The Truth about Tattoos in America



Tattoos have been around for ages and are becoming less taboo in the U.S.  Here are some fun and interesting facts about tattoos in America.

History

·         The first recorded use of the word “tattoo” appears in Captain James Cook’s records from his 1769 expedition to Tahiti.

·         Samuel O’Reilly invented the modern tattoo machine in 1891.  He modeled it after Edison’s autographic printer.

·         Tattoo machines puncture the skin between 50 to 3,000 times per minute.

·         Early tattoo methods utilized picks, rakes, combs and chisels to cut the skin before adding pigment.

Demographic

·         21% (45 million) of Americans have a tattoo.

·         Women are 23% more like to get a tattoo, men are at 19%.

·         The most popular age group that get tattoos are 30-39 years old (38%).

·         The Hispanic race is found to be most likely to receive tattoos (30%).

·         Democrats are more likely to get a tattoo (22%).

Regional

The ten most tattooed cities in the U.S. are:

1.       Miami, Florida

2.       Las Vegas, Nevada

3.       Richmond, Virginia

4.       Flint, Michigan

5.       Portland, Oregon

6.       Austin, Texas

7.       San Francisco, California

8.       Honolulu, Hawaii

9.       Kansas City, Missouri

10.   Los Angeles, California

The West is the most likes to have tattoos (26%)

Money

·         Tattoo removal has increased in demand by 32% since 2011.

·         Tattooing is a $1.65 billion per year industry, and represents the 6^th fastest growing industry in the American economy.

·         There are an estimated 21,000 tattoo studios operating in the U.S.  At least one new shop opens every day.

·         $150 is the average cost per hour for a tattoo artist.

·         $45 is the average cost for a small tattoo.

Society

·         14-16% of Americans regret getting a tattoo.

·         11% of people with tattoos plan to get one removed, or have already had one removed.

·         47% of people without tattoos think tattoos make people less attractive.

Regardless, of your personal feelings on tattoos and how you think society should feel about them.  You are always going to want to set up a consultation with a tattoo artist in your area.  Tattoos are a permanent piece of art on your body.  You want to be going to the best and want to have all of your questions answered before you invest a large sum of money on something that will be with you for many, many years. 

If you would like to know more about Lucky Bamboo Tattoo in Layton, Utah, go to www.luckybambootattoo.com.

Advice for the Workplace for the Tattooed & Pierced



More and more tattoos and piercings are becoming more popular and accepted in the workplace.  You can probably even remember when body art and piercings were highly frowned upon, and it was thought of to be rebellious.

Just to give you an idea...30 years ago 1 in 100 people had one or more tattoos.  Now, 1 in 10 people in the U.S. have at least one tattoo.  The most popular ages to have tattoos is 25-30 years of age, making up one-third of the tattooed population.

If your work tells you that you can’t wear piercings or show your tattoos in the workplace, they aren’t doing anything illegal.  The law only covers discrimination on race, color, religion, age, nationality, origin, and gender.  The only exception may be if you’re Hindu and have a nose ring, this could be thought of as a religious observation.  Employers can’t fire you for having piercings or tattoos, but it can keep them from hiring you.  Plus, an employer can change a dress code at any time.

Recently, 60% of employers said they were less likely to hire someone with tattoos or piercings.  They were worried how the company would be viewed or represented.  Many employers have an image they want for their business, a cookie cutter mentality in a way.  Tattoos usually have to be covered up and piercing removed, unless you aren’t dealing with the public.

Some employers, such as Borders Book Store and Ford Motor Company, view body art and piercings as something that makes a worker more interesting and a definite plus.  For companies that are concerned about body art and piercing, they say that large tattoos and tongue piercings are the most concerning.

Many tattoo studios/shops and tattoo artists will have consultations with customers/clients beforehand.  This is to find out if they have thought about the consequences and permanence of tattoos.  Placement of a tattoo can be important too, depending on a person’s profession. 

Already have tattoos?  Camouflaging your tattoos can be helpful too.  Using concealer, Band-Aid’s, bracelets, long sleeves, pants, thick tights, or strappy heels can help conceal tattoos that employers may not feel comfortable with.  Plastic or flesh colored jewelry can also be used in place of regular piercings while you are working.  Around 70% conceal their body art or piercings while at the workplace, and 30% do not.

When you are thinking of getting a tattoo or piercing, make sure to consider where you would like the placement to be and how your future may be affected by it.  Tattoos are permanent and you should feel at ease with your decision.  If you have more questions contact your local tattoo studio and make sure to schedule a consultation so you have all of your questions answered. 

To know more about Lucky Bamboo Tattoo in Layton, Utah, visit our website at www.luckybambootattoo.com. 

