“So Long Dolphins, Tribal Arm Bands and Lower Back Tattoos…Hello Inside Fingers!” Thought I would take us all back through a couple of decades of what has been “In & Out” as far as trends in the tattoo industry. Let us see where we have traveled, stayed awhile, then said a fond “fair well” to. Tattooing as well as piercing has hit quite the stride in the last 6 years. Meaning it is trendy and soared in popularity. Tattooing in the United States has boomed before, yet never like this. That’s why there is an over supply of walk in shops and new “tattooers” everywhere you turn. The current situation will right it self over time. Shops that under serve clients with mediocre tattoos and piercing will fumble along and quietly close when the surge slows. Those who are great at what they do with rise to the top like cream, and continue to grow in skills, attracting customers along the way. While this has all been happening tattooing and piercing trends have come and (thankfully) gone. Designs and ideas that once were very popular and a “must have”- then after a few years time burned itself out and left many with something they dig. That reminds them of a time and place in their life - or sadly- a decision made in haste and looking more dated then a pair of Sassoon High Waist Mom Jeans. Back in the early 1990’s as shops started to be less “Biker Bobs” and younger, hipper artists and spaces sprouted up, a surge of “New Skool” designs began to develop. This style of tattoos took the tried and true staple of “Americana” tattoos that had been around forever and spun them with modern color palates, edgy design ideas and developed familiar yet a completely new feeling about them. Tattoo Artists themselves dug creating traditional styles without it seeming to be just like everything else that had been done the last 50 years. The public saw that tattoos could be something different than the same old same old they have seen forever. Over the next 5 years these tattoos broke open the pre-conceived fixed beliefs of what could be tattooed.
By the year 2000 these “gotta have it” - new style ink had waned. What had once seemed crazy and cool didn’t age so well. Looked a bit silly on a middle aged man working at Whole Foods. But it had served a great purpose of getting everyone out of the rut of the same styles since the Korean War. This art is still gracing the flash racks and watercolor paintings of many a shop. Free standing “tits with bones” and “kewpie doll heads in roses” will be a part of most new artist programs forever. Coming up with these types of funky ideas and art are the second rung of the ladder in developing basic street shop skill sets this class of artists need. In the mid 90’s Little Green Men, Alien Heads and their spaceships had a solid 3 year run. Aliens were always colored some shade of green, shaped with pointy chins and enormous, empty black almond shaped eyes. Customers made this sticker type tat a prominent part in sleeves of the lower arm. Seemed to be favored by young males under 24 years of age who fostered a deep affection for Graphix Water pipes - and that never met a sack of weed they didn’t like. Side note: I once worked with a chick who’s primary tattoo artist was famous for his well executed alien tattoos. This co worker decided she wanted a Vargas style female pin up on her upper arm. Sadly the pin up tattoo head looked pretty much like an alien head with human features. This design did not come out as she had hoped. She knew it, I knew it, yet it went unspoken that she had a pin up with the skull of an alien. So, like most trends, by the year 2000 these designs had completely disappeared from flash racks. During the Clinton Presidency “Bio Mechanical” aka “BIOMEC” for you hip kids out there - became the “IT“ tattoo for fellas. This design style of “robot innards” being seen through torn away human skin looked wicked bad ass in the years of TERMINATOR movies. Like tearing apart your dads first COMPAQ computer, peering in to see what makes it tick. A few very creative artists took this to a crazy level, imagining entire limbs of their clients body as a futuristic nightmare. Well executed and containing more ins and outs than a Pat Fish Celtic back piece. So that it seemed as if their clients body and some crazy humanistic mechanics were fused.
Then we have the scratchers who sadly attempted this very difficult style, hacking people to bits…..making a sad attempt to further their “tattoo skills.” These poor folks who asked the under skilled tattooers for what they clearly were not capable of got terrible tattoos that you could not even hedge a guess as to what the tattooer was trying to convey with the design. Those attempts at mechanical realism brought the whole trend to a crashing halt. Now and then I will hear about an artist in Ohio or Delaware that “kicks ass” at Biomec….and I always thing about how great that would have been…… 14 years ago. Being a water sign myself, I have always had an attraction to the sea and other bodies of water. Doesn’t matter how cold, windy, rainy, whatever. If water is nearby I want to go and wade knee deep or watch it while sipping on a cold water or hot coffee. Something primal in me digs it…any how I guess that’s why I can relate to folks who desire dolphin tattoos. The certainly come across as friendly creatures from the sea, kinda like the “dog of the oceans.” Man’s friend on cruise ships and ship wrecks. In tattoo designing dolphins can also be made into various secondary designs such as hearts and yin / yang’s. Seems pretty simple….but our ocean friends certainly are not easy to tattoo and make them look good. Matter of fact some of the worst tattoos I have seen are poorly done are dolphins. Monochromatic with one bright blue swipe of pigment - no highlights or contrast. Zero consideration or thought to the creatures expression or movement. EEK. Well, these gracefully mammals had a great ride appearing on ankles, lower backs and shoulders for about 6 years….but now they sadly have been pushed into the “not too cool” category by the very women who use to get weepy eyed over the “mother and baby dolphin swimming” flash.
