great success are geometric ...
Swollen ankle6/14/2006
  Q: I have recently had a tattoo done on the side of my legabout 2 inches above my ankle its red, black, ...
  A: Rachael, Foot and ankle tattoos are one of the hardest types of tattoos to heal. They often stay ...
Foot Tattoo6/14/2006
  Q: on sunday i got a tattoo on my foot. It is my second. it is now tuesday and the tat is slightly red ...
  A: Nicole, Foot and ankle tattoos are one of the hardest types of tattoos to heal. They often stay red ...
muscles6/13/2006
  Q: I heard that tattoos can cause you to loose muscle mass. Is this true?
  A: Simon, Tattoos have no effect on muscle mass whatsoever! This is a myth propagated by the ignorant ...
WORRIED!6/13/2006
  Q: I have several questions. Since I'm someone that shows my back alot i don't feel alot of confort ...
  A: Jeanette, You have a lot of good questions so we will address them one at a time: 1. Your reason ...
new tattoo6/12/2006
  Q: I just got a tattoo on my foot two days ago and it is still real red. Is this normal?
  A: Mandy, Foot and ankle tattoos are one of the hardest types of tattoos to heal. They often stay red ...
Tattoo infection6/12/2006
  Q: I had a lower back tattoo done about three weeks ago which seemed to ahve healed only to have ...
  A: Gemma, You may either have a infection or you may have developed a severe reaction to the pigment ...
tattooing over scars6/11/2006
  Q: Can you tattoo over Keloid scars?
  A: Dustin, Sorry, no you can't! And the truth of the matter is that if you tend to keloid you should ...
Tattoo for Tummy Tuck Scar6/10/2006
  Q: I have a long scar from a tummy tuck I had and I was wondering if it is difficult to cover a scar ...
  A: Michelle, Yes, scars can be covered but it is a diffulcult and tedious process. Also, if the scar ...
Tattoos and keloiding6/10/2006
  Q: I'm very interested in getting at tattoo but I have a slight medical condition. I keloid. If ...
  A: Ben, Having been in this business for more than 30 years I am more than familiar with the effect of ...
needles6/10/2006
  Q: How many needles for each part of the tattoo?(i.e. out-line, body,shading, and etc.....)I'am a ...
  A: Margaret, Here is some advise that may help set you on the right path; What you should do first ...
Tattoos and sun6/9/2006
  Q: I know the care required for a new and/or healing tattoo regarding sun. I've had my tattoo for a ...
  A: Misty, To maintain the color and clarity of your tattoo you need to use a sunblock of SPF 30 or ...
Discoloration following tattoo6/8/2006
  Q: My husband and I both got tattoos a couple days ago, mine is doing fine, but my husband's looks kind ...
  A: Lori, Sounds like the tattoo is inflamed. This is not uncommon with tattoos done on or near the ...
My tattoo is pussing6/8/2006
  Q: Hey, i just got my first tattoo yesterday a little above my ankle bone...its all black. It looked ...
  A: Alyssa, It sounds like you have two things going on. First you are having an allergic reaction to ...
tattoo parlors in Banff, Alberta6/8/2006
  Q: Hey just wondering if you knew of any good tattoo parlors in Banff, Alberta,
  A: Charlie, I'm sorry but I do not know anything about the studios in that region. You may have to do ...
TATTOO6/8/2006
  Q: the one i got is not to good.can you send me a different web site so i can get more info....thanyou
  A: Luis, First and foremost you should NEVER use any numbing solutions. All numbing solutions act the ...
Scarred Tattoo6/8/2006
  Q: I have an 8 year old tribal tattoo on my arm that is quite scarred and raised. I had the tattoo ...
  A: JT, First off you should take a $20.00 bill and lay it over the tattoo. That will do you about as ...
Tattoo allergies?6/8/2006
  Q: I recently started getting tattooed, I only have two at this point, but my most recent one, seems to ...
  A: Nicole, You have what is known as "RED REACTION" it is an allergic reaction to the red pigment. It ...
Infected tattoo?5/26/2006
  Q: My wife and I got married in Oct. of 05 and we drove to the east coast for our honeymoon to get ...
  A: LEIF, What happened was you experienced an allergic reaction to the healing ointment you used. Your ...
Raised, itchy and sensitive tattoo5/26/2006
  Q: Now since this is the problem, is their anything i can do about it besides waiting for my body to ...
  A: Jenn, There is an old saying.... TIME HEALS ALL WOUNDS. That is really the only thing you have at ...
tattoo5/25/2006
  Q: I HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN AND WANTING TO GET A TATTOO, WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF HAVING AN ALLERGIC ...
  A: Kim, If you have a real concern with sensative skin, have your tattooist run a small test area of ...
numbness in leg after tattoo5/25/2006
  Q: I just finished up my tattoo yesterday with a grueling 4 hour session. The day before that I sat ...
  A: Shari, Yes I have heard of this condition before. It is caused by a tattooist that does not know ...
Covering up a Tattoo5/25/2006
  Q: Hey there! I have 12 tattoos, and i LOVE them all they are very fun! But here is my problem. I am ...
  A: Shannon, Sorry that your friend is that narrow minded and backward but not everyone can be a free ...
Tattoo Leakage5/25/2006
  Q: i had a tattoo peformed yesterday on my lower left leg above my ankle. Now from what i have read it ...
  A: David, It is normal for a tattoo to seep a little after it is finished. It is just getting rid of ...
Raised, itchy and sensitive tattoo5/25/2006
  Q: I got my tattoo about over a year ago on my lower back. I have noticed that when i have a backpack ...
  A: Jenn, What you are describing is a condition that occurs when a tattooist has gone to deep and laid ...
Wrist Tattoos?5/22/2006
  Q: I want to get my children's names tattooed on my wrist. How small can you get script writing ...
  A: Laurie, One of the best places on line to find fonts is right on your own computer. Using your ...
Severe Scarring with Raised Scars and Tattoos5/22/2006
  Q: I have severe scarring that pretty much goes the whole length of my back and on my chest. Most of ...
  A: Steven, If you have dermabrasion you would have to wait another year before getting your scars ...
ink opinion5/22/2006
  Q: I am currently using starbright inks an I like the consistency for the most part but what I want to ...
  A: Jason, In order to use Pelikan as a viable tattooing pigment it must be double boiled to 2/3 ...
aricle on piercing5/22/2006
  Q: i am a deputy editor of a magazine New Style, writing an article on piercing at the moment. can you ...
  A: Elena, Several sources come to mind: http://www.ubtat2d.com http://www.sekpress.net ...
dragon colours5/17/2006
  Q: Just curious on what the meaning of colour is in chinese/tibetan dragons. i know that it can ...
  A: Nick, Generally the color in Asian Dragons have more to do with states of emotion than with age. ...
Tattoo won't heal5/16/2006
  Q: I am a 40 y/o woman and I had a red dragon tattooed on my lower leg 17 months ago and it will not ...
  A: Abrarose, Your appendix has nothing to do with what you are experiencing. You have what is known as ...
Aftercare5/15/2006
  Q: I have over 30 hours of ink on different parts of my body. My latest piece is over my left collar ...
  A: Chris, First off, NEVER use "Tattoo Goo" or "Triple A" on a tattoo. The Goo and the Triple A both ...
Reaction?5/14/2006
  Q: I got my fifth tattoo a little over 3 weeks ago. This one is a full forearm sleeve and much bigger ...
  A: Joe, If the bumps showed up around the outside of the tattoo while you were using the lotion then ...
Meaning of tattoo5/13/2006
  Q: I have a tattoo of a tribal frog on my stomach. I was wondering what the meaning of that is. I was ...
  A: Brent, I have never been to a Russian Prison so what they believe is beyond me. However I can tell ...
Proper protocol5/12/2006
  Q: Quick question I am getting a custom tattoo designed at the moment. I am familiar with the artist, ...
  A: Kyle, Tattooing is a customer service industry. True professionals understand that it is what the ...
licensing5/12/2006
  Q: do i have to go to a school/college to lean how to do tattoos and get licensed.
  A: Rick, What you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo artist or ...
tattoo licence5/11/2006
  Q: It has been a passion of mine to become a tattoo artist and i was just wanting to know what will it ...
  A: Kenn, You will have to check with the State of New Jersey to see what their licensing requirements ...
Red Reaction - he said its normal? blisters....5/11/2006
  Q: So about 10 days ago i got a Crest on my ribs under my arm. Black, RED, white, some grey. All ...
  A: Richie, I would question strongly if that is such a "RESPECTED SHOP" if they told you that it is ...
Tattoo Placement5/11/2006
  Q: I am thinking about getting a tattoo. I do not have one yet and was wondering where would be the ...
  A: Abbey, The upper bicep is the least painful of all the areas on the body and can be covered by a ...
swollen leg after tattoo5/9/2006
  Q: i used red intenze ink on my leg 1 day after that my leg swelled up i when to the hospital and the ...
