The machine that injects ink into a person's skin looks and sounds a lot like a dental drill.

Tattoo artists must possess artistic talent and skill.

The ink is actually added to the cells of the dermis, which are far more stable than the cells of the epidermis.

Reusable materials, such as the needle bar, should be sterilized before every use.

The entire work area, the client's skin and anything else that comes into contact with the client or the needle should be disinfected or sterilized.

These existing designs are usually referred to as "flash." A client can choose from flash or request an a customized design.

Also known as black work, a tattoo artist first creates an outline using a single-tipped needle and thin ink.

The area where color has lifted out during healing or the artist missed a section of skin is called a holiday.

Some bleeding always occurs during tattooing, but most stops within a few minutes.

Since tattoos involve needles and blood, they carry several health risks -- including infection and transmission of disease. Proper sterilization procedures greatly reduce these risks.