Skill: ivangdavila/tattoo (version 1.0.0)

--- name: Tattoo slug: tattoo description: Plan, research, and prepare for tattoos with artist discovery, design exploration, cultural research, and aftercare guidance. --- ## Before Any Tattoo Decision 1. **Clarify intent** — First tattoo anxiety? Meaningful piece? Adding to collection? Approach differs drastically 2. **Research the symbol** — Check cultural origins, closed vs. open practices, regional variations 3. **Find healed work** — Fresh photos lie. Always ask artists for healed examples (6+ months) ## Artist Discovery **Red flags to check:** - Inconsistent line weights across portfolio - Only fresh photos, no healed work - "Yes" artists who agree to everything (best artists push back) - No clear style specialty (does everything = masters nothing) **Vetting questions:** - "Can I see healed examples of [style I want]?" - "What would you change about my reference?" - "Do touch-ups cost extra?" ## Design & Placement **Aging considerations:** - High-fade areas: inner bicep, ribs, feet, hands, fingers - Fine lines blur faster than bold traditional - Small details disappear — minimum size depends on complexity **Placement decisions:** - First tattoo: start less visible (upper arm, thigh) unless certain - Consider movement/muscle — design may distort - Check how it looks from YOUR angle vs. others' view ## Cultural Sensitivity Before using symbols from other cultures: 1. Research origin — sacred? earned? decorative? 2. Distinguish closed (requires lineage/initiation) vs. open practices 3. When uncertain, consult cultural organizations, not just Google 4. Find alternatives from your own heritage with similar aesthetics For detailed cultural research frameworks, see `cultural-research.md`. ## Preparation Checklist **24-48h before:** - [ ] Hydrate well (improves skin quality) - [ ] No alcohol (thins blood) - [ ] Good sleep (pain tolerance drops when tired) - [ ] Eat a proper meal before session **Bring to appointment:** - [ ] Snacks (glucose for longer sessions) - [ ] Water - [ ] Comfortable clothing (access to area + warmth) - [ ] Entertainment (headphones, downloaded content) ## Aftercare Essentials **Days 1-3:** Keep wrapped per artist instructions, wash gently, thin moisturizer **Days 4-14:** Peeling is normal — DO NOT SCRATCH. Keep moisturized. **Weeks 2-4:** No swimming, no direct sun, no gym (sweat irritates) **After healing:** Sunscreen forever on tattooed skin For session-by-session healing timeline, see `aftercare.md`. ## Price Expectations Factors: artist experience, style complexity, size, location (city), shop overhead **Rough ranges (US/EU cities):** - Small simple: €80-200 - Medium detailed: €200-500 - Large/complex: €500-2000+ - Full sleeve: €2000-8000+ (multiple sessions) Always clarify: deposit policy, touch-up inclusion, hourly vs. flat rate

path: aftercare.md
content: # Tattoo Aftercare Timeline

## Immediate (Hours 1-6)

- **Keep wrapped** as instructed by artist (2-6 hours typically)
- **First wash:** Lukewarm water, fragrance-free soap, pat dry
- Apply thin layer of recommended ointment (Aquaphor, Hustle Butter, etc.)
- Wrap overnight if instructed (some artists prefer open air)

## Days 1-3: Fresh Wound Phase

**What's normal:**
- Redness and swelling
- Ink/plasma weeping (may stain sheets)
- Feels warm to touch
- Tenderness

**Do:**
- Wash 2-3x daily with clean hands
- Apply thin moisturizer after washing
- Wear loose, breathable clothing over area
- Sleep on clean sheets (change often)

**Don't:**
- Submerge in water (no baths, pools, ocean)
- Touch with dirty hands
- Let pets near the area
- Cover with tight bandages after initial wrap

## Days 4-14: Peeling Phase

**What's normal:**
- Flaking and peeling (like sunburn)
- Itching (this is healing, not infection)
- Colors look dull under dead skin
- Scabbing in heavily saturated areas

**Critical rule: DO NOT SCRATCH OR PICK**

**Do:**
- Continue gentle moisturizing
- Let flakes fall naturally
- Wear loose clothing
- Distract from itching (light slapping helps some people)

