Research

Primary research

For our documentary we knew we would need to talk to a professional in the tattoo business. We rang around and decided to talk to a tattoo artist . The owner of the shop was happy for us to interview her. We also asked if she would see if any clients would be happy with us interviewing them, she found somebody and they also allowed us to film them getting a tattoo done, this provided us with the main body for our documentary.

We filmed at:
Well Inked
8 Bruche Heath Gardens
Padgate, Warrington, Cheshire WA1 3TP
01925 479 071




We also asked to have an interview with an expert from Warrington Museum. We emailed him and asked if we could meet up to speak about the history of tattoos including; where they came from, the influence on different cultures and the dangers of tattoos. He emailed us back.








Secondary research
Statistics

• 17% of those with tattoos have considered having it removed



• 36% of 18-25 year olds have at least one tattoo



• 61% of people say that the reputation of a tattoo artist and tattoo studio is the most important factor when selecting who will tattoo them and where they will get tattooed



• 36% of those with tattoos are between 25-29 years old



• Tattooing is the united state's 6th fastest growing retail business



• In 1936 10 million Americans (about 6%) have at least one tattoo

Celebrity influence

Most celebrities nowadays have tattoos, this is considered as one of the main reasons why tattoos are now so popular.

History

Tattoos date back 5000 years, when they were thought to be a form of healing as their position and shape resembled acupuncture.
3000 years ago, japanese figures were found that resembled the dead and had tattoos, mainly of religious significance.
2400 years ago they represented status.
After captain cook returned from his voyage to polynesia tattooing became a tradition in the British navy. By the middle of the 18th century most british ports had
at least one professional tattoo artist in residence.in 1862, the prince of wales, later to become king Edward VII, received his first tattoo - a Jerusalem cross - on his arm. he started a tattoo fad among the aristocracy when he was tattooed before ascending to the throne. In 1882, his sons, the duke of Clarence and the duke of york were tattooed by the Japanese master tattooist, hori chiyo.

Magazines
Skin Deep Tattoo Magazine has been available on the high street for over sixteen years now and as they approach their 200th issue, it remains the UK’s best selling tattoo magazine with a huge international reach.

You can buy single issues, back copies or subscribe online using their ordering system, chat with the Tattoo Community in their forum, or find out what's going on in the Tattoo Conventions Calendar.

Purposes

Decorative and spiritual uses

• Memorial tattoos for deceased family members and friends
• Christian Symbols to show somebody's religion
• Extensive decorative tattooing is common among members of traditional freak shows and by performance artists

Identification

• A Nazi concentration camp used tattoos as a identification system
• Animals can be tattooed for ownership

Cosmetic

• Permanent make up
• Eyebrows
• Moles

Medical

• To make sure instruments are repeatedly located

Health risks

Because it requires breaking the skin barrier, tattooing may carry health risks, including infection and allergic reactions. Infections that can theoretically be transmitted by the use of unsterilized tattoo equipment or contaminated ink include surface infections of the skin, herpes simplex virus, tetanus, staph, fungal infections, some forms of hepatitis, tuberculosis, and HIV.

Types of tattoos

• Traumatic tattoos - the result from injuries
• Amateur tattoos
• Professional tattoos
• Medical tattoos
• Cosmetic tattoos

Tattoo conventions

Tatto conventions are held every year across the country where people can go to; compare tattoos, watch people get tattoos and get tattoos themselves. They are largely successful and attract many people each year.