Tattoo professionals: Can you describe how the tattoo industry is different now from say, 50, 100 years ago?

Question

Equipment, training, inks, health considerations...

Thanks! =0)

I liked the answers I got, but I cannot decide between tatt brat and bill k...
Thanks to all...=0)

Answer 1

Ok, I am old, but not that old. There are a lot of books and articles written about the history of tattooing that I am sure you will find fascinating. I would start here:
http://vanishingtattoo.com/tattoos_history.htm

In the more recent past, even 25 years ago, the thing that stands out for me is how tattoo artists never wore gloves and no one got sick because of it. It is pretty scary now how crucial it is for impeccable standards in the prevention of cross contamination. Also, back then, everyone made their own needles, mixed their own inks from powders, and it was not uncommon to drive the machines off of a car battery.

In fact, I just finally got rid of our "shop" battery and cabinet. It was a sad day but it was taking up space - no one was using it since Jill retired.

There are still a lot of artists who do things the "old" way with the needles and inks but it is sure great for me not having to do that and still get quality materials! I haven't touched a needle jig in ten years!

Edit notes: Also, thinking further, stencils were just cleaned off and used over and over and over again.

Answer 2

I started working in the early 90s, but I did get to hear quite a few stories about the "old days".

There was a certain territorial aspect long ago. If you opened a shop too close to another shop, in some areas, you could expect to have a brick thrown thru your window on a regular basis.

Techniques have changed drastically. Needles would be used more than once (they were inspected and sterilized). Aftercare usually resulted in huge scabs. Designs were much more basic. Inks were standard, and limited to basic colors. Few artists did custom work. Apprenticeships were much more difficult to come by. People who were drinking weren't turned away. Fine line work, with intricate detail was unheard of (to the point that putting teeth on a skull, usually looked more like stitches). Knowledge of sterilization was also more limited and basic (for instance, people would wear the same gloves for tattooing and cleaning up...machines weren't covered with plastic)

The mentality towards those with tattoos has changed also. Back in the day, the only people (typically) to have work done were either bikers, criminals, or in the military. There was a heavy stigma attached to them.

Answer 3

Well, all I can think to say is that it has to be much cleaner these days. There are a lot more colors and styles to choose from. We are more likely to let the artist use his imagination these days and not get the first chunk of flash we see on the wall.

Answer 4

I can get a tattoo on my dick now without to much of a dirty look from the artist.