The Long History of Tattoos

Although tattoos have a very long and storied history, it was not until around the 1960s that they became more artful and attractive.

That is because more students with training in fine arts began taking up work in tattoo shops. Now, there is a tattoo shop almost everywhere you look, and that is because they have not only become so attractive, but are now socially acceptable. It used to be a rebellious sign to get tattoos, but now you will see more people with them, than without them.

Over the past decade or so, there have been two different kinds of tattoo shops to emerge on top of the scene. A tattoo parlor is of the variety that you find on almost any street corner, and they will do a great job, but, nothing out of the ordinary. On the other hand art studios that specialize in tattoos have become more prominent lately with designs that are intricate, and practically looked like Da Vinci himself, painted it onto you.

There are not any exact numbers that are available that provide a count of tattoo shops that were in business over the past couple of decades, but, today it is estimated that over 20,000 parlors are operating. In the late nineties, it was noted that tattoo shops were the fasted growing opportunity for business, and in less than a year had grown by over 14 percent. That translates into roughly one new shop opening daily. So, who are all these people getting tattoos?

 - Ages 18-35  36 percent
 - Ages 26-40  40 percent

The demographic growing the quickest, is the middle class woman with an income of roughly, 75,000 dollars per year.

The most requested tattoos have been found to be the following designs:

 - Tribal
 - Cross
 - Star
 - Wings
 - Dragon
 - Butterfly
 - Fairy

Because tattoos are permanent, you will want to take your time before deciding what to get, and who to allow to do it. A good, reputable artist will make cleanliness and professionalism top priorities. Also, find out if the shop is established, and ask around for references. When you see somebody with a particularly stunning tattoo, ask them where they had it done.

Above all, do not go with the cheapest price. If you get a tattoo done in conditions that are not sanitary, it can lead to infections, or scars. Unsanitary work can turn your tattoo into something grotesque that you cringe to look at. If you go to a high priced tattoo art shop to get the work done, it is going to cost you more money. However, when you think about how long the tattoo is going to be with you, saving a few dollars does not seem worth the risk of a lifetime of dissatisfaction.