There were too many myths that we needed to debunk in our last blog post so the myth busters here at Gold Coast Tattoos are back it again, dispelling some of the commonly ill-informed ideas about tattoos. Ask anyone who has a tattoo and they will most likely tell you the same as we will, with some of the misinformation coming from those who don’t even have any tatts.

Myth No. 4. ‘Anyone who is artistic can be a tattooist’

We wouldn’t bet our skin on this and neither should you. The word ‘artistic’ is subjective and what some people see as artistic differs to others perceptions of artistic. Also, just because someone is able to draw doesn’t mean they’ll be able to translate those drawings into designs that will work well as tattoos.

Myth No. 5 ‘Tattoos will make people respect you, think you’re cool etc’

No. Tattoos do not command respect, respect is earned. For some impressionable people they might be likely to be influenced by others with tattoos, but it was probably because of their personality and other characteristics, not the tattoos themselves. Those who get tattoos for others not themselves purely to be noticed, attempt to gain credibility are likely to be disappointed.

Myth No. 6 ‘There are no good tattoos on the walls of a studio’

While we can’t speak for others studios, the tattoo designs on the studio walls are often some of the best work that tattooists are most proud of, and if you find a design that represents you and you fall in love, that’s the best tattoo, studio wall or no studio wall.

Myth No. 7 ‘You can get hepatitis, HIV and other diseases from tattoo studios’

Umm. It’s slightly scary how many people have subscribed to this theory. Do you really think that a studio would still be in business if they risked using dirty needles that risked the transfer of disease? The fact is there has never been a case of HIV reported from a tattoo studio in a developed country, but unfortunately a good myth often doesn’t take the real facts into account.

When it comes to tattoos, the team here at Gold Coast Tattoos have the real facts and we’ll give them to you straight. We understand there are lots of questions to be asked, that’s why we encourage all people to come in for a free consultation so they hear it here first from the people who know tattoos inside out, not the ones who think they do. Call our studios today on (07) 55312728.

Tattoos have come a long way from their ritualistic tribal beginnings and their association with rebel gangs. Their designs have also changed with the times, with just about any design possible, including a number of subtle tattoos and stylish designs which are increasingly popular with women. But for girls to get tattoo that works for them, there are a few things worth remembering. In today’s blog we give a few suggestions for successful tattoos for the ladies of today to promote some ‘thinking before inking’.

DO always go to a professional and reputable tattoo studio. Look for qualified artists that have accreditations or won awards, and who use only the highest standards in sterilisation and quality control.

DO research and have a good idea of what you want before getting tattooed. This will make sure that you find a design that you’ll be proud of and is special to you. There are a number of websites to look for which showcase a number of feminine designs to provide some inspiration. Stars, zodiac designs, floral designs and butterflies are continually popular designs for women getting tattooed, and are generally smaller and ‘prettier’ than the types of tattoos men usually get.

DO understand in advance that getting tattooed does hurt. Depending on location and size will depend on how much, but go into the process expecting some discomfort at the very least. Smaller tattoos are relatively quick to ink, talking between 1 and 2 hours.

DO think carefully about the location of your tattoo. There are times that you might not always want to show it off and getting tattooed in a place where it can be covered lets you keep it a secret from people like the annoying Great Aunt, who just won’t understand. A tattoo on the lower back can let you show off your tattoo at the beach, in your bikini, but also lets you cover it up when going for that job interview.

DON’T be afraid to ask questions. In fact the more questions you ask the better informed and prepared you will be.

DON’T get the same tattoo that everyone else is getting, especially those of your friends. Not only will you look like a bit of a sheep, you’ll most likely not end up getting a tattoo that is important to you.

DON’T forget to take care of your tattoo in the period directly after inking, as the healing process is essential for the appearance of your ink. This means not exposing the tattoo to salt water, excessive sunlight and letting the tattoo soak in swimming pools as this can draw out the ink.

Here at Gold Coast Tattoo we see a number of ladies who are looking for the perfect tattoo to make its mark, so speak to one of our friendly team of professional tattoo artists and get a stylish tattoo that matches your personality and is important to you. Call our Gold Coast studios today for a free consultation on (07) 5592 1905 for our Cavill Ave Studios, (07) 5570 3344 for our Crossfire Studio on Surfers Paradise Blvd, and (07) 5531 2728 for our Southport studio.