In the 90’s, Chinese Symbols, or KANJI were inked on occasion. Customers working on sleeves that resembled patch work quilts liked to cram that design type in areas with very little room for something bigger. These symbols were around most shops, but having a large collection on hand not very common. By 2000, they suddenly became THE TATTOO. No lie, at Lucky 7 we inked a minimum of 3 a week, and that is when it was off season, with only 2 full time artist working. When this tattoo started to catch fire Lucky 7 took extra time to research where to buy flash designs we could trust. That all the symbols meant what the person who produced the flash sheets said. However not every shop was that ethical….far too many customers ended up with “Chicken Chow Mein” rather than the “Serenity” or “Love” they had dreamed of. In addition to these misbegotten words, poor execution of the brush stroke used to build the symbols could mistakenly turn a character that was suppose to mean “Family”, and morph that into “Fornicator.” Furthermore it seems that some Asian people delighted in scaring black, middle class kids in sushi joints by telling them the design meant something completely different than what they had thought when the tattoo was inked. Funny, but mean. So by 2004 these clean little tats were everywhere and became too mainstream for the trendsetters and followers to want any longer. We do have one client with a sleeve who got a couple of them that were very funny. One said “Golden Shower” and the other said “Fecal Matter.” Now that’s comedy!
And finally we have the Grand Daddy of trendy. The number one with a bullet! Can you guess what it is? I know some of you were wondering if I was going to bring it up, some of you have completely erased it from your minds, and other may still secretly want one. We are talking about the Tribal ARM Band. Tribal had been creeping into the 90’s at a slow and steady rate since the late 80’s. A few well known and talented tattoo artists brought this style to the attention of their customers. Many people who didn’t care much for the traditional Americana tattoos “clicked” with the well executed clean line work, body forming aesthetics and the way the tattoo could represent “something“, though the designs were not straight forward images. Now you could get a cool design that was new and original…..until it caught on with the sports crowds.  Tribal Arm Band Flash A few sports stars chose tribal to be a “rebel“ in their leagues. Once that action took place look the hell out! These sports stars were seen every weekend by lots of male fans nationwide, so an explosion of tribal arm bands began. Easy to cover for work, yet looked good hanging out it bars with a cut off sleeve t shirt. Adding gasoline to the inferno was George Clooney. Rocking a very large tribal piece that crept its way on to Georges neck in the movie “From Dusk Til Dawn.” The ladies were not left out of this party either. Some females opted for a smaller, thinner more delicate looking version of the guys tribal arm bands - (with the section under the arm missing because it hurt too much there.) In these feminine designed bands flowers, hearts or their beloveds name in tiny letters were added….which I believe morphed into what many call the lower back “Tramp Stamp” - I prefer the name “California License Plate.” Sounds classier some how…This hybrid design style located ,near a ladies undies, shot out like a cannon. Everywhere you looked low rise jeans and g strings were giving way to an abundance of ink splashing out each time a lady kneeled down in front of you. Sometimes it looked amazing, but sometimes it hurt the eyes. Especially when the carrier and/or the ink were not put together too well. Catch my drift.!?! Once again a backlash began around 2004. For the men, a few clever beer commercials made them feel bad about their once “cool” band. Shirt sleeves were no longer lifted in victory when asked “ Do you have any tattoos?” by drunk, divorced single mothers at the local watering hole. Now the defeated ESPN junkies slowly replied “ Yeah, but I am going to cover it up with a big family crest soon, so I don’t want to show it to anyone.
For females the tribal art tattoos held on loosely a bit longer. Lower back tats still had an element of tribal. However it was thinned into more of a filigree or vine look. Hawaiian flowers, bluebirds and banners began to grace the center, etc…yet the dye was cast when too many d list celebrities, over the hill porn stars and Saturday Night Live skits had the tramp stamp emerge as part of their look or joke. So, like a 70’s tube top they were put away, no longer wanted - as well as many chicks second guessing whether it should have been donned at all. “Did I ever really think it looked good wearing it?!”  I still love the lower back tattoos. The area is perfect for small or large ideas. Large flat canvas with only a bit of curve. Tattoos peeked out only if you looked at the wrong/right moment. Furthermore a great deal of woman were afraid getting any tattoo until this area became popular. Weight gain and loss doesn’t affect the overall look of the ink. Yet it will take another decade at the least to let the current stigma wear off enough to let it come back around in the great glory it once enjoyed.
