Body Art
Famous Works of Art as Tattoos
Jan 20th
Many tattoo artists have a reputation for being slightly more creative than most people, and being able to visualise things that others would have difficulty with. It could be called thinking out of the box, though in some cases the box doesn’t even picture, the thought process is that creative! But it is this kind of inspired genius that can lead to some incredible artwork being produced on let’s face it, what is not the easiest canvas to work with. Many of the world’s iconic art masterpieces were created by inspired genius’ that also suffered from a touch of madness, whether that was in the form of depression or other mental illness, but however they managed to produce their works they left behind an artistic legacy that is inspiring a new genre of artists, tattoo artists. Their life’s work will now live on in new and interesting ways through body art. Artistic Praise They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery. No matter what the original artistic masters were thinking when they created their master pieces, they could never have believed that it would be replicated as body art on generations of colourful individuals, hundreds of years down the line. Artist works by Alfred Gockel (View Through A Window), Salvador Dali’s ‘Melting Clocks’ and ‘Elephants’ and Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ have all been successfully replicated on skin. Van Gogh’s style of painting lends itself well to tattooing as it is not about fluid lines and picture perfection. Dali’s work is popular more because of its quirkiness and obscure subject matter than the style of painting. Other artists whose work has made the transition include Wassily Kandinsky, Pablo Picasso, Rene Magritte and the old masters, Rafael and Michelangelo. Pablo Picassos ‘Peace Dove’ is incredibly popular by people looking for a small yet poignant statement piece to wear. Statement Piece Though an ancient and long standing masterpiece represented in a tattoo may be seen by some as pretentious, in reality is there anything more suitable as a choice than such fabulous artwork as a statement piece? Everyone looks for originality in the search for their own individuality, but the replication of an old master on your body shows a deeper appreciation of art in all its forms. By choosing a piece that moves the heart, stimulates the mind or raises a smile you are giving yourself something more meaningful than a design selected from a chart on the wall in a tattoo parlour. Some tattoo artists may consider it an honour to replicate a classic piece of art work for you; others may ask if they can give it their own distinctive and artistic twist. You may find that your new masterpiece tattoo attracts a lot of public attention; after all it shows people just how truly talented tattoo artists are in being able to recreate something so beautiful, distinctive and easily recognisable, regarded by many as one of the finest masterpieces in the world.
The full story can be read/found on Body Art Fun
History of Henna Tattoos
Jan 16th
Used as a form of expression for centuries, man has tattooed his skin to signify life changing transitions, status and wealth and of course has used ink of many types to make a strike for individualism. Originally it was plant dyes that were used and above all of the products that were used there were two that rose to the fore as being excellent as skin staining pigmentations, one was indigo and the other Henna. Henna Derived from the plant Lawsonia Inermia henna is commonly found in regions of North Africa, Egypt, areas of the Middle East and of course India. The leaves of the plant are dried and ground up then mixed with carrier oil or binding agent to make excellent dyes in shades that vary from pale woody browns to the deepest, richest reds. Over the centuries a variety of uses have been found for henna. It has been found to be an excellent hair dye, nail tint, mild astringent and even has a use as a sedative. However it is better known for its prolific use in body art around the world. History Evidence of henna tattooing has been found to date back more than five thousand years. Henna tattooing was a practice that was thoroughly embraced by the ancient Egyptians. Having gained a reputation throughout history as being quite a vain culture, they found ways of using henna to enhance their natural features to make themselves more attractive. It was used to alter their hair colour, stain the skin and nails and mixed with other pigments to form designs for the body. Different Cultures The process of receiving a henna tattoo is believed to have spiritual significance, connecting the body with the soul and the universal energies that surround it. For the Indian Bride however the process of receiving her henna tattoo’s or Mehndi show that she is to be idolised and revered. Once they are in place she is not permitted to take part in any work until the designs have disappeared from her skin. In the poorer countries of the world henna was and is still used as a safe and inexpensive method of body adornment. Again in the Middle East it is brides who receive the delicate henna work on their skin and countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq consider the application of henna to provide good luck to its wearer. Pregnant women in Morocco have henna designs pained around their ankles as forms of protection, with families having their own sacred designs that are passed down through the generations. The henna designs that are seen in Africa are more geometrical that designs seen elsewhere, nothing like the flowing ornate designs used in other cultures. Though Celtic designs are quite complicated with intricate knot work they too can be perfected by a henna professional, and look stunning when completed. Modern artists draw on cultures from all over the world to provide the perfect henna tattoo for their clients adding a subtle twist of their own to make their designs truly unique.
