How Tattoos & Piercings Affect your Ability to Donate Blood Plasma

Donating blood platelets or plasma has always been a noble pursuit to help those in need. In recent years, finding suitable donors has become increasingly more difficult, causing a drastic supply shortage. www.blood.co.uk has been encouraging more people to come forward, but a lot of willing donors are being turned away.

Determining your Eligibility
One of the reasons for this is because of the increasing popularity of body art - if you've had a tattoo or piercing within the last year, you are not eligible to donate blood along with the following....

Feel unwell Chesty cough/cold or an active cold sore?	Antibiotics Taking a course or completed a course in the past 7 days?
Dental work Any visit to a dentist, any procedure or seen a hygienist in the past 7 days?	Cardiovascular Have you got or had any heart conditions?
Infection Within the past 2 weeks?	On hospital waiting list Or currently undergoing medical tests?
Travel Travelled outside the UK (including business) within the past 6 months?	Piercings/tattoos Any new piercings or tattoos in the past 4 months?

• Piercing Eligibility Guidelines
  "Acceptable as long as the instruments used were sterile, one time use. Wait 12 months if there is any question whether or not the instruments used were sterile and free of blood contamination. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis."
• Tattoo Eligibility Guidelines
  "Wait 12 months after a tattoo if the tattoo was applied in a state that does not regulate tattoo facilities. This requirement is related to concerns about hepatitis. So with tattoos you must wait 12 months after tattoo application before donating blood. You should discuss your particular situation with the health historian at the time of donation.

When you go to a blood bank to give plasma, they ask you a series of questions to determine if you are eligible to donate. Obviously, they don't want to risk accepting contaminated blood, so they will ask about your sexual history, current health status and other related questions, including whether or not you have gotten a tattoo or piercing within the last twelve months.

All blood that is donated is screened for diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis, Syphilis and other common blood-born ailments. However, it goes without saying that it is a waste of the blood bank's and the donor's time to harvest blood that is tainted and thus worthless. In order to avoid wasted time, they ask these questions to screen the potential donor. And although tattooing and piercing are much safer than some medical professionals like to indicate, there is still always a chance of getting and carrying a disease unknowingly. Especially Hepatitis, which has been the object of many heated arguments and stringent regulations.

If you should happen to contract a disease from a tattoo or piercing, it should show up in a screening after 12 months, which is the reason for the waiting period. Yes, maybe it's a little over-precautious, but would you want to be the one on the receiving end of dirty blood? If there is even a slight chance, it is better to be safe than sorry.

So, if body art and blood donation are both important to you, you have a very important decision to make. Sacrificing your own desires for the benefit of others is always commendable. If that is your wish, you might have to put the tattoo or piercing off for a while. On the other hand, it doesn't make you selfish to decide in favor of body art, as long as you don't forget that helping others will always provide you with even more satisfaction; and there are certainly other ways that you can be of assistance to those in need. So, if you can't give your blood, enjoy your art and reach out to someone with your money, time and your love instead.

For more information please visit www.blood.co.uk and show your support.... or register at https://secure.blood.co.uk/enrol.asp

If you love street art.....

http://www.designer-daily.com/20-awesome-examples-of-street-art-17849

The Rise of Psychedelic Truffles in Amsterdam

Purchasing and tuning a Tattoo Machine....

A tattoo machine is the most central piece of tattoo equipment. If you are serious about tattooing, then your tattoo machine purchase is very important. Whether you are looking for a tattoo machine in order to start practicing the art, or you are looking to supply a tattoo studio, purchasing this piece of equipment is a very big step. Let us show you how to go about it. The first thing you need to know before investing in a tattoo machine is the type of materials a good tattoo machine is made of. Tattoo machines need to be made of very high quality metal. This will keep them from breaking when you are working with it. Tattoo machines are normally made of conductive materials such as iron, brass, or copper. Look for tattoo machines made of these strong types of metal to be sure you are getting one of high quality. The next thing you need to know about buying a tattoo machine is what size and variety of machine to buy. Tattoo machines usually serve one purpose; lining” or shading. Many stores will try to sell you a lining machine and a shading” machine together for one price. On the other hand, some machines are made to be liners and shaders in one. These versatile machines are usually a lot more expensive and much more powerful and should be used by only the most experienced tattoo artists. This is because a tattoo machine needs to be tuned to switch between lining and shading functions. A tattoo machine that serves both purposes will need to be tuned very often. If you are new to the art of tattooing, you should consider purchasing a tattoo machine in a kit. These kits are available most everywhere and are great for tattoo artists who are just starting out. Many of these kits come with a lining and a shading machine as well as a wide variety of additional supplies.

Tuning your machine: 

This video shows you how to setup a tattoo machine to do lining and shading. Make sure the armature bar and front spring has about a 4mm gap. Once that is on, set it to about a 30-degree angle. Next with the contact spring you need to set the armature bar and the tool should be set to about 2mm. A good way to check this is with a dime. Now as long as the tattooing machine runs and sounds correctly you are all set to go. For shading, the throw on the armature bar should be 3-4mm--just a little less than the lining machine since you want the spring to do the work. Each step is illustrated and spoken through. Very easy to follow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kM9c3nj4muU&feature=player_embedded

An introduction to getting a tattoo apprenticeship....

