* Sacred Saint Skin And Art Gallery * Los Angeles CA Artist Brandon Notch | Sacred Saint Tattoo Los Angeles CA | Artist Brandon Notch aka(Sacred Saint)

Brief History of the Japanese Tattoo

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:06:04 -0700

Brief History of the Japanese Tattoo

As the power of the common people and working classes of Japan grew in the latter half of the Edo period (circa 18th century) horimono, or traditional Japanese tattoos, began to flourish as art form. Using images from traditional water colour paintings, woodcuts and picture books of the time as designs, the ultimate reward for the patience and endurance of pain would be a tattoo of immense beauty. To experience and enjoy Japanese horimono tattoos it is important to understand their history and background, and it is also important to continue to preserve the traditions behind them.

The origins of traditional Japanese tattoos can be traced back to the latter years of the Edo period in Japanese history.
In 1603, the then ruler of Japan, Tokugawa Ieyasu, centralised his shogunate government in Edo, what is now Tokyo. In the 200 years following this, the established feudal system began to stagnate, and in opposition to the martial upper classes, the common people of Edo began to develop their own separate, unique culture for themselves.

Rejecting the centuries-old strict ethics and morality of the Confucian beliefs of the samurai and taking up themes based on duty, ninjo (human experiences and feeling), fashion and comedy the townspeople of Edo increasingly began to enjoy novels, drama, comic tanka songs and theatre. Books such as kokusenyagassen by Chikamatsu Monzaemon, Honchohsuikohden and Satomihakkenden by Takisawa Bakin and many other publications, along with picture books and artwork all combined to develop into a system that became a massive outlet of cultural expression for the ordinary people of Edo.

In this way the society of Edo progressed, and the pride and mentality of the ordinary people, manifested in such ways as dategokoro (foppish male fashion) and shokunin-kishitsu (the pride and way of thinking of the Edo working classes) of the tobishoku, or blue-collar workers, grew amongst such townspeople as labourers, manufacturers, hikeshi or firemen (in 18th century Edo urban fires were commonplace, and a major cause of mortality, as well as an ample source of tales of heroism) and petty crooks known as gaen. Some of these predominantly working class people of Edo, in imitating the heroes of the folk story Suikohden, as popularised at the time by the famous woodblock artist Kuniyoshi (Suikohden was a legend originating in China, where outlaws who, in defying the local corrupt authorities became folk heroes as protectors of the common people; an oriental equivalent of Robin Hood) began to ritualistically and painfully tattoo themselves with designs based on folklore, such as dragons, giant snakes and Chinese lions, and also with religious figures such as the Bhudda, Fudomyo (the God of Fire), Fujin and Raijin (the Gods of Wind and Lightning) and Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy) using sharp needles to insert pressed charcoal ink under their skin.

The people who carried out such tattooing tended to be ukiyoe woodblock artists, who simply exchanged their wood-carving blades for long, sharp needles. As time progressed however, some of these artists specialised in tattooing and came to devote all their time to tattooing only, and thus became tattooists. This long process has come to produce what is known as the uniquely-Japanese traditional art form, horimono.

There are written records indicating that in Edo as early as 1830 there were formal gatherings of tattoo enthusiasts.
Although nowadays tattoo conventions are common both in Japan and in the West, the fact that in Edo such conventions were taking place over 150 years ago is an indicator of the long and rich history of traditional Japanese tattoos.
The tattoos of the Edo, Meiji and Shohwa eras are described in the classic 1936 work, Bunshin Hyakushi, or One Hundred Tattoo Figures and Stories, by Tamabayashi Haruo.
In the book, the life and works of some of the famous tattooists of the Edo period are described, such as Karakusagonta (from Asakusa), Darumakin and Iso (Yanaka), Charibun (Asakusa), Horitsun (Kameido), Ichimatsu (Asakusa), Kane (Yottsuya) and Horiichi (Osaka). However there is no photographic record of their works and designs, and so one must go by their considerable word-of-mouth reputation.
Horiuno was born Kamei Unosuke in Kanda, Edo in 1843. At this time, tattoos were undergoing a surge in popularity amongst the people of Edo.

Horiuno became a tattooist at the age of 20, but travelled extensively throughout Japan, such as to Osaka, Kyoto and Shizuoka, and only really began working full-time from the age of 40. However, he continued his business well into his 70s and much of his work can still be seen today. Many of his customers were workers in the local construction and manufacturing industries, and in 1912, some of these locals of the Kanda area formed the Kanda Choyu-kai, literally "Tattoo Friends Society of Kanda", and 10 years later, extended membership to those outside the Kanda area, to form the Edo Choyu-kai.
The members of this group, who consisted mostly of labourers such as construction workers, carpenters and plasterers, would meet every year at places such as Ojinanushi-no-taki and Marukotamagawaen, taking part in mass outdoor banquets, or in festivals such as the Asakusa Sanja-matsuri, showing off their extensive and intricate body tattoos with pride.

