How to get a tattoo
Have you ever wondered how a tattoo is created or how to go about getting one yourself? Tattooing in recent years has moved from something for your general anarchist and metal bands to mainstream acceptability thanks to Beckham...err, thanks.
The history of tattooing goes back to prehistoric times and has continually been used by tribes for traditional and ritualistic purposes. You can find evidence of tattooing around the world, from the familiar and stark facial tattoos of the Maori and full body suits of the Japanese to the familiar iconic tattoos favoured by sailors. Did you know that a sailor would have a crucifix tattooed on his back to prevent a flogging? Even the royalty have been partial to a tattoo or many. Tattoos up until the invention of the first electric machine in 1891 were created painstakingly by hand using needle and ink; that part hasn't changed only it is a much faster and more sophisticated process.
To many, tattooing still remains something shrouded in mystery, I know this due to the amount of strangers who prod/stroke my skin in crowded bars and slur 'ere, did it hurt?' Well of course it did, but that's only part of the story.
What follows is a tutorial on how to commission your own little piece of art for your body and more importantly, what not to do...
You can navigate around the tutorial by clicking on the next step above or using the directional arrow. 