Guard Yer Goods

Though I’ve read time and time again that tattooists have not been affected by the current economic downturn, I still have a hard time believing it.  Even if it were 100% true, the fact of the matter remains that economies around the world are turning to crap and people everywhere are starting to really feel the sting of it all in some way or another.  So maybe tattooists themselves aren’t feeling too much of an effect of the crummy economic times, but it seems like someone in Houston, Texas either can’t afford to buy their own equipment or has just realised that there is easy money in pawning off stolen tattoo gear.  Whatever the truth is, it ain’t good either way.

In July, Cynthia Courtney’s small shop on the East Freeway was ransacked. Thieves ran off with $18,000 worth of tattoo equipment.

Just last weekend, two tattoo shops were targeted. Rene Garcia, owner of Big City Tattoos in Southeast Houston, reported the theft of $3,000 worth of machines and supplies. Another shop on Westheimer also reported a burglary. The two separate surveillance cameras show a car of similar style leaving the scene of both crimes.

All I can say is that I hope the tattooists who were ripped off have insurance.  That is so essential to all tattooists who run their own studios that I can’t emphasise it any more than I already have again and again on this blog.  INSURANCE!  And, if these artists don’t have insurance, then I really feel for them.  I guess all that can come out of this is a stern warning to all other tattooists in the Houston area to batten down the hatches and guard your gear.  If you don’t have insurance and you have a tattoo studio in the Houston area, do whatever you can to make sure your stuff stays safe.  Good luck!

Dan Santoro

Anyone up for a little tattoo documentary courtesy of the Vice crew?  Of course!  These guys make the best tattoo mini-documentaries out there.  This time the focus is on Dan Santoro, a wonderful, multi-talented tattooist who can be found at Smith Street Tattoo in Brooklyn, New York.  Dan’s work is truly original and his thoughts on tattoo as well as the tattoo process are invaluable.  So sit back – if you’re at work make it look like you’re working – and have a sneaky little viewing of this excellent three part doc on a wonderful artist.

Masters of the (tattoo) Universe

Thought I’d take the time to send a few works of amazing tattoo art your way.  If you happen to just love quality tattoo, these works are undoubtedly courtesy of some of the best names tattooing today.  If you tattoo, take a good look – the bar doesn’t get much higher than this.  Very inspiring, very talented, very unique works of art.  I’d like to send a big Thank You out to all these artists for the hard work and dedication that they have to this artistic medium.  This is the stuff that keeps me loving tattoo…

 Ben Hamill 

 Bert Krak 

 Den Yakovlev  1

 Den Yakovlev 2

 Jef Palumbo 

 Jo Pink 

 Johan Finne  1

 Johan Finne 2

 Nazareno Tubaro 

 Nick Baxter  1

 Nick Baxter  2

 Nigel Kurt 

The Old School

Don’t forget about the old school.  Respect your elders.  I’m sure that’s something that’s been told to many a tattoo artist throughout the years.  How many young, up and coming tattooists do exactly this, well I can’t say.  I do know that it is wholly beneficial for anyone trying to improve their abilities to listen and respect those who came before them.  After all, if it wasn’t for the pioneers, the trailblazers, the people who swallowed their own fair share of shit in the process of trying to do something worthwhile, there wouldn’t be a next generation of tattooists.

With that in mind, I invite you to check out this documentary that deals with some of the greats of the tattoo world and the vanishing history of tattoo.

Louis Molly

Without a doubt, one of the things that I love the most about tattoo and the culture of tattoo is its tolerance for all people, from all walks of life.  Black, white, male, female, gay, straight – you name it, everyone is represented to some degree.  It’s a really inclusive environment that always holds true to the concept of whatever you like – it’s your business and your body.  Brilliant.

In keeping with that lovely aspect of tattoo culture, I’d thought I’d include an interview done by the fine folks at Gay Star News with tattoo artist extraordinaire, Louis Molloy.  The man responsible for 85% of football superstar David Beckham’s tattoos dishes out the goods on what makes a good tattoo, his own tattoos and a few other little odds and ends in this short but sweet interview.