Horiuno was well known throughout Japan and also overseas, and was said to be Japan's most talented tattooist. However, at that time a wealth of equally-skillful tattooists, such as Horiiwa, Horikane, Kyuta and Nekokichi could be found throughout Japan.

Shimada Kunihiro, Japan Tattoo Institute
Translated by Adam Guy

About Artist Brandon Notch

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 08:03:32 -0700

About Brandon Notch

---I have been tattooing professionally since the fall of 1998 but an artist all of my life. I was nothing more than a punk as a kid and I started getting into trouble really young. I really don't know why I chose tattooing as a career it just happened, all i wanted to do with my life was to create art. I think the first time i was interested in tattooing, I was around fourteen. I remember seeing a tattoo on this guy when I was in juvenile hall, I remember this tattoo like it was yesterday and actually I might have been younger than fourteen. This guy had a gigantic skull with flames on his ribs. I remember seeing it thinking it was so awesome but that I could do better. At that point I told myself that it was something I had to do. I made up my mind, that I was going to become a tattooist. All I wanted to do from that point on was to learn how to tattoo. So i guess you can say the career landed into my lap but it still took some time for it to happen. I started to get allot of tattoos when I was 16-17 years old. Charlie Roberts did some of my early tattoos. At the time I was working for my dad doing architecture, drawing conceptual sketches and painting murals part time. I went out and bought a tattoo magazine because Charlie and Bob Roberts were in it. Looking through it, I found an ad of Dennis Dwyers tattoo kits. I soon ordered a set of machines. About a week later I ran into Diamond Dave Rothburg owner of Body & Soul Tattoo. After talking for a bit, I showed him my sketchbooks and some pictures of murals i have done. He must have liked them, because he took me on as an apprentice Soon after. Now at that time I was working full time with my dad (7am-11am) then at the shop (noon-6/8pm). After work I attended night school at Pasadena Art Institute and soon after Cal Arts. I hardly slept for six months to a year. Finally I was making enough money to work at the shop full time and I never looked back.

---So I was apprenticed by Diamond Dave Rothburg, out of Body and Soul Tattoo in Sherman Oaks, Ca. I tattooed at Body and Soul until December of 1999 when I moved to Seattle, WA. I was in a bad place in my life at that time and i had to move on to keep my sanity. So Seattle it was, I worked at Greenlake and Lynwood tattoo studios until late April of 2000. After leaving Greenlake, I got a two-week guest spot at Top Tattoo in Seattle. I had so much fun there with the crew and learned more and more every day i was working. They gave me an opportunity to stay even after the two weeks were up. I left Top Tattoo in December of 2000 and went on my own self fulfilling journey traveling through parts of Europe including France and England to further my study of the most unique art forms from oil painting to body art. (painting in the skin - tatouage - and as we call it in the west tattooing.)

---Upon returning to the states, I moved out of Seattle WA. and back down to Los Angeles CA. I was working in Top Tattoos booth at Ink Slingers Ball (tattoo convention) when i met Kat Von D (Katherine Von Drachenberg) who was the manager at Blue Bird Tattoo in Pasadena CA. and she offered me a job. I started working at Blue Bird tattoo studio out of Pasadena until i got fired for using too much MadaCide and costing the shop money (I was just keeping it safe for me and my clients, go figure.) So i got a new job at Nathan's studio in good old San Fernando Valley. I tattooed there until I built a big enough clientele and bank roll to open my first shop in Pasadena CA called SACRED SAINT STUDIO.

---I owned that studio for about five years and had the time of my life working with my crew. It was sad to let it go and have it end, but I learned and grew so much from it. I was now going through some of the hardest times in my life. I lost one of my best friends from a drug over dose and was closing my shop due to money troubles. But only at the time when i may seam to be at my weakest is when I'm at my strongest. I quickly started over and built a new shop to work in mean time till i could build a bank roll again to create a new Skin And Art Gallery. So i worked by appointment only in my Glendale Studio for about a year or two but still didn't have enough money to get a new shop up and running. So I got rid of my home and cars mortgaged everything left and sold most of my stuff (got to love eBay) to buy my new building that will and is my new Sacred Saint Skin And Art Gallery Los Angeles CA. I still work only by Appointment's but i like it that way better, no distractions. I now have the room to do what i always wanted and have a real art studio with room to paint, create, do photography, and tattooing. With your help we will tattoo the world with art. Even though tattooing fell into my lap (it was not an easy road) it was something i grew to love at a young age and now i can say I got into tattooing because of the art. The fact that i can make a living by doing something I enjoy like creating art was a plus, in the skin or on the canvas.

