Body Piercing News

Since our launch in May 2010, the Body Piercing News has been enjoyed by many thousands of body art enthusiasts.  As some of you may have noted recently, our site was down for 32 hours due to ‘excessive bandwith usage’.  Basically, what this means as that our popularity has exceeded our bandwith alotment, and therefore, we are facing higher costs to accomodate our valued readers, such as yourself.  In response to this, we have added a “Paypal’ Donation button in the left column of the site, just under the category listings.  So if we have made you laugh, learn or think a bit while meandering our articles, hopefully you might show your appreciation by donating to our cause from time to time.  It’s not required, but it would be immensely appreciated and help us continue bringing  you the most interesting, thought-provoking and strange oddities from the body art world.  Also, please visit our sponsor links, as these also help us to continue with our mission to inform and entertain you at all times.

And of course, we will always answer any and all comments, questions or concerns you have regarding body piercing supplies, kits, body art techniques and all other inquries we receive regarding the wonderful world of body piercing and body art.  Thanks again for making The Body Piercing News such a popular place on the web.  We truly hope you will hear our call for support and take the opportunity to show us your appreciation, no matter the size of the gift.  Thanks again for your time, your interest and your support.

Depending on where you live, it seems that everywhere you look there is a tattoo shop.  Once considered a ‘fad’ in the 60’s and 70’s, tattooing has established itself firmly in the mainstream of societies around the world and is definitely here to stay.

Thanks to the increased awareness brought by recent TV reality shows like ‘L.A. Ink’ and ‘New York Ink’, it seems that everybody wants to get into the business of owning a shop of their own.  The problem is that it takes more than artistic talent to operate a complex business like a tattoo shop and many artists come up short on the necessary requisites.  In Los Angeles county, for example, there seems to be a constant flux of shops going in and going out, and the trend does not seem to be slowing down.

So how (as a customer) are you supposed to know the difference between a quality tattoo shop and a ‘fly-by-night’ operation that may not be there in a week?  For one, you can ask how long the shop has been there.  Secondly, ask to see the shop’s health department permit (if they are legitimate they will have it prominently displayed and not mind if you copy down the permit number for verification).  Third, make sure they are using only sterile body piercing supplies and tattoo supplies with color-changing indicators and proper dates stamped clearly on the packaging.  If the shop you are in has any problems with your questioning, simply leave and find one that is legit.

Ever since the first tattoo shop was opened there has been the issue of what ’side-work’ is, and isn’t.  The question (or problem) is this: where is the line between what is allowable when it comes to shop artists having dealings with shop customers outside the shop (or on the ’side’)?  Unlike body-piercing that is relatively simple (where a customer can purchase a body piercing kit online), tattoos are more complex.  Many shops are aware that price-conscious customers will frequently ask an artist if they do work outside the shop, hoping for a lower price (which bypasses the shop’s cut – the very shop the met in).  Most shops view artists that do work on its’ customers outside the shop (unbeknownst to the shop owner) as stealing and grounds for termination.  While many tattooists may disagree, the fact is that if the shop had not existed (and worked hard for their good reputation and invested the hard work, time and money establishing itself in the public’s awareness) such a meeting could not have happened.  Every customer that sets foot into a shop is considered part of the shop’s assets, and as with anything else inside that shop that can be taken out of it, taking a shop’s customer and doing side-work is stealing.  Of course there can be arrangements or exceptions made by the shop owner to allow for jobs that run past operating hours, or if a customer wants work on days the shop is closed, etc.  To avoid any misunderstandings, any such arrangements need to be made BEFORE they happen, where the owner of the shop authorizes it.  Otherwise, it will undoubtedly be seen as customer stealing and grounds for firing.

If you aren’t sure of the policy your shop has regarding what is allowed or not, ask.  Usually, such rules are discussed in an initial interview with your boss, or mentioned the first day and you may have forgotten.  In this day and age of tough economic times, it’s better to be sure when it comes to these things.  As always, we welcome your questions and comments at the BodyPiercingNews.com!

New Symbol For Raider Pride?

Hello sports-fans and fanaticals, it’s Pokee, and I’m back to bring you this little shard of curiosity.  Now as a card-carrying member of the heterosexual male race, and a sporting fan to boot, I try to keep an open-mind about things I see going on around me.  I mean if a guy like Dennis Rodman wants to put on a little make up for a night out, or wear a dress around the house while he smokes a cigar watching re-runs of Friends, that’s his monkey-business, and he’s entitled to a little strangeness after being arguably one of the most ferocious defensive players to ever play in the NBA.

But when it comes to a guy who claims to be a member of Raider Nation showing off a Hello Kitty tattoo on the inside of his mouth, I have to draw the line.  Are you kidding me? Not only is this a bad place to get a tattoo (was he trying to impress his dentist?), but doing this could be hazardous to this guy’s health – especially if he opens his mouth at a home game.  If you don’t already know, Raider fans are the craziest and most violent fans anywhere, and they take their team very seriously and tend to frown on things that are feminine and unusual.  This guy’s chances of surviving his next Raider game are worse than if you or I decided to take a bath in gasoline and then set ourselves on fire as we slid down a 300 foot razor blade!  Seriously, have you SEEN the creatures at Raider games?  It’s so bad, they call it ‘The Black Hole’ and inside those stands it is common to find rabid pit bulls, animal carcasses, skeletons with swords, and swash-buckling two-headed Darth Vaders packing M16’s.  This is enough to make Al Davis turn in his grave!  This guy either has a death-wish, or was talked into doing this by his girlfriend.  Come on man, have some self-respect.  Now that you’ve done this what’s next – getting a body piercing kit and letting her use it to turn Mr. Tadpole into a mini hoop-steel christmas tree?  My advice to you is the next time your lady comes up with some bright idea like this, grow a pair and say no.  Oh, and if I were you I would not go to any more Raider games, unless your idea of fun is becoming the first person to be killed during a live sporting event for utter stupidity.