Louis Molloy has been working as a tattoo artist for over three decades, inking some of the world’s most famous people, including soccer star David Beckham and British Olympic and Tour de France champion cyclist Bradley Wiggins.

He told us what trends are cool, why you shouldn’t always follow in celebrity’s footsteps and some tattoos you should never get.

How did you get started as a tattoo artist?

A common question that is difficult for me to answer. I got into tattooing properly when I was 14 and opened my studio when I was 18 and that was in 1981.

Do you ever tattoo yourself?

I have tattooed myself and I think all tattoo artists do it at some point, but it is very difficult to do.

How many tattoos do you have?

I have two full sleeves and my entire chest is tattooed. I also have some work on my legs that I did myself many years ago.

What process do you normally follow with a client? Do most people come to you with a clear idea of what they want or do they look to you to design something for them?

Most people come with a concept from which the design is then worked up but some people have no idea except that they want to be tattooed. These are nightmare clients!

Do you ever have to persuade people that the tattoo that they’ve got their heart set on may not actually be a good choice?

If I don’t agree with a client’s choice or think they are making a mistake, I will point this out and sometimes even refuse to do the work. Partners’ names are the classic example of a tattoo you shouldn’t get, for obvious reasons.

Have you ever refused to create a tattoo that someone has asked you to do?

Yes, often.

What makes a great tattoo?

Difficult to answer as it’s in the eye of the beholder but the lines should be crisp and neat, shading finely graduated and colors should be bright and even.

What are some of the most common mistakes people make when getting a tattoo?

Biggest mistake most people make is that they assume all tattooists are equal and they are definitely not. For every good tattooist there are 10 bad ones so do your homework beforehand.

The other classic mistake is not properly looking after a tattoo once you have it. I always recommend clients apply Forever Ink Balm to help protect and recover newly tattooed skin and longer term that they use Forever Ink Shield, an everyday moisturizer with an SPF 45 and a unique ink lock technology to keep tattoos looking vibrant. Nothing is worse than a faded, sun-damaged tattoo – and I have seen plenty of them.

What are some of the current trends we’re seeing in the types of tattoos people are getting?

Religious inspired imagery is very popular at the moment.

Why do people want tattoos?

Many, many answers to this but I think its mostly as a personal way of individualizing one’s self.

Is getting a tattoo painful? Are there parts of the body that are more painful than others?

All tattoos hurt but it is a manageable pain. Boney areas will hut most!

Are there any tattoo trends or styles that are specific to gay men or lesbians?

No. Tattooing is one of the only industries where gender and sexuality cross all boundaries and equality reigns.

You’ve tattooed David Beckham – which of his tattoos are you responsible for?

I have done around 85% of David’s tattoos.

Did Beckham know what he wanted or were you able to have some input into the final creation?

I worked to verbal briefs given to me from him.

Does working on celebrities add to the pressure of creating the tattoo? If you make a mistake the world will be judging it?

Celeb or not, all people are equal in my studio. I am not fazed by celebrity however I recently tattooed Sir Bradley Wiggins and I was excited to work on him as I am a keen cyclist myself but I was not nervous.

Do the tattoos celebrities get influence the types of tattoos that the rest of us aspire to?

The best thing to come from celebs being tattooed is the fact they have helped tattooing become more socially acceptable.

There are many celebs who have influenced trends, but not all good! Cheryl Cole had a tattoo done on her hand a few years ago and this inspired many copycats and I think there will be many regrets with that one.

MAINE!

I’m always looking to hear about different scenes in different cities.  I tend to travel a lot and while I travel, I’m always on the look out for new and different tattoo studios and if I can, to meet new and different artists.  I’m really hoping that this year I’ll be able to get to a very specific – and as of right now – secret location in order to get tattooed by a tattooist whom I have a lot of respect for.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed and seeing how this year pans out.
Anyway, as I was saying, I love to learn about different scenes, yeah.  Some of you might cringe over the use of the words “tattoo scene”, but I don’t give a rat’s ass if you do.  Cities have scenes, like it or not.  If I go and check out the tattoo studios in London, England, it’s going to be a completely different experience from checking out the studios in L.A. or Seoul.  Different people, different styles, different attitudes, different ink.  That my friends, is a scene.

