"This process was used in _Cape Fear_ on Robert de Niro, _Once Were Warriors_, and currently on Sean Penn at the end of _Dead Man Walking_. Also see Bruce Willis' Head in _The 12 Monkeys_. It was invented by Dr. S. Zuckerman for the film _Tattoo_ (Bruce Dern/Maude Adams in 1981.

"Often we are asked to create at temporary tattoo for someone who wants to 'test drive a tattoo,' so they can decide on position, color, before deciding what and where.

"Temptu primarily develops semi-permanent body art. Current interests include working on a 'safe' and legal line of tattoo inks, airbrush body art, and Indian Me-handi (henna). I work closely with the New York Body Archive, a strange and wonderful place!"

Roy adds one of comment: "I'm frequently asked about the six-month tattoo you mention in FAQ. East Coast people say it's available in California. But this is bullshrt. No such animal!"

B) For some, the easiest thing to do is to simply draw on the skin with a non-toxic marker. In fact, many people who already have tattoos do this to figure out placement and design. If you want it to wash off right away, use something temporary. Crayola's washable markers work well. I you wanna see if you can live with a design for a couple of days, try a permanent marker such as the Sharpies. They come in basic colors.

C) MEHENDI: In some countries such as India, brides are covered from head to toe with intricate bridalwear (including the face). To try to show off as much of what skin they can show, they paint their hands and forearms with something called henna. Henna, when applied correctly, stains the skin and can last several weeks. Mehendi has become popular with the mainstream, with a number of mehendi tattoo shops cropping up in some cities such as Berkeley and Los Angeles.

Part of the process of getting a tattoo is coming to terms with its permanency. It's like losing your virginity. You lose it once, and you can't get it back. You can neck and make out, but it's not intercourse. If you're afraid of losing your virginity, you have to come to terms with THAT before you can have sex.