lol, "semi-painfull"?

Yah...What exactly does "semi-painful" mean? I hear laser treatments feel like a continuous series of bee stings. But, I guess if you can sit through a tattoo, you should be able to sit through a laser treatment.

Isn't semi- painful sort of like being semi-pregnant?

As a tattoo artist, I'm completely disgusted at the idea of "removable ink." It cheapens the experience and commitment of permanently emblazoning an image or word on your body. When you decide to get a tattoo, it should be something you're willing to be with forever; whether it is a memorial to a loved one, your motto, or merely a picture you find beautiful to look at. Granted, people change constantly and something that rang true for them in their twenties might not be true for them in their sixties, but tattoos should serve as a permanent reminder of who you were at the time. Tattoos are testaments to your past and who you've become. I'd compare this product to having a baby and then deciding after they turn ten years old that they're not something you can live with and putting the child up for adoption.

To the author--I would have guessed that there would be more important things to worry yourself about besides what someone else says in regard to your artwork while you're at the beach, but I suppose you like so many people hold what others think about you in higher esteem than your own personal opinions.

Lastly, in regard to the "semi-painful" removal process, it might enlighten you to know that laser tattoo removal has be compared to taking a strip of searing hot bacon from out of a frying pan and slapping it on your skin--I'm not sure about you, but that's not a feeling I'd refer to as "semi-painful." It sounds more like excrutiating. Those who've subjected themselves to tattoo removal have almost always admitted that laser removal is several times more painful than getting the tattoo in the first place. And finally, this process often results in scarring which will likely leave you with a permanent (albeit now colorless) scar in the shape of what was once your tattoo.

I'd hope that any self-respecting tattoo artist would not keep these inks in supply at their shop and also that anyone thinking about getting a tattoo they're not 100% sure of and can't see themselves with it in the future do themselves a favor and not get one in the first place. I'd rather turn a potential client away than allow them to get a peice of artwork they fully intend to destroy in years to come.

I change my bedroom decor theme every 4 years, I change my clothing style every 2 years,
I change my hair color way to often. As for me, I cannot understand why would anyone want a permanent tatoo?

I got a tatoo at age 26 also and have never regretted it. now at 54 it has faded considerablly and would likt to get it freshened up, so to speak.i do remember it as some what painful but no regrets here. I do not understand semi-painful at all....pain is pain.

Alan because Amanda's artwork happens to be done on peoples skin you don't consider it art? Well who are you? You obviously know nothing about the subject you so quickly turn your nose up to. I hate to judge but you come off as an angry yuppie bible thumper who had a bad experience. I've seen better art work on peoples skin than on most canvases these days. What ever your medium, who are you to judge someone else's work. Maybe they think yours is crap.

Keep up the good work Amanda, and Alan here's an idea go something productive with your time like trying to be less judgemental. I thought artists were supposed to be open-minded!

Alan Keith Bricker--may I ask who you are to decide who qualifies as an artist? Just because you don't agree with Amanda's kind of art doesn't mean she's not an artist in her own way. Furthermore, I think trying to belittle someone's profession simply because you put yourself on a pedestal makes YOU sound arrogant. Do you believe you deserve the title of an artist because you've suffered, been critcized, or had difficult mentors? Maybe you've had such a difficult time earning your title as an "artist" because your artwork really isn't up to par? I personally find it a bit funny that you have the nerve to judge a tattoo artist when many people don't take your profession very seriously either. And as for tattoos being a "thoughtless, compulsive decision"--how would you know? Have you spoken with everyone who has a tattoo? I wanted a tattoo for MANY years before I finally got mine. So far, no regrets. Why? Because I chose something that was beautiful and meaningful to me (a treble clef, because I am completely addicted to music). But go ahead and continue judging everyone, Alan. You're an "artist," so you must be superior to all other humans--especially the ones who have "destroyed their body" by expressing themselves.

What a pathetic argument Amanda...

Removable tattoos are like having a baby then giving it up after 10 years!?? I don't think the tattoo cares if you get rid of it.

Let's face it, tattoos have become a huge, trendy, fad. Unless you got your tattoo 25 or more years ago, then you were simply following the protocol for attempting to appear 'counterculture'. It's funny that people who tout themselves as different or alternative all look the same and follow identical trends. The reason you are so negetive about this product is that now even more people will have body art and your false perception of individuality will be in jeopardy.

By the way, if you truly consider yourself an artist, why aren't you happy for the opportunity to have your "art" displayed on more human canvases?

Tattoos have been part of every culture in every area of the world for millions of years.
Its not a trendy fad, it is a way people (like me) choose to express themselves. My tattoos makes me feel better about myself, they make me feel beautiful, because it is exactly how I have wanted my body to look since I was as young as seven years old.
It is a great and ancient artform that should be respected. A tattoo is a permanent comitment.
I feel that this "dissolvable ink" is giving young people who are too impulsive at 18 to realize that a trampstamp isn't a good idea a scapegoat and an excuse to not take responsibility for their actions. Just like not putting on a condom.

Isn't it going to be funny when in 60 years, our nursing homes will be filled with men and women with facial tats and body piercings? What will the care givers think? What will THEY be into?

There is such a thing as semi-painful. I'm not sure it's the correct term for the specified action, but there are different degrees of pain. That's why a doctor shows you a chart with different pain inflicted faces and ask you how much it hurts. And how about comparing the pain of a paper cut to breaking a bone? Would you then consider the paper cut semi-painful in comparison? I just think that semi-painful in this article refers to the fact that the ink is dissolved in one laser treatment and not multiple trips to have the tattoo removed.

Amanda, I couldn't agree with you more. Alan, I think you're a moron.
No one worth their ink would ever consider a tattoo to be disposable. I have 5 tattoos, my next one is in the works (a memorial to my grandparents), and although the small tattoo I have on my hip may not be a design I'd choose today, I don't regret it and I have fond memories of where I was and why I chose that design to begin with, and I'm more than happy to sport it forever.
Tattooing is an art that goes back thousands of years. Although some designs may be considered "fads", tattoos themselves are NOT fads. They are permanent works of art and self expression and definitely not for everyone. There are inks on the market for those that aren't worthy of making a permanent committment....they're called "Sharpies".
Laser removal is hilarious. One will go through much more intense pain only to have a scar that looks just like the tattoo. Maybe instead of ink, they should consider being branded.
Ink is earned. Pain is part of the process, but it's the permanence that makes a tattoo more special than any painting you can hang on a wall. Tattoo artists ARE artists, and anyone who thinks otherwise is an idiot.