It seems that with the popularity of tattoos and the potential for high income, a lot of people want to become a tattoo artist. Many of them make the mistake of buying a kit and practicing on their friends, which is very dangerous. Many of these people never become truly successful at tattooing anyway, and never acquire the skills necessary to compete in this highly competitive business. If you're serious about becoming a skilled and competent artist, this is what you need to do as learning to be a tattoo artist is very hard and will take you anywhere up to 5 years and beyond! 

Here's How:

1. The first thing you need is raw talent. Someone who can't draw or colour inside the lines isn't going to be a good candidate for being a tattoo artist.
2. Then you need to hone your raw talent to develop talent into skill. Skill can come from fine art classes, working with a fellow artist, learning technique from books, or all of the above. On top of that, you need to practice, practice, practice.
3. Once you're a competent artist on paper, you'll need to build a portfolio. A portfolio is a case or binder containing examples of your art, to show your different skills.
4. The next thing you need is an apprenticeship. An apprentice is someone who learns a skill from someone else already skilled in the trade. An apprenticeship should be free, but some times they cost thousands of pounds. Either way, you will need to find a way to save or acquire the money needed for your training.
5. Then you need to find an apprenticeship - but not just any apprenticeship - you need to find the right one for you. One with a master you feel you can truly learn from - not someone just offering apprenticeships to make money. Getting an apprenticeship can be a challenge, so send your C.V. and perfect portfolio to the shops that produce work you admire and can learn from. Also there are tattoo forums such as http://www.bigtattooplanet.com/forums where people advertise for an apprentice. 
6. In addition to needing money for your apprenticeship, you will also need to be able to sustain yourself during training. Unless you are independently wealthy, you'll need to hold down a regular job at the same time you are serving your apprenticeship. You will not be earning money in the shop during your training.
7. Once you are an apprentice, you will learn many skills from your teacher, most of them having nothing to do with actual drawing. You will learn how to safely clean your equipment, how to operate a tattoo machine, how to adjust your power supply, how to protect yourself and your clients from disease, and last but not least - how to correctly apply a tattoo. This can take many months to learn completely.
8. During your time as an apprentice, you will continue to practice and hone your drawing skills. You are not limited to only gaining knowledge from your teacher - you may also have the opportunity to spend time learning from other artists as well. Getting tattooed is a good way to watch and learn the techniques of other master tattoo artists. Also there are many books and on line video's by some of the worlds best artists.
9. There's no formal graduation from an apprenticeship. Generally, the teacher decides when the student is ready to venture off on their own. Sometimes a contract was signed at the beginning of the apprenticeship, and the terms will vary. But as long as you are not under contract to continue for a certain length of time or prevented from working for a competing shop, you can decide to stretch your wings when you feel you have learnt all you can from your teacher.
10. No matter how long you apprentice or how long you tattoo, you never know it all. There is always more to learn, new techniques to adopt, new ways to enhance what has already been done. Never be satisfied with mediocrity, and never allow yourself to become egotistical.

    What You Need

• Talent and Skill
• A Portfolio
• Humility & Passion
• Money & a Regular Job
• Drive & Determination
• Persistance & Perseverence

I hope this was a bit informative and any advice you feel that i have missed please feel free to comment and add to the bottom of the page....

Look after your tattoo! Aftercare is up to you and will help your tattoo look good for LIFE!!!!

Kinky Ink Inkorperated

93 Battersea Rise, Clapham junction, Wandsworth, London, SW11 1HW

kinkyink@hotmail.com

02072233666

Tattoo Aftercare

Please note that these are guidelines only.

Your tattoo artist will cover your new tattoo with cling film, this step is to stop dirt, germs, air, etc... coming into contact with your new tattoo. You should keep your tattoo covered with cling film until the next morning. If you remove the cling film to shower or wash you should apply a new piece of cling film and more aftercare cream. Over the following week you should wash your tattoo daily and apply very thin layers of aftercare 2 to 3 times a day and re-applying a new layer of cling film over the top to protect the tattoo from contact with dirt, particles, etc....

When you remove the cling film the tattoo will appear "slimy" this is just extra platelets produced and excreted from the body to prevent it's new "wound". Gently wash the area with WARM water and ANTI-BACTERIAL soap, pat the area dry with a paper towel. You then need to apply aftercare cream to the tattoo 2 to 3 times per day, this will help protect the tattoo and promote healing (we recommend that our customers use BEPANTHEN http://www.bepanthen.co.uk). This minimises scabbing and can be purchased from most good chemists. Aftercare products specially designed for tattoos are also fine to use, but please look it up online as some work well for different skin types. Vaseline (and similar barrier creams) should be avoided as it restricts air from reaching the skin. Other harmful astringents and antiseptics such as TCP, Dettol, and perfumed lotions (that contain alcohol) should be avoided. Sudocreme is also inadvisable, as it is not easily absorbed into the skin.

