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August 18, 2019

Can You Have Tattoos In The Navy? Updated Policy

The Updated Navy Tattoo Policy Did you know? The Navy has updated its tattoo policy as of April, 2018. The policy has not changed much from the previous update in 2016, aside from a few additions. A large factor in creating this new policy was the increased popularity of tattoos. It was updated in respect […]

October 11, 2019

The History of Black and Grey Tattooing

The History Of Black And Grey Tattooing Black and grey tattooing is a well known style that utilizes black ink in varying tones and shades. A varying mix of needle groupings are used to achieve the even tones associated with the unique style. The history of the black and grey style is believed to have […]

October 24, 2019

The History of Tattooing

The Introduction To Tattooing There are many forms of permanent body art, but tattoos are easily the most common. The practice started from a broad combination of ancient techniques and tools. The collection and evolution of these different methods are the roots of modern tattooing. Ancient art and archaeological record have also lent further evidence […]

November 7, 2019

Tattoo Aftercare For Black and Grey And Color Tattoos

Tattoo Aftercare Following proper tattoo aftercare is essential to guarantee your fresh tattoo remains clean and healing properly. If you have any unnatural concerns at any point throughout the healing process (such as excessive pain, discoloration, swelling, etc.) please contact your artist immediately. Once the artist is able to asses the situation, it can be […]

November 25, 2019

The Importance Of Tattoo Ink Quality

The Importance of Quality There’s no denying that tattoos have steadily increased in popularity over time. Which also brought along a higher level of consistency and control within the market. Purchasing safe supplies for tattooing has become easier as information about the importance of quality has become more prevalent. However, without true FDA approval or […]

November 25, 2019

How To Prepare For Your Tattoo Appointment

Tattoo Pre-Care Preparing for your upcoming tattoo appointment is essential to ensure that your tattoo has the best possible healing process. Caring for a fresh tattoo after an appointment is a common practice. Unfortunately, preparing with pre-appointment skin care isn’t as recognized despite its vital importance, which takes a major toll on the final result. […]

January 13, 2020

Tommy’s StarBrite® Colors

The Importance Of Quality When it comes to tattoo ink, there is no room for inconsistencies or impurities. Ink quality can affect many things within a tattoo, such as healing, saturation, and even the quality of the application. With mandated regulations and guidelines, the risk of buying contaminated product has certainly decreased. However, the risk […]

February 20, 2020

The History of Rotary Tattoo Machines

Brief History : Though tattoos are becoming more common, a lot of people still link them to youth. However, the art of tattooing is very old. Some of the oldest tattoos date back to 3300 B.C. but earlier forms of tattooing were practiced long before then. For example, in Japan tattooing goes back as far as about […]

September 17, 2020

NH Tattoo Artists Leaving Their Mark

If Monet used a canvas to create his art, then a tattoo artist uses the human body – Cesar Perez has a talent for turning skin into a real-life image. Specializing in black and grey photo realism and super realism, he has gained a reputation for taking clients’ ideas and making them almost life-like with […]

November 2, 2020

How Long Have Tattoos Been Around? Ancient Tattoos Standing The Test Of Time

The practice of tattooing is thousands of years old. Historians and archeologists could only speculate the intricate designs and their importance until recently. Advancing technology has led to the discovery of ancient human remains with preserved tattoos. The Siberian Ice Maiden One of the most well known examples of preserved tattoos is the Siberian Ice […]

November 3, 2020

Record Breaking Tattoos

Nowadays, almost anything can be made into a competition – including tattoos! From having the world’s most tattoos, longest tattoo session, or even the oldest person to receive a tattoo – we’ll be taking a look at some of the most note worthy accomplishments from Guinness World Records. The World’s Most Tattooed Man A New […]

November 4, 2020

Can You Cover Scars With Tattoos?

Everyone has different reasons to get tattooed, but some people do it to feel human again. Tattoo coverups have been around almost as long as the art itself – the process of camouflaging an old tattoo by inking over it with a new satisfactory design. What about tattooing to cover up scars? Apprentice Whitney Develle […]

November 19, 2020

Types of Tattoo Needles

Tattoo artists have many different types of tattoo needles, just like paint brushes for painters. Each size and style is for achieving different results in strokes. At a quick glance, most needles look very similar. Here is a generalized chart to emphasize the features of each needle point and text that explains their uses: […]

November 24, 2020

Can Tattoos Be Removed?