  A: Aaron, The term "STERILIZED INK" is merely a marketing tool. Most professional pigment is ...
possible rejection?5/9/2006
  Q: The Gypsy: This morning I woke up and found a small circular wound on my hip tattoo. It is slightly ...
  A: Lindsey, A wound suddenly opening within a tattoo is not a good thing. This sometimes happens if ...
Tatto over a scar on the stomach5/9/2006
  Q: I wonder if i can get a tatto to cover up a 10 cm long scar that i have on my stomach from an ...
  A: Robin, Yes, scars can be covered but it is a difficult and tedious process. Also, if the scar is ...
Infected?5/3/2006
  Q: Im up to my 4th tattoo,but this time its taken three weeks to heal.I used different lotion to heal ...
  A: Sharon, It sounds to me like the tattooist that worked on you may have gone too deep. This would ...
Return Visits5/3/2006
  Q: I know most any quality shop invites you to return for a free touch up if your tattoo ever fades. ...
  A: Steve, I applaud your manners. I wish more people were that considerate. What it will cost you to ...
discoloration around tattoo5/2/2006
  Q: I just got my second tattoo on my foot about three weeks ago. My tattoo looks great, and it has ...
  A: Ranisha, It sounds to me like you have been the victim of an unskilled and inexperienced tattooist. ...
First Tattoo Concerns5/1/2006
  Q: Yesterday I got my first tattoo done at a biker fest. I had it put on my left leg a little above the ...
  A: Terri, The major problem with foot and ankle tattoos is the condition you just described. Not ...
tattoo/piercing4/30/2006
  Q: alright well i have a quick question on the day you go to get a tattoo or a piercing should you eat ...
  A: Alexandria, You should always eat within 4 hours of getting a tattoo and/or piercing. The reason ...
Is an ear lobe fistula permanent?4/30/2006
  Q: my main question is: are ear lobe fistulas permanent? i have year old earlobe piercings that seem ...
  A: Chris, I appreciate your detailed description. Sometimes people do not give me enough info to be ...
meaning of symbol4/29/2006
  Q: what is the meaning of maize?
  A: Andrew, Maize is a Native American word for CORN. It is a cereal grain that was domesticated in ...
Tattoo Insurance4/28/2006
  Q: My son is opening a tattoo shop. Worked with the health dept to have everything to code and the ...
  A: Dianne, You should NOT have "Contract Employees" after they have earned $600.00 they are considered ...
allergic reaction???4/27/2006
  Q: I got a tattoo of two zodiac signs on the back of my neck in late Nov. The leo is in red, and the ...
  A: Mikie, Stop using ointments and creams on the tattoo, you are just aggravating the condition. The ...
bumpy tattoo4/27/2006
  Q: I got a tattoo about 2 months ago and had an allergic reaction to the reddish/brown dye. I've always ...
  A: Arlene, The baby oil is not for bumps it is for layers of dry skin over the tattoo. If you are ...
Studio ownership and management4/27/2006
  Q: Do you think it would be unwise to start a tattoo shop while not being an actual artist? I want to ...
  A: Matt, It is never crazy to want to start a business of your own but before venturing into the world ...
itchy bumby skin4/27/2006
  Q: i have a tat that every now and then gets itchy bumps. whats that all about?
  A: Savage, We generally find that this condition is caused by impurities in the original pigment which ...
tongue piercing4/26/2006
  Q: for my 18th birthday, I was thinking about getting some more piercings and a tattoo, but not all at ...
  A: Nicole, It is not advisable to get a tongue, labret or lip piercing as long as you have a retainer. ...
Raised Tattoo4/25/2006
  Q: I will have had a tribal tattoo on my lower back/buttox for 2 years the 9th of May. Suddenly the ...
  A: Tanya, We generally find that this condition is caused by impurities in the original pigment which ...
Skin over labret4/24/2006
  Q: I got my labrey pierced about 4 weeks ago and just recently ive changed from the extra long bar they ...
  A: Mike, You should not have changed the labret jewelry for at least 60 days after the initial ...
new tattooo4/24/2006
  Q: I just got my first tattoo yesterday a small heart jus below my trouser line, the problem is my ...
  A: Bex, Yes, the stinging is occuring due to the clotheing rubbing on it. Wear loose or no clothing ...
Bumps after three weeks4/24/2006
  Q: I am hoping to find some advice. I got my 8th tattoo 3 weeks ago. It is on the top of my foot, has ...
  A: AP, The problem is with the Lubriderm. Lotions should never be used in the healing of a tattoo! ...
swollen tattoo4/24/2006
  Q: 2 days ago i had a chinese symbol covered up on my ankle with a lage art noveau design around my ...
  A: Rachel, The major problem with foot and ankle tattoos is the condition you just described. Not ...
brusing / running ink4/21/2006
  Q: Hi I read about the brusing / running ink and have the same problem and it will never just go away I ...
  A: Tommy, Check with "The Ink Spot" in Edison, New Jersey. Highly professional and qualified I ...
allergic reaction to the tattoo ink4/21/2006
  Q: I got a tattoo in jan 06 and about 2 months later, after it had already healed nicley, the red part ...
  A: Rhiannon, You and your husband are having what is called "RED REACTION" it is an allergic reaction ...
red itchy bumps 3 weeks after4/20/2006
  Q: I got a flower tat on the top of my foot almost three weeks ago. It is magenta, brown and black. I ...
  A: AP, Please discontinue use of the Lubriderm immediately you are having an allergic reaction to it. ...
tattoos4/19/2006
  Q: i have a series of keloids(only from acne) on my chest and both my shoulders, should i consider(& ...
  A: Paul, If you are prone to keloids you are not a good candidate for tattooing. The tattoos will more ...
Bad tattoo or allergy to red ink4/19/2006
  Q: I recently sent you a e-mail about my bad tattoo job that was done on my forearm. I have since then ...
  A: Jean, OH MY GOD! I got the photo's you sent. My STRONG advise to you is DO NOT GO BACK TO THAT ...
Ear Tattoos, continued.4/19/2006
  Q: I'm inquiring about a tattoo I've been very enthused about getting. The location of the tattoo would ...
  A: Heather, Most artists will discourage this type of tattoo for several reasons: fading, pain, ...
UV/ glow ink tattoo4/18/2006
  Q: I want a UV/ glow tattoo, but i have no idea about it and i am unable to go to studios to ask. ...
  A: Gray, The best advise that I can give you about "GLOW TATTOOS" is stay away from them. In order to ...
color changed4/18/2006
  Q: I have a rainbow tattoo. The red parts have become itchcy and hard and the yellow parts have become ...
  A: Keana, You are having an allergic reaction to the red pigment. It's rare but will happen and is ...
meaning of my tattoo4/18/2006
  Q: it is a masked man holdind a sword vertically accross his chest and face. The lower body is like a ...
  A: Nitin, Honestly, without seeing the picture it sounds like just a design with no particular meaning ...
Portfolio4/17/2006
  Q: that helped a lot! Just one more thing about something you mentioned. How do you copy your art onto ...
  A: Emily, Any printing service can do this for you such as Kinkos or Quick Print. Office Max and ...
Portfolio4/16/2006
  Q: I looking to put a portfolio together for when I go looking for an apprenticeship, but I don't ...
  A: Emily, Putting together a professional portfolio is the easiest thing in the world. You want a ...
red ink4/15/2006
  Q: Why is it that any tattoo I get the red ink areas takes longer to heal? When I wash them and dry ...
  A: Anne, If your husband is having the same problem and you both go to the same studio then I would ...
new tattoo and problems4/13/2006
  Q: had my tat done 6 days ago down on my leg (near ankle). today my ankle has swollen badly (ice pack ...
  A: Barbara, Because of the location, ankle, you are always bound to have healing complications. Some ...
new tattoo got infected, how do I care for it now?4/12/2006
  Q: Okay, I got a tattoo (my first) last week on the lower part of my leg close to the ankle. It ended ...
  A: Krystal, First and foremost you should never use any form of triple anti-biotic ointment on a ...
BREAST CANCER SCAR4/10/2006
  Q: I HAVE JUST FINISHED MY TREATMENTS FOR BREAST CANCER AND NOW HAVE A SCAR ON MY BREAST, I WOULD LIKE ...
  A: Roberta, Yes, scars can be covered and skin pigment matched but it is a difficult and tedious ...
tattoo removal4/10/2006
  Q: I am considering getting my tattoo removed. It is in my pelvic region and I have been thinking that ...
  A: Dina, To date laser has proven to be most effective form of tattoo removal. Keep in mind that it ...
what's the pay scale being...4/10/2006
  Q: what's the pay scale being a tat artist?
  A: Jeff, The rates vary depending on skill, experience, popularity and region. Most artists that work ...
