In the ever-evolving world of body art, tattoo trends come and go. From intricate designs to mesmerizing color choices, the tattoo industry is constantly evolving to cater to diverse tastes and preferences. However, as trends rise and fall, it's important to question their relevance and longevity. In this article, we will take a critical look at the current tattoo trends and explore whether they are worth following. We will delve into the pros and cons of trendy tattoos, the importance of timeless designs, and the impact of social media on tattoo culture. The Allure of Tattoo Trends Tat ..read more

  Tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent years, with people from all walks of life choosing to adorn their bodies with meaningful and artistic designs. However, for those working in trades such as construction, carpentry, or mechanics, the process of healing a new tattoo can present unique challenges. Dusty and dirty work environments can pose a threat to the healing process, potentially leading to infections or compromised tattoo quality. Here, we explore the best practices for caring for healing tattoos in such work settings, ensuring that individuals in the trades can proud ..read more

  Choosing a cover-up tattoo can be an exciting and transformative journey. Whether you're looking to hide a poorly done tattoo, cover up a reminder of a difficult time, or simply update your existing ink, a cover-up tattoo offers a fresh start. However, the process can be overwhelming if you're unsure of where to start. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the different types of cover-up tattoos, the factors to consider when choosing one, and provide tips on finding the right artist to bring your vision to life. Understanding Cover-Up Tattoos: A New Design Over the Old A cover-up t ..read more

  Once you’ve finished your tattoo and are ready to pay, you might find yourself asking “Do I tip my artist?” A tip can reflect the value you see in your artist, their work, and the time they put into your piece but it’s by no means required or should be requested. Tipping is an extremely kind gesture and though it’s appreciated, it’s never expected. Tattoos are expensive and artists understand that some clients save for months leading up to their appointment. Having this in mind, tips are graciously accepted no matter the amount. There are no set rules when it comes to tipping your tatto ..read more

  How many tattooers could draw two freehand dragons ambidextrously? Only one comes to mind. The legendary Pinky Yun (1927-2010). Born in Guangzhou (formerly Canton), China, Pinky tattooed all across China as well as Japan during the Korean war before his eventual move to the United States (California). Pinky’s tattoos combined Eastern mythologies with Western art, gaining notoriety by collectors and other tattoo trailblazers such as Ed Hardy and Charlie Cartwright. Pinky Yun always pushed forward, adapting surrounding influences into his style even up until his retirement just one year b ..read more

  Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience. From the research phase to seeing the final result in the mirror; it’s an empowering way to express yourself in it’s most permanent form. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable tattoo experience for both you and your artist, it's important to take into consideration proper tattoo etiquette. Here, we will highlight some important dos and don'ts to keep in mind for a great tattoo experience. Dos: Be punctual Arrive on time if not 10-15 minutes early for your appointment to ensure sufficient time to complete your tattoo.
 Communicate openly Clearly ex ..read more

  For those who live an active lifestyle and exercise daily, you’ve probably experienced the frustration after missing a few days at the gym. After getting tattooed, a common question we get asked is “when can I go back to working out?” Whether it’s going for a morning run or lifting weights, it’s important to know how to care for your tattoo and when it’s safe to return back to your normal routine. 1. Avoid strenuous activities until the bandage is removed Depending on the size and placement of your tattoo it can take 2-3 weeks to fully heal. During this time, it’s encouraged to avoid ph ..read more

  Finding the right tattoo artist for you can be just as exciting as it is challenging. But with a little bit of research and planning, you'll be able to find an artist whose style and abilities reflect your vision and is just as excited about your project as you are. Here are 4 tips for finding the right tattoo artist for you: Know Your Vision Know your vision and be able to describe it to the best of your ability. Describe details such as shape, size and location of the tattoo. Gather visual references that match your vision and feature components that reflect your likes and dislikes ..read more

  “Shanghai Kate” Hellenbrand (1942-2022)⁠ Considered by many as “America’s Tattoo Godmother” Shanghai Kate is widely recognized as a tattoo trailblazer and credited for having had the longest career of any other female tattoo artists in the US spanning nearly 50 years. A self-proclaimed farm girl from Utah, Shanghai Kate developed her career in New York before moving to Hawaii and working under the mentorship of Sailor Jerry Collins. Kate was later introduced to Ed Hardy where she then found herself among the likes of Jack Rudy and Freddy Negrete at the iconic Tattooland in East LA where ..read more

  The irony is that the answer to this question is a bit of a buzzkill. Having a drink before your tattoo appointment can appear harmless and even enticing to help calm any tattoo jitters but the cautionary answer is “no”. Any reputable artist will advise their clients not to consume any alcohol for up to 24 hours before their appointment. Here, we list some reasons why you shouldn’t drink before getting a tattoo. Impaired Judgement With the risk of one drink leading to many, being intoxicated can and will likely lead to irresponsible behaviour, miscommunication, and poor judgement. In a ..read more