The full story can be read/found on Body Art Fun
How to Become a Tattoo Artist
Dec 26th
A future in body art is not something that any school or college career officer will actively promote. It can therefore be difficult to find the information needed in order to get yourself on the right career path. Qualifications Tattoo artist training is usually done via an apprenticeship which can last for around 2 to 3 years. This means that you will need approach some artists directly, and ask them if they are willing to take on an apprentice. To gain an apprentice position a potential employer will need to see proof that you have some creative ability, so have a portfolio of design work available to show. Artists come from all kinds of backgrounds so any artistic experience would be good, whether it is in the form of graphic novel design or another genre. Once in a position you will be expected to supply your own equipment and sterilising kit, some businesses may pay you whilst you are with them, others may not. Over the course of the apprenticeship you will gain the knowledge, skills and experience that will allow you to work unsupervised. When you reach the end of your time as an apprentice a license to practice will need to be obtained from your local council. A license will not be granted unless you have proven experience of working in the tattoo business, which is why a good apprenticeship is important. If you are found to be working without a license you are liable to prosecution and will incur a substantial penalty. And the end of your apprenticeship you should be confident to work on simple designs progressing onto the more complicated patterns as you gain experience. Many professionals agree that an artist is considered truly qualified after five years of full time work experience. Skills Required Tattooing is a very specialised job and you should show that you have the following skills and personality traits: creative flair and a talent for design; an interest and understanding of alternative cultures and lifestyles; good communication skills; an eye for detail and most of all a steady hand. Responsibilities You should be prepared to take responsibility for the cleanliness and sterilisation of all tools and equipment, whilst being up to date on all health and safety issues relating to the industry. Keeping abreast of the latest trends and influences in tattoo design and using any spare time to design your own work is advantageous. You will also be interacting with clients and suppliers so a professional image is important. Salary The majority of tattoo artists are self employed and income can vary as it dependant on the amount of trade that passes through the doors. Whilst a trainee tattoo artist may start on approx £12,000 a year an experienced artist can expect to earn anywhere between £18,000 and £30,000 a year. An artist that owns his own business and employs other artists has the ability to earn over £50,000, by renting out space to other tattoo artists.