Hey, thanks for reading. Would love to hear from you about the trends you saw come and go in the last decade or 2. Kathleen @ Lucky 7 tattoo & Piercing |
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
“So Long Dolphins, Tribal Arm Bands and Lower Back Tattoos…Hello Inside Fingers!”
Sunday, December 4, 2011
What's new at Lucky 7 Tattoo....
Well Cats and Kittens, the Tahoe winter is kicking in. Nights have become much colder (Russell and I have even had to stack another pug on the bed for warmth!)
Sadly the snow is mostly man made on the ski slopes. Mother Nature must be involved in some other business she deems more important than winter sports and mankind's thirst at the moment. Over the years we at L7T2 have come to figure out that our busiest winters are a "drought year." There are a few reasons I believe this is the case. Most folks who travel to Tahoe in a light snow year are disappointed with conditions on the slopes. Therefore they decide not to venture out more than a day or 2 when it is "rock city" on the their equipment. In addition, not many people will spend the big bucks a lift ticket and resort amenities costs when the mountain is only partially opened and the conditions are lacking. So some of those smart skiers and boarders decide that a trip to visit the world famous Lucky 7 family is in order. Thank the Heavens - or Mother Natures laziness in this case.
Fall and early Winter are always slower than the rest of the year in our shop. The Holiday season has consumers spending their resources on everyone and everything besides themselves. In order to keep our family/staff from getting too bored, and to help clients get themselves a holiday treat of ink or new metal this time of year, we have come up with several discounted offers that aim to please and get you in our door and away from your visiting relatives!
2 For 1 Piercings on Wednesdays - by appointment only. You can split the deal with a friend, pick any piercing and jewelry style. INCLUDES DERMAL ANCHORS. This event sells out every week, so call me know to reserve a time. Deal ends December 14 th
$25 Off Tattooing Certificates. These little babies are available in store, just for stopping by and saying hello! Wow, what an easy way to save yourself a few bucks! This offer ends on December 31st, so don't wait.
10 % Off Tattooing or Piercing Cards. For those newbies who are contemplating their first tattoo or piercing, and cost is a concern, this discount is for YOU and has no end date. L7T2 wants your first bod mod to be a great experience. No cut rate, half ass fly by night shop is going to exceed your expectations like we know we will. So email, call or stop by for your consultation and discount card to get started. This promotion ends May 30 th 2012
10 % Off Tattooing and Piercing for all Resort Employees. This offer is good for ANYONE who works for any ski resort, or in hospitality services in the Truckee, Tahoe and Northern Nevada areas. Just bring in your current employee I.D. and receive the savings. This discount program ends April 15, 2012.
Starting in January L7T2 will have some new promotions to reward all you true blue friends/clients. Our wish is to kiss the lingering recession "adios" and get back to growth, both in overall sales as well as breaking new ground in our industry. Please feel free to forward any part of this blog to a friend so they can join in the savings. Offers can end early, and may not be combined.
All the tattoos included in this blog entry are inked our youngster Ben Karnofski, now a big grown up young man of 19! He's been a part of our team for over 2 years. The fellas and I sure are proud of the work he is creating. Ben has gone through his apprenticeship "old school" style. The time honored and traditional way that is customary to our trade. Sadly so many of the "tattooers/scratchers" that have popped up in droves for the past 5 years just buy equipment from eBay, look at videos online and attempt to "teach" themselves. Their victims have that "learning experience" for the rest of their lives, or until they can afford to pay a tattoo artist to cover it up or rework that "deal" they received in a friends kitchen or fly by night shop. Ben did his training the right way, and it sure does show, don't you agree?
Thanks for opening and reading this handy dandy little nugget from us here at L7T2. We so appreciate your business, and look forward to a brand new year just around the corner. All my best! Kathleen @L7T2
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| Mr Fetchy Con Carne, bed warmer. |
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| Cherry Blossom Branch by Ben Karnofski @ Lucky 7 Tattoo Lake Tahoe, Ca |
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| Blue Crawdaddy by Ben Karnofski @ Lucky 7 Tattoo Tahoe |
Fall and early Winter are always slower than the rest of the year in our shop. The Holiday season has consumers spending their resources on everyone and everything besides themselves. In order to keep our family/staff from getting too bored, and to help clients get themselves a holiday treat of ink or new metal this time of year, we have come up with several discounted offers that aim to please and get you in our door and away from your visiting relatives!
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| Double Dermal Anchor AKA Single Point Piercings By Kathleen @ Lucky 7 Tattoo & Piercing Kings Beach / North Lake Tahoe, Ca. |
$25 Off Tattooing Certificates. These little babies are available in store, just for stopping by and saying hello! Wow, what an easy way to save yourself a few bucks! This offer ends on December 31st, so don't wait.
