Tattoo (Essay 1)

Where do tattoo artists learn their trade?
How do different cultures view tattoos?
What are the risks of getting tattos?
What are peoples motivations for getting tattoos?
When did the concept of tattoos begin and who thought of the idea?

There is no set educational path for someone who wants to be a tattoo artist. It seems most schools do not offer any type of tattoo artist course either. But, some private school's including locations in Albany, New York and San Diego, California do offer an educational path for tattoo artists. Most tattoo artists learn the tricks of the trade from a mentor. It seems skills are passed down from artist to artist.

Tattoo's are an art form that seem to be universal throughout many different countries. However, in the Jewish community tattoo's are looked down upon. Also,the bible supposedly discourages tattoos. Leviticus 19:28 says, "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print or tattoo any marks upon you: I am the Lord."

There are several risks involved in getting a tattoo. For one, once people age, they may feel differently about what they had inked on their skin as a youth. Tattoo removal is possible, but the skin will not be totally restored and may scar. The removal procedjure is said to be very painful and expensive. Another risk involved in getting tattoos is the spread of diseases through the tattoo artist's needle. The consumer can only hope that the tattoo artist used proper sanitary techniques. Also, once someone ages, their tattoos may discolor or change form/shape because their skin will become looser. Tattoos seem like they're not worth it and could potentially become a burden as one ages.

So what kind of motivation is strong enough to talk millions into getting tattoos?

-Religion (Even though they are looked down upon in several religions)

-Expressing the death of a loved one

-Self-expression

-Rebellion of society

-To show affilations and connections

-National pride

-To show they are proud of what they do (i.e. Marines, Army, ect.)

-Gang-related expression

-Artistic interest

-To support a cause (i.e. cancer, suicide prevention, ect.)

-Once some people get their first tattoo they become addicted and continue to cover themselves

                                 

In 1891 Samuel O'Reilly invented an electric tatooing machine. Thomas Edison made the first tattoo machine. However, it was not successful and O'Reilly improved it. It was O'Reilly's model that became popular. But, the concept of tattooing has been around for a long period of time. Most sources say it began with Indian tribes that made their own makeshift tattoos.