---I would like to thank English Craig who has been kind enough to give me so much useful information and support when I was being apprenticed. Also, Charlie Roberts for giving me my fist real tattoo. I learned so many helpful hints and tips along the way from every artist i have worked beside. I would also like to thank My dad, he has been behind me ever since I could pick up a pencil.

---The largest influence to me and my artwork is my clients........ they are the ones that make it all happen, they come to me with the ideas and I just do my thing. There would be no pushing ink with out the skin. Another influence of my tattooing/art, is seeing other artists pushing the limits. It drives my to go bigger, brighter and cleaner in my artwork .(drive right past the ledge ,and start to fly.) I love to see art evolved and progress happening. I think the things I enjoy most about tattooing, besides the fact that I love drawing, is the permanence of the art. (the commitment) I love the feeling of selling my art to people who like it. I also enjoy all the different people I meet. My favorite tattoos are big, bold, colorful, and a little bit rugged in some way. As far as my tattooing career is concerned, it is important to me that I never stop learning. If anyone has any questions relating to the tattoo industry or would just like to make an appointment or consultation you can contact me at Sacred Saint Skin And Art Gallery my privet studio. Just email me to talk about a future tattoo.

---I work by appointment only---New clients must email me to set up some time to make a consultation before i will book an appointment. I recommend that you set up your consultation a week or two ahead because my calendar books up fast. Sometimes a month ahead just for consultations and months ahead for appointments, but I always try to keep some days open for my existing clients. (to keep the large work going)

Most of my clients consist of referrals, and with the shop away from downtown Los Angeles I do not get walk-ins and nor do i allow them. A majority of my clients are referred by other people in the art world or existing clients of mine. The shop is a very comfortable environment where anyone that comes in can feel comfortable and relaxed. Sacred Saint offers the highest quality of standards in cleanliness and in the art of tattooing.

The importance of cross contamination in the tattoo industry:

---I offer the highest quality of standards in cleanliness and blood-borne pathogens in the tattoo industry. I give a lot of the props to all the guys and girls at Top Tattoo in Seattle WA. They taught me the importance of education in cleanliness and blood-borne pathogens, its not all just about art. So i owe a big thanks to them, AL D (god rest his soul) and Sky Renfro. They showed me the Light.

Certification:
I am certified in Blood borne Pathogens and renew my certification
every year to keep it fresh in my mind. which is a valuable asset in
allowing clients to make well-informed decisions regarding a tattoo.
Bloodborne Pathogens
Alliance of Professional Tattooists
I have been a member of the Alliance of Professional Tattooists since 1999.

Likes:
Three legged dogs
International midget polo team
Real women and fake tits

Dislikes:
Traffic
Important documents
Rubber women (they leave rashes)
Tall Blondie's with hairy armpits

Hobbies:
Building shit (using tools)
Snowboarding/skateboarding
Painting
Drawing
Creating.........

Birth date: 4/16/1979

Favorite Food:
Anything with cow ass and lard.
Anything that should, would, and will kill you, or at least make your
life a living hell. JUNK FOOD-FAST FOOD

Heroes:
My father, brother, & two sisters
Porno stars and strippers

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Tattoo hourly rate is as follows:

I will do my part to keep America beautiful and keep people from getting bad tattoos. So...
Large work like sleeves, back pieces, etc. I will do day sitting of 4 - 4 1/2 hours for 300.00 each sitting. Because not only the Rich deserve a bad ass tattoo. PS: I love doing large work so much that I will get you in the chair and tattooed asap.
* $120.00 an hour. (price is said to be negotiable on Large work)
* $50.00 drawing fee/deposit that is included in to the tattoo fee.
* I quote you a price for smaller work, and I stick to my quoted price.
To set up a consultation please email me.
*I do not take appointments over the phone.**** As I will require a consultation with a 40$ min. deposit before I book a time and day (apt.)
*You will get nothing short of Top quality, Clean, Safe, Artistic
Tattooing by internationally recognized artist Brandon Notch (aka) Sacred Saint.

The Art Of Tattooing: The art of tattooing is in the ability to learn how to transfer one's idea from their mind to paper. Then to create a permanent piece of artwork in one's skin. Most of the time a client will be thinking about red but he'll say blue, so you have to predict that. Ultimately keep in mind the flow of the art on the body. You can have a badass top-notch tattoo but if it has no flow or does not fit the body, ultimately it will not look good.