Estimate and studio4/9/2006
  Q: I'm considering getting a tattoo on my lower back and I was wondering what your estimate would be ...
  A: Leli, I cannot give you an estimate on a tattoo. The rates vary from region to region, studio to ...
tattoos on the hand4/9/2006
  Q: Seen a few Indian/Pakistani men, probably Muslim, that have small, charactors tattooed on their ...
  A: Mark, You are correct in some cultures a tattoo is used as a mark of shame. However it can also be ...
Funny.4/8/2006
  Q: I'm reading through your response, and I just don't get it. Not because I'm daft, but mostly becuse ...
  A: Lizzie, Here are the facts: Tattooing is illegal in Oklahoma. Anyone tattooing in Oklahoma is ...
Tattoos & Blood-thinners4/8/2006
  Q: Gypsy: My question is in regard to tattoos and blood thinners. Without going into unneccesary ...
  A: Tom, You will find that true professional artists, myself included, will not tattoo on people with ...
Funny.4/7/2006
  Q: It's funny how you're telling people that the tattooists here in OK are unprofessional and dirty. ...
  A: Lizzie, I wasn't going to address your rude and unprofessional statements but I changed my mind ...
My partner Tiffany, and I...4/6/2006
  Q: My partner Tiffany, and I are doing a project in our physics class on tattooing. Part of the ...
  A: Addie and Tiffany, Most of your questions can be answered by visiting my website at ...
education4/4/2006
  Q: I love tatoos and piercings and I want to make a career out of it, I know I need some kind of ...
  A: Samantha, What you should do first is try to find an apprenticeship with a qualified tattoo artist ...
Bad Tattoo4/3/2006
  Q: Maybe you could answer this question. I recently had a tattoo done by a tattoo shop and the artist ...
  A: Jean, First off please forgive me for taking a couple of days to get back to you. I have been under ...
Foot tattoo4/3/2006
  Q: I want to get a tattoo on both my feet that would look like I had permanent flip-flops on. Do you ...
  A: Dru, First off let me apologize for taking a couple of days to get back to you. I have been under ...
gauging ears4/3/2006
  Q: my husband was gauging his ears he was up to an inch and one of the peircings blew out in the back ...
  A: Amber, First off let me apologize for taking a couple of days to answer your question. I have been ...
How long will this take?4/3/2006
  Q: I've seen a tattoo of a garland of flowers running down the back of the singer Kelis (which can be ...
  A: Emily, First off let me apologize for taking a couple of days to get back to you. I have been under ...
tattoo licensing, permits4/1/2006
  Q: I am a soldier in Iraq and I love tattoo's I have two one of which I did during my last tour in ...
  A: Larry, First off let me apologize for taking a couple of days to get back to you. I have been under ...
Tattoing over a scar3/31/2006
  Q: My name is Sara and i'm 17. I was born with a birth defect called Gastroschisis. Basically, i was ...
  A: Sara, First off let me apologise for taking a couple of days to get back to you. We have had severe ...
tattoos3/29/2006
  Q: Can you get a tattoo if you are under 18 with a parents signature?
  A: Brandon, First off let me apologise for taking a couple of days to get back to you. We have had ...
Tatooing Over a Scar3/29/2006
  Q: In all your experience, have you ever tattood over a scar that was left from a tummy tuck? It's a ...
  A: Jane, First off let me apologise for taking a couple of days to get back to you. We have had severe ...
Do you know of any tattoo...3/28/2006
  Q: Do you know of any tattoo artists in the NYC area that specialize in stretch Mark cover-ups? Can you ...
  A: Nelly, First off let me apologise for taking a couple of days to answer. We have had some severe ...
Dragon and tiger Tattoo Meaning3/28/2006
  Q: I'm thinking of getting another tattoo and have been looking at different Tiger and Dragon Tattoos, ...
  A: Marty, First off let me apologise for taking a couple of days to get back to you. We have had ...
Reputable tatttoo shop3/27/2006
  Q: .I was wondering if you could receommed a reputable tattoo shop in the West Mifflin/Pittsburgh ...
  A: Dana, The last time I recomeended a studio in your area the person did not like my response. I will ...
tattoo aftercare3/27/2006
  Q: my question is.... i just got a tattoo on my upper arm. its not my first tattoo,but i wanna know ...
  A: Laura, Regular clothing can be worn as soon as their is no scabbing left on the tattoo with no ...
tattoo3/27/2006
  Q: i have gotten my 1st tattoo 3 days ago and it is beginning to flake off. what scares me is that the ...
  A: First and foremost you should NEVER use a Triple Anti-Biotic Ointment on a tattoo for any reason. In ...
Tattoo allergy- time lapse?3/27/2006
  Q: I 'recently' got a tattoo and it has since been healed for quite some time. It looked great and ...
  A: Kelsey, Chances are that you are not having an allergic reaction. You probably have some scar ...
tattoo color loss3/22/2006
  Q: I HAD AN ALLERGIC REACTION TO AN OINTMENT I WAS PUTTING ON A TATTOO CAUSING LITTLE PIMPLE LIKE BUMPS ...
  A: Rob, If there was a noticable amount of color loss then you will have to have it recolored. The ...
tattoo placement3/22/2006
  Q: I want to get an outlined and lightly shaded picture of my car long ways on my inner bicep. How will ...
  A: RJ, A skilled and qualified professional can lay in the design with minimal distortion. You will ...
pimples after tattoo3/22/2006
  Q: I have read alot of people asking why they got pimples after being tattooed and they all seem to ...
  A: Lora, You really should never use any sort of lotion on a tattoo as they dull and draw out the ...
tattooing vitiligo on hands3/22/2006
  Q: and if so is the colors used close to actual skin color, i have light-medium colored skin. thanks
  A: Ryan, Consult a cosmetic or micropigment implantation technician in your area. This is a common ...
Allergic reaction to A+D ointment tattoo3/22/2006
  Q: I got a tattoo several days ago. I think I used A+D ointment too long or my skin is allergic because ...
  A: Jermaine, You did have an allergic reaction to the A&D ointment. It happens. The best thing you can ...
tattoo problem ( colour is fading )3/21/2006
  Q: I got a tattoo (only black) 3 months ago. The first time I went, the tattoo was not dark enough (not ...
  A: David, You did fine on your spelling from what I see you only mis-spelled two words. It sounds to ...
waxing before tattoo3/21/2006
  Q: i will be getting a tattoo next week. it will be below my belly across my hip. is it ok if i wax the ...
  A: Amree, Shaving the area one time should not cause you to have a thick growth of hair. Waxing is ...
Tattooing, past and present3/19/2006
  Q: Gypsy, Im doing a research paper in my college english class comparing and contrasting how ...
  A: Drew, Most of your questions can be answered by visiting both of my websites at ...
Possible Tattoo Problem a dull ache?3/19/2006
  Q: Ive had my tattoo now for about 5 years only a small thing 1" by 4" and never had any problems. Only ...
  A: Shaun, There are two answers to your question, one is simple however the other one is not so simple ...
Rose Tattoo3/19/2006
  Q: I wanted to know what my rose tattoo meant...and how much you thought would it cost i have my own ...
  A: Petra, I looked at the photo and there really is no special meaning behind the tattoo except what ...
guns n roses appetite celtic cross3/17/2006
  Q: I really want the apetite for destruction celtic cross on my lower right arm (like axl) but i'm ...
  A: Lee, You should always follow your gut instincts. You would be absolutely amazed at how much ...
Tattoo Reaction3/15/2006
  Q: I have had 3 tattoos with 3 different artists. All 3 times, about a week later, I started getting ...
  A: Cynthia, You are having an allergic reaction to the healing ointments you are using. Chances are ...
Tatoo reaction?3/15/2006
  Q: I got a small tat on my ankle; red and black 10 days ago. The red area is really raised and scabby ...
  A: Kelly, You are suffering from a common condition known as "Heavy Handed Artist" The ankle is a ...
Tattoos3/15/2006
  Q: I got an all black tribal ankle bracelet 9 years ago as my wedding band. For the past 2 weeks or ...
  A: Penney, More than likely you are rejecting the tattoo. Anything from the wrist down is a high wear ...
Cover Up Tatto3/14/2006
  Q: I have a 8-year old, home-made tattoo(with black red and small amount of green ink), about 4 inches ...
  A: Taryn, There is no such thing as a flesh colored pigment that will cover old tattoos. Tattoo ...
Tatto meaning3/13/2006
  Q: What is the meaning of the sun/moon tattoo? I found a picture of a sun/moon tattoo that I like but ...
  A: Rhonda, Have you ever heard the expression; AS DIFFERENT AS DAY AND NIGHT? The sun and moon tattoo ...
Belly button piercing3/10/2006
  Q: I had my belly button pierced about 8 months ago and it got ripped out becuase it was pierced too ...