Top 11 Tips to Care for Your New Tattoo



You just received your new tattoo and there can be so many recommendations for aftercare.  But, the most important thing to remember is to listen to your tattoo artist.  Most problems arise when a client doesn’t follow the aftercare instructions they were given.  One thing to remember is that everyone has different types of skin, allergies, and possible reactions.  Everyone heals differently.

1-      Pay attention to what your tattoo artist tells you to do, and follow the exact instructions.  If you change up the aftercare, the tattoo artist is no longer liable for what can happen.  It is your responsibility to take care of your tattoo.

2-      Don’t wrap your tattoo again, unless you are instructed to do so by your tattoo artist.  It is extremely important to keep your tattoo clean after this protection has been removed.  Your new tattoo is just like any open sore or injury.  Keep your hands clean when handling the aftercare of your tattoo.

3-      It is common for a new tattoo to be slightly inflamed, sensitive, and red.  Most people will have some irritation a day or two after.  If these symptoms worsen or last longer than 3-4 days, call you tattoo artist.

4-      Your new tattoo will weep the first couple of days, this is normal.  This isn’t an indication that your tattoo is coming off or being affected negatively at all.  This is your body’s natural healing process.

5-      Keep your tattoo slightly moist.  If the tattoo dries out it can lead to a thick scab formation & this isn’t good.  This can cause the healing process to slow down, and can harm the tattoo.  Your tattoo artist should advise you on a cream or ointment to use.  Remember to follow your tattoo artist’s instructions.

6-      Within a couple of days to a week, a thin layer of skin will start to peel or flake away from the tattoo.  This is also normal, don’t scratch or peel the skin away from the tattoo.  It even may itch, but don’t scratch the area.  It is still delicate and you can do damage.  If it itches, lightly pat or tap with a clean paper towel.

 

7-      Don’t soak your tattoo for at least two weeks.  No bathing, swimming, or sitting in a sauna.  Showering is fine, and can be a great and easy way to clean your tattoo also.  The recommended time can vary depending on your tattoo artist’s recommendations.

8-      Don’t expose the tattoo to tanning beds or direct sunlight for at least two weeks.  UV rays will damage the skin and affect the color of the tattoo.  After the tattoo is healed you should use the highest UV protection sunscreen.

9-      A tattoo may take 1-3 weeks to heal depending on your skin type and the tattoo itself.  If you get a rash, or any unusual signs on or around the tattoo, contact your tattoo artist immediately.

 

10-   Avoid working out.  Tattoos that cover big areas or near joints, may take longer to heal if it is moved too much.  Intense workouts may cause the skin to break or become irritated.  This will cause the healing time to be longer.

11-   Always ask for help when you aren’t sure what to do or if you have any questions about your tattoo.

If you have any questions about the tattoo you recently received from Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, call our studio at 801-497-9700 or visit our website at, www.luckybambootattoo.com. 

Holiday Shopping Is Just Around the Corner





October is almost here and that means that holiday shopping is just around the corner.  Many of times, we wait till the last moment and we may not even be sure that the receivers of our gifts love them.  Did you know that the day after Christmas is the biggest day for returning gifts?  You will literally be waiting in line for a while to just return a shirt you don’t like, or an unnecessary gift that you will never use.

Lucky Bamboo Tattoo has the answer for you!  If you visit our website, www.luckybambootattoo.com, you will find a large assortment of merchandise that we sell to the public.  This merchandise ranges from shirts, beanies, sticker, flasks, DVDs, hoodies, paintings, prints, Ed Hardy clothing, Sullen Clothing, and gift certificates.  We literally have something for almost everyone on your holiday shopping list. 

You may either order from our website, or you can come in to the Lucky Bamboo Tattoo studio and purchase from the selection in our waiting/reception area.  While you are there you can browse through the portfolios of the talented artists at Lucky Bamboo.  Our friendly and helpful staff will be happy to help in any way possible. 

Don’t wait till the last moment, get finished before the holidays even get here and you can enjoy the true meaning of the holidays.  Visit our website, www.luckybambootattoo.com, for more information.

Cherry Blossoms – What Exactly Do They Stand For?

 

When you think of some of the most popular tattoos for girls you might think of angels, butterflies, and blossom tattoos.  What you may not know is that the cherry blossom holds great meaning in different parts of the world.

The cherry blossom is generally related to East Asia’s culture, but lately it is spreading over the western part of the world.

Depending on where you travel, the cherry blossom can signify a special meaning.  Here are a few places where they are most commonly found and what they signify there.

China – in China the cherry blossom can symbolize power and love.  They are great for women who have a high respect for freedom.