10 % Off Tattooing or Piercing Cards. For those newbies who are contemplating their first tattoo or piercing, and cost is a concern, this discount is for YOU and has no end date. L7T2 wants your first bod mod to be a great experience. No cut rate, half ass fly by night shop is going to exceed your expectations like we know we will. So email, call or stop by for your consultation and discount card to get started. This promotion ends May 30 th 2012
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| Peace Sunflower by Ben Karnofski Lucky 7 Tattoo Kings Beach/North Lake Tahoe, Ca |
10 % Off Tattooing and Piercing for all Resort Employees. This offer is good for ANYONE who works for any ski resort, or in hospitality services in the Truckee, Tahoe and Northern Nevada areas. Just bring in your current employee I.D. and receive the savings. This discount program ends April 15, 2012.
Starting in January L7T2 will have some new promotions to reward all you true blue friends/clients. Our wish is to kiss the lingering recession "adios" and get back to growth, both in overall sales as well as breaking new ground in our industry. Please feel free to forward any part of this blog to a friend so they can join in the savings. Offers can end early, and may not be combined.
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| Good Luck Clover by Ben Karnofski @ L7T2 |
Thanks for opening and reading this handy dandy little nugget from us here at L7T2. We so appreciate your business, and look forward to a brand new year just around the corner. All my best! Kathleen @L7T2
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Watch out T.V. Viewers, Here Comes Lucky 7 Tahoe...(maybe)
Well my friends, our cool news wouldn't fit on Facebook. Therefore I decided to use the blog to explain what all of us at Lucky 7 are so happy to finally be able to tell you about. The Lucky 7 family is under contract to a producer and a director for a reality show "demo" for television! What this means is, The extended Lucky 7 "family" will film a "mini pilot" the last 2 weeks of December. Then the folks who signed us will take that footage around to networks and see if they can sell it as a special or series. This is NOT to be like the tattoo shows you have watched for the last 6 years. Of course Lucky 7 will be a huge part, BUT the focus is the relationships between me, my husband Russell and 2 of my ex-husbands ( Corey and Jason) all working together and being our strange modern family unit. Crazy huh!!??!! All of the staff and Corey's wife Amber will be included. All the craziness that is our lives will be possible entertainment for the masses.
By no means is selling this pilot to a network a "for sure" thing. However, the fact that we have even made it to the "demo pilot" stage is a HUGE deal. We all gave filmed interviews a few months ago, and passed the test to go to this stage.
I am sure you want to know how this all came about? Well, the producer found us online from our website and my blogs. The producer was looking for a unique family business to work with and found ours to be just what he wanted.
Now that we are set to film the last 2 weeks of December, I have a request from all of our established clients. We would like to have YOU in the demo, getting tattooed or pierced. Anyone who schedules on the filming days will be given a deep discount on their work while the filming takes place. That way, we can have a cool crowd of clients/friends to add to the vibe of the project. And I am sure that will make it easier for the family to shine on camera. Interested? I thought so! As the dates are yet to be set in stone I will have to update everyone as soon as I know. What I would dig is if you can e mail me ASAP so I can start a tentative schedule for everyone involved. Please copy my private e mail address: LUCKY7TATTOOTAHOE@GMAIL.com
Get at me asap and let's make a great demo! Lord knows half the crap on television right now is terrible. Think good thoughts and perhaps this miracle may really happen. All my best and thanks for reading.
By no means is selling this pilot to a network a "for sure" thing. However, the fact that we have even made it to the "demo pilot" stage is a HUGE deal. We all gave filmed interviews a few months ago, and passed the test to go to this stage.
I am sure you want to know how this all came about? Well, the producer found us online from our website and my blogs. The producer was looking for a unique family business to work with and found ours to be just what he wanted.
Now that we are set to film the last 2 weeks of December, I have a request from all of our established clients. We would like to have YOU in the demo, getting tattooed or pierced. Anyone who schedules on the filming days will be given a deep discount on their work while the filming takes place. That way, we can have a cool crowd of clients/friends to add to the vibe of the project. And I am sure that will make it easier for the family to shine on camera. Interested? I thought so! As the dates are yet to be set in stone I will have to update everyone as soon as I know. What I would dig is if you can e mail me ASAP so I can start a tentative schedule for everyone involved. Please copy my private e mail address: LUCKY7TATTOOTAHOE@GMAIL.com
Get at me asap and let's make a great demo! Lord knows half the crap on television right now is terrible. Think good thoughts and perhaps this miracle may really happen. All my best and thanks for reading.
- Kathleen & the Crew.
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| Russell and Kathleen of Lucky 7 Tattoo & Piercing Lake Tahoe. |
Saturday, October 8, 2011
The Cherry Tattoo
Cherry Tattoos
Cherries have been present in the tattoo community for decades. It is a seemingly small fruit that has become an icon in traditional tattoos as well as in the fashion world. From underwear to purses and clothing, cherry print is an ever present decor usually associated with sexiness and confidence. Of all the fruits, why cherries?
