custom tattoo design

custom tattoo design

Your Custom Tattoo Design Guide: Tips, Tricks and Mistakes to Avoid

Did you know that the practice of tattooing is around 6,000 years old? That’s right, when you’re working with a tattoo artist, you’re participating in an ancient tradition.

Maybe you’ve gotten pre-drawns or flash pieces in the past, but now it’s time to get a custom tattoo design of your very own. How do you even start the process?

We’re here to talk about it. Read on to learn all about designing a tattoo with your tattoo artist.

First: Pick Your Style

People who are new to getting custom tattoos may not be “in the know” about various styles of tattooing. When you’re trying to have a custom design created for you, it’s a good idea to know the type of tattoo that you’re going for. This will help you narrow down and artist and explain your desires more clearly.

There are so many styles of tattoo art to choose from. If you browse the web, you’ll see near endless options. Some of them are more popular than others, however.

Here are a few of the most common styles of tattoos and what makes them unique.

American Traditional

When you think of tattoos, American traditional tattoos likely come to mind first. These tattoos operate under the principle that “bold will hold.” They have dark and bold lines and (usually) bright colors that will stand the test of time.

If you think of old-school tattoos that sailors would get, you’re thinking of American traditional tattoos.

You can get anything in the American traditional style, but there are a few common tattoo subjects that you can find on any flash sheet (and they’re things that any American traditional tattoo artist should be able to do.

Lady heads, tigers, anchors, roses, snakes, and other common tattoo motifs are all readily available when you choose an American traditional tattoo artist. Some artists prefer to stick with those traditional motifs, but many welcome new and unique ideas, even if they don’t have examples on display in their portfolios.

Fine Line

Fine line tattoos have boomed in popularity over the past decade. They’re popular among celebrities, influencers, and “average people” alike. They’re dainty, elegant, and easy to hide.

For fine line tattoos, you want to find a great artist. Even when done correctly, it’s possible for these tattoos to fade over time. You want to give yourself the best possible chance of a long-term tattoo.

Common fine line tattoos include script, small symbols, and flowers, but people have done fine line tattoos of everything.

New School

New school tattoos are bright, bold, and cartoonish. Try to imagine a combination between cartoonish digital artwork and classic tattoos and you’ll get New School.

This tattoo style was popular in the early 2000s and it’s since faded into the background, but that doesn’t make it less valuable. These tattoos are bright, bold, and long-lasting as long as you pick a great artist.

Common new school tattoo subjects are cartoon characters, “embroidery tattoos,” flowers, and lady’s heads, but again, you have countless options if you pick a great artist.

Neotraditional

Neotraditional tattoos are similar to American traditional tattoos, but with a bit of extra “flair.” Often, artists will start off with traditional tattoos, but then add their own special touch.

Neotraditional tattoos have the same general motifs as traditional tattoos, but modernized. Lady heads may look more like art nouveau portraits, for example.

These tattoos are stylized and detailed, but not hyperrealistic. They’re genuine art pieces. They tend to resemble oil paint or digital art, but without the shine and bold colors of new school tattoos.

Japanese Traditional

Japanese traditional tattoos are also similar to American traditional tattoos, but with Japanese motifs and subjects. The styles are both bold and strong, but Japanese traditional tattoos resemble old woodblock prints.

There are still lady heads, but they often resemble Geishas. Snakes, dragons, frogs, and tigers are all common in Japanese traditional tattoos, but again, you can have anything tattooed in this style.

Many Japanese traditional artists like to do large-scale tattoos that are characterized by dark backgrounds and bold and colorful foregrounds.

Realism

For anyone who wants a true portrait, realism tattoos are the way to go. These tattoo artists tend to meticulously trace or replicate photos to make sure that their clients get exactly what they’re looking for, and then use their own expert shading techniques to bring the images to life on skin.

This is a difficult tattoo style that will require a lot of time in the tattoo chair. In other words, this style of tattoo is a commitment (moreso than many other types of tattoos).

Blackwork “Styles”

Blackwork often just refers to any tattoos that are black, but there are a few things that set apart “blackwork” as a style rather than just a color scheme.

Blackworkers often use unique shading styles that resemble pen and ink shading. Stippling, line shading, and cross-hatching are common for blackworkers.

These tattoos can be bold or dainty. It’s common to do “sacred geometry” tattoos in this style, but other common blackwork subjects include flowers, snakes, architectural drawings, and so much more.

Many blackworkers started with another style and then modified it for blackwork, so you’ll see hints of American traditional, neotraditional, and more.