Now, maybe I’m naive and uninformed on what’s going on in America, but according to this article in The Maine Sunday Telegram, Maine is actually quite the little tattoo spot.  I’m going to be honest and say that until now, I’d never even considered Maine as a place where there could be a lot going on in terms of tattoo.  But I guess I was wrong.  One of the great things about Maine’s tattoo scene is that all the studios are licensed and regulated.  This is always a touchy subject, but I happen to be all for regulation.  At present time the officials in charge of the inspections are only there to concern themselves with hygiene, but hopefully as time goes on these jobs will be filled by people who are really invested in the tattoo industry and who appreciated it for the art form that it is.
At any rate, I recommend checking out the article on Maine and discovers some of the interesting facts about the place and its relationship with tattoo.  It’s particularly cool that such a high percentage of tattooists in Maine are women.  It’s nice to see a variety of genders and races within any particular scene.  Keep up the good work, Maine and I hope to get down and see you all one day soon.

Feast

 Adam Machin  1

 Adam Machin  2

 Filip Henninggsson 

 Jordan Baxter 

 Marcin Aleksander Surowiec  1

 Marcin Aleksander Surowiec  2

 Marcin Aleksander Surowiec  3

 Philippe Fernandez  1

 Philippe Fernandez  2

 Philippe Fernandez  3

 Rich Hardy

Zane Donnellan 

Wrong Reality

I don’t know why I’m doing this, I promise I’m not trying to piss you guys off.  I think it’s probably because the second that I saw this, I was more than a little disgusted.  I can’t take this sort of pain alone, so I’m passing it off on all of you.  This video is an insult to anyone who has ever called themselves or been called an artist.  Giving away their secrets?  No honey, that’s not why they’re mad at you.  They’re mad at you because you’re reducing an art form to paint by numbers and claiming that yours is an accurate depiction of a tattoo artist’s creative process.  And the only reason why you’re doing it is because you know you can make money off it.  Not art.  Not an artist.  And you know what?  I’ll go as far as arguing that this isn’t tattoo – at least not any concept of it that I care to acknowledge.

Get The Hell Outta Here

Gimme a break.  I mean it.  Hell, I don’t have kids and I don’t plan on being a dad any time soon, but in a way I think that makes me even more qualified to speak on this topic, for the simple reason that I don’t have any bias.  I mean, I’m sure I’m not the only one who is sick and tired of other people trying to tell other people how to raise their kids.  Basically, it all breaks down like this: if you have a kid, then you have a responsibility to raise him or her so that he/she grows up to be a decent, moral human being.  If you don’t do that, then you’re an asshole.  Simples.

But this is just going too far: psychologists in Melbourne, Australia are criticising an upcoming tattoo expo because it will permit children to enter and even allow kids to get airbrushed tattoos!  Gasp!  Oh no!  Won’t somebody please think of the children?  Well I’ll tell you what – I’m thinking of the children and I don’t see anything at all wrong with them coming to an event like this.  Some of the people that are complaining about this whole thing take issue with the fact that the Australian Tattoo and Body Art Expo will have burlesque dancers. Okay, burlesque dancers are sexual, but not in a disgusting or utterly offensive manner.  Oh no, don’t let your kid stand and watch a woman dance.  Your kid should be at home playing Grand Theft Auto V, murdering drug lords and prostitutes.  THAT’S much healthier for the little tyke.

In fact, the only reason why this is causing a controversy with anyone is because it’s a tattoo related event.  Well I’m sorry, but exposing kids to tattoos from an early age is one of the most responsible things a parent can do.  It doesn’t mean that every single kid whose parents took them to the expo and who got an airbrushed tattoo will be rushing out as soon as they are of legal age and getting tattooed.  And even if it did, who the hell cares?  Well, some Australian psychologists and an assortment of uptight, prudish do-gooders really care, I guess.