  A: Miranda, An initial navel piercing should always be done with a 316 LVN Surgical Grade Stainless ...
Meaning of an Earth tattoo3/9/2006
  Q: I was just met a girl with a cool Earth tattoo on her left shoulder blade, and when I told one of my ...
  A: Alan, It sounds like your buddies are yanking your chain. To my knowledge there is no significance ...
Meaning of tattoo3/8/2006
  Q: I saw this tattoo that i really want but i don't know the meaning... could you help me out? Is a ...
  A: Yidelka, I beleive I know the design you are talking about. It is another symbol for a broken ...
tattoo and stretch marks3/7/2006
  Q: ok, basically, i have stretch marks covering a large area of my lower back, from one side to the ...
  A: Kat, I'll answer your last question first.... Brian Everett, Route 66 Tattoo, Albuquerque, NM. It ...
Tattoo color3/6/2006
  Q: I got my tattoo about a month ago. It is on the back of my forearm. I applied A&D to it about 3 ...
  A: Tim, Overuse of A&D ointment WILL draw the color out of a tattoo. You definately overused the A&D ...
Red ink reaction?2/28/2006
  Q: I got my second tattoo Feb. 24 06 and it has red ink in it I noticed a day or so later that it is ...
  A: Danimal, You are having an allergic reaction to whatever the original ointment is you were using. ...
Pussing tats2/28/2006
  Q: We just went and got tattoos together. The same guy did it right after another. Nichole's tattoo is ...
  A: Nichole $ Priya, Not wanting to freak you out any further than you already are but it sounds to me ...
Cincinnati Scar Experience2/27/2006
  Q: I have skin grafts that are 20 years old on my left shoulder and forearm, and would like to ...
  A: Jennifer, Not sure of the name of the studio he owns but there is an artist in Youngstown that I ...
Tattoo Aftercare2/27/2006
  Q: I've seen many recommendations to use A&D ointment on a healing tattoo, but big no-nos for vaseline. ...
  A: Kelly, The difference between Vaseline and A&D is that Vaseline is PURE petroleum jelly A&D only ...
tattoo outline fading2/26/2006
  Q: I got my tattoo 11 days ago and i noticed some of my outline is eather gone or the color has ran ...
  A: Laci, Unfortunately it sounds like you went to a tattooist that did not know what they were doing. ...
African Americans and Tattoos2/26/2006
  Q: I am an AA and want a tattoo. i am worried that the color may not show good since i am medium brown. ...
  A: Kemmyj, First off let me congratulate you for thinking this through. Lets deal with the keloid ...
Tattoo placement2/26/2006
  Q: I have one more question. I am only 16 and I am really anxious to get a tattoo. My mom is willing to ...
  A: Kaytie, You will probably not like my answer to this question but please consider what I am going ...
black dots2/26/2006
  Q: this is my first tattoo and its a lower back peice its a red flower with shaded yellow and when i ...
  A: Renee, Without actually seeing the tattoo it would be hard for me to tell you what the spots are. ...
Lip Tattoo2/25/2006
  Q: I want to get a tattoo on my lip, but I hear it often fades and will never last.Is this totally true ...
  A: Tyler, Lips are tricky and the tattoo will fade in time due to the acids in the mouth. Plus be ...
Tattoo placement2/24/2006
  Q: I have several tattoos in mind that i want to get and where i want to get them. i'm looking to get ...
  A: Kaytie, The 3 areas that most women get their first tattoo is the back shoulder, ankle or lower ...
lip tattoo2/24/2006
  Q: I would like to get a tattoo on the inside of my bottom lip. My concerns are....picking an artist ...
  A: Jen, Psoriasis is definately a problem and one that I advise anyone with it to not get tattooed. ...
severed2/24/2006
  Q: maybe i should specify exactly what im talking about for example there are various tattoos done in ...
  A: Bob, Have you ever had a woman do you wrong and rip your heart out? Ever have one use you, abuse ...
severed2/23/2006
  Q: what do severed body parts and decapitated heads (mostly women) represent in traditional tattoos? I ...
  A: Bob, True traditional tattoos do not deal with that type of subject matter. I started out as a ...
ink problems2/23/2006
  Q: i have a new tat that was done with a home made gun and the ink is falling out is it cause the ink ...
  A: Ashley, The problem is the "INK", the person that put your life in danger and the "GUN." Tattooing ...
Treatment for allergic reaction?2/22/2006
  Q: I received a "refurbishment" of an old tattoo 10 days ago. I also had the artist add a bit of new. ...
  A: Tonya, I do not beleive that you are having an allergic reaction to the pigment. The yellow roses ...
allergy2/22/2006
  Q: After several visits to have work done on a sleve I started getting very itchy especially when I was ...
  A: Sharon, An allergic reaction to pigment can occur at anytime. You said that you, "started getting ...
Tattoo re-do2/22/2006
  Q: I got a tattoo a while ago on my lower back. It is a little celtic know (maybe 1-2 inches across & ...
  A: Lesley, Keep in mind that that in order to cover one design with another there must be a lot of ...
Tats in Oklahoma2/21/2006
  Q: I have a couple of tats and live in Oklahoma. I am thinking of getting another. My question is: Is ...
  A: Mongo, TATTOOING IS NOT LEGAL IN OKLAHOMA! This subject strikes a raw nerve with me. The people ...
nose piercings2/21/2006
  Q: i was wondering if you could please give me some info on nose piercings. such as how they are done? ...
  A: Em, The first three things I am going to tell you are the most important: 1. Do not let anyone do ...
Sparrow Tattoos2/20/2006
  Q: I am wondering about the sparrow as a tattoo. Does the wing or body postion have any certain ...
  A: Nicky, Historically the "Sparrow" or "Swallow" tattoo is a symbol of everlasting love and devotion. ...
Tattoo Placement2/20/2006
  Q: What would be the meaning for a man (age late 20's but seems much older) to have a tattoo over the ...
  A: Elsie, Without knowing this person or their lifestyle I really can't say what the meaning is. ...
Spotted & weeping tattoo2/20/2006
  Q: I just got a tattoo on the top of my leg 3 days ago. After using bacitracian for 2 days, i started ...
  A: Stephanie, It sounds to me like you have simply had an allergic reaction to the ointment you were ...
Requirments2/19/2006
  Q: I am an espiring tatto artist and I can copy other drawings really well, I can also change them to ...
  A: Taylo, Tattooing is not a "Learn on Your Own" profession. If you are serious about tattooing what ...
Tattooing on genitalia2/19/2006
  Q: My wife and I recently saw a tattoo online on a butterfly tattooed on a woman's genitalia, the wings ...
  A: Nic and Bronwyn, It is a very tender and sensitive area. I have discovered, strangely enough, that ...
skin stretching2/18/2006
  Q: my partner is thinking of getting a 2nd tattoo however, he can't seem to get anyone to tell him ...
  A: Ella, The skin is elastic and streaches unfortunatly it does not go back to shape when the mass is ...
Tattoo aftercare2/18/2006
  Q: I am getting a tatto on Feb. 28, but I am going on vacation on March 12, will I be able to go ...
  A: Grace, The rule is to give a new tattoo 7 to 10 days to heal before swimming. It sounds like you ...
Raised, 'cracked' tattoo2/18/2006
  Q: I got a tattoo a couple days ago and would like some advice. The tattoo feels raised and appears to ...
  A: James, My immediate advice to you is do not return to that studio. You have been the victim of ...
progression2/15/2006
  Q: hi im a english tattooist and have served an apprenticeship with a award winning established artist ...
  A: Richie, I would suggest that you visit http://www.sekpress.net It is a site dedicated to ...
Tattoo HELP2/15/2006
  Q: I got a tattoo feb 7.. a small zodiac symbol on my hip bone.. but.. i have been using tattoo goo.. ...
  A: Amy, The first thing you should do is take that tin of Tattoo Goo go out to your local lake and see ...
Tattoo Aftercare2/15/2006
  Q: Hey, I got my tattoo done last nite. I forgot to ask about the aftercare... Ummm i was told ...
  A: Kelly, You've been a victim of a very unprofessional individual. Not only should she have verbally ...
itchy tattoo2/14/2006
  Q: I got a black tatto on the inside of my ankle about a year and a half ago, about 3 months ago i got ...
  A: Jenny, You are probably looking at 2 things here. First the pigment that was used on you probably ...
what it takes2/14/2006
  Q: I need to know what it takes to be a tattoo artist. I want to be one but i am unsure of what ...
  A: Brittany, Tattooing is not a "Learn on Your Own" profession. If you are serious about tattooing ...
tattoo reaction2/13/2006
  Q: my tattoo is two weeks old at first it was swollen to the point it was red and prple around some ...