Cherries by Russell Fortier
The sexual connotations of the cherry within western culture is something that really can't be ignored when discussing this design. Cherries have become a symbol of purity and temptation. A preserved and intact cherry is readily associated as a symbol of virtue and virginity. With this interpretation it is also associated as a symbol of temptation, as something that is forbidden but still desired and yearned for. The cherry is a much more popular design than the apple which is the forbidden fruit in biblical terms, but tangibly the cherry creates a much more graphic image with its soft supple flesh, and sweet red juice. It is a much more delicate fruit and can be damaged or defiled more easily. A person with a tattoo of a cherry with a bite out of it, or a split can be interpreted as someone who has lost their virtue or who has given into temptation. Tattoos of cherries with whipped cream or chocolate sauce are all the more sweet and tempting.
Sailor Jerry Flash
Cherries are also a prevalent symbol associated with gambling a slot machines. Gambling, like sex, is another topic that many consider a vice. Another source of temptation that can bring great gratification or great hardship.
Skull Cherry Painting by LEGO
Whatever reason a person may be motivated to get a cherry tattoo, there are a variety of great designs to fit the needs of any client. It is a sexy symbol most often associated with femininity that makes a great tattoo anywhere on the body. They are often seen on the hips or near the pelvic area which heightens the sexuality factor, but common on many other parts of the body as well. You may want a cherry tattoo simply because you like the way the design looks. Regardless of what connotations this design has, it has and will be a prevalent design in tattooing that isn't going anywhere anytime soon. If you don't have any tattoos, it is a great design to have your tattoo "cherry" popped.
Cherry Wooden Cutout
Saturday, August 13, 2011
"Why Do Tattoos Cost So Much?" Read up and know the deal...p
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| Plumeria Tattoo By Ben Karnofski @ Lucky 7 Tattoo |
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| Monkey in Branches By Russell Fortier @ Lucky 7 Tattoo |
In the last 5 years tattooing has exploded. No longer am I looked at by older folks as some type of demon for being covered in ink. For better or worse, television has taken a rebel act - a way of life-and made it an acceptable art form for almost everyone. Television and the media have advertised tattoos as a type of meaningful "keepsake" for the masses. It has created the mindset that each tattoo must be thought out, always be uber original and have some deep meaning in order to "justify" getting the tattoo. Trust me dear reader, until this decade most tattoos had no more meaning than to say "F+*# You to the rest of society by the outlaws who wore them. Alas, things change, and I appreciate anyone who walks through the doors of my shop to get ink from my family. Which brings us to the topic I started this blog entry with. "Why Do Tattoos Cost So Much?"
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| "Weathered Tree with Raven" By Russell Fortier @ Lucky 7 Tattoo |
Did you ever notice that you never see money change hands on the tattoo television shows? My guess is because it doesn't make good t.v. I also imagine all the fans of these programs would have their dreams of getting ink by a celebrity tattooer flattened and stomped on by the rates these famous tattoo artists charge. More power to these stars for their great marketing skills-yet it makes it difficult for us in the real world to explain to a tattoo virgin that Lucky 7 prices are $140 an hour, and yes it really takes many hours to ink a sleeve. It always looks easier on tv!
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| Butterfly Skull by Corey Boobar @ Lucky 7 Tattoo |
Let me break down what it cost to run our family owned shop. All amounts are per month. $2000 for rent. $400 for insurance, $200 for power, $100 for phone and internet, $150 for trash and sharps (needle) disposal, $300 for basic office supply, $500 for needles and inks, $200 for gloves, $60 for cleaning products, $90 for distilled water..this is just the bare bones of operations and we are already past $4000 a month! That is before any one of us takes home a dime for ourselves and our family. The shop is always first in line to be paid for.
There is no such thing as an "easy tattoo." It is a huge pet peeve to the artist when people beg us to cram them in to a very full schedule. "But its a really small and easy tat" they whine. To the person who is inking you for life, they take on a level of stress that cannot be fully described. Yes, some designs and locations are easier than others. Yet we strive for perfection on every tattoo every time. Would you want anything less? Understand that any good artist should make a fair wage to do their craft, and to take on the stress of your tattoo. Have patience when an artist says " I can't tattoo you today, but let me design the tattoo tonight and schedule you on another day." Know that good artists and reputable shops are not trying to rob you! What you pay for is a great tattoo in a licensed shop that is following the letter of the law. Those laws are in place to protect your health as well as the artist. I am sure you don't want a burned out tattoo artist who has to work 14 hours a day just to make a livable wage, right? Then please respect the prices tattooers charges for great work in a clean shop. You get what you pay for.
