Bali Tattoo Artist : Shotonk

Shotonk started knowing tattoo when he was only a junior high school student. Because of his drawing ability, a friend lent him his equipment and body to be the learning means. “Almost all over his body is full of my works,” Shotonk said.

A buffalo head was Shotonk’s first work on the body of Kadek Suardika, his friend. He said it was ugly and in disorder, but he always practiced on his friend’s body ever since. After he was confident enough, in 1998 he opened his own tattoo studio in Singaraja. But it was only a year before he decided to move to Kuta.

At first in Kuta, Shotonk became a temporary tattoo artist in Matahari Mall Legian. Then he reopened his own studio named Bulldog Tattoo in Kuta Square, but unfortunately it only lasted for a year. After that, Shotonk joined in Legian 64 studio, then moved to Mr. Barong, and finally went back to Legian 64 for 7 years before he again opened Shotonk Tattoo Studio. He decided to run a private studio because he thought it was impossible to work for someone else forever, also it was about time for him learning to be responsible of his own future. Up to now, he still keeps in touch with his old friends in Legian 64. Even when he was asked about the person who had a big influence in his career as a tattoo artist, hard for him to answer. “Some people have influenced me, but mostly Agung. We became partners for quite a long time..,” he answered.

In the middle of his activities as a tattoo artist, Shotonk always has some time to go back to his hometown, Singaraja, every twice a month to see his 4 children. It has been 3 years he becomes a single parent.

And in the end of the interview with Magic Ink, Shotonk shared his hope that all tattoo artists keeping up the quality in order to make tattoo as one tourism attraction, so together they can grow the art of tattoo. To Magic Ink, he wanted us to support each other. “If we support people, they will support us, too. There is karma in it..,” he ended that afternoon conversation.

{Early} Moments- In Black & White

We've looked at the series of {Early} Moments in pieces, from when a bride has her hair and makeup done to the last glance she takes in the mirror after she is ready and all of the steps in between. In our look at these beautiful moments, there was one thing each image had in common-- they were all in color.

While I adore colored photos, there is also a unquestionably classic appeal to images devoid of such a rainbow of hues; for that reason, I wanted to share one final {Early} Moments-- the entire sequence in black and white-- and the tale told is a timeless one.

Carey & John- Eric Laurits via Style Me Pretty

Lia & Mark- Carrie Patterson


Crystal & Ben- Perez Photography via Southern Weddings


Mary & Stefan- Erin Hearts Court via Once Wed

Brooke Schwab Photography

Meghan & Robb- Emily Johnston Anderson Photography via The Bride's Cafe


Kara & Matthew- Amanda of Millie Holloman Photography

Brooke Schwab Photography

Jennifer & Sal- Laura Novak Photography


Jamie & Darrin- Jennifer Skog Photography


Erica & Evan- Rebecca of Millie Holloman Photography


Megan & Brett- Rachel of Millie Holloman Photography


Katie & Brandon- Millie of Millie Holloman Photography

Hannah & Cal- Brooke Schwab Photography


Mel & Michael- Jennifer Skog Photography


Christy & Christian- Jose Villa


Wendy & Ross- Carrie Patterson


Sabrina & Kevin- Erin Hearts Court via The Brides Cafe


Candice Dowling- Robert & Kathleen Photographers via Style Me Pretty


Sarah Anne & Justin- Millie of Millie Holloman Photography

How to Remove a Tattoo

Tattoo removal is something we hope you ’ll never have to consider. After all most of us would like to think that a tattoo is forever – that’s why we get them in the first place! But what if your tattoo turns out to be a mistake? That’s a thought that goes through everyone’s mind at some point, and the fact is, some tattoos do end up being a source of regret. Here are some reasons why some people consider tattoo removal:

• Your tattoo is in a visible place on your body, it could be holding you back from getting a new job.
  

• You have a tattoo that is connected in some way with an ex girl or boyfriend. The love is over and so is your love for the tattoo.
  

• You don’t like what your tattoo artist did, you’re not happy with the quality of the tattoo design.
  

• Bodies change as we get older

• Tastes change as we get older and wiser :-)

That’s why today’s improved tattoo removal techniques are good news for many people. That having been said, tattoo removal is still not quick, easy or cheap. In fact, it may turn out to be substantially more expensive and painful than it was to get the tattoo in the first place, so no one should make the decision to get a tattoo with the idea that it can be removed later on if you change your mind!