‘”It’s a great idea, and I’ll tell you why it’s a great idea; it’s those simple things that will change the stereotypical view of what we do,” Mr Swaneveld said.
Mr Swaneveld described some of the entertainment at last year’s expo as “trashy” and said he was pleased pole dancers and seductive strippers no longer featured.
Organiser Matt Johnson said it was “entirely appropriate” to have children at the expo as there was “nothing illegal going on”.
“Lots of people have tattoos and a lot of them have young kids, so that’s the reason (they’re allowed),” Mr Johnson said.
He said parents needed to stay with their kids at the children’s corner and the tattoo artists were approved to work with children.’

All I know is that my parents never took me to a tattoo expo.  I think it would have been pretty cool if they had.  They did however, put me in Catholic school, basically guaranteeing that I would become an atheist.  So there.  The moral high ground can also be total rubbish and in this particular case, it definitely is.  For what it’s worth, I salute every parent who takes their child/children to this event.

Better Late Than Never

Okay, so this convention didn’t just happen but it wasn’t that long ago.  The English subtitles might be a little bit crap, but you can still more or less get the idea – unless of course, you speak German, in which case you’re sorted.  At any rate, Berlin has long had a reputation as a city saturated with artistically diverse and extremely creative people, so when it comes to tattoo, that reputation doesn’t falter in the least. There’s a lot of excellent stuff on display here. Take it all in and enjoy!

Dan Henk Tells You Some Stuff

Hope everyone is happy and having a wicked holiday season so far.  Here’s a late but great gift for all of you fine folks out there, an interview with Dan Henk.  Enjoy it with some eggnog!  Or just a glass of straight rum.

In Defence of the Tattooed

Dear Mr Henry:

Hello, my name is Mike Jones and I write for the Tattoo Blog website.  I’ve recently read your op-ed piece Is It Just Me With A Tattoo Taboo?, at the Wales Online website and I have to say that I’m more than a little disappointed.  As someone who has written rather extensively on tattoo (both online and in print), I’ve read more than my fair share of anti-tattoo op-eds.  They never cease to intrigue me, for the simple reason that I’ve never quite been able to grasp the reasoning behind the argument that tattoos aren’t good for people, society and the status-quo in general.  I cannot for the life of me comprehend why anyone cares what anyone else does with their body.  That being said, your dislike of tattoos isn’t the reason why I was disappointed with your piece.  After all, you are entitled to your own opinion of tattoo just as I am entitled to be tattooed should I choose to do so.  The reason for my disappointment, Mr Henry, is that I’ve grown tired of the trite and frankly just plain dull arguments employed against tattoo.  Perhaps foolishly, I still cling to the hope that one day when I read an anti-tattoo op-ed it will surprise me with an all new argument against the art of tattoo that will really make me think about this particular stance in a new and far more interesting light.

The bulk of your piece (and argument) centres around Carl McCoid, a 40 year-old man who recently had a large tattoo of pop-star Miley Cyrus done.  You wield this tawdry fact as though it were entirely representative of the 29% of young adults in the UK who are tattooed.  I’d be more than willing to wager that Carl McCoid’s tattoo is not at all typical of the sort of tattoos found on young adults.  The very reason that you or any other media source are reporting on it is precisely because it’s a blatantly unusual choice of tattoo for a 40 year-old man.  By focussing the issue of tattoo on this rather frivolous and just plain creepy example, you pigeonhole the tattooed into an association of socially irresponsible fools who are incapable of making sound decisions as functioning adults.