Last but not least. It is smart to price shop a pair of Levis 501 jeans. It is the same pair of jeans in every store, just some stores have better service and atmosphere. Save money on goods. When you choose a service -which is what tattooing boils down to- always pick the best you can find and afford. If money is short, save up! Waiting a few weeks isn't going to kill you. It makes you smarter than so many people who rush in without doing their research. That "bargain" tattoo isn't going to seem like such a deal when the joy of paying so little wears off and you hate the results that last a lifetime.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Skull Tattoos..A little history with photos and sass from Kathleen Volume 1
During the last decade skulls were a HOT design with trendy, fashion forward folks all over the Gods green earth. Starting with traditional tattoo style skulls designed by Ed Hardy, everywhere you eyeballed from 2002 until 2009 was layered in skulls images. To me, it always seemed a wee bit crazy that an image so iconic with death, manliness and outlaw biker culture was being worn on little girls t shirts emblazoned with rhinestones.
Yet with this now tired clothing trend the tattooing of all types of skulls became hugely popular. So much so our staff puts-on average- one skull a week to skin still. I believe that the "skulls on garments" trend in fashion played a part in making skulls good business at this moment in time. Of course skulls have been a mainstay in tattooing since rubbing soot in to cut skin started in tribes 10,000 years ago. One of the great qualities of any skull design is the timelessness of the skull image in any form.
Remembering back to Halloween of my childhood (before parents got over protective and created "safe" Halloween) my mom use to bust out all sorts of cool, scary decorations. My personal favorite was a skeleton with movable limbs that glowed in the dark. I use to pose him as a model. My brother would always make it look like it was grabbing its crotch....to my mothers great embarrassment. Funny I never thought about how gruesome some of the images were from "All Hallows Eve." All the bones were just part of the celebration of this fun Autumn ritual as a kid.
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| Sugar Skull / Day of the Dead Skull by Russell Fortier @ Lucky 7 Tattoo in Kings Beach / North Lake Tahoe, California |
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| Creepy Black & Grey Skull by Corey Boobar @ Lucky 7 Tattoo, Kings Beach, North Lake Tahoe, California Even when a skull tattoo is done poorly, perhaps with just a grainy looking outline and a few black holes for eyes, nose and mouth - you still know exactly what the image is suppose to be. Not many shapes can be identified that quickly or universally. As small children we are taught that a "skull and crossbones" image meant the contents of that container was poison and therefore bad for us. Or if that same image was on a ships flag it is called a "JOLLY ROGER" and meant pirates commanded the vessel. |
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| Indian with Head Dress Tattoo by Ben Karnofsky @ Lucky 7 Tattoo Kings Beach / North Lake Tahoe, California Skulls as an ageless symbol have a great number of positive and negative meanings in different cultures. Interestingly, except for marking poisons, there is no "common" meaning worldwide. Skulls meanings have been evolving ever so slowly from ancient antiquity to our modern times. Going back to the Aztecs , skulls were kept by warriors from battles. Then brought back to their village tribe as trophies to symbolize death and rebirth. For the last 500 years Mexican culture has taken some bits from their forefathers in Aztec worship of their dead, added ritual from the Catholic religion brought over from the Spaniards who conquered and settled South America and added a bit of their own twist - all brought together to create "Day of the Dead." Skulls and skeletons are the symbols of this celebration honoring departed loved ones each year on November 1st. A tradition treat for this holiday are candy skulls, with the name of your loved one written on the skull of your sugary confection. These treats are to be eaten by the dead souls earth bound loved ones. |
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| Traditional Americana style Sugar Skull for "Day of the Dead" By Corey Boobar @ Lucky 7 Tattoo and Piercing, Kings Beach, / North Lake Tahoe, California Other ancient cultures have used skulls as chalices for sacred drinks while worshiping , celebrating victories or displaying the skulls of their enemies to intimidate others. or to show their tribes "fierceness." It is said by a few sources online that some outlaw bikers believe tattooing a skull on their forearm helped them cheat death. Personally I think that is bogus, but hey, it sounds good huh?! In London of the middle ages many of the population could not read or write. Businesses and craftsmen used universal symbols to let lower classes and the illiterate know what each storefront or trades person did. Some prostitutes of this era used a skull with no lower jawbone as a wordless way to advertise that they were a "working girl." Wonder how that "logo" was decided upon? |
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| Carpe Diem Grateful Dead Skull by Corey Boobar @ Lucky 7 Tattoo |
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| Triple Skull in One by Corey Boobar Lucky 7 Tattoo, Kings Beach, North Lake Tahoe, Ca. |
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| Under bite Skull with Massive Fangs By Russell Fortier @ Lucky 7 Tattoo & Piercing, Kings Beach / North Lake Tahoe, California |
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| Black and Grey Double Tartarus Skulls by Russell Fortier @ Lucky 7 Tattoo and Piercing, Kings Beach / North Lake Tahoe, California The beautiful Hindu goddess Kali has a Garland of skulls around her neck when in her "fighting" form. She is quite the warrior, even shown eating the innards of her husband at times. Yet this Goddess also is known to offer worshipers "Life." Part of Kali's spiritual make up also includes "Time and Change." The skulls themselves are to represent "Karma." I LOVE that! Hope this bit of info was fun for ya. If you enjoy my blogs click an ad and help me keep the faith. Or leave your e mail address and be sent a copy of my new entries as they happen. As I hope to write a few books in the next couple of years I dig feedback of all kinds. Don't be shy, take a moment to |
Sunday, May 8, 2011
First Tattoo? What To Know, What To Do and Who and What To Avoid.
