Tattooing is the way in which a visible design is applied under somebody’s skin.  A tattoo is made by putting ink through the outermost layer of skin (epidermis) and into the layer of skin beneath (dermis).  The cells within the dermis are stable and do not shed so a tattoos are permanent.

Ink is applied by either piercing or cutting the skin.  Historically, tattoos were applied using needles, knives, chisels or even cactus needles.  Nowadays this is usually done using an electric device that punches a needle up and down through the skin, piercing the skin and injecting a small amount of ink with each stroke.

Most tattoos are created using a stencil.  A stencil can be applied to the skin prior to the tattooist making the design permanent, allowing the customer to make the final decision on its size, design and positioning.  The stencil then provides an outline of the design on the skin, which the tattooist follows.

The tattooist then prepares the skin by thoroughly cleaning (with antiseptic and soap) and shaving the area.  The tattooist will then follows the stencil to create the basic outline before enhancing the lines and infilling.

Not all tattoos need to be permanent – temporary tattoos (such as transfers or henna) may be applied, which eventually wash off, or fade as the skin sheds.

Technorati Tags: Tattoos, Temporary Tattoos

Creating and making your own tattoo designs, which are then put on by a professional, can be a fulfilling and even a spiritual exercise.

Decide where you want to put the tattoo on your body, some tattoos work better on different parts of the body.  The scale of the tattoo should also be considered.  A timid tattoo may be lost on the forearm or middle of the back and a large blackwork design may not look right when placed on the ankle.  

Even if you are making your own design, we would recommend some internet research  to find some designs to try against your body, just to get an idea of positioning, scale and colour.

Then with the use of a bit of tracing paper, start putting some design ideas down on paper.

When you have come up with a design you are happy with hide it away and forget about it for a while.  If you still like it when you dig it out, youcould tray a temporary tattoo based on your design.

If the design is still right on you (and obviously doesnt just apply to forearm tattoos), then make a decision and head on down to the best reputable tattooist in your area and make it permanent.

Technorati Tags: Forearm Tattoos, Tattoo Design, Tattoos, Temporary Tattoos