Articles Index
Sugar Skulls: History & Significance of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
The sugar skull is a popular icon in the tattoo culture, but it comes from an ancient Mexican holiday known as Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead. Learn the significance of the sugar skull as part of this celebration and how it is used in modern times.
When Good Tattoos Aren't Good Enough
A reader asks why being a decent (but not stellar) tattoo artist isn't good enough as long as his work is clean and his clients are happy.
Frenum Piercing: Genital Enhancement for Men
The frenum is one type of male genital piercing that is available and quite common.
Dydoe: Genital Piercing for Men
Description, information and picture of the male genital Dydoe piercing.
Hafada/Scrotum: Genital Piercings for Men
Description of Hafada/Scrotum male genital piercings along with its risks and limitations.
Janet Jackson's Bare Breast Stunt Increases Body Piercing Interest
An editorial commentary on the Janet Jackson Superbowl wardrobe malfunction mishap and how it seems to have increased awareness and popularity of body piercing.
My Nipple Piercing Experience
I got my nipples pierced in 1999, and this is my experience. Read my story of how I got them, wore them, enjoyed them and removed them (and why).
School Censorship - Banning of Body Art
Since the infamous Columbine tragedy, schools have become even more strict on dress codes, and many of them have banned piercings and tattoos. Do they have the right to do this? One Mom speaks out, and you'll be surprised to learn whose side she's on.
Miami Ink Summary - August 15 Episode
This episode of Miami Ink focuses on family relationships. Two clients get memorial tattoos in honor of a loved one, Nunez comforts his mother before she has surgery, and Darren finds out that he and Carolina may be welcoming a new member to their family. Find out what happens.
DIY Piercing - Brilliant or Brainless?
People seem to have no problem going to a professional for stitches or a root canal. But when it comes to sticking a needle through their body, the urge to do it themselves is irresistible. Here is why body modifications should be left to the professionals.
The Art Fusion Experiment - Bridging the Gap Between Tattooing and Fine Art
What started out as a hotel room experiment in collaborative tattoo art between Paul Booth and Filip Leu has blossomed into a movement that is changing the very face of tattooing and bridging the gap between the fine art world and tattoo.
How to Open and Remove a CBR (Captive Bead Ring)
Although going to a professional is always the best choice, there comes a time that almost all of us will need to change our own body jewelry. The key is knowing how to do it right so you don't hurt yourself or ruin your jewelry.
The Meanings Behind Common Tattoo Symbols and Designs
Finding the meanings behind many different types of symbols for tattoos. This page explains the meanings of gay pride symbols, chinese and japanese kanji characters and also symbols of hate to be avoided.
Is Body Art On Its Way "Out"?
Celebrities are publicly regretting their body art and tattoo removal is on the rise. Is this an indication that tattoos and body piercings are on their way out as a fashion trend?
Navel Invasion: Belly Button Fashion
Belly buttons (navels) are baring all, which means higher demand for new ways to decorate them.
Cashing in on the Tattoo Craze
Tattoos are appearing on everything from t-shirts to shoes and tattoo celebrities are using their names to endorse other popular items. Check out some of the great products available to show your love for some of the greatest tattoo artists and your appreciate for the art they have helped make so popular.
Ta Moko Maori Tattoo
They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. In some cases, this is true. But there are situations when imitation is actually an insult, not flattery. Maori Ta Moko is one of those situations.
What Makes a Good Tattoo Artist
If you think you have what it takes to become a tattoo artist, take a look at these requirements and see if you truly have the skills to meet up.
You'd Better (Not!) Shop Around
Blowing money unnecessarily is just a waste, and frugal living is the way of the wise these days. Grabbing up freebies and clipping coupons are at the core of our very survival. So, why the big deal about shopping around when looking for a tattoo or piercing?
Tattoo Parties - Are They Safe?
On the surface, a tattoo party sounds great - fun, friends and tattoos - what could be better? But are they really a good idea? Take a look at what really goes on at most tattoo parties.
Tattoos and MRI Scans
Many people with tattoos will eventually face the need of an MRI scan for some sort of medical diagnosis. I get a lot of emails from concerned adults who wonder if their tattoos may interfere with their ability to get an MRI. After much research and discussing this issue with several tattoo artists, MRI patients and an MRI technician, it is time to lay this question to rest.
Is Using the Piercing Gun on a Minor Child Abuse?
A news article has got people discussing whether piercing the lobes of a child with the gun is child abuse or not. Either way, the gun is a dangerous tool that should be banned, so please join us in our efforts to create petitions for each state, requesting that the health department ban the piercing gun.
Materials Used to Make Body Jewelry
Body jewelry can be and is made of many different raw materials. Some materials are more conducive to healing a new piercing, while others are only recommended for well-established piercings or short-term wear. It’s important that you familiarize yourself with the choices you have before you purchase body jewelry, as they are not all alike.
Finding Meaning in Someone Else's Ink
What should you do if you want to know what a tattoo means or if a symbol represents something you're not familiar with? This article discusses the issues of privacy and respect when seeking out the meaning of a particular tattoo.
How to Write a Legally Binding Apprenticeship Contract
If you're entering into an agreement to either provide or receive training as a tattoo or piercing artist, you should always write up a legal contract to protect both parties. This article explains how to write the contract so it is legally binding and what needs to be covered in the text of the document.