**Don't:**
- Pick scabs (pulls out ink, causes scarring)
- Over-moisturize (skin needs to breathe)
- Work out heavily (sweat irritates)
- Expose to direct sunlight

## Weeks 2-4: Settling Phase

**What's normal:**
- Colors brighten as skin heals
- Slight cloudiness that clears
- Texture returning to normal
- Occasional mild itching

**Do:**
- Resume normal washing routine
- Start using regular lotion
- Gentle exercise okay (wipe sweat immediately)
- Begin SPF protection when outside

**Don't:**
- Direct sun exposure (major fading risk)
- Swimming in pools/ocean (risk extends 4-6 weeks)
- Assume healing is complete (deep layers still recovering)

## Month 1+: Long-term Care

**Healed doesn't mean done:**
- Full healing takes 2-4 months (deeper layers)
- Colors and lines settle into final form
- Touch-ups typically done after 4-6 weeks minimum

**Forever care:**
- Sunscreen on tattooed skin (SPF 30+ minimum)
- Moisturize regularly to maintain vibrancy
- Expect some fading over years (normal)
- Touch-ups every 5-10 years for maintained look

## Warning Signs (See Doctor)

- **Red streaks** spreading from tattoo
- **Fever** or flu-like symptoms
- **Pus** (yellow/green discharge, not clear plasma)
- **Extreme swelling** that increases after day 2-3
- **Severe pain** that worsens instead of improving
- **Rash** extending beyond tattoo boundaries

These could indicate infection or allergic reaction. Don't wait — seek medical attention.

## Session Recovery (Large Pieces)

For 4+ hour sessions:

**Immediately after:**
- Drink water, eat something sugary
- Body may feel fatigued (adrenaline crash)
- Take it easy rest of day

**Following days:**
- More swelling than small tattoos
- Longer peeling phase
- May need to baby the area more carefully
- Plan lighter schedule for 2-3 days post-session


path: cultural-research.md
content: # Cultural Research Framework for Tattoos

## Research Checklist

Before committing to any symbol from another culture:

### 1. Origin Research
- [ ] Trace symbol through primary sources (academic papers, museum collections)
- [ ] Identify regional variations (same symbol differs across cultures)
- [ ] Understand historical evolution (meanings shift over centuries)
- [ ] Cross-reference multiple sources (flag contradictions)

### 2. Sacred vs. Decorative Assessment

**Closed practices (require lineage/initiation):**
- Māori ta moko — earned through whakapapa (genealogy)
- Indigenous American sacred symbols — tribe-specific permissions
- Hindu religious marks — caste/spiritual significance
- Buddhist sacred geometry — some requires monk blessing

**More accessible (but still research):**
- General Polynesian patterns (not ta moko specifically)
- Japanese traditional motifs (when not mixing sacred elements)
- Celtic knotwork (open tradition)
- Many floral/nature symbols

### 3. Questions to Answer

1. Is this symbol earned/given or freely used in its origin culture?
2. Would someone from that culture be offended seeing this on an outsider?
3. Are there similar aesthetics from my own heritage?
4. Can I explain the meaning and origin if asked?
5. Have I consulted actual cultural sources (not just Pinterest)?

## Finding Alternatives

If you love an aesthetic but shouldn't use it:

1. **Identify what attracts you** — the geometry? line weight? subject matter?
2. **Research your own heritage** — find visual traditions from your background
3. **Look for universal symbols** — nature, astronomy, mathematics
4. **Commission original work** — artist creates new design inspired by (not copying) tradition

## Red Flags in "Traditional" Designs

- Pinterest/Tumblr sourced with no attribution
- "Tribal" without specific cultural identification
- Sacred symbols mixed with unrelated elements
- Claims of "ancient meaning" without sources
- Gang or hate symbols disguised as cultural art

## Resources for Verification

- Museum collections (Met, British Museum, Smithsonian)
- Academic databases (JSTOR for cultural studies)
- Cultural organization websites (tribal councils, heritage foundations)
- Artist communities from that culture (not outsider interpretations)


Security scan verdicts — ClawScan: clean | static analysis: clean | VirusTotal: clean | SkillSpector: clean (LOW)