Your tattoo will also begin to dry out and scabbing could occur. Scabbing should be kept to minimum as scabs can be damaged and cause pigment to drop out and cause scars. Thin layers of aftercare applied at regular intervals may help reduce this risk, depending on you immune system.

Do NOT soak you tattoo for prolonged periods of time, after a bathing pat the area dry or allow air to dry. Rubbing and picking your tattoo will ruin the design and sea your skin.

Please avoid exposing your tattoo to the sun or sun beds whilst it is healing. Also, after your tattoo is healed prolonged exposure will fade tattoos over time and will harm the skin.

Be aware that tattoos can become infected. Avoid anything dirty on your tattoo (including unwashed hands) while it is healing. Pets can cover your tattoo in hair, saliva, etc.... so ensure your tattoo is covered before handling any animals. If your tattoo does become dirty, wash immediately with antibacterial soap and pat dry and apply aftercare cream.

A tattoo can take 1-2 moths to fully heal. Although scabbing will disappear (with proper aftercare) within 5-7 days. The tattoo may still appear slightly faint or the skin may appear shiny and taut for up to a month after. Keep applying for your aftercare cream at least twice a day until the skin has fully healed.

Don't forget these important steps of tattoo aftercare and enjoy your new new tattoo.

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ATTENTION!!! When getting tattooed in KinkY Ink or tattoo hotspot , we explain the process of AFTERCARE TO YOU step by step . YOU are responsible for your tattoo , when you leave the shop.This picture is an example of a GOOD AFTERCARE PROCESS.

What Does Body Piercing Procedure Involve?

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The art of body piercing has taken off in a big way in recent years, and the basic ear, nose and navel repertoire of most studios has needed to expand to cover more exotic piercings. Here's a short guide to what piercing different body parts entails.

Ear

• Lobe the ear lobe piercing is often carried out with a gun, and it's unlikely that there will be much bleeding.
• Multiple and cartilage piercings the ear is cleaned and the positions marked. Piercings in the cartilage area can bleed for a few minutes. These are usually carried out using the piercing gun.

Alternative ear piercings on inner parts of the ear are usually done with a needle as they can be harder to reach. They are not suitable for everybody, so you'll need to ask your piercer for advice about whether you have enough cartilage in your chosen area to have it pierced.

Nose

Noses can be pierced through the nostril or septum. Your nose will be cleaned on the outside and inside, he position will be marked, and then small specialist clamps will be applied and your nose pierced with a needle.

The septum piercing can be extremely painful, and is carried out in pretty much the same way as a nostril piercing.

Eyebrow

If you have an eyebrow pierced, after cleaning you'll agree a position with your piercer, and then you'll be pierced with a needle. There's likely to be some bleeding but this should only last a few minutes. You can end up with some swelling or bruising that looks a bit like a black eye.

Tongue

A tongue is usually pierced from top to bottom through the centre, although the tongue web can also be pierced in some people. The piercer will use a clamp to make sure that the needle doesn't make contact with your teeth or gums. You can expect a few days of swelling with a tongue piercing and it can be sore afterwards.

Lips

The 'Madonna' is a very popular piercing, and is named after the famous beauty mark. It will be pierced off centre to one side of your mouth, and it's worth pointing out that if you remove the jewellery, you'll be left with scarring on your face.

A standard lower lip piercing can be anywhere along the lip, but it is usually done below the lip line and vertically central to your face. With lip piercings, you will be clamped into place while the piercer uses a needle to pierce the marked area. You can expect some bleeding.

Nipples

In the UK, if you're female you have to be over 16 to have a nipple pierced. Males don't have an age limit. The nipple has to be erect when pierced in order to position the piercing correctly. The piercing point is marked at the base of the nipple, where the nipple joins the areola. You will probably get some swelling with a nipple piercing, although it's not usually too severe.

Navel

The navel can be pierced at the top, bottom or side and the procedure is broadly the same for all. You'll be lying flat on your back, and a clamp will be applied to a small fold of skin so that the piercing is accurate. You can bleed for a few minutes after a navel piercing - and you'll have to wear a dressing over the wound to start with.

Genital piercings

• Female - women can have their clitoris, some areas of the vulva and clitoral hood pierced, but as with nipples, there are laws forbidding this in anyone under sixteen. If you have an intimate piercing you will obviously have to undress below the waist. They can be very tricky to align and mark, and once pierced, you will probably bleed for a few minutes. Women shouldn't have a piercing during their period.
• Male - men can be intimately pierced in several places - the head of the penis, foreskin, scrotum, and pubic area. These piercings heal quickly although there is likely to be some bleeding, and swelling may last for a few days.

Depending on how brave and experimental you're feeling, you can choose to have a piercing in one or many places, and most studios are now quite comfortable carrying out the more unusual piercing requests! Always ask the piercer's advice if you're unsure, and think very carefully.

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