The full story can be read/found on Body Art Fun
The Significance of Henna: More than Just a Short-Term Relationship
Dec 9th
Many people today look at henna tattoos as nothing more than an alternative to a permanent tattoo; they are one of those, “next best things.” They are fun to get, but you don’t have to be committed to it for the rest of your life and there’s also no blood involved, which is definitely a plus for some. What most people do not know, is that henna is actually a sacred ritual for cultures in India, and it has an extremely deep and personal meaning. Henna is not new, though many think it is, and its significance is more than you could ever imagine. Next time you get a henna tattoo, you will know exactly what you are getting; an ancient custom and a healthy dose of history. The Beginning The application of henna is called “Mehendi” in India and other parts of the Asian subcontinent. The Mughals introduced the idea in the 12 th century A.D. At that time, the rich were the only ones with access to it, and they used it as a form of makeup. They decorated themselves with extremely intricate designs, and artists were often called to apply it. Henna was also used in Egypt to stain the hands and feet of pharaohs before they were mummified. The belief was that forms of body art would ensure that they were recognized in the afterlife. The origins of henna can only be traced back so far, because travelers would take it from place to place, spreading the practice everywhere they went. Significance Today Henna is still widely done all over India today, and is a crucial part of any Indian wedding. Years ago (and often still practiced in some parts of India today), the bride and groom would never meet or even see each other before their marriage. When the bride was brought to the groom for the wedding ceremony, her face was covered. This meant that the only things exposed were her arms, hands, and feet. Of course, this meant that they had to be beautiful, so henna was applied; the more intricate and detailed the design, the better. In India, even today, weddings are extremely extravagant and the bride especially is adorned with anything and everything to make her look even more beautiful; there is no such thing as too much. The wedding henna is the main part of the bride’s preparation for the wedding, and the process can take hours. The henna is applied from her elbows (and sometimes even higher up the arm) to her fingertips, and from the middle of the calf to her toes. Because henna is also used for healing, the ritual is seen as a sort of blessing for the bride as well as she leaves her home and begins her new life. Depending on the traditions and beliefs of each family, the henna on the bride’s hands can also be blessings for health, happiness (specifically in marriage), spirituality, and fertility.
The full story can be read/found on Body Art Fun
Barbie Visits the Tattoo Parlour
Dec 2nd
If you were ever a fan of Barbie when you were a kid it’s likely that you’ve seen her go through many transitions over the years. She’s been a teacher, a princess, a doctor and even an astronaut – all things that a parent would be happy with seeing their child grow into you may think. This is why the latest Barbie has sparked quite a bit of controversy, not just with fans of the doll but with parents too – the latest Barbie is tattooed! Tokidoki Barbie A few years ago Mattel – the creators of Barbie – released a version of the doll that came with removable stickers called ‘Totally Stylin’ Tattoos Barbie’. The manufacturers received a lot of praise for this doll and due to its popularity it’s hardly surprising that Tokidoki Barbie – our tattooed friend – is the latest creation by the brand. Designed by Simone Legno, Tokidoki has a tattoo on her arm and further body art on her chest. Punk Princess Alongside the tattoos, Tokidoki Barbie also has bright pink hair and she is wearing a black sweater with a cute skull and crossbones design (the skull has been replaced by a heart). Tokidoki also wears leopard skin leggings and a cute little mini skirt – she really is a punk princess and is set to be a big hit with kids around the world, or she would be if they were able to obtain one. Controversy The media has recently suggested that parents of Barbie fans are outraged by the new Barbie design, however we fail to see why they are so uptight over it. Many are… wait for it… saying that Barbie will have a negative impact on the mind of a child and many are concerned that children will start to tattoo themselves. We think this is a bit of an over the top reaction and as usual, people will come together to back a cause that probably doesn’t even apply to them. Limited Edition Whether it’s due to the controversy surrounding Tokidoki or whether it was Mattel’s plan all along, the Tokidoki Barbie is only being released via the internet. Mattel claim that the doll is purely for adult collectors and there will only be 7400 dolls released. So, unless your kids know where to find Tokidoki online you needn’t worry about them forking out for a DIY tattoo kit just yet – she won’t be on the local shelves in Wal-Mart or anything! Like we said above, this is not the first time that Mattel have released a tattooed Barbie so we are quite surprised by the controversy. Aside from the tattoo it yourself Barbie that we mentioned above, Mattel also released a Harley Davidson Barbie back in 2008 which has a large pair of wings adorned on her back – we didn’t hear people getting angry then unless we just weren’t listening. We think the new Tokidoki Barbie is pretty cool if you like that sort of thing, and definitely not worth protesting over. What do you think?