  A: Heather, Without actually seeing the tattoo it will be diffulcult for me to give you a definative ...
recommendation2/12/2006
  Q: i am in the daytona beach florida area and have 3 tattoos but the person i usually go to has left ...
  A: Coey, To be truthful I am not that familiar with studios in Florida. You may have to do some ...
chinese symbols2/12/2006
  Q: I am going to be getting my second tattoo soon and I want to get my husbands name in a chinese ...
  A: Kayla, The reason why you cannot find a CHINESE translation of your husbands name is because there ...
Weird reaction after tattoo2/12/2006
  Q: I got a new tattoo about 5 weeks ago. After the 1st week I noticed a couple of little bumps inside ...
  A: Flutter, In the case of your condition the skin can be "RIPPED" while the tattoo process is taking ...
Weird reaction after tattoo2/11/2006
  Q: I got a new tattoo about 5 weeks ago. After the 1st week I noticed a couple of little bumps inside ...
  A: Flutter, You can develop a reaction to A&D at anytime. It occurs with changes in your body ...
Weird reaction after tattoo2/9/2006
  Q: I got a new tattoo about 5 weeks ago. After the 1st week I noticed a couple of little bumps inside ...
  A: Flutter, You did have a reaction to the A&D Ointment. It happens but now you will have to use a ...
tattoo meaning2/9/2006
  Q: Is there a meaning to the start tattoo that has the lines coming from each point to the middle. Alot ...
  A: Lakey, I think you meant STAR tattoo and it does have a meaning. The Nautical star tattoo is one of ...
lower back tattoo2/9/2006
  Q: I am considering getting a lower back tattoo (my first tattoo) and wondered if clothing rubbing on ...
  A: M.B., I am sorry that you felt that my "Clarity" deserved only a rating of five for trying to send ...
Raised, Red, Sometimes Itchy Newer Tattoo2/8/2006
  Q: About a week and a half ago I had some color added to the outline of my half-sleeve. Under my arm ...
  A: Kelly, Though rare you can have a reaction to ANY pigment not just red. Without visably seeing the ...
Fingernails2/7/2006
  Q: I would like to systematically file down my fingernails and have letters tattooed on my fingernail ...
  A: Michael, The finger nail bed is made up of millions of little nerve endings and the pain factor ...
healing process of tattoo2/7/2006
  Q: I got a tattoo on my forearm 11 days ago, and most of it is healing fine. It's only a black outline ...
  A: Vanessa, If that area of the tattoo was worked as much as you indicated then heavy flaking is ...
aproach to artists2/6/2006
  Q: so < If I have this right its gonna take hard work artistic abiltys and money two of wich I have. I ...
  A: Michael, To become a better artist you have to become a more intelligent person. The is no ...
bumps on inner arm portion of tattoo2/6/2006
  Q: I have a tattoo of my black belt wrapped around my arm. I had it done a little over 2 years ago and ...
  A: Nick, You are probably looking at 2 things here. First the pigment that was used on you probably ...
Tattoo of my child2/6/2006
  Q: I am considering a new tattoo (only my 2nd) and want to have it be the image of my daughter. Do I ...
  A: Bob, A portrait of your child is probably one of the finest tributes that a parent can pay to their ...
Keloids2/6/2006
  Q: I've got keloid prone skin and 3 outta 4 of my ear piercings are infected and i got em cured by a ...
  A: Prem, The simple answer to this is that if you are prone to keloid scarring then it will happen ...
raised, flaking tattoo2/5/2006
  Q: my tattoo is about 2 weeks old and it has finished the scabbing and peeling process. however, there ...
  A: Alex, You may be having a reaction to the color Red. Red reactions are rare but more frequent than ...
dotty tattoo2/4/2006
  Q: i got a tattoo of 3 chinese characters on my lower back 3 weeks ago. now my consern is that ive had ...
  A: Candy, I have absolutely no idea why your tattooist would tell you to put petroleum jelly on your ...
Tattoo spots!2/4/2006
  Q: I got my second tattoo about 14 days ago. I followed all of the aftercare instructions and ...
  A: Rob, It sounds like your tattooist may have gone too deep and at an angle with the needle. You can ...
Itchy Tat2/2/2006
  Q: I got a tattoo back in September and the healing when fine. Now I noticed this week that part of ...
  A: Jan, It could be any number of things. The pigment may have had impurites in it. Your body may be ...
tattoo chinese for dad2/2/2006
  Q: my dad has cancer so i want a tat saying dad in chinese iv had many various how do i know which is ...
  A: Nadia, If you want to find what you are looking for there are several ways to do it. You can either ...
pen safety.2/1/2006
  Q: . please recommend a type of pen i can use thats safe and affective to draw on skin for freehand ...
  A: Simon, I have used a "Sharpie" marker for years because of it's alcohol base. You can also use ...
Red, Itchy and Raw1/30/2006
  Q: I got work done about 14 days ago, which covers about half my forearm and it is still fairly itchy ...
  A: Adrian, From what you are describing it sounds as if you are the victum of a severly over worked ...
Pimples on tattoo1/29/2006
  Q: I was tattooed on 1/13 at my home town tattoo parlor. Everything went wonderful till my fourth day ...
  A: Christina, Why your tattooist told you to use Aquaphor or lubriderm on your tattoo is beyond me ...
Tattoo Discoloration1/28/2006
  Q: I have read all your posts about allergies to colors but mine seems different than those. I got my ...
  A: Rosie, It sounds to me like your artist went to deep and at an angle with the needle which can ...
apprenticeship1/26/2006
  Q: So when I am looking for an apprenticeship what all should I bring? I imagine that some copies of ...
  A: John, A nice professionally put together portfolio is a huge help. Also a resume and business card ...
apprenticeship1/26/2006
  Q: I am wondering just how to go about getting into an apprenticeship at a tatoo shop. I have been ...
  A: John, Tattooing is not a "Learn on Your Own" profession. If you are serious about tattooing what ...
Tattoos1/25/2006
  Q: I have a friend who wants a tattoo. In the past she has had trouble with metal allergies when having ...
  A: Raven, The only way to tell is with a test. Have your friend go to an artist in your area and visit ...
straight lines...1/24/2006
  Q: allo... i've a couple of tattoo's... one usin regular machine, the otha usin bamboo... i'm wantin ...
  A: Dav, Straight lines and circles are the hardest thing in tattooing to render properly. My advise is ...
Tattooing at bike rallys1/23/2006
  Q: I have questions in regard to tattooing at bike rallys. I have been asked to open up a tattoo booth ...
  A: Garry, Please do not contact me again regarding this subject. As I stated in my original response ...
Tattoos and problems with them1/23/2006
  Q: I just got a new tattoo that is approx. 3/4 " by 3/4 " directly to the left of the genital area, in ...
  A: Marie, The only thing you will have to be concerned with is damage to the tattoo from the skin ...
I used wrong lotion1/22/2006
  Q: I just got a tattoo on my lowerside of my wrist about 6 days ago and after using the proper type of ...
  A: David, You should not be using any lotions whatsoever. They can clog and damage the tattoo. Please ...
Small bumps on 2 yr old tattoo1/21/2006
  Q: I got a tattoo on the outside of my left forearm about 2 years ago. It all of a sudden has small ...
  A: James, Your body is rejecting an impurity that was in the black pigment that was used on you. It's ...
pigskin source1/20/2006
  Q: i am going through a semi- apprenticeship and been practicing on fruit, soon will have alot of ...
  A: Kyle, Tattooing on fruit is an archaic method of learning that went out of practice 20 years ago. ...
tattoo1/19/2006
  Q: i always wanted a tattoo but i'm scared that hurt bad like on my lower back but i don't know what i ...
  A: Veronica, Based on what you said I would have to state that you are not ready for a tattoo. You ...
Tatoo texture1/19/2006
  Q: I am planning to get a tatoo and i have two recomended artist to pick from. Both have a lot of ...
  A: Natalia, Get your tattoo done by the one that does not leave a "Texture." Tattoos should never have ...
tattoo significance1/16/2006
  Q: My cousin recently got a slash mark on the outside corner of each eye (they are small) - is there ...
  A: Kara, Slash marks or tear drops around the eyes will generally mean time served in prison or ...
semie-permenant tattoos1/15/2006
  Q: i want to get a tattoo done soon but i was thinking about gettiong a semie permenant tattoo dont ...
  A: Andrew, There is no such thing as a semi-permenant tattoo. The are temp. tattoos that are like ...
Removable tattoos1/14/2006
  Q: If I didn't want a pemenant tattoo could i just go to a tattoo parlor pick a design, have that put ...
  A: Terry, Tattoos done in a TATTOO STUDIO are permenant. If you want a temp tattoo to try it out most ...
Apprenticeship catch-221/13/2006
  Q: Gypsy, Ive been a "scratcher" for a few months now. Im not a typical "scratcher" Ive been Red Cross ...
