NEWS

Hey, Tattoo Squad!

Summer is here and were ready to slay the sun-kissed game! But, let's not forget about our precious tattoos! To keep them looking vibrant and brand new, follow these summer tattoo care tips and tricks: 

1.  Sunscreen, DUH!
Protect your ink from those harsh UV rays with a broad- spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 30). Reapply every 2 hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.

2.  Cover up
When spending extended periods outdoors, cover your tattoos with clothing or a tattoo sleeve to prevent direct sun exposure. 

3.  Avoid direct sunlight
Try to limit your tattoo's exposure to direct sunlight, especially during peak hours (10am-4pm). Use a towel or clothing to cover it up when you're outside.

4.  Hydrate, Baby!
Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and plump. This will help your tattoo stay vibrant and healthy-looking.

5.  Avoid chlorine and saltwater
Chlorine and saltwater can cause irritation and fading, so try to limit your time in pools and oceans. If you can't resist, make sure to rinse your tattoos thoroughly afterward and apply a moisturizer.

6.  Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
Keep your tattoos well-moisturized to prevent dryness and irritation. Use a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic lotion or cream that's specifically designed for tattoos.

By following these simple tips, you'll be able to enjoy the summer sun while keeping your tattoos safe, healthy, and living their best!

Remember, your tattoos are a part of you, so take care of them!

So, you wanna get a portrait tattoo, huh? Like, a permanent picture of your significant other, your favorite celeb, or maybe even your cat (no judgment, btw)? Well, before you go inking up, let's get real for a sec. Portrait tattoos can be super dope, but they can also be super duper disappointing if you don't do your research.

The Struggle is Real: Finding the Perfect Pic

First off, you need a sick photo to work with. Don't even think about using a blurry selfie or a screenshot from Instagram (unless you want a tattoo of a pixelated mess). You need a high-quality image with good lighting, clear features, and a flattering angle. Think of it like online dating – you want to present your best self, or in this case, your best portrait.

Size Matters (Reference, That Is)

Now, let's talk size. Don't be that person who gets a tiny portrait tattoo on their ankle and expects it to look like a masterpiece. Newsflash: it won't. Make sure you have a good understanding of the size and placement of your tattoo before you commit. You don't want to end up with a wonky, distorted face on your body (unless you're going for a Picasso vibe, in that case, go for it).

The Dos and Don'ts of Portrait Tattoos

DO:

· Research, research, research! Find a tattoo artist who specializes in portraits and has a style you dig. (Hint: we have talented artists at our shop who rock at portrait tattoos!) 
· Take your time finding the perfect photo. It's worth it, trust me.
· Be open-minded about size and placement. Your tattoo artist knows what's up.

DON'T:

· Get a portrait tattoo of your ex (unless you want a permanent reminder of your past mistakes).
· Expect a perfect replica of the photo. Tattoos are art, folks, not photocopies.
· Forget to tip your tattoo artist (they're the real MVPs).

The Verdict

Portrait tattoos can be a beautiful way to express yourself and show off your love for someone (or something). Just remember to do your homework, find a sick photo, and don't be afraid to ask for help. And, if you're looking for a talented artist to bring your portrait tattoo dreams to life, come visit us at Studio 21 Tattoo! Our artists are ready to create a stunning piece of art that you'll cherish forever. Happy inking, friends!

Haylie Berg

We are still in the first half of 2024, but we are already seeing some crazy tattoo trends this year.  And I am not talking about all those trendy micro mini hearts and updated tribal 90s tattoos we have been seeing on repeat.  I am talking about the crazy trends we have been seeing all over Social Media like Magic Ink, Semi Permanent Ink, Tattoo Sedation, and Automatic Tattooing.  Don't know what they are… no problem.  I am here to give you a quick run down on the insanity that has taken over the industry!

Magic Ink has been around for a few years, but thanks to a few viral videos, 2024 seems to be the year we have all learned about this trend!  Magic Ink claims to be activating and deactivating ink.  Essentially it is UV reactive ink, so when you want it to appear just wave your UV wand and “poof” you have a tattoo.  And when you want it to disappear just wave your UV wand with a different wavelength and say goodbye to your ink.  So this sounds great for those areas you want a tattoo, but don't want those conservative family members or employers to see.  Or what a great way to get crazy creative with your tattoo designs.  Think a dragon that you always see, then wave your magic UV wand and red fire shoots out of the dragon's mouth.  So this idea is kinda growing on me now!  There are a few cons - as of right now the Magic Ink is only available in red ink.  And their website claims you can activate and deactivate it 1000s of times, but how long does it really last?  The ink is also pricey and tattoo artists that offer it are limited.