My body is journal in a way, It’s like what sailors used to do, where every tattoo meant something, a specific time in your life when you make a mark on yourself, whether you do it yourself with a knife or with a professional tattoo artist

Check out these fine looking tattooed chaps in the picture below. You can almost bet they’d have a few good stories to tell from years gone by, and also would tell you the story behind their tattoos.

Don’t think these guys are losing one second of sleep over their tattoos. They’re too busy having a tattoo party!

Here’s some reasons why people going grey still get tattoos:

• They’ve always wanted one
• They are past the point caring what others think
• A tattoo is on their bucket list
• They don’t need to impress employers or parents
• They want something to signify a new stage of their life

And older folks get tattoos for all the same reasons that young people get tattoos and young or old people’s motivations for getting inked aren’t all that different. Tattoos transcend age groups. Gold Coast Tattoos ink all ages (over 18) so come and see us today for wise and worldly tattoos that will rock your world from now and into the future. Call (07) 5592 1905 for our Cavill Ave Studios, (07) 5570 3344 for our Crossfire Studio on Surfers Paradise Blvd, and (07) 5531 2728 for our Southport location.

Pete’s Portfolio

Lesya, from Russia had her well-known Belgium-based tattoo boyfriend Rouslan Toumaniantz etch a high quality gothic script tattoo across both sides of her face within 24 hours of their first face-to-face meeting, around a month after the couple had developed an online relationship where they both discovered each other’s love for body art.

Since their action packed first meeting, the couple have decided to wed, have spoken about having children and Leysa’s artistic abilities have also found a place as she trains as an apprentice in her husband-to-be’s tattoo studio. Her wish to get ‘100 per cent of the body covered in tattoos’ will no doubt be able to be achieved sooner rather than later with her new found love and change of career.

Shannon Larat, a friend of the couple, wrote on his blog that ‘the tattoo was a huge commitment’ and ‘sometimes the best decisions you make in an instant with your heart rather than the ones long-debated in your mind.’

Despite the decision being considered radical in the eyes of many, we can’t help but think the two might be perfect for each other and can definitely understand their passion for inking. While we don’t necessarily suggest you get the name of your loved one inked, or your entire face inked for that matter, couples quite often come to see us to get matching tattoos to represent their commitment. And in our opinion some of the best tattoos are the ones that have significant meaning behind them.

To talk to us about your ideas and what we can offer you (and perhaps your partner) when it comes to tattoos call one of our four Gold Coast studios today.

Myth 1 ‘People that get tattoos are restricted to rebels, non-conformists, sailor, bikers and degenerates’

Once upon a time there may have been an element of truth in this when tattoos were popular with outlaw gangs, but nowadays tattoos are popular across different cultures and all types of people. Back in history, before bikers and motorcycles even existed tattoos were popular with European royals of the late 19th century who were inspired by the tattoo work of Edward VIII. Today tattoos have become more mainstream and the ‘tattoo as taboo’ idea no longer rings true, as does trying to pigeonhole types of people who get tattoos. The fact is people across all ages, from all walks of life and from a number of cultures choose to tattoo.

Myth 2 ‘As you get older and your skin wrinkles you’ll end up regretting your tattoo’

Wrinkled skin is a fact of life — tattoo or no tattoo. For most people who age, slightly wrinkled tattoos and skin is the last thing they care about.  Typically getting older means becoming less concerned with appearance and after having living most of their life with their tattoo they’ve often familiar and so used to their tattoo they see it as their second skin. Instead most people who regret their tattoos usually admit they chose the wrong place on the body for the tattoo or the wrong design. This is not an admission of regretting tattoo itself, but regretting the circumstances under which they got inked.

Myth 3 ‘Tattoos are not acceptable in civilised circles and impede your career chances’

While visible tattoos may still be looked upon negatively by certain people and in certain fields could be unfairly judged, most tattoos can usually always be covered up. Here at Gold Coast Tattoos we’ve tattooed people from all walks of life from all types of professions. You’ll be surprised what people have under their clothes. Plus as tattoos become more common, attitudes thankfully continue to change. Again what had once a small element of truth does not ringing so true today.