The good news, though, is that the end result of tattoo removal is quite good these days. Tattoos can successfully be removed, though it takes a bit of research and effort.

Tattoo Removal Creams
The difficulty inherent in removing tattoos is related to tattooing technique. When you get a tattoo, the ink is deposited in the dermis, the lower layer of skin. That’s why it can’t be rubbed off, and why the ink-laden skin is not shed and renewed. In case of tattoo removal that deep layer of skin needs to be accessed. This is why you shouldn’t trust the so-called tattoo
removal cream that sometimes comes on the market – tattoo removal creams are very unlikely to be effective.

Chemical Peel
Other, more ‘drastic’ tattoo removal methods do work. One proven method is tattoo removal by chemical peel, which progressively removes layers of skin and, eventually, the tattoo design. Sometimes acid is used in that process – this is known as trichloroacetic acid tattoo removal.
A process call microdermabrasion, which essentially ‘sands’ the skin, is also used to remove tattoos. In the past small tattoos were sometimes removed surgically. The problem with all of these methods is that they tend to cause scarring. For people really determined to get rid of a tattoo, this might be acceptable – but for many, it was a catch-22. If the object is unblemished skin, a scar really isn’t any better than a tattoo.

Laser Tattoo Removal
Luckily, some new methods for tattoo removal were developed in the late 1980s, and have been used with increasing success ever since. One of these is infrared coagulation tattoo removal, and the other – the most popular modern method, in fact – is laser tattoo removal. This highly
effective and relatively painless method is very successful, and doesn’t leave a scar. It is expensive, though – while getting a tattoo generally cost $100 - $200, depending on the intricacy of the tattoo, removal of that same tattoo might cost you up to ten times that amount!

Bali Tattoo Artist : Mr. Alit Tattoo

Hi Alit, how is it going?
Good.

Tell us the stories which made you as a tattoo artist?
I was keen on painting and drawing. In 1980 I learned tattoo with my brother Gede Surya. He is the first tattoo artist in Bali. In his studio, everyday I learned with him.

Why do you interested in tattoo?
The first time, I just try it and as time goes by, I am more interested in painting on skin than on canvas. And painting on skin has more challenges.

Then, who was the first your client?
I don’t remember the name, but he is my friend for sure. And the motif was so standard, a flower, if I’m not getting any mistake.

From all of the kind of tattoo, which one do you prefer?
I am not concerning in one of them. Coz in Bali you can’t only take one category, you have to capable in all category. Therefore I always learn and learn, coz tattoo always change.

Which part is your favourite to be tattooed?
Leg, that’s the best part.

Where did you get your tattoo equipments?
I got them by ordered it from abroad.

Tell us about your tattoo studio?
It has been at my house since the first time coz tattoo used to be taboo and also couldn’t guarantee my living cost. And I decided to quit my study and became a tattoo artist since then.

Why don’t you own a studio around Kuta?
I am more excited working at home. Chill and I don’t have to manage employee. But sometimes I go to my client’s hotel to make tattoo.

What do you think tattoo nowadays?
It becomes marvelous, including tattoo artist itself, the equipments and also the capabilities. And it becomes more familiar.

Until when you’ll be exist as a tattoo artist?
As long as I am able to make tattoo, then I’ll be it.

Future plan for tattoo?
Nothing, just go with the flow.

Last words?
For tattoo addicts, lets boost up tattoo, be the best and support tattoo !!!


source: Magic Ink Vol. 01

It's Friday Night...

While I can't believe it is already over, this week has definitely been one of those I'm glad to see end. I am sitting here drinking a cup of coffee and taking a moment to breathe, but I really need to start packing; this weekend, I am heading to Kentucky to see my best friend from college and celebrate her little girl's 1st birthday.

Noe Dewitt

There is nothing quite like catching up with an old friend in person, and I can't wait for my feet to hit that snowy ground. I hope you also have something planned for this weekend that you're looking forward to doing, even if it is simply doing nothing at all.

Amazing Tattoo Designs With Image Japanese Tattoos Especially Japanese Kanji Tattoo Gallery Picture

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Amazing Tattoo Designs With Image Japanese Tattoos Especially Japanese Kanji Tattoo Gallery Picture

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