Brandon Notch

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*SACRED SAINT TATTOO STUDIO*

*SHOP RULES*

No one under 18 years old allowed in the studio unless accompanied by an adult.

No children under 16 allowed in the studio - NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!

You must be 18 years old with a valid state issued photo ID to be tattooed.

NO smoking, drugs, or alcohol allowed in the studio. Anyone noticeably
under the influence will be be removed.

CASH ONLY - "No Checks" (I do take paypal)

Appointments ONLY !!! If you can't make your appointment, just call or email
and I'll reschedule. 323-222-5833

CANCELLATIONS WITHOUT NOTICE WILL FORFEIT YOUR DEPOSIT. Don't show, don't call and you're at the back of the line also forfeiting your deposit.

Only one guest per client may be present during a tattoo.

All work is at the sole discretion of the artist. THIS IS AN ART
STUDIO AND I MAKE ART

We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason.

We DO NOT sell tattoo ink, equipment, or piercing needles to the

general public. PLEASE DON'T ASK.

Oil Painting And Artwork By Brandon Notch Los Angeles CA

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:24:21 -0700

TO ALL TATTOOIST IN LOS ANGELES

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 22:36:58 -0700

TO ALL TATTOOIST IN LOS ANGELES, BECOME PART OF HISTORY AND PART OF THIS AMAZING BOOK. LOS ANGELES TATTOO Tattooing In The City Of Angeles WWW.LOSANGELESTATTOOING.COM Your submission must be in ASAP just kidding take your time and do it right the first time.. Submit your information about yourself and your history with the art of tattooing. Tattoo artists submitting information for this project will be published in a hard cover book. Please fill out the answers with as much detail as you can. This is a great opportunity to be part of an amazing book. Also get exposure among tattoo artist and tattoo fans around the world. By participating you will get good exposure for your name, your work, and your website. Thank you ! Brandon Notch www.losangelestattooing.com Go to the website, and please take your time and answer as many questions as you can . **NOTE: The more you say the bigger part in the book your shop will take up. we are still working on this book so keep on. Los Angeles Tattooing Art book....

Some Simple Rules To Follow While Getting Tattooed

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 09:17:21 -0700

A Tattooist’s Code of Ethics
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I will provide a clean, safe environment in which to practice.

An autoclave sterilizer will be used and maintained in accordance with APT guidelines.

I will keep my blood borne pathogens training current.

I will follow my local, state and federal health regulations.

I will not tattoo anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

I will not conduct myself in a manner that will reflect negatively on my profession.

All tools and materials used will be of professional quality.

I will make every effort to educate my clients and the general public in what constitutes safe procedure.

I will promote safe tattooing within my industry.

I will provide my clients with written and verbal aftercare instructions.

I will perform every tattoo to the best of my ability.

I will maintain a professional attitude toward my clients and peers.

I will respect the roots, traditions and heritage of my art.

Some Simple Rules To Follow While Getting Tattooed:
(a.k.a. a little tattoo humor)
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Do not move or talk with your hands, tense your muscles or sing out to your mate to get you a beer.
Do not fart or burp in the tattooist’s face.
Do not ask the tattooist how long it took to get his tattoos done or how much they cost.
Do not ask the tattooist how long his prick is.
Do not ask the tattoist how many tattoos he does a day or how much money he makes.
Do not ask the tattooist what the different machines are for.
Do not ask the tattooist what sort of ink he uses.
Do not ask the tattooist how he got into tattooing.
Do not ask the tatttooist if he tattoos dicks. (He may say "I'm doing one right now.")
Do not ask the tattoists wife or girlfriend for a fuck.
Do not tell the tattooist that you have a mate who can draw really good and would make a great tattooist, if only someone would give him a go.
Do not tell the tattooist the story of the guy who made a tattoo gun out of a cassette, motor, toothbrush, and a guitar string.
Do not tell the tattooist that it doesn't hurt anymore.
Please Do Not Attempt To Heckle The Artist, As He Is Armed And Under The Influence Of Prozac.

Finally it is done! You look at the finished tattoo and it exceeds all your wildest expectations. It shines like gold and you marvel at the precision, the artistry, the skill application, and the bright colors.

You may at this point tell the tattooist any of the following:
- Its beautiful, its excellent, its brilliant, its fantastic!
- I love it, you are a genius, you are a true, gifted artist, its better than I ever hoped for!
- You are the most brilliant and talented artistic genius in the whole world and I will be eternally grateful to you for the rest of my life!
- Here's a $100 tip for doing such a great job!
- All Other Questions Are Subject To Charge As Follows:
Answers- $10
Correct Answers- $20
**Dumb Looks Are Still Free.

