Amazing New Tattoo Techniques in 2022

Getting tattooed has thankfully become extremely common and lost it’s stigma that only criminals and bikers get them. Personally we have tattooed everyone from police to soccer moms. It is a very personal decision, and it should be. you are marking your body for the rest of your life. Not only have they even become acceptable in business environments, the technology has kept up with the times. New tattoo ideas, styles, and techniques are showing up everywhere, every day. 

Way Better Ink

Have you come accross an old tattoo that probably started off black but now looks green? Well, there are now so many companies producing ink using higher grade ingredients that stand the test of time better and reduce damage to the skin. 

Glow In The Dark Tattoos

Something we used to talk about when we were children, “dude I want a tattoo that glows in the dark!” Well, they don’t ACTUALLY glow in the dark. But there is ink that reacts to UV light. Commonly called Black Light Ink, these tattoos are free of phosphorous and safe for the person receiving the tattoo. 

Disappearing Tattoos

Personally, we have not used diappearing ink, but it exists. This ink is designed to disolve naturally over time. It comes with pro’s and cons. If you dont want to commit to a tattoo forever, you’re in luck. However, there is no guarantee that it will fade evenly and may take several years to completely dissolve. 

Healthy Tattoos

Again, not ink that we have personally used. But certain manufacturers create inks that react for people with diabetes, kidney disease, and other health complications that may affect their healing. These biomarkers should not be used to keep track of things like blood sugar, but they might be helpful to have. 

New Tattoo Ideas

There are so many new styles of tattoos and ways of applying them that you are no longer stuck getting old flash off the walls of your local tattoo shop. 

Watercolor Tattoos

This is common design that has increased in popularity in recent years and the artists who do them have learned to make them seem more like real water color. All colors from neons to pastels now have a place in taking a more traditional piece and turning into a brilliant work of art. 

Dot Work Tattoos

Also called stippling, these tattoos are performed by using different quantities of dots to form the tattoo. They can be done one dot at a time or by using a tehnique called whip shading. 

Whip shading is performed at a much slower speed and with a much smaller liner needle to create depth and dimension when shading your tattoo. It is a very elegant look that works great in pieces like flowers and more delicate designs. 

Which New Tattoo Technique Is Right For You?

Ultimately that is your decision. Consult with a tattoo artist about different things you have in mind and discuss these different styles. You are making a permanent decision to body art and you shouldn’t take is lightly. The artists at Electric Eye Tattoo would love to help you decide on your next piece or your very first piece. So call us or send us a message today. 

Lets Talk Flowers

Oh yes, we know you love your flowers. Flower tattoos are one of the most popular tattoos. Right up there with skulls and scripts. So many people want them, and equally don’t know which flowers they want. Yes, some may have personal and private meanings to you such as a birth flower. But each flower has a different meaning, so let us learn ya something to help you decide which ones you want to get. 

The Rose

One of the most popular flowers in real life, and the most iconic flower tattoo you will see. They are styled in so many ways we could do an article simply about rose tattoos and nothing else. Roses imply desire and passion in life, but different colors have different meanings. 

• Coral Rose – the color of friendship
• White Rose – new beginnings
• Pink Rose – grace and happiness

There are other meanings as well. For instance, a skull with a rose can symbolize death or loss. A dagger with a rose can symbolize a desire for perfection. So you can think about the meaning of each rose before you permanently mark yourself with one. 

The Lotus

A Buddhist symbol of spiritual awakening, the lotus also has deep meanings of fortune and peace. There are different meanings in real life that connotate from where it grows. And as with roses, can have different meanings depending on the color. 

The Orchid

This flower has different meanings in different cultures. An orchid in Japan does not have the same meaning as an orchid in China. The way this flower looks gives meaning to itself. It is frail looking, but does not seem to fall. It is beauty and strength combined. There are several different real life orchids too, so before you get one make sure you know which one you want and the meaning you want it to portray for you. 