Japan – in Japan the cherry blossom symbolizes the transience of life, meaning the state or fact that it lasts for only a short time.  This is a major theme in Buddhism.  The cherry blossom tree is known

for its short but brilliant blooming season, a natural process that metaphorically describes human life.  A fallen cherry blossom symbolizes a fallen samurai who sacrificed his life for the Emperor.  Every year in Japan they hold a flower-viewing celebration called hanami, where individuals will come and hold feasts under the cherry blossom trees, or sakura.  This tradition is thousands of years old.

United States – in 1912, Japan gave more than 3,000 cherry blossom trees to the United States.  This was to honor the growing bond between the two countries.  In Washington, D.C., the cherry blossom trees "symbolize friendship between nations, the renewal of spring and the ephemeral nature of life," according to the U.S. National Park Service.

Many men have also been wanting cherry blossoms to accent their tattoos.  By changing the design and color, this popular tattoo can worn by men and women.  The most common kind of cherry blossom is called, Somei Yoshino, and is mostly white with a hint of pink.

Normal placement for cherry blossom tattoos are on the back moving diagonally going up the ribcage.  But, some other unique placement is also wrapped around the arm, shoulder, or thigh. 

At Lucky Bamboo Tattoo, the tattoo artists are highly experienced and each specialize in their own specific styles of tattooing.  Visit their website at www.luckybambootattoo.com to view the artist’s portfolios and find which artist is perfect for you.  Call the studio at 801-497-9700 to set up and appointment for a consultation, or send your ideas to info@luckybambootattoo.com. 

Celtic Style Tattoos and What the Style of Art Means

 

Some of you may know that the Celts have an amazing talent in the world of art.  This style of art started in Iron Age Europe from 1000 BCE onwards.  The Celtic style was found in many artifacts that included: pottery, jewelry, and artwork.

 

When you look at a piece of Celtic art you will find spirals, crosses, and triquetra.  Each mean something different and has great significance. 

Spirals – a single spiral signifies the radiation of spiritual energy.  Depending on your view it can mean something different, either inward or outward.  Double spirals mean balance, like the existence of the equinox.  Triple spirals symbolize female strength and energy through different stages of development.

The Cross – when you see a cross within a Celtic piece of art it represents the passageway between earth and heaven.  When it is combined with a circle around the cross it means eternity. 

Triquetra – now this symbol is connected with nature, mysticism, and religion.  Depending on the religious beliefs it can represent something different.  It resembles three leaves where each leaf is the symbols three corners.  This is a popular symbol if you have Celtic origins.  Now if you have Christian beliefs it can represent the ‘Holy Trinity’ (God the father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit).  There are also other representation depending on your beliefs, but these are the most common.

Included on this blog are some Celtic style tattoos that some of the artists at Lucky Bamboo Tattoo have created!  If you are looking to receive a Celtic style tattoo it is best to schedule a consultation with one of our tattoo artists.  We want to bring you the very best in tattooing and this means finding the perfect tattoo artist for you.  Visit our website at www.luckybambootattoo.com to take a look at all of our tattoo artist’s portfolios.  You can email us at info@luckybambootattoo.com with your ideas for a tattoo or call the studio at 801-497-9700.

The Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Tattooing

 

I am sure there are many of us right now that are itching at wanting to get a tattoo.  We might even have the next five tattoos planned out in our head.  But, we know that a great quality tattoo takes money.  Saving the money takes time and patience, and some of us may not have the patience to do that.  So, maybe a friend has said they can do it for you.  They’re an artist right?!  How difficult could it be?

The thing is when it comes to do-it-yourself tattooing there are risks you may not be thinking about.  Think about the process of tattooing.  A needle with ink is being inserted over and over into your skin during the tattoo procedure.  If this is done incorrectly it can lead to infection, disease, or allergic reactions.

Some of these diseases and infections are Hepatitis B and C, which can also lead to liver disease.  Another disease is HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) and don’t forget about staph infection.  Staph infection is a bacteria that can cause a multitude of diseases.  A great tattoo artist is trained on safety and machine procedures to keep the tattooing process safe and sanitary.  When you either make a tattoo machine yourself, or get online to buy one, you can’t be sure of the quality.  The ink you may be using may have harmful substances in it that can stay in your skin too.  Many tattoo artists know the best quality ink and machines to use to produce great tattoos that last years. 

Also, when you are attempting to tattoo yourself you run the risk of damaging and scarring the skin.  It takes years for a professional tattoo artist to hone their craft and they know how to place, position and design a tattoo so it looks great on your body. 