Tattoo Removal? The answer is yes – but it is certainly not a cheap or painless endeavor. Perhaps you got a tattoo that no longer aligns with your ideals, or a poorly done piece, or even someone’s name that you’d rather forget – everyone has different reasons for wanting to change their permanent appearance. Since […]

November 25, 2020

Breaking The Glass Ceiling – Female Tattoo Artists

In the late 1800’s, tattooing was starting to become more mainstream. It wasn’t uncommon for sailors or seafarers to have tattoos at this point in time. They are credited with bringing the art form home after observing various indigenous cultures in their travels. However, many people still viewed tattoos as taboo. In it’s infancy, some […]

November 30, 2020

Who was Sailor Jerry?

Sailor Jerry was born in Nevada in 1911 as Norman Keith Collins. He was notably adventurous and willful as he grew up. Collins’ family regarded him as free-spirited, but also hot-headed. His father called him Jerry, a nickname from the family mule, who shared a similar cranky demeanor. He decided he wasn’t content with living […]

December 7, 2020

Has Covid-19 Changed Tattooing?

2020 has been an odd, rough year for many as virtually everyone has been affected by Covid in some way. Many industries not deemed ‘essential’ (such as tattoo shops)have had to endure lengthy closures following area specific quarantines. Aside from being dormant for a few months, how has Covid changed tattooing? Walk-Ins Are a Thing […]

December 9, 2020

Tattoos That Can Track Your Health

Many ancient cultures practiced tattooing. Scientists concluded that these tattoos were symbols of their beliefs, social status, and rites of passage. Some of the tattoos that they discovered didn’t align with that symbolism though. Researchers suggest that these tattoos were for medical relief, because of their odd placement and minimalist designs. Ötzi the Iceman is […]

December 14, 2020

Tattoos and How They Affect Careers in 2020

Do tattoos still affect your chances of landing or keeping a job? It’s certainly not a simple answer, because every job and every tattoo is different. In 2020, however, it seems that tattoos and other body modifications are becoming more acceptable. If their policies don’t evolve, employers will be missing out on a significant amount […]

December 21, 2020

Art Is More Than Ink or Paint

Most people tend to think of drawings, paintings, sculptures or tattoos when they hear the word ‘art’. Art is so much more than that though. The definition of art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination. As long as that is kept in mind, art can be virtually anything you make […]

December 21, 2020

2020 – Pivotal for Art, Trivial for Museums

This has certainly been one long, strange year. Full of bumps along the way that few people can avoid. Fortunately, more and more people seem to be making art as an outlet or to release 2020 tensions. While many industries have taken nose dives this year, art is one thing that is flourishing. Unless, of […]

December 22, 2020

‘Embroidery’ Tattoos – Stitches & Ink

The practice of tattooing has been around for thousands of years. It’s an industry that’s constantly evolving and adapting as time goes on. Almost every day it seems artists come up with new inventive ways and styles to lay ink. For example, the late 2010’s saw the birth and rise of embroidered style tattoos. They’re […]

December 29, 2020

A Glance At The Future – ‘Smart’ Tattoos

It’s no secret that most industries are reaching toward the future with open arms. Old practices evolve and get more refined as equipment and techniques advance. The tattoo industry is certainly among those embracing growth. Looking back even 40-50 years ago, tattoo artists did not have access or knowledge of single use needles or other […]

January 13, 2021

Top Quality Tattoos with Top Quality Supplies

As a small business, we here at Creative Ink love supporting other local businesses whenever possible. Our shop proudly uses supplies from Tommy’s Supplies in nearby Connecticut. Tommy’s has been the top source for equipment, ink, and supplies. The quality of merchandise and expertise of staff are a recipe for success. StarBrite Colors Tommy’s manufactures […]

