I've been personally tattooing since 1994. Back then the stigma of tattoos and piercings was just starting to lift from the old just bikers,convicts and military just got them. The one thing that took a while was the bloodborne pathogen education to really start taking hold. Back then everyone worried about AIDS but since no documented case of the virus being transfered everyone was still dumb when it came to Hep or other types of infections such as staph. I still remember when artist would tattoo without gloves. Talk about a risky business back then.
The art and types of ink we had was way different then it is now. Just like their wasn't many places to go to get a tattoo, supply places to get inks and needles were also in short demand. Moms was the staple of the industry and back then it wasn't really all that good as it is today. Mom's ink today is some of the brightest stuff on the block. Back then tattooist use to use a jigger to make their own needles then use a autoclave to sterilize them and go straight to work.
Most of the tattooing back then was done either at the shop or someone with skill would tattoo you out of the house. Most were called scratchers because they didn't complete the apprenticeships the shops offered. Problem was without that many shops back then those apprenticeships were few far and between. Today the problem of scratching is rampant with the advent of the internet. Anyone can go and buy a kit off Ebay and just start going at it on someone. The biggest problem I see with this is that they have no training in Bloodborne Pathogens. It is the health side of the industry that most people have no clue. There is some nasty stuff out there that can be passed. Yes tattooing is an art form. Yes it is a lifelong journey to get it right. But safety has to be the most important aspect of it.
Back when I started out the Art of tattooing was still in the stone age. Our lining techniques as well as shading techniques were just basic at best. Nowadays artist are doing full color portraits on people. The inks are just out of this world. I've recently changed from Star Bright to Intense. The difference is just amazing. In the future I just can imagine what will be headed our way. Now we have the disposable tools in which to use. No more autoclaving like in the past. Personally I see no reason why if these disposables are here why any other shop in this country would go with metals any more. One time use is the norm and the risks to someones safety is greatly reduced. With the autoclavable barrels or forceps there is still a chance something can be passed. Now with disposable unless some artist is just a pig the chance of something being passed is erased.
The future of tattooing should be very exciting considering all the technology out there. Machines are being developed different from the old coil based machine. Different art techniques are being brought in by the younger generation. I'm waiting for when lasers will be used for tattooing lol. But in the meantime safety remains the biggest issue. Make sure that as a customer you are aware of the artist and the safety of the procedure. Tattooing has been around for millions of years and should be around for as long as the human race remains. Safety must always be the first thing not only on the customers mind, but also the artist.
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