You can rate me!

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 19:36:13 -0700

BRANDON NOTCH

Sacred Saint Skin And Art Gallery LOS ANGELES CA. Top Notch Artwork, Tattooing, Oil Painting, Photography and Custom Iron Work By Brandon Notch...

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Sat, 03 Oct 2009 07:20:12 -0700

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Sat, 03 Oct 2009 07:17:25 -0700

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Top Notch Artist Brandon Notch. Sacred Saint Skin And Art Gallery Los Angeles CA.

???Asked Questions???

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 06:39:01 -0700

-Have A Question??

***Email Questions and Brandon will do his best to display the Question with the answer ASAP. You can ask questions on any topic not just about tattooing and get answers from intelligent, artistic and all around funny man Brandon Notch. He will share his insight if you like it or not. Remember this is a PG website so try to keep it clean.(New Questions will be added monthly)

Tattoos are known around the world as, tatoeage, tatouage, tätowier, tatuaggio, tatuar,tatuaje, tatuagens, tatoveringer, tato, tattueringar, tatoos, and tatu

-- "Who or what is your biggest influence in your tattoo work and why?" My clients aren't the biggest influences in my work they give me the skin and inspiration to create. Something’s you just can't do with paint on canvas. They really are the biggest influence in my work.

-- "If I had to name my greatest motivation in life thus far, what would it be?"

DEATH (Being happy with what i have done in life and having fun in life.)

-- "What was the most difficult thing to learn in tattooing for you and why?" Most difficult thing for me to learn in tattooing would have to be learning how to transfer one’s idea from their mind to paper, to create a permanent piece of artwork in one’s skin. Most of the time a client will be thinking about red but he’ll say blue, so you have to predict that. Ultimately keep in mind the flow of the art on the body. You can have a badass top-notch tattoo but if it has no flow or does not fit the body ultimately it will look like shit. -- "How do you usually advertise or market yourself?" Advertising is one thing I don’t believe in. I believe that good work speaks for itself all my clients are referral-based. -- "What brand of inks do you recommend or use and why?" I can’t recommend any brands of the inks, because I use a lot of different inks there’s no one brand that’s better than the other. It all depends upon what you like. Most of my colors I make, like red I’ve been making inks for about eight years now. Some brand’s have a good color but the rest suck or are hard to work into the skin. It took me many years to find the colors I like, But if you’re talking about ink. When I say ink, I mean black because that is the only ink we use, all the colors are pigments. I still like talons white label. -- "What is the best brand of tattoo machines that you recommend and why?" I can’t recommend a brand of tattoo machines. I can only tell you there are two types, daily drivers and hotrods. On a long day you want something that feels good in your hand doesn’t weight too much and will not overheat. So ultimately you would need to find a machine that feels good in your own hands. -- "What do you believe is the most important tattooing skill one should learn how to master and why?" Or would you believe the most important check to still much to learn that one’s easy lying down a good clean tattoo. There really is no one skill you either can tattoo or you can’t. -- "What is your best advice or tips to someone new to the art of tattooing?" The best advice I could give to someone new to the art of tattooing would be look at it like buying a car. Shop for quality and style not price! A tattoo is the only thing you can buy that no one can take from you. Don’t get Cheap on the only thing that will outlive you. Cold, yes I know, but I’m really tired of fixing and covering up shady tattoos. If you do it right the first time it will be cheaper in the long run, Also if you need to get the tattoo right away you probably should not get it at all. Be patient and put some thought into it, and do it right. -- "What is the best way to practice for those just starting out?" Practice on your friends and then get new friends, just kidding. You need to learn on your Self to get the feel of it. The depth, speed and the ability you give the needle. You need to get use to the minimal visibility you have of the needle because of puddling ink. You have to love it. -- "What is the best way for one to land an apprenticeship?" The best way for one to land an apprenticeship would be to get tattooed, find a good shop and get tattooed by an artist you like, that’s the start. Become a hang around, help out and show your determination, eventually they will ask you. Then make sure they see your determination and heart, everything else can be taught.

-- "What do you call the art of tattooing?"

The Art Of Tattooing: The art of tattooing is in the ability to learn how to transfer one's idea from their mind to paper. Then to create a permanent piece of artwork in one's skin. Most of the time a client will be thinking about red but he'll say blue, so you have to predict that. Ultimately keep in mind the flow of the art on the body. You can have a badass top-notch tattoo but if it has no flow or does not fit the body, ultimately it will not look good.

Brandon Notch

---SOME ONE ASKED ME ABOUT TATTOO INK .... AND I KNOW THAT IT WAS A GOOD QUESTION. SO CHECK OUT THIS LINK .IT WILL HAVE ALL THE INFO YOU WOULD EVER NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TATTOO INK..... CHECK IT ALL OUT-GOOD STUFFFFFFFFFFF.....TATTOO INK!!