The full story can be read/found on Body Art Fun
Getting a Tattoo – Cross Designs
Oct 14th
When you decide to get a tattoo, the possibilities are endless. Depending on personal preference, you may want words, designs or even pictures but only you can decide. A popular choice because of its versatility is the cross. Cross designs can be any size or colour and can be tattooed pretty much wherever you want. There are thousands of cross designs out there to choose from and here we explore just a few of them. Celtic Cross Designs Because of its intriguing Celtic knots, the Celtic cross is an extremely fashionable choice. The standard cross has a circle around its middle which is embellished with Celtic knots for a striking design. You can choose to have the cross tattooed in many different colours and it’s a popular choice for an armband tattoo. Christian Cross Tattoo Religious people might use the cross design to symbolise their faith as the cross is a strong symbol within the Christian faith. The Latin cross is a common design which consists of a vertical link that represents the divine and a horizontal line that represents the world. Where these two lines cross in the middle shows the union of the two. These crosses can be any size but a lot of people opt for a subtle, small design on their wrist or arm. If you choose to have a crucifix tattooed on your body (a depiction of Jesus Christ on a wooden cross), this is a very strong religious symbol. Gothic Cross Tattoos Although Gothicism isn’t recognised as an actual religion, a lot of Gothic fans like to sport religious symbols, especially the Catholic cross. The Gothic cross is generally a very intricate design commonly consisting of barbed wire or knives. The design is typically done using a very dark ink so that the finished result looks like it’s made out of iron. The inspiration behind many Gothic cross designs stems from Germanic influences. Choosing a Cross Design Above are just a few designs that you could choose from if you are considering getting a cross tattoo. As with any other tattoo design, it’s always wise to fully understand the meanings behind these designs and what they represent. Crosses hold special meaning for a lot of people so it’s important to remember that some may be offended by your tattoos. This is not a reason to avoid getting a tattoo, but if you would rather avoid such situations, it’s best to get your design somewhere not immediately obvious to passers-by. It’s also worth remembering that tattoos are a lifelong choice. Yes, you can opt to have them removed but this can be time consuming and sometimes expensive. It’s far better to choose something you are absolutely certain about. You may also find that tattoos can be a complication in daily life, for example in applying for jobs. Some employers have strict rules about body art so if this might affect you in the future, make sure your designs are easy to cover up.
The full story can be read/found on Body Art Fun
Choosing a Tribal Tattoo Design
Oct 10th
The adjective ‘tribal’ is of or pertaining to anything to do with tribes – their cultures, traditions and religious beliefs. Because there are so many tribes in the world, tribal tattoo designs are becoming more and more popular because of the choice available. Tribal art is extremely creative and beautiful and you will find infinite inspiration when you start exploring the possibilities. Let’s have a look at the origins of these tattoos and what the designs are like today. The Origins Within tribes, the tattoo is traditionally used as a symbol of identity, religion or spiritual beliefs. Some tribes even use tattoos for protection so that they can easily camouflage themselves in the woods. Some typical tribes that most of today’s tribal tattoos are inspired by are Aztec, Samoan, Egyptian, Hawaiian, Indian, Maori, Indonesian and Polynesian. The word ‘tattoo’ actually derives from the Polynesian word ‘tatau’. In Polynesian tribes, tattoos were used as a form of language and all people within the tribes would be tattooed with symbols often inspired by animals. In Borneo, Indonesia, the tribes use tattoos to represent the proof of protection and achievement. Borneo tribes typically use flowers, scorpions, spirals, dragons and dogs to create these designs using bold colours with simple designs. The Maori tribe in New Zealand often uses facial tattoos which represent inner strength. This stems from an ancient Maori belief that when a person dies, a light shines through them and projects their true self using these designs. In the Indian tribe ‘Haida’, they also used animals to inspire their tattoos. Certain animals represent particular character traits within the tribe and the tattoo a tribe member possesses indicates that they possess the strength of that animal. Tribal Tattoos in Modern Times Over time, tribal tattoos have become an extremely popular choice for body art fans. As a result, a lot of the original meanings and purposes of these tattoos have been lost and more individual, modern designs have taken over. The basic styles and designs used in traditional tribal body art have been incorporated into tattoo designs over the years to create some truly stunning effects. Modern tribal tattoos often feature images such as fairies, angels, Chinese symbols, stars etc. The typical style of a tribal tattoo is thick, black lines creating the overall image which means that tribal tattoos can be more difficult to remove so they should be chosen very carefully. Do some research into the various tribal designs available and make sure you are certain about the origins and meanings behind your choice. Belated research could result in expensive and prolonged removal sessions! Tribal tattoos are popular because there is so much choice available. You don’t have to stick to the original design. If you wish, you can work with your tattoo artist to create a unique style based on an original tribal design. The design can be as simple or as complex as you wish but bear in mind that the more complex designs will take much longer to complete and may well be more painful.