Pick Your Color Scheme

Speaking of blackwork and black tattoos, have you thought about your color scheme yet?

First, decide whether or not you’re going to want color in your tattoo at all. It’s common for people to stick to black tattoos once they have their first one to make their art all cohesive regardless of the styles that they choose.

There’s nothing wrong with color tattoos, however.

Most tattoo artists will recommend bold colors rather than washed-out watercolor tones, though you can do either. Soft pastel colors are less likely to hold long-term. That said, it’s your body and your art, so do what feels right for you.

The style of tattoo will help dictate your color choice, but it doesn’t have to. Tattoo artists tend to be flexible and they often love a challenge, so don’t be afraid to ask about unique colors and color combinations.

Have a General Idea in Mind

When you’re getting custom tattoo art done, you want to start with at least a vague idea. Tattoo artists are artists, so they can work with something loose, but if you don’t give them anything to go off of, they won’t know what you want.

Do you already have other tattoos that you’re trying to match? That might be enough to get your artist started.

Does your artist have other pieces that somewhat resemble what you’re looking for? That’s also a good enough place to start.

Sometimes it’s as simple as having a “theme” and a few images in mind that your artist can work with. For example, you could say that you want a blackwork tattoo with a knife and a flower.

You’re giving your artist the freedom to choose the type of knife and flower, but you’ve given them a base idea to work from.

If you have a specific image in your mind, you’re going to have to private specific images and instructions. We’ll talk about how you can do that later on.

Consider Making an Inspiration Board

So you know that you want a custom tattoo, but you’re not sure what you want. You don’t want to get a pre-drawn design, but you’re overwhelmed with options. You don’t even know where to get the tattoo!

It might be time to browse the web and create some kind of inspiration board. You can do this easily on sites like Pinterest and Tumblr.

Look for tattoos that fit a style that you’re looking for and start collecting them. You can also look for photos and drawings of a few themes or subjects that appeal to you, even if you haven’t yet narrowed down a final idea.

Seeing all of these images in one place might help you decide which elements of each image you like.

Where Is Your Tattoo Going?

Remember that you will be (slightly) limited by the location of your tattoo. You won’t be able to get an intricate piece on a small area, like a foot or wrist. Artists aren’t magicians.

You can ask your artist to switch tattoo locations before they start tattooing you, but remember that the locations should be comparable in size. For example, you can’t move a large back piece onto your calf (or vice-versa).

Sketching a Design: Yes or No?

This is a tricky issue. Should you sketch your own design or have another artist sketch it before you go to the tattoo artist?

If you want something hyper-specific, it’s okay to sketch it out ahead of time. If you’re paying another non-tattoo artist for their work to get it put onto your body (make sure that you have explicit permission to do this and that you’ve paid them for their time), then a sketch is also appropriate.

You can always provide a loose sketch for your artist that just shows placement and a general idea, even if you’re not a good artist yourself.

With this in mind, remember that your tattoo artist is a genuine artist. You don’t need to provide them with a sketch as long as you’re able to convey your thoughts about what you want.

Pick the Right Artist

Speaking of your artist, make sure that you take your time when you’re making your decision! Tattoo artists aren’t a monolith, and different artists have different styles and subject preferences. While they’re versatile, it’s a good idea to pick an artist who has plenty of experience with the style that you’re looking for.

Check shop and artist portfolios online. Many artists (most, even) have Instagram accounts where you can see up-to-date portfolios with all of their current work.

Many of these profiles will also include booking information so you can get in touch with your artist as soon as they’re ready to take on new clients.

Be as Clear as Possible About Your Wants

Once you’ve chosen your ideal artist, gather all of your inspiration images and ideas and bring them to the (metaphorical) table. You want to give your artist as much information as possible so that they can make your ideal art piece.

But what can you include?

You can include images of their other tattoos if you like a specific style that they’ve done in the past. You can also include other tattoos, but note that a good tattoo artist will not copy someone else’s work. They can use it as inspiration.

If you have other tattoos, especially if they’re near the location of your new custom tattoo, it’s a good idea to show those to your artist as well. This will give them an idea of how they can arrange their design so it complements the rest of your art.

Photos and other images are also great for letting your artist know what you want, even if they’re more or less symbolic.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Changes

Many tattoo artists won’t show you the finished design until the day of your appointment. While this may be stressful for you, know that you are able to request changes. This is going on your body forever, and your artist will understand.

Minor changes can often be made on the same day, but if you need a significant change, your artist may request that you make a new appointment so they have enough time to bring your ideas to life.

