Good Morning Speakeasy Readers,
Another bright and sunny weekend ahead of us, hope everyone has fun plans!
Today’s topic is the FDA’s new law called MoCRA which stands for Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act and how this new law will affect the tattoo industry.
MoCRA is the most significant expansion of FDA’s authority to regulate cosmetics since the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act was passed in 1938. The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act has recently been signed into law and brings substantial implications for the US tattoo industry, especially related to tattoo regulation. This bill is meant to help ensure the safety of cosmetic products and that includes tattoo products as well. This bill will redefine the body art industry, including tattooing, piercing, and permanent makeup.
This shift in tattoo regulation means that all products used by body art practitioners, such as tattoo ink, ointments, machinines, needles, etc. will now be subject to scrutiny by the FDA. While this is meant to be a good thing and enhance safety and standardization in the tattoo industry, these changes can potentially present challenges to tattoo artists in America.
Currently, FDA proceedings continue and the terms of MoCRA and tattoo laws are still being discussed, but what many artists fear is restrictions similar to the European Union’s REACH program which has greatly limited tattoo ink and pigments in artists’ palettes.
MoCRA holds the potential to initiate substantial changes to the American tattoo industry, so we must keep informed and advocate for the industry to ensure we don’t see negative changes. Currently one organization called APT (Alliance of Professional Tattooist) is working toward making sure our industry gets the best results possible and that MoCRA won’t hold artists to unnecessary restrictions on supplies. APT is a non-profit trade organization that has been serving the tattoo industry for over 30 years, and the APT is recognized by government officials as a reliable representative of professional tattoo artists. Currently as proceedings continue to decide the terms of MoCRA on the tattoo industry, the APT will have the opportunity to provide recommendations based on technical expertise from artists and industry professionals.
Safety for consumers is of course a priority for professional tattoo artists, so I hope we can look ahead to some positive changes, rather than unnecessary restrictions that come from lack of knowledge. It’s important that we stay informed on this subject and if you can, advocate for the industry.
Until next time my fellow apes,
Peter Hernandez
Hello Speakeasy Readers!
Hope everyone is enjoying their Summer. This week will have lots of nice weather and plenty of outdoor activities going on in Los Angeles.
Today’s topic is the fine line tattooing style that has been really popular in recent years.
Fine line tattooing is a style that involves precise, delicate lines, often in black and gray hues. It's known for intricate detailing and delicate shadowing that achieves high levels of realism or looks like an intricate sketch.
The origin of the fine line style can be traced back to the 1970s when tattoo artists experimented with thinner needles and fine lines to create more intricate designs. This was completely different from the bold and heavy designs that were popular during this time. The pioneers of this style are California-based tattoo artist Jack Rudy and Freddy Negrete who are credited with developing and popularizing the style.
Fine line tattoos are known for representing deep personal meanings while being exquisitely subtle and elegant. In its early days, this tattooing style was mainly used for realistic portraits or gang-related texts and symbols.
Over time, the style has been adopted by a more extensive range of tattoo artists and has evolved into a popular choice for all sorts of images, motifs, and fonts. Today, it's admired for its understated subtlety and the high degree of intricacy achievable with a fine-tuned needle. The popularity of fine line tattoos has also attracted a new group of clients who may have been hesitant to get tattoos before, but are drawn to the delicacy and subtlety of fineline designs.
While some of these tattoos appear very simple, this type of tattooing can have incredible levels of detail built in, without being loud about it. Fine line tattooing can also be less painful than other styles due to the single needle and can heal faster. I think this is a great option for a first tattoo for those who are on the fence or an amazingly beautiful intricate piece for those who want something bigger.
Until next time my fellow apes,
Peter Hernandez
Good Morning Speakeasy Readers!
We have some nice warm weather going into the 4th of July weekend. I hope everyone has some fun plans!
Today’s topic is stick and poke tattoos. Stick and Poke is a traditional method of tattooing that doesn't use any electric machinery.
Stick and poke tattoos are the oldest known form of tattoos, The origins of stick and poke tattooing can be traced back thousands of years to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. The oldest discovered tattoo dates back to 3,250 BCE. These early tattoos were often created using simple tools like sharpened bones or sticks, which were used to puncture the skin and apply ink. The ink used in these tattoos was typically made from natural substances like crushed berries, tree bark, and soot.
These tattoos were often used to affirm a community’s connection or as a religious practice, it’s found that almost every culture coincides with the spiritual or aesthetic practice of hand poke tattoos.
Today, stick and poke tattooing has gained popularity among a new generation of tattoo enthusiasts. Even though most tattoo artists use machines, there are still some who prefer going back to basics with the hand-poke technique. This type of tattooing involves using a needle that is applied in the skin by hand instead of a tattoo machine. The designs are often created through a series of dots accumulated to make a design, the skin is pricked repeatedly using the needle dipped in ink. Details and shadows are created by using different sized dots and positioning them at varying distances from one another. One reason why stick and poke tattooing has gained popularity is that some feel it has a more personal touch. Because the tattoo artist is using their own hand to create the design, each stick and poke tattoo is unique and carries a special meaning for the wearer.
As far as downsides to getting a stick and poke tattoo, the risk of infection is slightly higher so it is really important that you get it done by a professional and that it is done in a sterilized area. The good news though is that there are plenty of tattoo artists who practice this method of tattooing so they know the best way to keep your tattoo clean and safe.
From its ancient origins to its modern-day revival, this form of tattooing has stood the test of time and continues to be a popular choice for those looking to get a tattoo. Many love the personal touch or the fact that this method has a rich and long history behind it. Just like any other tattoo, you just have to make sure you find the artist who is an expert in this style of tattooing to ensure a safe and beautiful tattoo.
Until next time my fellow apes,
Peter Hernandez