Think about it this way, if you want a tattoo that looks amazing and will last for years go to a professional.  It is worth the patience of saving the money to have a piece of art on your body.  Something you can look at over time and not ever regret. 

To book a great quality tattoo with a great tattoo artist call Lucky Bamboo Tattoo at 801-497-9700 or visit our website at www.luckybambootattoo.com.

Tattooing on or around scars, stretch marks or other skin conditions

 

 

 



 

Tattooing on or around scars, stretch marks, or other skin conditions can be challenging at times.  A client usually is wanting the scar covered up for personal reasons.  The scars may remind them of a painful past experience, or maybe they don’t like the appearance of the scar or skin abnormality.  There are even many moms out there that want some of their stretch marks covered up.  But, what does a tattoo artist have to consider when covering up these areas?

 

Here are some questions that have to be considered before tattooing the area.

 

·         What kind of scar or skin condition is it?  Is the scar from a surgery, injury, or maybe you have a skin condition you were born with?
·         How deep was the cut?
·         How deep does the scar tissue go?
·         Are you prone to keloids?  Keloids are scars that are quite a bit raised above the skin surface.  They are smooth on top and are pink or purple in color.  They are irregular in shape and tend to enlarge progressively.  They are not like regular scars that will tend to regress over time.
·         Is it a raised scar?  Scarring can be more sensitive to tattooing and can be quite uncomfortable for the client. 
·         Is there nerve damage?  This can also cause quite a bit of discomfort and pain for the client.

 

These are some of the questions your tattoo artist will consider when you meet for your consultation. 

Remember that tattooing over your scars or skin abnormalities won’t eliminate or change the texture of the skin.  It will hide the scar to the average viewer and can make you feel more comfortable about that part of your body.

 

When you go to meet with your tattoo artist make sure they have before and after pictures of their work.  You want to see how well they know how to cover the area you want hidden.  Things a tattoo artist can do to hide a scar or skin abnormality is to consider the shape, position, color, texture of the tattoo and how it can distract the viewer’s eye away from the area of concern.

 

Go in for your consultation with confidence and knowing all the questions you want answered.  Your tattoo artist will make you feel comforted and at ease to discuss the area of concern and you should walk away feeling excited and knowing you are in good hands. 

 

If you want to know more about covering up a scar, stretch marks or other skin conditions call Lucky Bamboo Tattoo at 801-497-9700 or visit our website at www.luckybambootattoo.com.

Finding the best tattoo shop in your area.



When it comes to getting a tattoo, you spend months on evaluating and studying up on exactly the perfect piece to forever put on your skin.  You ask your friends, coworkers, and family what their opinion is and what they would do.  You know how important this is to you and you want it to look perfect.

So when it comes to picking out a tattoo shop and tattoo artist to create this masterpiece you want to give it the same attention.  Determining if a tattoo shop is right for you means you need to study up and set up appointments for evaluations with the shops you are looking at wanting to go to.  Here are some other helpful tips to look at when you are finding the best tattoo shop.

First, when you call to set up your appointment was the receptionist friendly, helpful, and  
knowledgeable about the working of the tattoo shop.  They should know each tattoo artists schedules and what styles of tattoos they are best at.  If the receptionist isn’t delivering the information to you in a helpful, knowledgeable and friendly manner this could speak of the kind of tattoo shop she or he is working for.

Second, when you have set up the initial consultation make sure you know exactly what you want.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make sure you enjoy being around your tattoo artist.  You are going to be spending a good length of time with them in one seating possibly.   Also, make sure the tattoo artist has a portfolio of their past work.  These photos need to be on actual skin and not just drawings.  Take a look at their portfolio and make sure their style of tattooing fits what you are looking for.   

Third, take a tour of the tattoo shop.  Ask the tattoo artist if they sterilize their equipment and how they store their supplies.  You want to make sure there isn’t any cross-contamination that may happen by recycling or reusing products.  Even ask to see their autoclave and if they keep it regularly maintained.  An autoclave is a high pressure chamber that is used to sterilize equipment or supplies that aren’t disposable.  Ask the tattoo artist how their supplies are stored and cleaned.  Check out the tattoo artist’s personal tattooing room.  Is it clean?  Is it organized?  Is it a location that you can feel comfortable in for a long length of time? 

You definitely don’t want to be going to anyone that doesn’t meet these guidelines.  You are going to be spending a good amount of money on a great quality tattoo and you don’t want to go to a basement or garage tattooist.  You deserve to have what you spend your hard-earned money on, so study up and do the work to find the best.  You find the best you will get the best!

If you would like to know more about Lucky Bamboo Tattoo in Layton, Utah, visit our website at www.luckybambootattoo.com.