What Will Your Custom Tattoo Design Look Like?

custom tattoo designAre you ready to have a tattoo artist come up with a custom tattoo design for you? A good tattoo design is a collaboration between you and your tattoo artist. Gather your ideas and make a consultation appointment (or do an email consultation) as soon as possible!

At Skin Factory, our artists are ready to bring your ideas to life. Find our artists on social media or fill out our contact form to start the tattoo process.

 

To learn more, contact us here.

Henderson Tattoo Shop

Maui Tattoo Shop

Hawaii Tattoo Shop

Sibling Tattoo Ideas

Sibling Tattoo Ideas

18 Meaningful Sibling Tattoo Ideas

18 Meaningful Sibling Tattoo Ideas

You and your siblings may have fought as kids, but now you’re the best of friends. If you want to show your love for your family, you should research some sibling tattoo ideas.

Then, you can decide on the best designs for you and your siblings. Some designs are more simple, while others require a bit more time and work.

Read on to learn about some tattoo designs you may want to get.

1. Two Halves of a Whole

You’ve probably seen friendship or sibling necklaces, where both necklaces fit together. You can turn that concept into one of the best sibling tattoo ideas, especially if you have one sibling.

You can get as creative as you want, so you don’t have to keep it simple. However, you could each get a tattoo of half of a heart, and you can make a full heart when you place the tattoos next to each other.

If you want to be more creative, you could each get a tattoo of, for example, a child. Each tattoo can have a dotted line leading off the side of your body that connects to the other tattoo when you and your sibling stand next to each other.

2. Birth Order

If you and your siblings want a more subtle tattoo, you can do something that relates to your birth order. A simple option is to get a tattoo in Roman numerals, so the oldest would get a I, the second would get a II, and so on.

However, you can also use this concept to get tattoos of other things, such as shapes. A set of three siblings could get a tattoo with a line of three circles or stars.

Have the tattoo artist color in the circle or star according to your birth order. Then, you can remember your siblings any time you see the tattoo.

3. Birthstones

Some of the best tattoo designs involve color, so you could use this to your advantage. You can get a tattoo of your and your siblings’ birthstones based on the month of everyone’s birth.

Of course, this means your tattoo artist needs to have different colored inks. However, you should be able to find someone who can make your tattoo idea come to life.

If you just have one sibling, you could get each other’s birthstones as tattoos. Or you could include the birthstones for all of your siblings in one tattoo that each of you can get.

4. Western Zodiac Signs

Another tattoo idea that uses your birthdates is tattooing your western zodiac signs on your body. You can use everyone’s birthday to figure out your sun signs, which is the sign most people know.

Then, you can either get a tattoo of the animal or being, such as a lion for a July birthday. Or you could get a more simple tattoo that uses the symbols that represent each sign.

As with the birthstone idea, you can combine all zodiac signs into one tattoo. Sibling pairs could also just get a tattoo of the others’ zodiac sign or their own.

5. Chinese Zodiac Signs

Most Americans think of the Chinese animal of the year when they think of the Chinese zodiac. Just like western astrology, these animals can make for some of the best sibling tattoo ideas.

There are 12 animals, so most sibling groups won’t have overlap unless you’re born far apart. That means you can each get a unique tattoo if you decide to get tattoos of your respective birth years.

Alternatively, you can combine the animals of your siblings’ birth years. You can get tattoos of each animal, or you can combine them, such as a tattoo of a pig with a snake for the tail.

6. Birth State

Getting a tattoo of your birth state is best if you and your siblings were all born in the same place. However, you could also get tattoos of the birth states of all of your siblings.

This is especially great if you and your siblings were born in bordering states. You could get a tattoo of the states in question so that you remember where you all came from.

If you want to add a little something to the tattoo, add a heart near the city of everyone’s birth. As with different states, if siblings were born in different cities, you can add a small heart or dot for each.

Whenever any of you feels homesick, you can think about your tattoo.

7. Current State

If you or any of your siblings have moved to different states, consider using those for a tattoo. You may have seen mugs that have multiple states on them with a dotted line tying them together.

Make that sort of design permanent, and get a tattoo of your current state and those of your siblings. Of course, this idea works the best if you’ve all settled down and don’t intend to move.

For siblings who are still in college or are just out of school, stick to your birth state. Or you could get a tattoo of the states where all of you have lived and add to it as you move around.

8. Sibling Initials

You can also get a simple tattoo that includes the first initial of everyone in your sibling group. Make the initials go in a line, and write out the letters in birth order.