The Chrysanthemum

In Japanese culture this flower is very regal, majestic, and powerful. You would notice it as the Imperial Seal of Japan. The name quite literally means “The Golden Flower”. Unlike the rose, it’s colors and pairings have different meanings entirely. Pairing a skull with a chrysanthemum is a symbol of new life and protection. Pair it with a snake and it is a symbol of good health. 

The Cherry Blossom

Also seen in Japanese culture, this delicate little flower means fleeting beauty, as they do not last forever. And that alone does not need a long desciption. It is a very straight forward flower with a straight forward meaning. 

The Sunflower

Sundlowers are beautiful and represent the heavenly body. Dating back to the Inca’s, the sunflower was a symbol of creation. Moreover, it represents beauty, loyalty, and longevity. It’s warmth represets the replenishment brought on by the sun and heat. 

The Lily

This beautiful flower is a perfect representation of long lasting friendships and aprtnerships. Ancient meanings draw back to fertility with the Greek’s, including birth and motherhood. It is the only flower with parallel meanings across every culture. 

Still Not Sure What Flower Tattoo You Want?

That’s OK. You can still stop by the shop and talk with us. We will be happy to design you a flower tattoo in any style you can think of so that you get the exact piece you want. Call or come by Electric Eye Tattoo today and lets get you a whole bouquet!

The History Of Tattooing… Ok Well Not All Of It

 

As cool as it would be to sit here and tell you the entire back story to tattoos, (and tattoos on backs HAHA! See what I did there?) it would take far too long. But tattooing itself does have some very awesome history. I’ll cover some of it here but definitely encourage you to read some books or watch some documentaries on it, if that is what you are into.

A Long Time Ago In A Galaxy Far, Far Away…

Tattooing goes back thousands and thousands of years. Historians estimate roughly 5,000 years or so in ancient Egypt. Tattoos were discovered on both men and women from about the same time the pyramids were being built. Now, it’s fair to say that we aren’t talking about the best artists in the world here. They were very simplistic designs made with very rudimentary methods. However, as advanced of a culture as the Egyptians were, it comes as no surprise that they are some of the first documented cases of body modifications.

More Than Sushi

Sushi is one of the great contributions of Japan, however they also greatly contributed to tattooing. In the early 19th century many sailors would return from over seas covered in tattoos collected in the East. At the time, many of these were applied using a stick-and-poke method (fucking OUCH!). Needles may be constructed out of various materials, and designs were applied one poke at a time. However, the art work was beautiful and Japanese styled tattoos are some of the most popular artworks of today.

More Power!

In the late 1800’s Sam O’Reilly invented the electric tattoo machine and we all thank him for that. This replaced so many different methods of applying tattoos. You owe this man your gratitude. Now, this still wasn’t as fast or effective as today’s machines, but the man was a fucking pioneer. However, Percy Waters was the one who came along and created many different versions of tattoo machines.

The Nifty Fifties

While it became fashionable in the 20’s to have tattoos, the Great Depression kind of changed that. After that time only whores and slags got tattoos. But it was in the 1950’s when artists really began to emerge and take tattooing to new levels. Artists began borrowing inspiration from other cultures such as Polynesia to style their work. And it was also in the 50’s that we saw the first tattoo convention.

Back To The Future

Now, I could go on and on and tell you about all the other cultures that practiced tattooing and the meanings behind their designs, but we’ll save that for another time. For now, get on in to Electric Eye Tattoo in Sapulpa and schedule some work!

 

Good Tattoo Etiquette Is A Thing

 

A guide on good questions to ask and things you just should never say

As tattoo artists, we are accustomed to getting all kinds of questions. Some are really good questions, and we could see why you might ask that. Some questions make us want to slap the taste out of your mouth. But hey, we aren’t here to chastise you right away are we? No, we are here to educate. That way the next time you go into a tattoo studio, you don’t say something, well… stupid.

How Much For A Sleeve?

Man this question just pisses me off. Because this is literally like walking into a car dealership and asking, “How much for a car?” You can see how that is not a good question now, right? It depends on so many different factors. Design, placement, your own pain tolerance, and your budget. An entire sleeve is not something you just walk in and get. It takes several sessions and several hours to complete a beautiful tattoo sleeve. So don’t ask again.