January 25, 2021

Anatomy of Coil Tattoo Machines

Between 30-35% of Americans have at least one tattoo, statistics say. Most people can think of numerous friends, family or celebrities with tattoos. The trend is on the rise and giving way to growth in the tattoo industry as a whole. Tattoos have become a cultural norm in many ways. Most people select an artist, […]

January 25, 2021

New Hampshire State Police Tattoo Policy Change

NHSP Policy Change on Tattoos Change is a good thing – especially if it opens recruitment chances to a wider range of applicants! For years, NH State troopers have been prohibited from having arm tattoos thanks to a policy update. The ban was costing them valuable recruitments and causing them to turn away many talented […]

March 11, 2021

Caring for Your Fresh or Healed Tattoo During Summer

With warmer months quickly approaching, our shop is frequently asked how to care for tattoos during summer. Many people want to show off their tattooed skin during summer. If doing so, you must still be mindful to care and protect your tattoo. On normal un-tattooed skin, the sun poses numerous risks. Premature aging, certain cancers, […]

April 23, 2021

Hyper-Realistic Tattoos vs. Photo-Realistic Tattoos

Realistic art is among the most common styles regardless of medium. There are several different variations depending on the subject matter, artist execution and other factors. Realism art is incredibly popular in tattoos, especially sentimental/memorial pieces. Through realism, artists are able to create work that looks just like photographs or work that can be mistaken for […]

May 24, 2021

Why Tattoo Fading is Normal & How to Slow it Down

Ever gotten a tattoo that was incredibly vibrant and saturated, only to have it fade or dull over time? Rest assured that it is a completely normal part of the process. Tattoos will never be AS vibrant as the day that they were initially done, that much is a common fact. All tattoos fade at […]

June 25, 2021

ARTISTS WANTED – NOW HIRING!

We’re looking for quality tattoo artists to join our team! We’re looking for experienced, licensed tattoo artists to assist with our day-to-day inquiries, custom work, and/or realism work! Searching for a part-time licensed tattoo artist. Position would be 3 days a week, including weekends! Must be drug free and drama free, with a solid portfolio […]

July 2, 2021

Which Body Parts Are Most And Least Painful?

There’s no true way to determine exactly how painful a tattoo will be and every tattoo varies considerably. The degree of pain usually depends on a few factors: pain tolerance, placement, tattoo design and the artist. Everyone is different though, right down to the thickness of their skin and the sensitivity of their nerve endings. […]

July 15, 2021

Reinventing The Tattoo – Art Live Stream Featuring Cesar Perez!

Reinventing The Tattoo; Featuring Cesar Perez Reinventing The Tattoo es una red creada por tatuadores, para tatuadores. Su objetivo es también compartir conocimientos sobre técnicas, aplicaciones y cualquier otra cosa que sea útil para el oficio. ¡Cesar Perez, propietario de Creative Ink, fue invitado recientemente a participar en uno de sus eventos de transmisión en […]

July 30, 2021

How Do Tattoos Work?

Each year, the statistic figures on adults with tattoos continues to grow. Tattoos are a pretty common trend, with many people having at least one or knowing someone that does. But how exactly does the tattoo process work? What makes them so permanent? It’s worth learning a little bit about what’s happening under your skin […]

September 9, 2021

Tattoo Etiquette? Do’s and Don’ts When Getting Tattooed

When it comes to getting tattooed, there’s a number of ‘unspoken tattoo etiquette’. Every shop is different, and every artist is different. However, there are certainly some general ways to show good manners as a client. Before The Appointment Always Do Your Research Once you’re decided on getting a new tattoo, it’s super important to […]

October 1, 2021

What Is A ‘Second Skin Bandage’ For Tattoos?

The process of tattooing has been becoming more and more refined. It certainly has changed tremendously since it’s origin in ancient cultures. In recent years, tattooing has advanced at an immense rate. Everything from the inks that the artists use, to the machines and needles, standards of cleanliness – even aftercare! One of the best […]

November 22, 2021

How To Choose The Right Tattoo Artist For You

Despite what you might think, tattoo artists don’t always work in every art style. Often times when you see a striking portfolio, it is usually in one style. That is because that artist has spent years developing their specific style and area of expertise. For example, an artist specializing in realism is not as likely […]

December 9, 2021

Why is Winter the Best Time of the Year to Get A Tattoo?