If you have three siblings, you can get the four initials in a cross. Sets of three siblings could do a triangle, so find ways to make the tattoo look unique.

When doing a triangle or square, put your family’s last initial in the center. That can help represent your connection to each other as a family, even as you get older and start your own lives.

9. Add in the In-Laws

As you and your siblings get married, you can incorporate the initials of your siblings-in-law. Add them next to their spouse to show how they connect to the rest of the family.

This is a great way to include people who marry you and your siblings. You can also incorporate your in-laws into any of the other sibling tattoo ideas.

10. Memorial Tattoo

If you’ve had a sibling pass away, think about some sibling tattoo ideas to remember that sibling. For example, you could get a tattoo of their initials or of their birth and death dates.

Maybe you remember your sibling’s favorite animal or flower, so you get a tattoo of that. If your sibling passed due to mental health, get a tattoo of a semi-colon, which represents the importance of mental health.

You could also get a tattoo of a nickname that you had for that sibling or that they had for you. There are a lot of ways you can immortalize your siblings when you go to a tattoo shop.

11. Fictional Siblings

Consider if there are any fictional siblings that remind you of you and your family. When deciding on sister tattoos, you may get a tattoo of Elsa and Anna from Frozen.

If your family contains two sisters and a brother, you might get a tattoo of the siblings from the show Bob’s Burgers. Getting a tattoo of cartoons will probably be easier than of live-action characters.

Your tattoo artist won’t have to recreate an actor, so the tattoo may look better. And you can keep from associating the look of the tattoo with the actors.

12. Shared Interests

If you and your siblings like the same things, get that as a tattoo. For example, maybe you all played instruments in band or orchestra when you were kids.

You could get tattoos of musical symbols or clefs. Of course, you could also get tattoos of the instruments you all played, especially if you still play music today.

Or maybe you and your siblings like art, so you get something that relates to that as a tattoo. Then, you can get matching tattoos, or you could make each one slightly different to represent yourselves as individuals.

13. The Other’s Interest

One of the best sister or brother tattoos for sibling pairs involves the other sibling’s interests. You can each get a tattoo of something the other person loves.

Perhaps you have a sibling who’s a feminist, so you get a tattoo of the women symbol. You might like animals, so they get a tattoo of your favorite animal.

Take the music and art examples, so one of you gets a musical tattoo, and the other gets one of art. You could get the tattoo of the instrument your sibling plays, and they could get a tattoo of art supplies.

14. Shapes in Color

If you want a simple yet colorful tattoo, use colors that your siblings like. For example, you could get a tattoo of a heart, circle, or some other shape that’s easy to do.

Then, you can color in that shape with your sibling’s favorite color. If you have more than one sibling, you can use the colors all of your siblings like.

A good tattoo shop can do colorful tattoos and use white ink or any other color of ink you want. Then, you can make the tattoo represent you and all of your brothers and sisters.

15. Family Name or Crest

Of course, another excellent idea for a sibling tattoo would contain your family’s last name. Even if you have changed your name after getting married, your birth name will always be a part of you.

It’s also something that connects you to your siblings. If you want to take things a step further, ask your parents if you have a family crest, and you can get a tattoo of that.

A family crest tattoo can become a good icebreaker when you meet people. You can use it to share a bit about your background, and you can show it off to your kids if you choose to have any.

16. Family Pets

If you grew up with pets, consider developing some tattoo designs from those animals. Maybe you had a dog during your childhood, and you and your siblings loved the dog.

You could get a tattoo of the dog’s face or body, depending on what you want. Another option is to get a tattoo of their paw print if you happen to still have the pet.

Now, this may not work well if your siblings are far apart in ages since you may have had different pets. However, you could get a tattoo that includes multiple animals.

17. Parents’ Names

Of course, the biggest thing that connects you with your siblings is your parents. You can get tattoos of one or both of your parents’ names or initials.

If you have half-siblings, you can get a tattoo of just the parent’s name or initials that you share. Step-siblings can get tattoos of the day their parents married, officially making you siblings.

Tattoos of your parents’ names or initials is another good choice if one or both of your parents have passed away. You and your siblings can get the tattoos to help remember your parents.

18. Outline of a Childhood Picture

Go through some of your pictures from childhood, and look for one of you and your siblings. You can take the picture to a tattoo shop and ask if they can recreate the outline of you all.

That can lead to a simple tattoo design that you can put on almost any part of your body. Of course, this type of tattoo may need to be a bit larger, especially if you have a larger family.

However, you can keep it relatively simple or make it more complex. You could just get the outline, or you could color it in to make it look more like a silhouette.