The full story can be read/found on Body Art Fun
Choosing a Tattoo Design
Sep 30th
If you’ve made the decision to get a tattoo, you’ll understand what a commitment it is. Although tattoo removal is possible, it can be a lengthy treatment and if you’re choosing to get tattooed, you should only do it if you plan on keeping the design forever. Here are a few things you should consider when choosing a design for your tattoo. Why? Most people have a reason for getting inked. But you really must make sure that your reason is good enough. For example, are you doing it because it’s the current ‘thing to do’? If so, that might not be the best inspiration for some fine body art. Whatever your reasons, make sure they are solid and will stand the test of time. What? Be sure to nail exactly what it is you want to convey with your tattoo. If you choose something faddy, that fad will fade and you’ll be left with something old fashioned or meaningless. It’s always best to go for timeless designs. This is also the best way to ensure you won’t be just another in the huge crowd of people with exactly the same design. Where? It’s best to be absolutely sure where you would like to have your tattoo. It’s advisable to consider all facets of your life if you’re choosing to be tattooed somewhere visible. For example, if you work in an office and want a full sleeve, will your employers be happy with you unveiling your tattoos on summer’s days? And even if your current employer has no problem with tattoos, what about your future career? Wherever you end up settling on, make sure it’s somewhere that won’t affect your life negatively in any way or you can quickly come to resent the design. What (again)? Are you absolutely certain what your design means? If you’re using foreign symbols (Chinese symbols for example), be certain of the translation before committing. Similarly, if your design has a cultural meaning, be absolutely certain what it is before going ahead. Offending people from the very culture you respect is sure to be something you want to avoid. When? Do you absolutely have to have the tattoo right now? If not, you have the time on your side to really think about your design and be sure about it before you go ahead. And considering that a tattoo is a life-long commitment, surely it deserves some serious thinking time. How? You have plenty of options with tattooing and not all of them are permanent. There are henna tattoos which are very temporary and can offer you a testing period for various designs. There are also semi-permanent tattoos which can fade over time – usually after a few years. The bottom line with any tattoo is research. As long as you truly know what you want and how you want it, chances are you’ll be very happy with your ink and display it proudly for the rest of your life. It’s crucial to choose a design that you’ll love forever so enjoy researching your options, asking your friends, searching online and just generally reviewing your many options.
The full story can be read/found on Body Art Fun
Thinking about getting Inked for the First Time?
