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SO YOU WANT TO BE A
TATTOO ARTIST
A.P.T., Inc.
215 West 18th. Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64108
Phone (816) 979-1300
Email: info@safe-tattoos.com
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In this day and age, there is an increased awareness of
infection control in the tattoo studio environment. Both artist and
consumer are adapting to today’s standard of health and safety through
education. To become a Professional Tattooist, it helps to have an
artistic background. It is imperative you be educated in health;
specifically blood born pathogens.
Nowadays there are more health hazards. You need to take
precautions against spreading diseases. We’re talking about deadly
organisms that can be present without you ever suspecting them! For
example, 20 years ago there were only 4 known sexually transmitted
diseases, today there are 28! Skin is a host or carrier to many
potentially harmful bacteria. Tattooing opens this barrier and makes you
susceptible to greater risks.
The general consensus of professional tattooists is that
an apprenticeship is the best way to learn this trade and the best way to
prevent stupid, costly mistakes in a highly technical and many faceted
industry. Especially the obvious danger of health risks to operator and
client when inexperience is involved. When looking for an artist to teach
tattooing, you should follow the same criteria for finding an artist to
tattoo you. Good luck!!
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With the advent of many communicable diseases, some
fatal, it has become necessary to institute certain isolation and
sterilization procedures in the tattoo process to assure the public of
a safe, risk-free tattoo. The following advice has been prepared by
professional tattooists working with local, state and national health
authorities.
1. Always insist that you see your
tattooist remove a new needle & tube set-up from a sealed envelope
immediately prior to your tattoo.
2. Be certain you see
your tattooist pour a new ink supply into a new disposable container.
3. Make sure your artist puts on a new pair of disposable
gloves before setting up tubes, needles and ink supplies.
4. Satisfy yourself that the shop furnishings &
tattooist are clean & orderly in appearance; much like a medical
facility.
5. Feel free to question the tattooist as to
any of his sterile procedures & isolation techniques. Take time to
observe them at work & do not hesitate to inquire about their experience & qualifications in the tattoo field.
6. If the tattooist is qualified professional, they will
have no problem complying with standards above & beyond these simple
guidelines.
7. If the artist or studio does not appear up
to these standards or if they become evasive when questioned, seek out a
professional tattooist.
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"APT" or the Alliance of Professional Tattooist is
a non profit educational organization that promotes health and
safety in the tattoo business. Our interest (and yours!) is to keep
ahead of changes occurring in our business field so we can continue to
create works of ART, albeit in a safe manner! It’s that simple.
Read on to find out more!
Officially incorporated June 29, 1992, the Alliance began
accepting membership applications. Many had already sent funds to activate APT and set the ship in motion...here we are years later, with a
successful education program. Over 1400 artists have participated with
more to come in the near future! We offer an insurance program as a
benefit, previously unheard of in the tattoo business. "What? Insure a
tattoo studio? CLICK!" We heard many "clicks" until Ray Pearson of the
O.S. Bruner Agency and APT found each other. We signed a risk purchasing
agreement in 1993 and have been able to insure many studios at a reduced
rate. People from all walks of life have inquired about the Alliance. We
log an average of fifteen to twenty calls per day! Most are from
tattooists and fans, but we receive calls from health departments who have
heard about our program of continuing education and how this benefits both
the tattooist and the community. We also receive calls from legislators (Senators and Congressmen / women, and Representatives)
who are interested in what APT is doing. We have provided many
artists with the tools necessary to deal effectively with health
department officials, legislators, zoning department officials and public
hearings on issues that affect their business practices. Through our
seminars we can help artists with difficult times. Our widely known and
regarded "Preventing Disease Transmission in Tattooing" has helped
many artists understand why infection control and the implementation of
set, professional standards is preferable to being in the dark about
disease transmission.
Membership Categories
Professional (P): an artist with 3 or more years
experience tattooing in a fixed location, as full time career. References
required. $150.00
Cosmetic Tattooist (CT): same as (P).
$125
Associate Tattooist (AT): an artist with fewer than 3
years experience tattooing, or serving an apprenticeship. References &
Sponsor required. $100.00
Associate (A): anyone closely
allied with the tattoo business but not an artist (ie, a receptionist or
studio personnel). Must provide name of studio affiliation or sponsor.
$75.00
Supporting (S): one who has concern for the promotion
of tattooing as a professional business (ie a collector of tattoos, a
member in an academic research field). $50.00
Patron (PT):
anyone who supports the goals of the APT (ie your Mom, brother, or curious
observer!) $20.00
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