Which Sibling Tattoo Ideas Will You Try?

If you want to connect with your family, you should consider a few sibling tattoo ideas. You can get as creative as you want or keep things simple.

Be sure to consider what type of tattoo you all want and if you want the same one or something different. Then, you can look for a tattoo artist to bring your ideas to life.

Are you ready to get a sibling tattoo? Contact us to learn how we can help.

Henderson Tattoo Shop

Maui Tattoo Shop

Hawaii Tattoo Shop

couple tattoo ideas

couple tattoo ideas

Couple Tattoo Ideas

Did you know that about 45 million Americans have tattoos? We don’t blame them! Tattoos are a wonderful way to express yourself and hold a special meaning near to your heart.

Speaking of special meaning, one meaningful type of tattoo is to get a tattoo with your significant other. Couple tattoos say “I love you” like nothing else, and they look great, too!

1. Always and Forever

One cute couple tattoo that you can try is a scripted tattoo reading always and forever. In this tattoo idea, one partner will write always on their wrist while the other partner’s wrist reads forever.

These can be great tattoos for married couples. They’re a lovely way for you to remember why you got married in the first place and what commitment you made to your spouse!

2. Mismatched Tattoos

One of the coolest tattoo ideas for couples we’ve seen is to try mismatched tattoos. With mismatched tattoos, you’ll keep the tattoo along the same theme, but they don’t have to exactly match.

What’s fun here is that there are tons of ways that you can make the tattoos mismatched. For example, you could have the same tattoo in two different tattoo styles.

Or, you could have one tattoo in black ink while the other is in color. No matter what it is you choose, this is a great way to get creative with your couple’s tattoo.

3. Minimalist Tattoos

Another fun couple tattoo idea to try is to get minimalist tattoos. Minimalist tattoos are great because they’re simple but still pop against your skin.

Minimalist tattoos also look great no matter where you put your tattoo. That makes them great for couples who need to cover their tattoos for a job.

4. L-O-V-E

L.O.V.E. is a popular Frank Sinatra song, but those same four letters can look great in a tattoo! This idea is a simple yet sweet couple’s tattoo idea for anyone wanting to share a special piece of ink with their partner.

In this tattoo idea, one person gets a tattoo of the letters ‘L’ and ‘O’ while the other completes the set with ‘V’ and ‘E’. It’s a sweet and slightly subtle way to show your love for someone.

5. Get a Cultural Tattoo

Now, this tattoo only works if you’re in a relationship where you and your partner come from different cultures. However, if that’s the case, it can be a sweet nod to your partner’s culture.

For this tattoo, select an element from your partner’s culture. Then, get that tattoo design as a nod to where your partner is from.

The significance of the cultural tattoo is enhanced by the fact that for you, this reminds you of your partner. You can get creative here and make the cultural element you choose significant to your relationship or to love as well!

6. Gamer Tattoos

If you love video games, sports, or board games, you can get some cute gamer tattoos! For these tattoos, pick some elements in your favorite game and get them as tattoos!

You could, for example, get soccer ball tattoos if that’s what brought you together. Or, if you’re more into the digital world, consider getting tattoos of your favorite video game couple (Sora and Kairi, anyone?).

7. Lock and Key

When you love someone, they hold the key to your heart. Why not give them a literal key to hang onto as well?

This darling tattoo idea is for one partner to get a lock and the other to get a key image. The images fit together perfectly without being exactly the same.

You can get really creative here and make your lock and key stylized, too. That can be a fun way to add some extra personality to your tattoos.

8. Written in the Stars

Another cute couple’s tattoo idea that you can try is to put the other person’s star sign on your body. This is a lovely yet subtle way to show someone that you love them.

You can get even more creative with this tattoo by incorporating your partner’s name or birthday into the star sign. That can make it even more special!

Plus, there are so many options when it comes to star signs.

You can choose your partner’s sun, moon, or rising sign, or you can use their Chinese zodiac symbol. Write out the constellation itself or use the associated image instead of the symbol.

No matter how you choose to get creative here, we’re confident you’ll come up with a unique and beautiful design.

9. Pick a Fandom

Whether you’re a die-hard Harry Potter fan or you can’t get enough of the Lord of the Rings, there’s a couple’s tattoo for you.

A great idea for a couples tattoo is to pick a fandom that you love and to get a tattoo that speaks to that fandom.

For instance, if you’re both Slytherins, you could get two intertwining snakes on your arm. Or, if the two of you love Naruto, you could get hidden leaf symbols on your body.

