Tramp Stamp?

In a conversation I recently heard someone use the phrase tramp stamp in describing a woman’s lower back tattoo. After research I discovered tramp stamp is characteristically used with a derogatory connotation referring to women who use the tattoo to accentuate their sexuality.

Photo by Malingering

The sexuality is in the location of the tattoo. The small of a female’s back has long been associated as a sensual spot. Several people think the addition of a tattoo produces an erotic element, sometimes labeled as a tramp stamp.

In addition to the lower back location, people sometimes include a secondary definition of tramp stamp which suggests a promiscuous natured woman.

Some women find humor in this and call and post their own ink as a tramp stamp.

In Wedding Crashers, Vince Vaughn’s character said, “Tattoo on the lower back? Might as well be a bull’s-eye.”

Where some find humor, others find insult. Overall, derogatory terms are typically offensive in any practice, so be weary.

Literal tramp stamp tattoo courtesy of ModBlog

Kat Von D Tattoos Her Way into the Guinness Book of World Records

Kat Von D, from the Miami Ink spin-off television show LA Ink recently succeeded in making the Guinness Book of World Records for tattooing 400 people in 24 hours.


The episode aired on Tuesday, February 19, showing the tired Von D tattoo the same LA design on 400 people, but in different places. According to one girls account on LAist.com, you couldn’t get it on your neck, feet or hands.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records Web site, there was no previous record for the most people tattooed in one day.

So I think a CONGRATULATION is in order!


One of the lucky 400 that helped Von D reach her goal!

Top right picture courtesy Kat Von D press kit

Friends Letting Friends Tattoo

Where do the independent tattoo artists fit in with the FDA’s decision to begin researching tattoo pigments and officials increasingly cracking down on tattoo health permits?

Recently Oliver Freeman, got his first tattoo and it was done by an independent artist, someone not working out of a shop.

Erica Aragon, the tattoo artist, is working on the Shawn Anthony Magic Present Mystified tour with Freeman. Aragon, who acts as Shawn Anthony’s personal assistant, is affiliated with a tattoo shop in Florida. Currently, she is attempting to gain references in Virginia so she may officially file to be licensed here.

Despite her Florida only affiliation, Aragon tattooed Freeman and a second person in the same night.

According to Freeman, she used clean needles and gloves during the tattooing.

“She’s clean and all,” said Freeman. “She had a whole set up.”

Aragon set up shop inside the living room of one of their fellow co-workers and began issuing tattoos.

Freeman said he was overall very pleased with his first tattoo, which is actually the logo for his independent sound and music productions, RauchenWolf.

Following the tattoo process, Aragon neglected to explain how to clean and take care of the healing tattoo. Taking care of a new tattoo is key to it having a long, non-fading life. Freeman feels confident though because he knows he can always contact her with questions.

This situation leaves many questions in the air…

• Is it more comfortable getting tattooed by a friend or a shop artist?
• With a stranger, would you feel more comfortable asking prodding questions about their cleanliness?
• Do you feel safer getting tattooed by a friend or a shop artist?

I’m in the process of scheduling an interview with Aragon so she can explain the steps she takes to sterilize her tools and steps she takes protect her customers and herself.

So until next time, think twice, ink once...

Officials Begin to Examine Tattoo Health Risks

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!

Not only is it Valentine’s Day but it’s also my 23 birthday! I love celebrating this holiday on top of the birthday fun!

Picture courtesy of Flickr.

So haven’t stopped by Marlowe’s Ink yet, but it’s coming up this week (delay echoes from my birthday…)

But on the topic of tattoo shops, I read recently on Middletown Journal that an Ohio tattoo shop was closed after a police sting and the arrest of the shop owner for not having a health permit.

Ohio police aren’t the only officials to crack down on the health aspect of tattoos and piercings. The FDA posted a consumer health update stating they have gotten reports of tattoo ink reactions spanning people who are newly tattooed to those with year(s) old ink. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, investigation into some of these health risk cases have lead to unlicensed tattoo artistry.

On their December 2007 consumer update, the FDA stated the following risks for getting tattoos:

• Infections such as like hepatitis and HIV
• Tattoo pigment allergic reactions
• Scarring from both getting and removing tattoos
• Small knots or bumps that form under the skin
• Very rarely tattoo swelling or burning during a MRI can occur

The FDA will be conducting research on tattoo ink pigments to determine the safety of tattoos and the human body. But until there are any conclusions and approvals, they claim no responsibility for health risks in relation to tattoos.

“The FDA has not approved any tattoo inks for injection into the skin,” said their consumer update. “And many ink pigments used are industrial strength colors suitable for printers' ink or automobile paint.”

The FDA is just starting their research, but why have they waited so long to investigate when tattoos have been increasing each year?

About 36 percent of people born between 1981 and 1988 have at least one tattoo, according to a study released in January 2007 by the Pew Research Center.

The FDA stated in the consumer update that there were other public health concerns that were more urgent.

In the mean time, don’t stop getting tattoo’s quite yet. It all depends on the individual and how their body handles allergic reactions. But, overall tattoo pigment reactions are quite uncommon.

Constructing Customized Clothing

Levi's® Japan is reaching out to those tattooed to the max by customizing a laser etching on their jeans. Levi’s suggests in their new ad campaign that they are providing more artistic space to all, especially the tattooed community.

Picture courtsey of The Commercial Archive

Photographer Simon Harsent has worked with the Tokyo based company to cover the campaign called Need More Space?

In looking at some of Harsent’s photos, some of the tattoos don’t quite look real.
So do you think
• They found models/actors with tattoos
• Or they picked the perfect models/actors and painted what they wanted?

My vote is on the latter…

If I’m correct, that could be quite offensive. I mean, wouldn’t that be adding to the stigma of tattooed people being criminals and outcasts?

Despite their approach, I think that clothing customization is an awesome idea. I too am having some personalizations done.

A friend does paintings and clothing customization with airbrushes. He offered to do some work for me and we are in the process of designing some roses on the leg of my jeans and a spongebob squarepants tee shirt. Yay!



One last key thing to mention, I am in the process of creating a social network, it will be like a Myspace or Facebook for the tattooed and the pierced. I want to get stories, pictures, reactions and most importantly communication! This will become key to my final project for my COMM 361 class.


COMING UP: First visit to a local tattoo and piercing shop, Marlowe Ink in Fairfax, Va. Check back for pics, comments and interviews!

Building the Foundation

As part of my Online Journalism class at GMU I need to create, design, publish and update a personal blog and Web site. Life Under Construction is something that I came up with that speaks out to all of us about to graduate, or even to those who are just starting in their long haul of life after high school. After breaking the bonds from parents and high school restrictions, our lives are under our construction and each day and each experience adds on to its depth, dimension and beauty.

Some decide to make these experiences a more physical representation on their bodies. Tattoos, piercings and body modification are about expressing a personal art form.

While here in NoVa I’ve meant a lot of great people, close friends and many amazing places in the area. Some of these great places include tattoo and piercing shops in the MD and NoVa area, and I plan to share them, various people’s experiences, debunk some myths and open a few minds.

Keep checking back for my updates, news and comments on life in both my world and the world of tattoos, piercings and body modifications.