When it comes to tattoos the only person you should please is yourself. It’s your body after so don’t let the myths cloud the real facts. With that said we always advise on ‘thinking before inking’ so you get the most from your tattoo and continue to love it long after you’ve left the studio. To speak to us about any ideas you may have or for tattooing advice, please call us at one of our four Gold Coast studios.  Call (07) 5592 1905 for our two Cavill Ave Studios, (07) 5570 3344 for our Crossfire Studio on Surfers Paradise Blvd, and (07) 5531 2728 for our Southport location.

1. Black ink is removed most effectively in the laser tattoo removal process as well as blue or red hued ink. Orange and red ink also responds well to the laser treatment with green and yellow colours proving more stubborn, although still able to be treated.

2. Most people are able to have laser tattoo removal completed if they are in good health. While the procedure can cause some pain and discomfort, depending on the location of the tattoo and pain threshold of the patient, topical anaesthetic creams are able to be used.

3. Several sessions are needed to remove a professional tattoo completely, with fewer sessions needed to fade a tattoo so it can be later enhanced or corrected.

4. For the process to be as effective as possible each laser session needs to be scheduled around six weeks apart. People need to be prepared to wait a certain amount of time for results to appear, depending on the tattoo.

5. On average each treatment session last for around 20 minutes to half an hour

6. Today advancements in made tattoo removal technology means there is little to no chance of scarring compared to the painful processes of tattoo removal in the past. While individual results vary, unsightly scarring is a thing of the past with the laser removal method.

If the object of your ink (a former flame) has gone from hero to zero in your eyes, it might be time to have them removed from your life, and your skin, with the help of laser tattoo removal. Forever doesn’t always mean forever so to find out more about our laser tattoo removal services here at Gold Coast Tattoo, please contact one of our studios to arrange a free consultation.

Rihanna

– RiRi has proven that some of the best ink has a message attached with her grand winged goddess design below the boobs paying tribute to her late grandma Isis, who she has described as a ‘living goddess’. With the linear symmetry, tribal looks and high quality shading we give this one the immediate thumbs up.

Drake

– Previously romantically linked with the abovementioned, Canadian rapper Drake has a double entendre with his 3 digit tattoo. Vertically stamped down the length of his ribcage, the number 416 is the phone area code for his hometown Toronto. The ‘4’ in the sequence also doubles as a ‘1’ making 11-6, the birthdate of late artist Aaliyah, making the tattoo double as a dedication to his former love.

David Beckham

– Continuing with the family theme, David Beckham has added several additions to his ink, in line with the ever expanding Beckham brood. The latest tat on the taut body of the athlete honours Harper, the newest addition to the celebrity family. Cue the collective ‘awwww.’

Katy Perry

– Despite her well-publicised and sometimes less than Christian shenanigans, Katy Perry remains a church going girl from way back starting her singing career from the hallowed halls of church where her pastor parents led the church services. The Californian glamour girl has paid tribute to her spirituality with a roman inspired script bearing ‘Jesus.’ All Hail Katy!

Demi Lovato

– American songstress and X-factor judge Demi Lovato recently showed off her freshly laid ink on her forearm in the design of a flock of birds. The elegant work featuring the cursive script ‘faith’ was drawn by one of the best in the industry and with the detail and flowing design we think she’s onto a winner and will continue to be proud of this one for many years to come.

Since celebrities are some of the most influential figures in the public eye it’s no surprise their inking doesn’t go unnoticed either. Like most people who get tattoos, celebs are also proud to show off their unique pieces of body art and often boast some of the most talked about tattoos on the planet.

Celebrity or not, we can create unique tattoos for anyone wanting to showcase a unique design that’s meaningful to them. Contact us today to discuss your ideas with our professional tattoo artists and we can come up with a special design you’ll fall in love with. Call (07) 5592 1905 for our Cavill Ave Studios, (07) 5570 3344 for our Crossfire Studio on Surfers Paradise Blvd, and  (07) 5531 2728 for our Southport location.

Bob’s Portfolio