A Brief History Of Tattoo Machines

Thomas Edison had no idea where his Stencil Pens invention would lead. Originally designed as a kind of engraving device, he never intended it to spark the world wide fascination with tattooing art onto the human body. After he patented his machine in 1876, Samuel O'Reilly discovered that with a little modification Edison's device could be used for introducing pigment to skin. Thus was born the tattoo machine.

Modern tattoo machines of course use far less cumbersome electromagnets. This electromagnetic device (in the form of a single coil) was developed by a certain Thomas Riley of London - who patented his device just twenty days after Mr. Samuel O' Reilly got his own copyright.

London's claim to being a key city in the development of the tattoo machine continued with Alfred Charles South, who is credited with the modern two coil. Early versions of this tattoo machine were quite heavy - so heavy in fact, that they sometimes had to be suspended from the ceiling of the tattoo parlour.

Modern tattoo machines are highly sophisticated pieces of kit - which can control needle depth, speed and force of application. The developments in tattoo machine technology have seen the introduction of dermapigmentation - which places permanent make up features on the face.

Removing the artwork introduced by the tattoo machine can be a difficult process - and the same is true of artwork applied by dermapigmentation. This is why any work carried out has to be thought through seriously, as in most cases, tattoos will be on the body throughout life.
Today the tattoo industry is highly regulated and the process of getting a tattoo is much safer and quicker than it used to be. A endless range of symbols, and designs are available, and they remain a very popular decoration of the body.

Those thinking of purchasing a tattoo machine need all the appropriate credentials or a tattoo license in order to do so, another safety feature of the modern day tattoo industry. Tattoo machines are normally purchased through specific magazines or online shops. It is said by some that those tattoo machines bought from magazine adverts or trade catalogues are not as good as those bought directly from professional manufacturers.

It is difficult to say exactly what the most popular tattoo designs actually are, but some of the most classic designs involve skulls, hearts and text on scroll-style background. Tattoo designs are frequently centred on extreme symbolism, as this fits in with what is still considered by some to be an unorthodox practice. The juxtaposition of seemingly violent/dark and love/happiness symbols are very popular combinations.

Although tattoos used to be the domain of men - particularly those in armed services or professions involving heavy labour - many other sections of society now also get tattoos done. Small, subtle tattoos are popular among women today, whereas decades ago this might have been considered unacceptable in most societies.