  A: Unsure apprentice, You have already answered your own question.... If you would not allow the guy ...
another finger question1/13/2006
  Q: my last question was the finger quotes which im going to have priced this afternoon despite the ...
  A: Abbaddon, Please be careful over what type of symbolic tattoo you get. A tear drop means different ...
Hard To walk????1/13/2006
  Q: Two days ago I got a tattoo on the top of my foot. It's very difficult to walk on it, It is all red ...
  A: Jennifer, You can never be too careful from a tattoo or piercing that becomes infected. I know of 2 ...
ITCHING!1/12/2006
  Q: .. thank you for taking time out of your day to answer some of these questions... and well mine ...
  A: Desirae, First off you should not be putting any sort of creme on your tattoo. Secondly, you should ...
Hard To walk????1/11/2006
  Q: Two days ago I got a tattoo on the top of my foot. It's very difficult to walk on it, It is all red ...
  A: Jennifer, Get to a medical facility immediately!!! Do not wait! You have a severe infection that ...
Quote tattoo on fingers1/11/2006
  Q: I plan to get a quote done on the inside of my fingers(including thumb)on my right hand, im right ...
  A: Abbaddon, The hand and fingers are the second most sensitive areas of the body. They are also the ...
First Tattoo1/10/2006
  Q: .. first off i would like to thank you for taking your time to answer these kind of questions... ...
  A: Melting, Thank you for the recognition. If you are uncomfortable with the person who did your ...
Uh Oh...1/10/2006
  Q: Hey, I was once a volunteer for allexperts.com for The Rolling Stones. I love the Stones, and got ...
  A: Robert, The REAL DEAL is that as long as it's been at least 6 months since you pulled off the scab ...
Fainting1/9/2006
  Q: Im almost 17 and when i got my tongue and belly button peirced, i almost fainted and i had to get a ...
  A: Katie, Hi, the person that pierced your tongue probably did not tell you this but to do a sexual ...
itchy bumps on tattoo1/8/2006
  Q: I just recieved my 3rd tattoo its my family crest on my lower back a week and a half ago.. and ive ...
  A: Nicky, Your artist was correct in telling you to stop using the A&D ointment. You have had an ...
concerned1/6/2006
  Q: ,and part if it is raised,, my tat is purple black and red and all of the purple parts of my tat is ...
  A: Dashofsuga27, You may be having an extremely rare reaction to the color purple. Red reactions are ...
tattoo apprentice ships1/4/2006
  Q: I can't seem to get an apprenticeship even after going to studios and being persistent. I have a ...
  A: I get questions like yours all the time and there is no substitute for a formal apprenticeship. It ...
red ink allergy?1/4/2006
  Q: I got a tattoo on the back of my neck 9 days ago. I was told that it would probably itch quite a ...
  A: Becky, Witout seeing the tattoo it would be diffulcult for me to tell you what is happening with ...
Tattoo over stretch mark1/3/2006
  Q: How difficult is it to cover up a stretch mark? I had a baby 4 years ago and I have this one ugly ...
  A: Carol, Streach marks are a type of scar and yes, scars can be covered but it is a diffulcult and ...
navel piercing12/31/2005
  Q: I would love to get my bellybutton pierced (probably will in future). However, I'm afraid of ...
  A: Kelley, If you go to a skilled qualified piercer who has training and knows what they are doing ...
symbol of freedom12/27/2005
  Q: I am wanting to get a tattoo symbolizing the freedom of my life and my choices. what would be some ...
  A: Maverick, A symbol of freedom and your personal choices are something that no one can help you find ...
3 weeks old tattoo-still very painful12/20/2005
  Q: I got my first colored(red)tattoo on my ankle 3 weeks ago and it still hurts. It's hot to touch and ...
  A: Kathleen, I tried to send this immediately to you yesterday, however, ALLEXPERTS was down and I ...
Making your own ink12/18/2005
  Q: My sons friend made some ink out of a plastic Cd case & some soap? I was wondering if you have ever ...
  A: Terri, Your sons friend is a fool and is putting his life and anyone elses life who is foolish ...
tattoo12/8/2005
  Q: I have a tattoo of my fraternity letters on my right calf and I either want to get it removed or ...
  A: Eric, First off let me apologise for taking a few days to get back to you, I was out of town on an ...
High quality ink, but only reacting in a certain spot?12/7/2005
  Q: I was told specifically by my former artist to practice on myself, so this isn't just me scratching ...
  A: Heather, Here's the bottom line.... I originally answered your question with the "I DON'T DO ...
High quality ink, but only reacting in a certain spot?12/6/2005
  Q: I'm learning to tattoo right now, and as such I've been practicing on myself a lot. I'm right handed ...
  A: Heather, You are using a poor grade of pigments and your body isrejecting it. Tattooing is not a ...
Tatooing on scars11/30/2005
  Q: Decades later, I am no longer embarrassed about them and have even toyed with the idea of ...
  A: Tikki, You wrote to the right person with this question. I am the one that developed the technic ...
Old school bird tattoo meaning11/26/2005
  Q: Very often you see tattooed old school birds, usually swallows, in hc-groups. Sometimes there is ...
  A: Suvi, It is a Traditional Design with a long history. Swallows generally mean "Everlasting Love" ...
studio management11/23/2005
  Q: if possible could you tell me what fair pay-rates/percentages for artists and shop managers etc? ...
  A: Josh, The averages vary all over the United States from studio to studio. There is no standard ...
Eyebrow Tatooing and "Eyeliner"11/23/2005
  Q: I'm thinking about having this done but am a little frightened. How dangerous is it being tatooed ...
  A: Candace, First off. Please forgive the length of time that it took me to get back to you. For some ...
Star Tattoo11/22/2005
  Q: Can you please tell me what is the meaning of the multi star tattoo that many women have. R & B ...
  A: Eric, Honestly, there is no special meaning behind multi star tattoos. A lot of women choose this ...
lip piercing11/19/2005
  Q: i was wondering does a lip piercing (side bottom) usually hurt bad? and what are the risks/side ...
  A: Taryn, The lip is a tender area. The piercing is going to feel like a cross between biting your lip ...
Tattoos over stretchmarks11/18/2005
  Q: I've looked through the previous answers and couldn't find anything about tattooing over present ...
  A: Petal, Streach marks are a type of scarring and if you have read the info I have posted on scarring ...
tattoo on lower abdomen11/17/2005
  Q: i got a chinese symbol tattoo on my lower right abdomen. i wanted it where you wouldn't know it was ...
  A: Amy, Hate to tell you this but you will have to have it touched up. Wait about 1 year before ...
Allergic Reaction?11/13/2005
  Q: I got my 11th tattoo a month ago. It has itched more then my past ones, and there are itchy bumps ...
  A: Angela, Whatever ointment you are using for healing discontinue use of it immediately! Without ...
tattoo over raised keloid surgical scar11/11/2005
  Q: can you put a tattoo over a raised surgical scar? can you get it to blend in or will the raised part ...
  A: Chrissy, You wrote to the right person with this question. I am the one that developed the technic ...
Tattoo's Before Pregnancy10/30/2005
  Q: I've recently heard that many girls who have tattoo's on their backs, especially ones on the lower ...
  A: Kelsey, First off let me apologize that it took me a couple of days to get back to you. I had to be ...
Approximate costs, etc.10/27/2005
  Q: I just have a few general questions for you. Thanks for taking the time to read this. :) 1) I'm ...
  A: Whitney, Below are the answers to your questions in the order in which you asked them: 1. It is ...
tatooing over scars10/27/2005
  Q: He is also wondering about scarification over his scars..? He said he's seen some nice scars with ...
  A: Sara, The scar tissue should heal fine as long as he visits a skilled artist that uses the technics ...
Tattoo Healing Colors bleeding together10/25/2005
  Q: I got my 5th tattoo 10 days ago. On the 7th day it rained here and my pants got soaked and really ...
  A: Chris, First off I just want to tell you when I lived in Abilene, TX. I once had a good friend from ...
tatooing over scars10/24/2005
  Q: My friend has extensive scarring from a suicide attempt that was repaired with lots of stitches.. it ...
  A: Sara, You wrote to the right person with this question. I am the one that developed the technic for ...
CHINESE SYMBOL10/24/2005
  Q: MY SISTER JUST GOT THIS TATTOO AND WANTS ME TO GET THE SAME ONE. WE'RE BEST FRIENDS AND I'M THINKING ...
  A: Karen, I am going to suggest to you that you do what I would do to locate the meaning of a "KANJI" ...
tattoos and pregnancy10/23/2005
  Q: I want to get a tattoo a little below the belt line per say and was wondering if it would stretch or ...
  A: Lori, There is always the possibility that the tattoo may be affected if you are prone to stretch ...
Raised tattoo10/15/2005
  Q: I had an add-on to an existing tattoo on my lower back and the new part is raised a bit. I had it ...