Next up, Semi Permanent Ink… also known as Ephemeral Tattoos.  These vegan semi permanent tattoos claim our bodies naturally remove ephemeral tattoo ink over time.  The ink contains medical grade bio-absorbable ingredients that shrink over time and eventually fade away.  This can take 1-3 years.   SOOOOO  originally they claimed their tattoos only lasted 9-15 months and I guess 3 years later some of those tattoos are a little more semi permanent than expected.  Also when these fade, they don't have a nice even fade like the website digital example shows.  Most ephemeral tattoos I googled have an uneven fade.  But if you have commitment issues, this sounds like the perfect tattoo for you!

Tattoo Sedation, yup you heard that right, skip all the pain and get tattooed under anesthesia.  Show up to your tattoo appointment with a clean slate and in just a few hours and with the help of a few tattoo artists, an anesthesiologist, a medical team and $$$ you can be heavily tattooed!  What happened to the days of sitting for hours on end and feeling the pain for the reward of your new ink? And what about building your tattoo collection over many years?   Well considering estimates for Tattoo Sedation start at around $40,000+  I think the old fashion way of getting tattooed is gonna be around for a while.   

Automatic tattooing is our final crazy tattoo trend.  You might be asking yourself, what is automatic tattooing…basically you are getting tattooed from a machine.  This highly precise robot first analyzes your skin type, then based on that data determines the puncture and puncture depth to create a precise and personalized tattoo.  At the moment, it seems these robots can only do fine-line minimalism, dot work, and realism tattoos.  So if you are in the Austin, TX area and are looking for a futuristic way to get tattooed, this might be your thing.  

So what are your thoughts on these tattoo trends?  Leave a comment on which is a Ya or Nay for you.

~Staysi 

Spooky Tattoos: Embrace Halloween at Studio 21 Tattoo “Spooky Tattoo” Event starting Friday the 13th.
Are you a fan of Halloween? Most of us have been waiting for Halloween since last Halloween! Do you love the thrill of spine-chilling tales and the mysterious allure of the occult? If so, you might find the perfect way to express your spooky spirit through tattoos. Tattoos featuring Halloween and spooky imagery are more popular than ever, and they offer a unique opportunity to keep the Halloween vibe alive all year round in your heart and on your skin.

Halloween is a time when we revel in the supernatural, the macabre, and the eerie. It’s a time when our imaginations run wild with tales of ghosts, witches, vampires, and other ghoulish creatures. For many, the fascination with Halloween doesn’t end on November 1st. Instead, it continues throughout the year, and what better way to keep that spirit alive than with a spooky tattoo? Come by and see our studio. All artists will be tattooing their own tattoo flash and prebook appointments are available for the event.

So, if you’re a Halloween enthusiast who can’t get enough of the eerie and the supernatural, consider embracing Halloween all year round through spooky tattoos. These tattoos not only serve as a unique form of self-expression but also as a reminder that the allure of Halloween is never truly out of season.

“Where there is no imagination…there is no horror.”

Blanco’s interest in art began with his grandma who was an oil painter. Watching her oil paint inspired him to become a graffiti artist. Grandma bought him an airbrush kit (probably to get him to stay home and not paint the neighborhood walls). Blanco developed serious skills with that airbrush and continues working in this medium to this day. Black and gray tattoo realism is something that he excels in as a result of many years working in airbrush. Blanco easily made the transition from airbrush artist to tattoo artist.

In 1993, when his daughter was born, Blanco decided to get her name tattooed on him on Valentine’s Day. He soon developed a rapport with the shop owner who wanted some mural work done in airbrush. This relationship was the beginning of his interest in tattooing. Blanco prefers doing large
shoulder and back pieces, but enjoys all styles of tattooing. While he excels at black and grey, he’s not limited to one style. Blanco easily transitioned from airbrush artist into his tattoo career.

As a hobby, Blanco enjoyed Jiu Jitsu for over 18 years. Although he got into it much later in life, at age 34, he managed to accomplish a brown belt in Jiu Jitsu. He also has experience in Muay Thai and a black belt in Karate. Blanco has many trophies from competition in martial arts and for him, it’s all great stress relievers.

So if you want to wrestle with a tattoo artist, Blanco’s your man. We’d recommend asking him first! LOL. Welcome to the Studio 21 Crew sir!

https://studio21tattoo.com/artists/blanco/