Moving along, you point to the difficulty in finding suitable work in this troubled economy and that employers’ attitudes toward tattoos remains overwhelmingly negative.  What exactly are we to do with this piece of information, Mr Henry?  Are we to assume (as you apparently do) that the unemployed are all tattooed?  Aside from being an archaic theory based entirely on conjecture, I’ll also remind you that tattoos are not cheap and that if one plans to get tattooed, one is most likely employed.  You reference several celebrities and their seemingly endless collections of tattoos.  Did it occur to you that the reason celebrities have so many tattoos is because they can afford them?  Sure, the argument can be made that anyone can have a friend or grimy acquaintance give them a tattoo in a basement somewhere with equipment bought off the internet.  At the same turn, the argument could also be made that anyone is capable of making dirt cheap alcohol in their home if they so desired.  The fact that it’s possible does in no way mean that the majority of people who enjoy a tipple now and again are ladling it directly from their bathtubs.   Or are you suggesting that those who are unemployed will remain unemployed if they happen to be tattooed?  University degrees and technical savvy be damned should anyone be foolish enough to commit the mortal sin of permanently imbedding ink into their own flesh, I guess.

You also wonder if Mr McCoid will still feel the same way about his Miley Cyrus tattoo when he enters into his senior years.  Ah yes, the good old Tattoos-Will-Look-Terrible-When-You-Age argument.  This argument has most likely existed just as long as tattoo itself has.  It’s a weak and entirely absurdist point of view that somehow has managed to play itself off as a legitimate gripe for decades.  Let me ask you this, Mr Henry: when was the last time that you heard anyone, anywhere condemn or criticise the stylistic choices of the elderly?  Better still, when was the last time that you heard anyone, anywhere condemn the elderly – full stop?  Rarely, if ever, does it happen.  My goodness, even Nazi war criminals are spared prison terms due to their advanced age.  Society in general tends to utterly ignore the actions and choices made by the elderly within their lifetimes, let alone their personal style.  To argue that a tattoo will bring regret to one’s geriatric years is a moot point if ever there was one.  None of us can say with certainty that we’ll be here tomorrow, let alone 30, 40 or 50 years down the line.

Obviously, tattoo regret exists and is very real for some people.  But not all people are frivolous in their decision making process when it comes to getting tattooed.  That concept in itself seems to continually escape critics of tattoo such as yourself.  Belief in such a concept is symptomatic of a narrow frame of reference.  Tattoo can help people to gain closure on the death of a loved one, immortalise pivotal moments in their lives or even to start over, as is the case with some breast cancer survivors who use tattoo as a means to cover up mastectomy scars and regain their confidence.

The point, Mr Henry, is that you and I both might agree that Carl McCoid’s Miley Cyrus tattoo is ridiculous.  And we both might be right. But your assumption that people who get tattooed do so because they are unhappy or dissatisfied with the way they look is wholly naive at best and entirely ignorant at worst.  No one can claim to fully comprehend the reasoning behind anyone’s tattoo except the person who has chosen that particular tattoo.  Sometimes that decision turns to regret three or four years down the road, yes.  But the fact remains that people will continue to get tattooed.  It isn’t going to go away.  If a tattoo makes someone happy for even 3 or 4 years – regardless of how moronic you or I might find it to be, then who are we to judge?  If there’s one thing this world needs it’s an increase in happy people.  Whether a tattoo brings that happiness for a short or lengthy period of time is irrelevant.  You would do well to take the time and look into tattoo more, there’s an entire world out there of stunning artistic achievement.  Perhaps then you’d see more than just some foolish trend doodled on to the bodies of the people around you.

Yum.

 Bailey Hunter Robinson 1

 Bailey Hunter Robinson 2

 Bailey Hunter Robinson 3

 Brad Stevens 1

 Brad Stevens 2

 Brad Stevens 3

 Grez 1

 Grez 2

 Grez 3

 Mina Aoki 1

 Mina Aoki 2

Mina Aoki 3

Halloweenin’ Vol 2

 Dan Henk 1

 Dan Henk 2

 Dan Henk 3

 David Corden 1

 David Corden 2

 David Corden 3

 Dusty Neal 1

 Dusty Neal 2

 Dusty Neal 3

 

 

 Tye Harris 4

 Tye Harris 5

Tye Harris 6