  A: Betsy, It sounds like you may have been scarred and if so you will have to wait at least one year ...
meaning of spider & webs tattoos10/12/2005
  Q: what would be the meaning of spiders and the web? To me it means independence and leader but what ...
  A: Jay, There is really no special meaning behind spider or web tattoos beyond what you attach to it ...
Tatto allergy10/11/2005
  Q: I have developed an extreme allergy from getting a tattoo on my arm. The tattoo is on my upper arm. ...
  A: Kerry, First off please discontinue use of all creames, lotions and ointments immediately. You are ...
traditional tattooing10/11/2005
  Q: I have designed my own tattoo. It is a simple monochromatic bird design, but has significant ...
  A: Emily, Sacred Tattoo 276 Canal Street, New York, NY 10013 (212) 226-4286 and they should be able to ...
coloring10/9/2005
  Q: I end up with holes after coloring a tattoo?
  A: John, You are doing it wrong. I would strongly recommend that you seek out an apprenticeship and ...
white sometimes itchy bumps on my inner arm tattoo10/8/2005
  Q: I got my first tattoo about 4 months ago and while its totally healed (people told me it actually ...
  A: Aly, There is a chance that it could be the red pigment or your artist doesn't understand that the ...
tattoo "fix up"10/8/2005
  Q: i got a tattoo about a year ago that i no longer like. fortunatly it can be fixed up and can be ...
  A: Tom, For the most part, to cover over a darker tattoo you need a lot of detail and a lot of ...
Tattoos10/7/2005
  Q: If I want a tattoo on my back of a picture that I have with mountains, trees and a lake can I simply ...
  A: Matt, Any skilled, professional ARTIST can render any design for you. MOST people in this business ...
Tattoo resources10/6/2005
  Q: I am in the process of getting a full back piece and needed some information on an expert studio ...
  A: Christy, Any skilled professional ARTIST can draw up any design you want and tattoo it for you as ...
How to help a red, overworked tattoo?10/6/2005
  Q: I am quite concerned about my tattoo. A month ago, I got some graywork shading done on a tattoo. ...
  A: Nate, Unfortunately it does sound like you got hammered, expect scarring to occur. There is an old ...
new tattoo acne10/4/2005
  Q: I got a tattoo on my back recently, it's healing well, I've been getting light acne around and on my ...
  A: Terry, Unless you have had a previous acne problem that is probably not what is going on. If you ...
tattoo10/3/2005
  Q: What does the tattoo of a dragon and tiger symbolize?
  A: Mike, It is much like the symbolizm of the Ying & Yang. Two opposing forces at odds with each other ...
healing of a tattoo9/30/2005
  Q: I got my tattoo done about 3 months ago. I have three roses and my name with green vines. My roses ...
  A: Glenda, It sounds to me like you have experienced a rare condition called "Red Reaction." Basically ...
tattoo myths9/30/2005
  Q: what are the long term risk involve in getting a tattoo? for example, the myth one can not get ...
  A: Jessica, There really is no long term medical problems with getting a tattoo unless you go to a ...
Keloids9/27/2005
  Q: I got my rook pierced about a month and a half ago and i am getting keloids on the top and bottom ...
  A: Jenna, I am sorry that you were treated rudely. Unfortunately those people that are only out for ...
Keloids9/26/2005
  Q: I got my rook pierced about a month and a half ago and i am getting keloids on the top and bottom ...
  A: Jenna, The cartlidge has a lot to do with it but there may be other underlying problems, these ...
Covering up black arm band9/24/2005
  Q: You answered some questions on cover ups, but not exactly what can be done with black work. I'd like ...
  A: Troy, The first thing I'm going to tell you to do is visit my website at www.ubtat2d.com - Go to my ...
tattoo removal9/22/2005
  Q: I am thinking about having a recent tattoo removed. Do you know anything about tattoo removal ...
  A: Karen, STOP! DO NOT USE TATTOO REMOVAL CREAMS!! THEY ARE VERY DANGEROUS!!! Tattoo removal creams ...
Irezumi9/21/2005
  Q: and thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I love irezumi and would like a serious ...
  A: Nic, Most of the Irezumi artists that I know are out on the west coast. I am going to refer you to ...
Distortion9/20/2005
  Q: My question is about distortion. My tattoo is on my wrist. Does this area can be affected from ...
  A: Nahum, Yes it can. Also be aware that the wrist is a high wear area and that will also have an ...
Tattoo9/18/2005
  Q: I've just got a new tattoo. Is it true that sometimes there's a need to redraw the tattoo after the ...
  A: Nahum, If you have gone to a qualified, licensed artist then your tattoo is done right the first ...
Tattooing9/15/2005
  Q: I was just wondering if you could tell me if it is possible to use a topical anesthetic cream before ...
  A: Janice, My husband is gone to a bike rally. I am his wife, Debbie. I can tell you that it is not a ...
Raised tattoo, and sometimes itchy too9/14/2005
  Q: I had a full back piece done about a year and a half ago. It's all vines and flowers, with some ...
  A: Kiki, There are several things that may cause a raised tattoo; impurities in the pigment, allergic ...
Tattoo9/12/2005
  Q: I am interested in getting a tattoo and have several questions and apologize if they've been asked ...
  A: Melanie, Here are the answers to your questions;Why is the cost of getting a tattoo so high? (There ...
tattoo price range9/10/2005
  Q: i am trying to get a tattoo of an iron cross with a rebel flag in the center the words forged in ...
  A: Dustin, Wow! That sounds like a big tattoo! My husband, The GYPSY, is gone to Iowa to a bike rally. ...
Tattoo placement/ meaning9/7/2005
  Q: Can you tell me if there is different meaning on butterfly tattoos? And what would be the best to ...
  A: Melanie, There is no significance or difference between butterfly tattoos. Also, where ever you ...
3-5 year tattoos8/21/2005
  Q: um a) is there such a thing as 3-5 year tats because I have seen them advertised in a local studio a ...
  A: Charli, Yes it is a hoax and a scam! Tattoos are permanent! Nothing is forever except diamonds, ...
Cover Up Tattoo8/18/2005
  Q: I have two tattoos... they are Winnie the Pooh on right ankle... about 1.75 or 2 inches tall and 2 ...
  A: Erin, Here is the good news for you.... Any tattoo can be covered by a skilled artist with any ...
tattoo and pregnancy8/18/2005
  Q: I was told that during pregnancy some doctors will not give spinal meds or epidurals during delivery ...
  A: Natalie, Yes, it's true. Some Doctors beleive that the pigment that is in the skin may be pushed ...
tattoo meaning & danger?7/27/2005
  Q: Hey, firstly is tehre a meaning to star tattoos? i see a lot of people with the but am unable find a ...
  A: Katie, The most common meaning of a star tattoo is as a Nautical symbol. It represents the North ...
My tattoo has a red itchy bump...7/23/2005
  Q: I got a tattoo one week ago (it is my second one) and now there is a red, itchy bump. I don't know ...
  A: Angelena, It sounds like an allergic reaction to either the ointment you are using or a red ...
tattoos and pregnancy7/22/2005
  Q: Hi my name is Andrea and I was just wondering if having a tattoo on your lower back would enable ...
  A: Andrea, It is best to wait until after you have given birth to your baby before you get a tattoo. ...
Tattoo over scar due to surgical procedure7/18/2005
  Q: About four years ago I has a scolosis surgery. The scar runs about 5 inches past my neck down maybe ...
  A: Jessica, Since the scar is the age it is you should have no problem with a cover-up. A skilled ...
Tattoo7/10/2005
  Q: This question may sound a bit strange - hopefully you can answer it.... About a year ago, I got a ...
  A: Sam, The thing about moles is that they should never be tattooed over even after removal. It is ...
The meaning of a tattoo7/1/2005
  Q: What is the meaning of dog print tattoos on a female's lower tummy? Is there any special ...
  A: Karl, There is no special meaning in either the design or it's placement. It is simply a artistic ...
General information5/30/2005
  Q: I'm writing an assignment on getting a tattoo and would appreciate the following questions answered. ...
  A: Heida, The answers to all your questions can be found by visiting the faq page on my website at ...
Tattoo disfiguration5/26/2005
  Q: Yes, I am wanting to get a tattoo or two and I have always been curious about my tattoos stretching ...
  A: Matt, My advice to you, if you are planning on dropping a large amount of weight, would be to wait ...
Tattoo placement5/24/2005
  Q: My husband and I want matching tats for our 15th anniv. Is there a proper place to put them for ...
  A: Janalyn, Wherever you wish to put them for the proper meaning for you is the correct placement. ...
Bumpy Itchy Tattoo5/20/2005
  Q: My black and shaded anklet tattoo was done one month ago but had now started to itch. There was a ...