You know the drill.  Cast your vote and be heard; Is this guy Cool or Fool?

That’s all I got for now,

Pokee

Is This Pokee?

The holidays are believed by some to be the worst time to get pierced or tatted.  The reasoning behind this is that having a pink (still healing) piercing or fresh tattoo visible at the holiday dinner table may be the catalyst for ‘prickly’ conversation from relatives.

Although that may be true in some respects (depending upon where you get the body art), it may actually be the best time (economically) to get work done since traditionally many shops are slow at this time of the year.  So if you are thinking about getting that new body piercing and the cat is already out of the bag (that you do such things), you may be able to get rock-bottom deals on getting it done right now.  So treat yourself to that tattoo or body piercing you want and just keep the conversation moving during those long holiday meals

Dedicated Professional Body Piercing Shop

Let’s face it, body piercing is a very personal experience.  Once you’ve worked up the courage to get it done, the next big challenge becomes who/where do you get the piercing from?  If you are not fortunate enough to live in an area where there are dedicated body piercers (that means they ONLY pierce and aren’t inside a tattoo shop), you will undoubtedly be dealing with a tattoo guy/girl.

Now don’t get me wrong, this is not an issue of competence (in most cases) but personal preference.  The problem with tattoo shops (and tat artists) is that the shop is usually located in a bad part of town and employs ‘unique’ body artists that are usually difficult to deal with when they find out you aren’t spending 500 on a tattoo.  No matter where you go to get it done make sure the person doing your body piercing is qualified, licensed and registered with the local health department.  If these credentials are not clearly posted in plain sight (as required by law), leave immediately and find a place that does obey the law.  You may spend a few more dollars for a legitimate body piercing, but it beats getting an infection (or worse) by someone that is not qualified to work as a body piercer.

When it comes to tattoo and body piercing supplies, there is one burning question that needs to be asked: Is it sterile?  The reason for this is that tattooing and body piercing involves breaking the skin, and the instruments/tools that penetrate the skin MUST be sterile, or you are putting yourself (or your customers) at risk of developing severe infections, injury or possibly (in the worst cases) death.

Although there are many sellers offering such supplies online, there are relatively few that have a bankable track record and truly understand the importance of taking proper measures to insure the sterility of what they sell.  We have reviewed many sellers of body piercing supplies and found the best in price and quality is a company that offers true free shipping on all the body piercing supplies they sell, and can be found by clicking the link provided in this text.

As more and more of the population embrace body piercings, the question of what, where and when to get pierced becomes a consideration.  If you are a baby-boomer who has been on the sidelines a bit regarding body art (tattoos and body piercings), you may be wondering if there is an age ‘limit’ on such things as tattoos and piercings.

Such a question is really subjective, and a matter of personal expression.  If you are looking to project a wild-side to your personality, a tattoo or body piercing might go well with that new Harley Davidson motorcycle you just purchased.  However, if you are still in the career world and are concerned with image, you might want to hold off on that septum piercing for now and settle for a nose piercing or monroe.  Or, you can elect to get some ‘intimate’ body piercings where no one will ever see them (except for your significant other).  Remember, whether you take the plunge and order that body piercing kit online (for home/self piercing) or go to your local body art shop, body piercings (unlike tattoos) are reversible, so if you change your mind you can just take the jewelry out (except for micro-dermal implants, which are not considered body piercings, since they do not have and entry and exit point).

Like many other things, body piercing can become a compulsion and carried to an extreme.  While most people do not have this problem, other individuals that may be more prone to such things can become obsessed with getting pierced to the point where it can be dangerous.  Body art (tattoos included) enthusiasts may start out with a single piercing or tattoo, only to find themselves wanting more within a short period of time.  This desire is normal, and for most does not become an issue.  However, if someone begins having piercings or tattoos performed for no other reason than to get it done, something may be wrong.

No matter what your reasoning, make sure you get your body piercings from a professional that uses sterile body piercing supplies and has all required certifications and permits to pierce legally in the county he/she operates in.  If such credentials are not readily visible, or you have any doubt that your piercer or tattoo artist may not have such credentials, it is your duty to speak up and ask to see them, that way you will know exactly what you are dealing with.  Good luck!

Professional Body Piercing Shop

As body piercing continues to grow in popularity and practice, the demand for competent body art technicians has grown exponentially.  The popularity of body piercing has created such a demand for trained body piercers that in many areas of the country, the prices of getting pierced have skyrocketed.

Although many types of body piercing require sophisticated techniques and experience to perform safely and successfully, you can learn to perform basic body piercings within a short time with the proper guidance and a starter body piercing kit that can be purchased from respected sellers of body art supplies online for under $200.00.  If you are thinking about changing careers, or have had trouble finding a job in this economy, becoming a body piercer may prove to be an enjoyable and profitable new career.  We have found the best way to do this is through an apprenticeship with a master body piercer.  You will also need to purchase a starter body piercing kit (click on link) such as this one, from the top-rated seller of body piercing kits anywhere.