A better alternative would be to look at an artists portfolio, discuss one piece you want to start with and explain that you plan on it being part of a much larger tattoo. Work on a it a little at a time. Yeah, we like that. (See? Good tattoo etiquette.)

I’m Only 17 But My Parents Will Sign A Waiver

Nope. Come back when you’re 18. Sorry kid. It ain’t that far away.

Can I Take Some Shots Or Some Pills For The Pain?

Are you serious right now? First of all, drunk and/or high people are usually pretty annoying in the first place. I know I don’t want to spend hours with the drunk version of you. Also, let’s talk about what that does to your body. Alcohol and certain pain killers thin the blood. This is going to affect your entire tattoo from beginning to end. News flash, tattoos hurt. You don’t need a substance to have the courage to get a tattoo. This is something you develop by getting tattooed.

Now, there are numbing creams out there that you can use to help ease the pain a little bit, especially if you are getting tattooed in a sensitive area. They are usually around 5% lidocaine or benzocaine and will not mess with the surface we will be tattooing on. Use those instead.

What Style Should I Get?

Do I look like a psychic to you? How am I supposed to know what you want? You know what I really hear when you ask me that? That you don’t take getting a tattoo seriously and you should come back when you do. Maybe you are inexperienced, maybe you haven’t done any research, maybe you are a tattoo virgin. All of these things are ok. But we live in an age where you can summon designs and styles at your finger tips. So look some things up, check out some portfolios, and then come back with an idea.

That’s Expensive!

Ok this is not one I personally hear a lot, but it is still common. But hey, how much did you spend at the bar last night? Or at your last dinner? And that was a one time experience. This tattoo is going to be on you forever. And it takes most of us years and years trying to perfect a craft that we never stop learning about because it is just so damn awesome! You are getting a unique, carefully crafted, piece of art that you will wear forever, in a clean and sterile environment by some of the coolest people you will ever meet. It’s worth it. Plus, we aren’t getting a recurring monthly installment from you, geez.

Do You Get It Now?

I could go on and on about good tattoo etiquette, but that is enough for this installment if you made it this far. Wanna book an appointment? Come see us at Electric Eye Tattoo or shoot a message and we’ll be more than happy to get you on the schedule.

Tattoos Are Good For Your Health!

 

Yeah, when I first read that sentence I didn’t think it was real either. That makes us both wrong. I mean, when you think about all the different reasons for getting a tattoo in the first place, you think about the meaning it has to you, the style you want, maybe it just looks cool. Who would have ever thought that tattoos are good for your health?

Ink Therapy

See, now that is a phrase we are all famililar with. You get stressed out and it just feels good to get some new wearable art. But recent studies from the University of Alabama have found that getting multiple tattoos can boost your bodies immune system.

Crazy right? OK OK, so initially that is not how it works. The process of getting tattooed actually decreases your immune system and increases the posibility of getting sick. That makes total sense. The body gets tired and your immune system focuses on healing the affected area. However with time, your body begins to accept this. As you get more tattoos, you actually build your immune system up which helps prevent future illness.

Say What?!

Think of it like working out. When you start a new fitness regimine, you feel weak. And as you continue working out, you get stronger and stronger as your muscles adapt to this new lifestyle.

This originally started as just an idea. However, Dr. Lynn with the university actually conducted studies on clients from several tattoo shops. Gathering saliva samples to measure immunoglobulin A to measure cortisone levels and anitobodies. His studies showed that as a client recieved multiple tattoos, the anitobodies and hormones decreased less over time. The bodies response to multiple tattoos was less severe. You can read more in the paper he published here.

An Apple A Day…

 

Well, with that knowledge in mind, I would say it is time to get in and start building your own collection. Call us at Electric Eye Tattoo or come by the shop and schedule an appointment with us.

*obviously this is not medical advice, nor are we your new primary care physician. And we haven’t figured out how to  get insurance to pay for tattoos. So that’s a bummer.