  A: Sugi, Yes, it sounds like you definitely had an allergic reaction. I'm not sure what you used but I ...
school paper5/19/2005
  Q: hey im doing a school paper on what carrier i wan to go into after high school. the carier i have ...
  A: Jessicka, First of all, it's career, not carrier :) Go to my website for helpful information for ...
2nd degree burn tattoo5/18/2005
  Q: i have a tattoo that has keloid and i am getting it removed but i want to retattoo the area with ...
  A: Kelly, Most scar tissue can be tattooed after it has healed for at least 1 year. However, if you ...
copyright of tattoos5/18/2005
  Q: i was just wondering if i wanted to get a tattoo of a little billabong or roxy symbol if that would ...
  A: Bridie, They are both copyrighted symbols. However, if you go to a studio who pays thier royalties ...
Raised, swollen tattoo5/17/2005
  Q: I've had tattoos for about a year now, and they have started to raise up, and haven't gone down, ive ...
  A: Andrew, It sounds to me like you have been scarred and that the pigment is in deeper than it should ...
Inflammation5/17/2005
  Q: I have had two slightly prolapsed discs in my lower back for over 2 yrs which causes a fair bit of ...
  A: Sable, The best advise that I can give you is that if you have any reservations at all no matter ...
Fading5/13/2005
  Q: (2 questions) It's been about 2 weeks after i got my first tattoo and i can see little 2mm spots on ...
  A: Ryan, It sounds like you have what are called "Holidays" these are small areas where the artist ...
Raised Tattoo5/12/2005
  Q: Don't know if you can help, I have an all black tattoo done on the small of my back about 7 years ...
  A: Claire, Who ever told you that lied to you. Black does not have to be inserted any deeper than any ...
raised severly itchy tattoo5/8/2005
  Q: I had a tattoo done on my inner ankle area back in February '05...there is red and yellow in the ...
  A: Michelle, You are having what is known as a "Red Reaction" in other words you are allergic to red ...
color fading5/8/2005
  Q: i got a tattoo with deep red in it. after 4 days the red seems pink. why did it fade so fast and is ...
  A: Lauren, It could be one of a number of things causing this.... Use of a triple anti-biotic ...
wrists5/4/2005
  Q: Hey, just as of recently I've began to want to get my first tattoo. I'm thinking of putting ...
  A: Ferris, It is a tender area but most people can handle the discomfort. It is also a high wear area ...
black star tattoo5/3/2005
  Q: Do you know what a black star tattoo means?
  A: Jose, A black star has no meaning, except what a person chooses for it to mean. Usually a star is a ...
Meaning of Polynesian symbols4/24/2005
  Q: Can you help me finding out what my tattoo means, i have been searching the net for hours but cant ...
  A: Thomas, I can tell you that most Pacific Societies i.e; Polynesian, Malasysian and Tahitian beleive ...
hi mate I have just started...4/23/2005
  Q: hi mate I have just started tattooing and i am going to be working hopefuly in a couple of months i ...
  A: Pete, Tattooing is not a "Learn on Your Own" profession. If you are serious about tattooing what ...
Raised Tattoo & Discoloration4/21/2005
  Q: I got a tattoo 2 1/2 years ago between my shoulder blades. I noticed about 2 months ago that there ...
  A: Lin, As old as the tattoo is there could be any number of reasons for the change, these include but ...
Question about beginning tattooing4/18/2005
  Q: My husband and I are interested in becoming tattooists. What is the best way, outside of ...
  A: Linley & Chris, Tattooing is not a "Learn on Your Own" profession. If you are serious about ...
tattoo aftercare4/18/2005
  Q: My tattooist didn't say use cortaid, he said to use curel, i missunderstood the first time. On the ...
  A: Beth, I have been tattooing for over 29 years and the care instructions I gave you are what the ...
tattoo aftercare4/18/2005
  Q: I just got a new tattoo saturday. The tattoo is on my upper back so that when I wear a tank top ...
  A: Beth, I do not know where your tattooist got thier information for care instructions but they are ...
Swimming Pool / Arizona Tattoo4/18/2005
  Q: How long should one stay out of a swimming pool for after getting a tattoo? Is there a listing of ...
  A: David, Avoid hot tubs, clorine pools and lakes for the first 7 to 10 days after the tattoo is ...
Got my first tattoo. Serious Allergy4/8/2005
  Q: I will try to elaborate my case as i have been really tense about this whole deal and going through ...
  A: Haseeb, What has happened to you is that you have had an allergic reaction, severe, to the Vitamin ...
Tattoo I seen4/7/2005
  Q: What is A "Gonzo Fist"?
  A: Qball, Without being able to see a picture of what you are refering too it will be hard to answer ...
finding a suitable design4/5/2005
  Q: GYPSY, First I want to say that I'm a "tattcollector" and cudo's to you and your advice. It's ...
  A: Tony, First off let me apologise for taking so long to get back to you. My ISP has been down for ...
Neosporin4/4/2005
  Q: Wht does Neosporin remove ink from tattoos, and how can you tell if you are having an allergic ...
  A: Albert, First, let me apologize for getting back to you so late, my ISP has been down for a few ...
Allergic Reaction?4/3/2005
  Q: I was just wondering if I have an allergic reaction to the ink or something. I got a tattoo right ...
  A: Jodi, I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. Our ISP has been down for a few days. It just ...
lotions for tattoos3/28/2005
  Q: My tattplace uses the Curel minus any reported probs with fading!I was using an all organic and ...
  A: Mary Jo, As I stated, I personally use bag balm for any tattoo I myself get and have never had any ...
lotions for tattoos3/28/2005
  Q: Recently sent you a question about fading in new tattoos.I have spotty fading after a couple months ...
  A: Mary Jo, Neosporin or any triple anti-bacterial ointment are the worst things you can use on a ...
fading in new tattoos3/27/2005
  Q: I am 50.Began tatting at 48.am very fair skinned, do not go out in sun or tanning beds and take ...
  A: Mary Jo, Without being able to see the tattoos, read your care instructions you were given or know ...
Itchy tattoo3/27/2005
  Q: I had a tattoo done about three weeks ago. It is on the top of my foot and covers pretty much the ...
  A: Shar, It could be a combination of both or it could be a lower grade or contaminated pigment which ...
red bumps around tattoo.3/19/2005
  Q: I have a question... I got my first tattoo about a week ago on my lower back. My artist told me ...
  A: Lauren, You are having an allergic reaction to the lotion you are using. Discontinue use ...
Allergic Reaction to A&D Ointment?3/10/2005
  Q: I thought I should share you my situation about the tatoo on my lower back which i recently got. The ...
  A: Diana, Here is the simple answer to your question.... Stop using anything on it, including soap. It ...
Studio Recommendation3/9/2005
  Q: I have been considering getting a tattoo for quite a while now. I think I've finally decided the ...
  A: Amanda, The best way to find a studio is by referal and footwork. Ask around and see who people ...
Tattoo's vs. henna3/9/2005
  Q: Hey, question to throw out to you. I am considering getting a tatoo. However,the thought of it being ...
  A: Jen, The easy answer is.... A Tattoo is permanent, Henna isn't. So it depends on what you are ...
Tattoo meaning3/8/2005
  Q: What does the traditional dagger through the heart with the flowers mean?
  A: Galen, It is an old design depicting love lost then regained. The dagger through the heart is the ...
priceing3/4/2005
  Q: i wanted to know, is there a general, kind of guide to fair tattoo pricing?
  A: Schyler, It's all dependent on the area you are in and what type of competition you have. Keep your ...
Tattoo to cover 16" scar down my back3/3/2005
  Q: Gypsy, In 2003 and 1996, I've had an extensive back surgury and it has left me with a 16" with a ...
  A: Stacie, You wrote to the right person with this question. I am the one that developed the technic ...
meaning of tattoo3/1/2005
  Q: I just want to find out a meaning of tattoo were it has two masks one smile and another one is not ...
  A: Yelena, They are the theatrical masks of "Comedy & Tragedy". They date back to the time of ...
Tattoo meaning??2/28/2005
  Q: What's the tribal tattoo meaning? I'm looking forward mixing an iban flower with a tribal, and I ...
  A: Fiorella, There is no meaning for tribal unless you are talking about cultural tribal. Tribal ...
Ear Tattoo2/27/2005
  Q: I have been researching over the net for my 4th tattoo. Anyway in my travels as I searched under ...
  A: Lotus, The ear is a tender area and over time a tattoo on the ear will have a tendency to spread ...
tattoo allergy2/26/2005
  Q: i have a tribal arm band ..with a chinese word written in red..on the inside of the arm..i had a ...
  A: Jerry, You may not be allergic to the pigment, you may have had an allergic reaction to the ...
Little white itchy bumps2/22/2005
  Q: I got my tattoo on my right side of my shoulder...On a friday I was told to use vasiline intensive ...
  A: Ben, You are having an allergic r