***WHAT TO ASK AND LOOK FOR WHEN SEARCHING FOR A NEW AND SAFE ARTIST/TATTOOIST.*** 1. DO THEY USE NEW NEEDLES 2. ASK IF THEY HAVE A BIO HAZARD ROOM AND A CLEAN ROOM THE BIO HAZARD ROOM IS WHERE THEY CLEAN THE TUBES.THEY SHOULD HAVE AN "ULTRA SONIC"MACHINE. IN THE CLEAN ROOM THEY SHOULD HAVE AN AUTO CLAVE. THE SHOP PERSONNEL SHOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO SHOW YOU. UNLESS THEY HAVE SOMETHING TO HIDE. A. ULTRASONIC MACHINE: ULTRASONICS IS THE APPLICATION OF MECHANICAL SOUND WAVES TO THE CLEANING PROCESS. THIS TYPE OF CLEANING HAS PROVEN TO BE THE MOST EFFORTLESS,QUICK AND EFFICIENT METHOD KNOWN TODAY. THE TRANSDUCERS VIBRATE AT A FREQUENCY OF 40KHz CREATING MILLIONS OF TINY BUBBLES THAT FORM AND IMPLODE. THIS REPEATED FORMATION AND IMPLOSION CREATES A GENTLE ACTION KNOWN AS CAVITATION. CAVITATION HAS THE ABILITY TO NOT ONLY CLEAN THE SURFACE OF ITEMS, BUT ALSO PENETRATE INTO THE DIFFICULT TO CLEAN INTERNAL AND CREVICE AREAS, WHICH PROVIDES THE ULTIMATE CLEANING. B. AUTOCLAVE MACHINE: THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT KINDS BUT A TRUE AUTOCLAVE IS THE COMBINATION OF HEAT, STEAM AND PRESSURE. IT TAKES ALL THREE TO KILL HEPATITIS ,TUBERCULOSIS,HIV AND OTHER BLOOD RELATED DISEASES. AN AUTOCLAVE IS AN ESSENTIAL MACHINE FOR A TATTOO SHOP FOR STERILIZING INSTRUMENTS.AN AUTOCLAVE MUST MAINTAIN A TEMPERATURE OF AT LEAST 246 DEGREES FOR 30 MINUTES IN ORDER TO FULLY STERILIZE THE EQUIPMENT. AUTOCLAVES NEED TO BE REGULARLY SPORE TESTED EVERY MONTH TO ENSURE THAT IT IS WORKING PROPERLY. SPORE TEST: THIS IS A TWO STEP PROCESS. A SPORE STRIP IS A SMALL PIECE OF FILTER PAPER MEASURING 1.0 INCH BY .25 INCH WIDE THAT IS IMPREGNATED WITH MILLIONS OF BACTERIAL SPORES. THE SPORE STRIP IS NORMALLY SEALED IN A SMALL BLUE GLASSINE ENVELOPE. A SECOND STRIP (CONTROL STRIP) DOESN'T GO INTO THE STERILIZER.IT IS FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE.THE CONTROL STRIP VERIFIES THAT THE SPORES THAT YOU PUT IN THE STERILIZER WERE VIABLE PRIOR TO STERILIZATION AND ALSO VERIFIES THAT THE TEST MEDIA AT THE LABORATORY SUPPORTS GROWTH. THE CONTROL TEST HELPS ENSURE THAT THE SPORES HAVEN'T BEEN EXPOSED TO ANY ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION DESTROY THEM. WHAT IS A SPORE: A BACTERIA THAT IS ENCLOSED IN A CAPSULE. WHEN A BACTERIA BREAKS OUT OF THE CAPSULE IS WHEN YOU CAN GET SICK. THE RESULTS SHOULD BE POSTED IN THE LOBBY ALONG WITH A CERTIFICATE AND A NUMBER TO CALL TO FIND OUT IF TEST WAS DONE AND CORRECT. IT IS THE LAW. 3. ASK THE TATTOOIST IF YOU CAN OBSERVE HIM/HER TATTOO WATCH HOW OFTEN THEY CHANGE THEIR GLOVES. THEY SHOULD CHANGE THEIR GLOVES EVERY TIME THEY TOUCH SOMETHING ON THEIR WORK STATION ( THE AREA WHERE THE INK,PAPER TOWELS,TOOLS AND ETC ARE KEPT). MAKE SURE THE TATTOOIST COVERS THE AREA ON THE CHAIR THAT MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH THE AREA THAT IS BEING TATTOOED.THEY SHOULD ALSO USE A HARD DISINFECTANT. THEY SHOULD CLEAN THE WHOLE CHAIR, JUST LIKE THE DOCTORS OFFICE. MADA CID 1/ OR MADA FD AND HB WIPES (GREEN TOP) ARE THE ONLY TWO DISINFECTANTS THAT WILL KILL HEPATITIS C,HIV,TUBERCULOSIS AND OTHER BLOOD RELATED DISEASES. 4. WHERE ARE THE SUPPLIES KEPT SUPPLIES SHOULD BE AT LEAST 5 FEET AWAY FROM THE TATTOO AREA, UNLESS KEPT IN A DRAWER AND/OR CABINET. SUPPLIES SHOULD NEVER BE ON THE FLOOR. ALL SUPPLIES SHOULD BE LABELED PROPERLY. ONCE IT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED THAT THE SHOP IS CLEAN AND SAFE IT IS TIME TO CHECK OUT THE ART WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A TATTOO 1. SMOOTH CLEAN LINE 2. CONSISTENT SHADING 3. SMOOTH COLOR TRANSFERS ( AS IF THEY ARE USING AN AIR BRUSH) 4. BLACK SHOULD BE NICE AND DARK 5. ART WORK SHOULD FLOW WITH THE BODY. 6. THE TATTOO SHOULD LOOK LIKE AN ART PIECE 7. DO BE AFRAID TO TALK TO THE ARTIST, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS TOO MANY QUESTIONS. IF THEY CAN'T ANSWER THEM MAYBE THEIR NOT THE RIGHT TATTOOIST. 8. TALK PRICE DISEASES ARE BEING PASSED THROUGH THE TATTOO INDUSTRY AND WILL CONTINUE UN LESS CLIENTS STAND UP AND STOP SUPPORTING DIRTY SHOPS. DON'T YOU DESERVE A CLEAN,HEALTHY AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT. TATTOOS ARE FOREVER SO GET A GOOD ONE AND KEEP THE ART ALIVE TAKE CARE,