There are so many different fandoms out there, and this is a great way for you to come up with something that’s unique to you and your partner while still keeping it as a couple’s design.

10. The Sun and Moon

If you feel like your partner is your sunshine, you can get a tattoo that plays with the concept of the sun.

What’s cute about this idea is that one person can have the tattoo filled in while the other has just the outline. Or, you can have the sun and moon rather than both getting the sun.

Another idea is to place the tattoos in different spots. Or you might want to stylize the designs slightly differently.

11. Two Halves of a Whole

You and your partner are like two halves of one whole. So, why not make your tattoo speak to that as well?

You could get two halves of a heart that fit together when you line the tattoos up together. Or, another option would be to get two puzzle pieces.

We also love the idea of two halves of an avocado or another piece of fruit. It’s a cute way to show you fit together without being too mainstream.

12. King and Queen Tattoos

Many of us feel like our partner is our king or queen. You can play that up by getting cute king and queen-inspired tattoos!

One option is to write the words “king” and “queen” on your bodies. Or, you could simply get a king’s crown and a queen’s crown.

If you choose to get crowns, this can be a fun way to personalize your tattoos. You can pick unique styles or can even let your partner draw the tattoo themselves.

13. Animal Tattoos

Animals also work well as couple tattoos. You can get the male and female animal (think lion and lioness) or can simply get the same animal!

Pick an animal that’s symbolic in your relationship. Or, find an animal that’s associated with love and companionship.

No matter what animal you choose, this can be a special way to tell your partner you love them.

14. Classic Hearts

There’s nothing like a heart to show that you love someone. This timeless symbol has been around for centuries, and is a great option for couples wanting a matching tattoo.

You can keep your hearts as simple and minimalist as you like. Or, if you’re feeling brave, you can embellish the hearts and make them big, personalized, and funky.

No matter how you choose to design your hearts, we’re confident that this will make a great couples tattoo.

You can also get creative with the placement of these tattoos. Get the hearts on your fingers so that they show off when you hold hands or come up with another special placement.

15. Disney Inspired Couple Tattoos

If your partner is your Prince Charming, Knight in Shining Armor, or your princess, then why not get a Disney-inspired tattoo?

There are tons of sweet Disney relationships that can inspire your couple’s tattoos. Perhaps you love the idea of Ana and Sven, or perhaps Flint Ryder and Rapunzel are more your style.

Regardless of what Disney couple you’re obsessed with, this is a great way to show off your fandom and your love at the same time.

16. Important Dates

Every couple has an important date. Perhaps it’s the day you got married, or maybe it’s the day you met your partner.

No matter what your special day is, getting a tattoo of it can be a special way to show off your love.

You can even get multiple date tattoos if you like. That way, you can commemorate more than one special occasion.

17. Forever Mine

This one’s best for married couples or partners who plan to be together forever.

With this tattoo, you and your partner can get the words “forever mine” tattooed. It’s a sweet reminder of the long-term commitment you’ve made to your partner.

Alternatively, one partner can get the word “mine” while the other partner gets the word “forever”. These simple and sweet words hold a whole lot of significance when they’re shared with your partner!

18. Skulls

Now, while some people might think skulls are macabre, that could be right up someone else’s alley. Skulls can have tons of different meanings depending on how you look at them!

You can customize your skulls with roses and other romantic elements to make them especially sweet. Or, you can make them more cultural and use a Day of the Dead type theme.

Skulls are a wonderful way to symbolize “til death do us part”. Plus, they can also just be simple ways to show off your relationship’s personality.

19. Anchor Couple Tattoos

For most of us, our partners anchor us down and ground us. One way you can show that is to get an anchor tattoo!

You and your partner can get the same anchor tattoo or can mix it up a bit and have one partner get the ship that drops the anchor.

These are also great tattoos for individuals who have a special connection with the sea. Whether you live by the ocean or your partner works at sea, these are wonderfully symbolic tattoos.

20. LGBTQ+ Couple Tattoos

If you’re in an LGBTQ+ relationship, then you might want to get a tattoo that speaks especially to that. It’s a great way to express your love for your partner and show off your pride.

There are tons of different designs out there, such as the double feminine or double masculine symbol. Or, you could opt for simple pride flags.

We also love the idea of double triangles. You can keep it in simple black ink, or you can get colorful to show off your personal orientation.

No matter what LGBTQ symbol or style you choose, these are wonderful ways to express yourself while celebrating your love for your partner.

