The first tattoo machine was actually invented by non other then Thomas Edison. His invention did not gain traction in the commercial world so in 1891 Samuel O'Reily improved on his design and had much better success. In 1899 Alfred Charles Smith invented the modern 2 coil machine. It can give you a perspective on just how long it's been for tattooing to become main stream (Easily 110 years from the modern invention). From my perspective as an artist this machine has carried the industry this far and I don't believe the Neumas or rotary machines will ever be widely used. Call me an old dog but I can't see them taking over as the tool of choice for tattooist.
Did you know the word Tattoo comes from Tahitian "Tatu" which means "To mark something". Since the days of the cavemen the Human race has used tattooing in many ways. It could be a status symbol within a tribe, a religious practice still used today in cultures in the Middle East, Africa and South America. Tattooing could be a right of passage into adulthood for many cultures. It wasn't until the last 20 years that tattooing became socially acceptable in much of North America, South America, Europe. For a really in depth history of tattooing I recommend the Smithsonian which is really a whole world of knowledge on the subject of tattooing.
It's this rich history of tattooing that got me in the industry. Aberration which means "Not to conform to society" is in part why I named the shop Aberration Pro Custom Tattoo. I know one day the fad of tattooing or piercing will eventually die out with each and every generation. It's the shops that hold true to it's core beliefs that will make it in the industry. Being an artist is not a job- it's an art form there for each and every individual to express his/her vision on someone else who shares some of the same types of inspiration as we do. As long as there is rebels from outside what society thinks tattooist should be very busy in the future. Hopefully artist will find that passing our craft to the next generation is urgent. Without our traditions as an industry we could see what we know today gone tomorrow.