Brandon Notch

Why I don't have sinks in the Tattoo Stations
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From a letter to the County of Los Angeles Department of Health Services:

1. Tattooing creates a five-foot radius micro spray. This micro spray would land in and around the sinks. These sinks harbor and breed bacteria as well as the surrounding areas, caulking is one example.

2. Moisture prolongs the life of hepatitis in addition to many other blood borne pathogens. Furthermore, when the sink is in use it will spread the micro spray further. This will endanger my clients and employees.

3. The reason that doctors' offices and clinics' have hand-washing sinks in each work area is that each area is a separate room. If they did not have a sink in each room they would have to pass through doors and risk cross contamination. Our sinks, which utilize a step flow system, are centrally located. With the current set up there are no doors or other cross contamination hazards that need to be passed through in order to access the pre existing sink.
For these reasons I will not place a sink at each tattoo station. It would simply cause more problems than it will solve. Sinks in the tattoo stations are a health risk.

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I Need To Say Thank You To My Clients/Friends.. My clients are the biggest influences in my work;they give me the skin and inspiration to create. Somethings you just can't do with paint on canvas.Like have your work out for every one to see, moving around to new eyes each day.Don't get me wrong, it is real important to work out some of the artistic frustration with paint on canvas, ink on paper, etc. It keeps your mind fresh and working so you can see what is out side the box. Thank You.. yOU rOCK!!!

Brandon

The POWER of ART holds true. Creating hope, faith, motivation, change and inspiration in ones life.

Artwork is changing lives and motivating the world around us. ART is life.. Let's tattoo the world with art. SACRED SAINT GALLERY Brandon Notch

Tattoo hourly rate is as follows:

I will do my part to keep America beautiful and keep people from getting bad tattoos. So...
Large work like sleeves, back pieces, etc. I will do day sitting of 4 - 4 1/2 hours for 300.00 each sitting. Because not only the Rich deserve a bad ass tattoo. PS: I love doing large work so much that I will get you in the chair and tattooed asap.
* $120.00 an hour. (price is said to be negotiable on Large work)
* $50.00 drawing fee/deposit that is included in to the tattoo fee.
* I quote you a price for smaller work, and I stick to my quoted price.
To set up a consultation please email me.
*I do not take appointments over the phone.**** As I will require a consultation with a 40$ min. deposit before I book a time and day (apt.)
*You will get nothing short of Top quality, Clean, Safe, Artistic
Tattooing by internationally recognized artist Brandon Notch (aka) Sacred Saint.

***Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a Tattoo.

...Support The Arts...