 

Do Tattoos Hurt?

Vegan Tattoos And How To Get Them

There has been an increasing demand for vegan tattoos as of late. With the gaining popularity of vegan and vegetarian diets, people like to stick to their beliefs. Hey, we get it. You want to make sure that your tattoo is free of any animal cruelty, so let’s take a look at how exactly that works. 

What Is The Difference?

Obviously, as the name would suggest, you don’t want any animal products used as part of your tattoo. However the industry as a whole has already moved away from that for the most part. Glycerine, which is derived from from animal fat has been used as a stabilizer. Now tho, vegetable glycerine is much more common. Bone char, traditionally used in black pigments, has been switched to iron oxide. 

Additionally, transfer paper may contain lanolin which is derived from sheep. However most transfer paper now is thermal and certified vegan friendly. Companies like Spirit have guaranteed their products to be vegan friendly and safe. 

How Safe Is It?

Well, we have yet to find any science that backs up the safety of vegan tattoos vs. common tattoos. However, vegan tattoos are safe and are not shown to cause any more or less damage to the skin than traditional tattoos. So while we can say that vegan tattoos are safe and do not contain any harsh chemicals, we can not say that you will heal any faster. 

Where Can You Get More Information?

Just ask your artist what products they use. Any artist should know their products and be able to tell you where they came from and what is in them. There are several other resources online that can provide you more information. We suggest coming into Electric Eye Tattoo on Route 66. Hell, even this article is cruelty free. 

 

How To Find The Best Tattoo Artist In Your Area

There are so many online tattoo guides and resources that will filter you from one link to another, one page to the next, all while not giving you much information. Really, there are only a few things you need to find the best tattoo artist in your area. 

Location, Location, Location

Oh, it is simply not enough to just know who the guy next door is, but where you might be willing to travel to get some work. Sure, the guy next to the cool venue down the street might be a fantastic artist, but he might not specialize in the kind of tattoo you are looking for. That would be like asking your landscaper for a hair cut. Doesn’t make sense right? 

You should definitely research the artists. in your city, view their portfolios, and meet them to see if you are comfortable with them. But if you are looking for a specific kind of tattoo, (i.e. photo realism, new school, traditional, etc.) then you should also research artists in your surrounding areas too. 

Check Instagram

It is easy to use social media to look for an artist when you understand how hashtags work. A simple search of #tattoo+location like #tattoosapulpa will help render you some results. This also works for types of tattoos. For example #rosetattoo will yield some results you are looking for. 

Use search engines as well. Several shops will be in the search results of Google even if they don’t have a website. (Though we are pretty fond of our website.)

What Kind Of Tattoo Do You Want?

Ok, so now you have decided you want a tattoo, who is the best tattoo artist to do it?That is the second part of your research. Your friends with ink will have an abundance of referrals for you. And if you like their work, you are going to want to talk to their artist. You need to look at some portfolios. If you know what you want in your skin, then you need someone that can do it. 

Nearly every shop you will walk into will have physical portfolios on hand so that you can choose the right artist for you. View their art and see if it matches your style. Sit and have a consultation with them and decide if they are the artist for you. 

Bring References If You Have Them

Many people will have pulled images from the internet, Instagram, Pinterest, and other sites that they like. Bring these with you or be able to pull them up so you can clearly communicate with your artist about your tattoo. 

What’s In Your Budget?

This is the third and final thing you need to consider when choosing the best tattoo artist for yourself. Not all artists price the same. There is a saying that good tattoos aren’t cheap and cheap tattoos aren’t good. This is true to an extent. But artists don’t typically publicize their prices. While some shops have a minimum fee, you can see variations from $80 – $150 an hour or more depending on the artist. To get the best idea of how much you are going to need for your piece, it is best to just go in and speak with the artist themselves. Some pieces may even be done in multiple sessions to help accommodate you. 

Check Out Electric Eye!

We would love to talk to you about your next tattoo. Come see our new location in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and check out our work! If you’d prefer to send us a message or give us a call at 918-813-1877 we would be happy to speak with you.