Sep 26th
If you’re thinking about getting your first tattoo, chances are you have a lot of questions. Where should I go? Which design should I use? Is it safe? Here’s a list of common questions for the tattoo newbie and some straightforward answers that should put your mind at ease. Are Tattoos Safe? Perfectly so. As long as you make good decisions based on firm research, your safety should not be compromised in any way by getting a tattoo. There are laws regarding tattooing in every country, especially when it comes to age of consent, health inspections and general licenses to practise tattooing. Make sure you know plenty about these laws before proceeding. Does it Hurt? Well to be quite frank, tattooing is being stabbed by a tiny needle over and over and over… etc. So yes, it’s going to hurt a bit but how much really depends on your personal pain threshold. It’s also not uncommon to bleed a little during tattooing so don’t be alarmed if you do. What are the Risks? As mentioned, providing you’ve done your research, the risks should be non-existent. As long as the tattoo artist is vigilant in sterilising all of their tools, you will be safe. However, if the artist doesn’t pay enough attention to cleanliness, you are at risk of contracting all sorts of diseases, so it’s worth double checking. If you have sensitive skin, you might have an allergic reaction to the ink in the tattoo. If you’re concerned, tell the tattoo artist beforehand so they’re aware of your delicate skin. So as long as you are careful, there should be no risks whatsoever. How Should I Choose a Tattoo Artist? If you have friends with tattoos, ask them who they have used and who they like. Don’t be afraid to ask people you don’t know. If you spot a particularly attractive piece of body art, they’ll probably be flattered that you asked! A great tattoo artist will take the time to talk with you and work out exactly what you want. He or she will sketch designs for you and get your full agreement before going ahead. Can I Get the Tattoo Removed? Tattoos should really be treated as a lifelong decision. It is possible to have them removed but it can take a while, not to mention a lot of money. Laser tattoo removal involves breaking the ink down into tiny molecules so that they can be absorbed into the blood stream over time. Laser tattoo removal can be quite painful, but less so than the actual tattoo itself. Laser removal is far preferable to surgical procedures as there is no risk of infection and it involves a lot less pain. The skin surrounding the tattoo is more likely to return to its previous state whereas surgical removal can leave the skin damaged. For this reason, it’s always wise to be absolutely sure before having a tattoo. There are more temporary options so why not try something out for a while before committing?
The full story can be read/found on Body Art Fun
Controversial Ink Ban by Phoenix Police Department
Sep 12th
Police officers in Phoenix, Arizona have been asked to keep their tattoos covered up when in uniform. Any members of the 1,187 strong patrol force will now be required to cover up tattooed forearms, necks, hands and ankles when on duty, in a bid to project a more “professional” and “straight laced” image. While this tattoo policy isn’t unique among police departments, or indeed professional institutions of all kinds, the decision by Phoenix to impose this rule has been questioned due to its impracticality, given the high temperatures these officers have to serve in. The question of whether it is reasonable to expect an officer to wear long sleeves as well as all of the rest of his uniform and armor in soaring temperatures has certainly been raised. Officers riding around in hot police cars, pursuing people on foot, and standing around in the baking sun carrying out their duties outdoors already find things pretty hot in their uniforms and with all their equipment and body armor weighing them down. Adding a policy on long sleeves for certain people seems a little bit unkind. The officers themselves have taken on the new policy with good humor however it has sparked a debate in the wider community. So, in modern enlightened times, where tattoos appear not just on rock stars and prison inmates but on people from literally all sectors of the community, would a visible tattoo really affect someone’s perception of an upholder of the law? One Phoenix officer stated that he had had mixed receptions to his full sleeve tattoo when members of the public saw it when he was working, with some seeing it as positive and making him seem “more human”, but many others thinking it was something that would be associated more with the robbers than the cops. Tattoos belonging to officers in Phoenix include the aforementioned sleeve, a lightning bolt, a scorpion and a length of barbed wire – pretty standard tattoo fare with nothing that is likely to shock anybody. One lady officer, showing total dedication to her role, even has a full back tattoo of St Michael, the patron saint of the police (though obviously keeping her back covered doesn’t present an issue). Though no poll has been carried out to work out exactly how many officers have tattoos, and how many of these will be affected by the new rule due to where their tattoos are, it is clear that body art is as popular on the force as anywhere else, so perhaps if people don’t think tattoos belong on police men and women, they should think again. The debate however, is less about what sort of person gets a tattoo, and more about whether any advantages gained in terms of public image by hiding officers’ tattoos are worth the inconvenience and impracticality of keeping them covered in hot weather. The discussion goes on, and it remains to be seen whether Phoenix will opt to keep this new policy or go back on it and let its officers allow their tattoos to breathe.
The full story can be read/found on Body Art Fun