Before any tattoo appointment or body modification, it’s important to take preparations. While pre-care is often overlooked even though it is one of the most important parts of the process. With tattoos, pre-care information is usually pretty broad: drink plenty of water, sleep well, eat a good meal, moisturize etc. But does pre-care and after-care […]

December 31, 2021

When CAN’T I Get Tattooed?

Medical Conditions Can Prevent You from Getting a Tattoo The urge to get tattooed comes to us all at different times. Ideas arise without consulting your schedule. Unfortunately, the timing may not be ideal for this point in your life. There may be physical ailments or medical conditions that would prevent you from being tattooed. […]

January 7, 2022

Can I Get Tattooed If I’m Under 18?

Tattoos are much more mainstream than ever. Social media has been a big factor in the huge growth over recent years. Over the past ten years, the percent of tattooed Americans has almost doubled. Reports from 2021 show around 30-35% of all Americans have at least one tattoo. However, those numbers differ between age groups. […]

January 12, 2022

More Than a Tattoo – Memorials

With the ongoing pandemic, more and more people are getting tattoos for a number of reasons. Whether it is for a sort of therapeutic release, to commemorate something personal, or as a memorial to a passed pet or loved one. At Creative Ink, we have had an overwhelming amount of memorial tattoo inquiries in recent […]

January 13, 2022

Do Tattoos Need To Have Meaning?

The tattoo industry continues to boom, and doesn’t show signs of slowing down anytime soon. People of all ages and walks of life are getting tattoos. Reasons to get tattoos are infinite, but many hold the belief that tattoos should have meaning. But is this true? Do tattoos need to have meaning? Opinion The belief […]

March 24, 2022

Can You Get Handwriting or Signatures Tattooed?

Whether it is a note from a loved one or signature, handwriting tattoos are a beautiful way to turn something sentimental into something permanent. Handwriting is unique to each person so one thing is for sure: no one will have the same tattoo as you. With handwriting tattoos, there are some key points to keep […]

May 16, 2022

Apprentice Flash Tattoos & Rates For Custom Ideas

In addition to our two top quality tattoo artists, we also have our apprentice, Devynne. She has availability for more simple tattoos. Devynne also offers flash designs. Dev has been with us since September 2020. Her apprenticeship started October 2021. Since, she has been working hard. She has put many hours her craft. She is […]

May 18, 2022

What Do Traditional Old School Tattoos Symbolize?

Rising in the early 1900’s, American traditional tattoos have been a staple in the industry. It’s a style of tattoo defined by classic designs, bold lines, and small but bright color palettes. At it’s genesis, tattoos were commonly limited to circus performers, sailors, or other military personnel. More often than not, the tattoo designs held […]

June 9, 2022

Tattoo Taboo – A Brief History of Japanese Tattoos

Stretching back nearly 5000 years, Japan has a long and tangled tattoo history. For thousands of years Japan carried out traditions in ink, in between bouts of government regulation and bans. For many years, securing and legalizing the art of tattooing was an uphill battle. While many want to preserve and uphold the traditional legacy, […]

June 13, 2022

The Truth About Micro Tattoos

We’ve all seen them. Incredibly tiny, delicate tattoos – a minimalist’s delight. Visually, micro tattoos are obviously quite different than standard tattoo styles composed of bold lines and larger designs. But does that mean that the micro tattoo process is different also? What are some things to consider before getting a micro tattoo? Micro Tattoo […]

June 22, 2022

How Does Laser Tattoo Removal Work?

Tattoos have been around for centuries; the art form shows no signs of disappearing any time soon. For one reason or another, tattoo removal has been sought just as long as people have been getting inked. Reasons such as errors, change in artistic preference or views, being associated with memories not so fond…. The reasons […]

July 11, 2022

Can I Use Numbing Cream Before A Tattoo?

Tattoos hurt – it’s no secret. Depending on the area and design, some appointments will be more or less painful. But is there any way to make tattoos more bearable? Here at Creative Ink, clients frequently ask about numbing creams or gels. Are they safe? The Truth About Numbing Solutions Not all numbing solutions are […]