Get Inspired by These Couple Tattoo Ideas

With this huge list of couple tattoo ideas, you’ll have no problem coming up with an idea for your and your partner’s next set of ink. There are tons of amazing ideas and you can work with your artist to tweak them to be uniquely yours!

So, what do you say? Are you ready to get started with gorgeous couple tattoos? Get in touch to book an appointment with our studio.

To learn more, contact us here.

Henderson Tattoo Shop

Maui Tattoo Shop

Hawaii Tattoo Shop

18 Covid-19 Tattoo Ideas in 2022

18 Covid-19 Tattoo Ideas in 2022

18 Covid-19 Tattoo Ideas in 2022

After being closed for months due to the pandemic, over 20,000+ tattoo studios across the USA are opening their doors again… and their schedules are filling up with some intriguing requests and tattoo ideas.

The pandemic has been a history-altering, life-changing event we’ve all collectively survived through, and for some, that warrants an inked reminder.

There’s a fresh new wave of COVID-19 related tattoos hitting the market, ranging from the weird and the wonderful, memorial pieces, funny art, and everything between.

If you’re looking for some eye-catching designs to model your next bit of ink on, read on for our list of the 18 most interesting pandemic tattoo ideas.

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Right now, we’re living through history in the making. In 20 years our children and their children will study the pandemic, with a focus on how governments and the people coped and struggled. They’ll come to you with questions, so what better way to show them how it affected you than a tattoo representing your experience?

Surviving not only the virus, but the loneliness, disconnection, and dissection of society is something to be proud of – and some want to memorialize that.

So, what are these controversial new tattoo designs?

1. Toilet Roll

Both the USA and the UK saw a shortage in toilet roll, of all things, when the lockdowns hit and panic buyers raided the shelves.

Having become a bit of a national joke, toilet roll has been one of the most popular themes for post-pandemic tattoo designs. If you’re looking for fun tattoos that are Coronavirus-related and lighthearted, a funny toilet roll piece might be on the cards.

We’ve seen toilet rolls with angel wings, a Coronavirus cell with arms cheekily handing you a toilet roll, and a toilet roll with ‘survivor’ etched into it, just to name a few of the wacky designs people are coming up with.

2. We Can Do It

Remember the American WWII propaganda poster with a woman, flexing her bicep, claiming ‘We Can Do It’? It was designed to boost morale for the female workforce supporting the war effort from the munitions factories.

Adopted and updated by modern artists, the new COVID-19 tattoo design features the woman on the poster in nurses scrubs and a facemask, sometimes clutching a vaccination injection. If you’re looking for tattoo ideas for women, you could put your own spin on this classic piece.

3. Coronavirus Cell

If you’re into more modern designs, you might be leaning towards a more scientific image. Some designs include the Coronavirus cell under a microscope, which is often used on educational posters and television adverts and an image we all recognize by now. If you’re looking for something even more special and scientific, check out MIT’s incredible new ‘living tattoo’.

It doesn’t have to be all science-related, though. We’ve seen coronavirus cell tattoos that are cheeky, funny, or downright rude!

4. Memorial Tattoo

Memorial tattoos aren’t a new fad – human beings are very sentimental.

If you’ve lost someone to the pandemic – or during the pandemic – a memorial piece is a lovely idea. If you have a favorite photo of your loved one, take it to your tattooist to remember them in ink forever.

5. Mask Tattoo

Yes, believe it or not, people are getting mask tattoos. The pro to designing a mask tattoo is that you can do anything with it – arty, funny, detailed, or simple. If you’ve got some skill with a pencil, you could design your own modest mask piece.

Some designs have included teddy bears with masks, a mask hanging off a finger, and even Lady Liberty wearing a face covering.

6. Survivor Tattoo

Surviving COVID-19 is a feat, especially if you’re at risk, and some survivors want to wear their pride on their sleeve – literally. If you’re looking for tattoo sleeve ideas that are COVID-related, you could take several designs from this list and compile them for a sleeve that’ll tell your COVID-19 journey.

You can do anything with a survivor tattoo – it’s whatever surviving Coronavirus means to you. That might be an achievement because of mental or physical health.

Some people opt for small tattoo ideas with meaning, and some go for more obvious tattoos which feature the word ‘survivor’. Another option that’s less obviously about Coronavirus could be an animal tattoo, like a lion which means ‘strength’ and ‘courage’, or a hawk, which means ‘independence’, ‘harmony’, and ‘progress’.

7. Motivational Quote

Love them or hate them, motivational quotes have helped get many people through the pandemic one day at a time.