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| Gold Butterfly in Flight by Russell Fortier- Lucky 7 Tattoo and Piercing, Kings Beach-North Lake Tahoe, California |
Some of you who read my blogs, or know me in the flesh, are familiar the story of my first tattoo experience back in 1985. For those of you who do not let me just tell you - it was a crazy situation involving a guy I was dating. Going to the first shop I could find, picking a design for the wrong reasons and having that tattoo covered years later after working in a good tattoo shop and detesting my poor first choice of design and artist.
It is now 25 years later. Having worked in or owned tattoo shops for 20 years I have a great deal of hands on experience in all aspects of this industry - customer service with first time clients, AND I have worked with some of the best and the worst tattooers of the past and present. What I offer below is NOT a standard list of "make sure the tattoo guys wears gloves or ask to see the business license" This list is to give you much more useful information that pertains to your tattoo experience as a whole.
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| (Fine Line Script By Russell Fortier / Lucky 7 Tattoo) |
- Carefully consider where on body/temple you are going to wear this art for the rest of your life. You will never get a job at a Fortune 500 company with a tattoo on your neck, no matter how much more socially acceptable tattoos are, than compared with even 5 or 10 years ago. Also, not every tattoo design works well on every part of your body. Think about a possible second location for your skin art just in case the design does not fit properly or look pleasing on the first area you pick.
- A phone book is no place to choose any type of service professional, EVER. Ask your friends who have GOOD tattoos what shops and artist they like the best. If you see a stranger with a tattoo you admire, say hello then ask who their tattoo artist is. Look at reviews online. Sites like Citysearch or Yelp are very helpful with reviews by previous customers. Make sure you get the full working name of an artist as well as the shop name. Very good tattoo shops can still have a lousy artist.
- Beware of any person who says they are a tattoo artist - yet works out of their home or comes to yours. It does not matter if they say "well I am between shops right now" or "it's much cheaper if you get tattooed outside of a shop." Why would a so called tattooer be selling their "skills" this way? If someone if truly good at what they do, and they pass a background check, then a shop will give them a job. Tattoo shops are governed by county Environmental Health Departments for a reason. To keep you and the tattoo artist safe and disease free. All good tattoo shops staffs are trained in how to handle any possible mishaps and have undergone bloodborne pathogen training. Shop owners gladly pay out money every month for you to have a safe, pleasant tattoo experience. Ask yourself this question: "If this tattooer was really any good, would he have to advertise on Craigslist - saying he will trade ink for patio furniture or marijuana?" Which leads us to.....
- "Good tattoos are not cheap, cheap tattoos are not good." This saying has been part of the tattoo industry since FOREVER, for very good reasons. Tattoo artists make a good wage for doing a highly skilled and artistic job. Tattooing can be fun yet stressful in the very same moment. Good shops and their tattooers spend money constantly on the best inks, sterile needles, tattoo machines, tubes, disposable single use goods, books, training, etc...the list can be quite long when a shop cares about the tattoos they create and their customers. If you are on a budget explain this to your artist. There are options with the pricing you may not know about. (In Lucky 7 we have a lay-a-way program.) Perhaps the tattoo can be divided into more than one appointment? Size and placement can greatly increase or reduce price (the soft, stretchy inside of your upper arm will cost more and take additional time than your shoulder.) To save yourself and the tattooer embarrassment, DO NOT start loud talking about how some other shop said they would do the same tattoo for half the price you were just quoted. Your tattoo is not like a pair of Levis 501 jeans. We always quote a fair and upfront price in our shop. Good, well managed tattoo shops want you to come back again, get more tattoos and recommend them to others , and will not gouge you with an over the top, unfair price. If you do not care about the look and quality of what is on your body then price shop every hole in the wall chop shop you can find, getting the "art" dirt cheap. You will be back to see us at a later date, (after your friends and family clown you and your shitty cheap tattoo) for us to cover up your "bargain."