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 03:21:09 -0700

Sacred Saint -- Tattooist, Artist, Author and all around funny man; Brandon Notch is looking for a promoter/agent in the Los Angeles area. .

WITH YOUR HELP WE WILL TATTOO THE WORLD!.

Thanks, Brandon Notch

SACRED SAINT TATTOO AND ART GALLERY.

Support The Arts---

Become a Sponsor / Advertise on this website --- Sponsorship Web advertising gives you the unique ability to target a specific market with your service or product. By contacting me, you can receive a detailed breakdown of the traffic this site receives, as well as a list of testimonials from our regular clients who patronize the services and products offered here.

---Tattoo and Art Communities in Los Angeles California are a prime target market for a wide array of advertising...For a small donation you'll be helping support an already acclaimed Internationally recognized artist Brandon Notch along with the art community at large. Keep checking back to see the developments your support generates as they dynamically are updated on this website.

PAYPAL---Paypal is the safer, easier way to pay.

Why use PayPal?

- Use your credit card online without exposing your card number to merchants. - Speed through checkout. No need to enter your card number or address. Want to PAY for a tattoo session, artwork or donation? Want to use a CREDIT CARD? Use Paypal! Don't have a PayPal account? Use your credit card or bank account WITH OUT having to log in or have a paypal account. SOOOOO... Use Paypal..

PayPal securely processes payments for Sacred Saint Studios inc.. You can finish paying in a few clicks. Enter the donation amount below in US dollars.

--Click the BUY NOW button for Art Donation Subscriptions $3.00 USD for each month. You can cancel anytime for any reason.

--Enter the amount below in US dollars and Click the BUY NOW button for a one time donation/artist fundraising event.

Check Our Sponsors Websites!!
BJ Winslow - Prop Rentals And Fabrication

Dapper Cadaver is a specialty store for the finest death related props.

Casualty Simulation is to provide the most realistic props available anywhere.

National Motor Vehicle License Organization web site - offering a free searchable database of over 121 million U.S. driver's license photos.

Humans have marked their bodies with tattoos for thousands of years. These permanent designs—sometimes plain, sometimes elaborate, always personal—have served as amulets, status symbols, declarations of love, signs of religious beliefs, adornments and even forms of punishment. Joann Fletcher, research fellow in the department of archaeology at the University of York in Britain, describes the history of tattoos and their cultural significance to people around the world, from the famous " Iceman," a 5,200-year-old frozen mummy, to today’s Maori. Read more:

Tattoo Designs Search Engine

Zombie Joe's Underground Theatre Group*Z.J.U*

Pig Tattoos.. Yes Live Tattooed Pigs.

Exchange Links - Click here to Email me for Banner Exchange Sacred Saint Skin And Art Gallery Los Angeles CA USA Click here to get the banner codes to exchange links with Sacred Saint.com, WordofNotch.com, LaTattooArtist.com, SacredSaintGallery.com and ChatTattoo.com

Check Out More Links!!!

Tattoo After Care

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:17:08 -0700

Taking Care of Your Tattoo

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- Leave bandage on for 4 - 6 hours.

- After removal of bandage, wash area with warm water and mild antibacterial soap.

-Wash tattoo 2 times a day.

-Keep tattoo moist with triple antibiotic ointment. DO NOT CAKE ON, apply a small amount and rub it in. 4-5 TIMES A DAY.

DO NOT TOUCH or apply ointment to your tattoo with unclean hands.

DO NOT REBANDAGE the tattoo and do not allow tattoo to dry out.

DO NOT PICK AT SCABS! (Slap 'em - don't scratch 'em)

DO NOT sauna, sunbathe, or soak in water for 2 weeks.

You are responsible for the care of your tattoo after you leave the studio.

Happy Tattooing!!! TOP NOTCH TATTOOS BY BRANDON NOTCH SACRED SAINT STUDIOS LA. CA.

Animation, Games, Interative Hidden Treats

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:13:04 -0700

Sacred Saint Tattoo The Art Of Brandon Notch

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:12:58 -0700

Skin Art Videos

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:09:24 -0700

Contact Me (Consultation, Appointment, Questions)

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:16:18 -0700

Photos-Unique Custom Artwork/Tattoos

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 05:05:05 -0700

Top Notch Tattoos By Brandon Notch aka:Sacred Saint (Check out the new art website -Sacred Saint Gallery)

Keep Checking Back I'm Working As Fast As I Can To Up Load All The New Tattoo Photos. ***New Photos Every Week***

*** Sacred Saint Skin And Art Gallery *** Los Angeles CA Artist Brandon Notch | Sacred Saint Tattoo Los Angeles CA | Artist Brandon Notch aka(Sacred Saint)