Neck Tattoo

Question:
My brother who is moderatly peirced has helped me greatly in learning what I need to know before I go under the needle for the first time, however there are two terms that continue to pop up in teh magazines that I have been looking at that Michael does not know what they mean. 1. What is a scratcher 2. What is blackwork(I think thats the word, is is usally used when people talk about scratchers), how do you know if the person that is doing the work is either. In addition I would like to hear from(either publically or privately) any professional women who have tatoos. I would like to know what the reaction has been to them etc. Do they find it hard to be painted int eh workplace etc. Has having a tattoo ever caused you any problems at work or in a working sistuation( for example a client meeting). Welcome any advise.

Answer:
- An unprofessional, improperly trained amateur whose work is more likened to "scratches" on the skin than real tattoos. Two major concerns include lack of sanitation, and poor quality. Tribal-inspired designs that are primarily geometric patterns, and are normally black (although other colors, such as red, are sometimes used). George Clooney's character in the new _From Dusk Till [sic] Dawn_ movie sports a Leo Zulueta-styled blackwork piece extending up the left side of his neck. - A scratcher is someone who, after looking at their victims, you just *know* hasn't gone through respectable channels to become a tattoo artist. They either didn't apprentice, didn't do so for long enough or just don't care enough to be good. At a recent science fiction convention (Rustycon in Seattle, where there was a live tattooing demo) I saw someone who was going to have a coverup. The tattoo he was currently sporting looked like it had been pathetic even when it was new. I immediately thought "Ah, scratcher work." I'm not entirely sure where artist responsibility stops and customer demands start "I *said* I want it _just like that_!" so I tend to, rather unfairly, blame the artist more than the inked person unless the customer is thrilled. I thought blackwork referred to tattoos done in black ink, like the majority of popular tribal work. I recently worked in an office downtown for a few months and the big reaction to my tattoo was "Oh, wow!" Of course, that was only when I was wearing sleeveless blouses, so I'd say placement of the tattoo is rather crucial to how people will react to it.