- Do some dreaming, then some homework. At Lucky 7,as in other shops, we are happy to give our thoughts, expertise and advice while you are working on your tattoo design ideas. We can assist on what you could incorporate. Or even expand or redesign an existing tattoo that just isn't quite what you had in mind. Before you contact a shop you might like spend some time thinking about the following: How do you see the tattoo in your minds eye? Color or black and grey? The size and placement? Any certain type of tattooing styles you most enjoy seeing on others? Write all your thoughts down, then assemble them into a list of important key points. You can even draw a pencil sketch! No one in the shop is going to laugh or give you a bad time for trying! All artist appreciate you making an effort. As you can imagine it is impossible for a tattooer to be a mind reader or a copy machine.
- When the time comes to go check out a shop in person call ahead or check online for their hours. Very few tattoo shops are open 'bankers hours." If you have a certain artist in mind you want to work with check to see if they will be in the shop that day and if he would be able to chat with you about your tattoo? Is there a best time to stop in?
- Once you arrive and walk into the shop, take in everything with all your senses. Does the staff great you warmly, or blow you off with a nod? Is the lobby separate from the tattooing area? Is the overall feeling clean, neat and business like or messy and dirty? Does the tattoo area have a washable floor covering or is it carpet? Dust and smudge marks on the displays and portfolios? Is the music too loud and jarring or fun and upbeat? Ask to use the bathroom. My dad always said "you cant trust eating the food in a restaurant that has dirty bathrooms." WORDS TO LIVE BY- THANKS DAD! - Watch the staff do their jobs. Do they answer the phone in dirty gloves, or even worse, then go right back to their work without changing them? Food particles on tattoo or piercing work areas? Are you getting a good vibe from the entire place or just feel like you want to walk out? ALWAYS listen to your gut.
- Speak to the staff. Do they answer your questions thoughtfully and want to be helpful, or do they act as if you are bothering them?( Do keep in mind tattoo shop staff are not going to kiss your ass, and if they fall all over you trying to convince you to get tattooed RIGHT NOW, with fake charm, they are desperate for work, and that means something isn't right.) Staff should be cool, but not cold. Does your artist listen? Or talk all over your sentence? Good tattooers listen to everything you have to say about the design so they can do the best job they are capable of. You might want to skip the parts about the "reason I am getting purple in the tattoo is because it was my great grandmothers favorite color and she died 10 years ago with her cat in her lap while watching church on television." See what I mean? Too much information for the artist, but tell your friends on Facebook when you post a picture of the tattoo you LOVE, from a shop you liked very much because YOU DID YOUR HOMEWORK AND GOT A GREAT TATTOO AND HAD FUN WHILE GETTING IT!
- Many good shops require a Drawing and/or Appointment deposit. It is not to be "mean" or because they don't like you. Each shop reasons vary. At Lucky 7 we charge the drawing deposit because it shows real intent from the potential client to get tattooed. Sadly some people like to waste an artist time by having them draw designs they cannot afford or having the artist draw all kinds of different designs so they can "see the tattoos man, and think them over til I get some money and figure out if I really want any of them." Artist are happy to draw for you more than once. But they want to know that the design is going to become a tattoo soon. Appointment deposits are to avoid customers having to wait around all day to get tattooed. Sadly, when no money is required for an appointment, some folks book the artist time not even sure they really are going to go through with getting the tattoo. Rude people don't even call to cancel. By then the shop has most likely turned away other customers who have called or come in for a tattoo. So the artist and shop then have no one getting ink, and therefore make no money for hours that day. At Lucky 7 we always use the deposits toward the total price of the tattoos. BUT they are non refundable, so make sure you have everything lined up for work and babysitters.
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| Black and grey skulls by Russell Fortier at Lucky 7 Tattoo Kings Beach/North lake Tahoe, California |
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| Lucky Koi by Corey Boobar @ Lucky 7 Tattoo and Piercing, Kings Beach/North Lake Tahoe, Ca. We have covered some new territory than previous blog "tattoo shop/what to look for" lists. A few of the other most common things to know are all over the web. The information is worth a look. Most of the contents are about sterile needle packs, gloves, etc. The easiest way to remember that boring yet important shop sanitation stuff is this: The tattoo shop staff should be just as conscientious as any support staff you would see in a doctors office. Changing their gloves after the touch anything besides you. All needles being removed from sterile, single use packaging. Autoclave spore test available. (This test, by an outside lab, makes sure the shops sterilizer is working properly at all times.) All areas wiped down after use. Thanks for reading. Hope you found it helpful. if you have questions feel free to email me. If you enjoyed this blog, please click any ad on this page that may interest you and recommend it to a friend. Check out my personal blog www.BADGIRLGROWNUP.blogspot.com |
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| Aztec by Russell Fortier at Lucky 7 Tattoo and Piercing, Kings Beach / north Lake Tahoe, California |
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| Jessica Rabbit By Russell Fortier @ Lucky 7 Tattoo Kings Beach / North lake Tahoe, California |
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