As humans, we like quotes for two reasons: one, because they’re tiny stories in a couple of lines that carry a huge amount of meaning. Two, because it’s nice to know that we aren’t the only ones feeling fear, worry, regret, sadness.

They make us feel less lonely – and as a design, they’re great conversation starters.

8. Grim Reaper

While getting a tattoo of the grim reaper to commemorate the pandemic and those we’ve lost is quite somber, we all grieve in our own way. If you’re looking for something a little edgier and darker, a grim reaper-esque tattoo might be something to consider.

A similar design that has been hugely popular since the beginning of modern tattooing is skulls and skulls with flowers blooming out of them. While they’re perceived by society as dark, angry designs that mean death, that often isn’t the case for whoever is wearing it. Often, they’re quite masculine in style, so skull designs can be great tattoo ideas for men.

Many people who have skull tattoos wear them as a celebration of life. They’re supposed to represent that eventually, we’ll all end up as bones, and serve as a reminder to live our lives to their fullest and brightest while we have the chance.

9. Personal Tattoos

If you’ve lost someone during the pandemic and you’d like a design that’ll commemorate them but you don’t want a COVID-specific tattoo, you might want to consider a design personal to them or you.

You can design your own tattoo, or you can go to your local tattoo artist and ask them to draw you up an original tattoo based on your brief.

When you’re thinking about your design, consider these things:

  • When you think of your loved one, what hobbies, objects or shapes come to mind
  • Do you want the tattoo in color, or in black and white
  • Are there any themes you want to incorporate
  • How big and where on your body do you want it to be

10. Flowers

Flowers and death are intrinsically linked. They’re laid at funerals and graves, and people often pick beautiful flower designs to memorialize the lost.

They’re much less macabre than some of the other designs on this list, and you’ve got huge design freedom when it comes to flower tattoos because you can pick any flower in any color.

11. Rona Wuz Here

Millennials and Gen Z’s have a penchant for coping with depressing situations through comedy – and for the ongoing pandemic, it’s no different.

Like you might find scrawled on the inside of a locker or toilet stall door, a nod to the classic retro ’90s with a Wuz Here tattoo is a funny way to lighten up a very heavy subject. If you’re looking for stick-and-poke ideas, this is a great one.

12. Fallout-Themed Designs

If you’re a fan of the post-apocalyptic video game series Fallout, you’ll be familiar with the Fallout Boy. If you aren’t, Fallout Boy is a simply drawn animation who usually finds himself with an unfortunate demise in propaganda-type posters dotted around the game, from radiation poisoning making his arm fall off to irradiated giant roaches eating him whole.

Video game lovers are designing crossovers with the widely-recognizable Fallout graphics. If you’re an avid gamer, there’s loads of fun to be had drawing up different Fallout Boy designs.

Some launch-off points could be him toppling over trying to carry a huge pile of toilet roll, sitting in an armored shopping cart Mad Max-style, or in his famous blue jumpsuit with ‘COVID 19’ on the back.

13. Post Apocalyptic

On the theme of post-apocalyptic designs, if you like the idea but don’t want a video game-themed tattoo, don’t despair – there are hundreds of amazing apocalypse designs to draw inspiration from.

One style to consider is gas masks, a nod to our healthcare workers who are often suited up in heavy PPE. Along the same vein, tattoos of plague doctors wearing their infamously creepy beaked masks have risen in popularity.

While we aren’t living in a post-apocalyptic world, at times it has looked like it. Images of Fifth Avenue completely empty, store shelves barren, people in so much PPE they look like homemade hazmat suits, and signs everywhere to keep away from each other have been the inspiration for artists and designers everywhere, from tattoos to pieces of art and exhibits.

14. Corona Beer

The unfortunately-named Corona beer became a bit of a cult icon during lockdown. While some people may have avoided the beer because of its name, others were drawn towards it, seeing the funny side.

Amazingly, even Corona beer tattoos have become popular – with designs including the label saying ‘Corona Virus’ in its font, radioactive symbols, or even COVID-19 cells floating around in the drink itself!

15. Earth Wearing a Mask

The whole world has been impacted by Corona – with masks becoming a staple in most people’s handbags, cars, homes, and coat pockets. Masks are everywhere, and for most people when you see a surgical mask now, you think ‘pandemic’.

Check out all the variations of a personified planet Earth, looking very cute with animated arms and eyes, and a big white mask stretched across its face.

16. Bat Tattoo

The wild (and false) story of COVID-19’s apparent origin reads like the beginning of a DC comic book – a man, eating a bat, and then spreading it to the rest of humanity. And now, it’s been adopted by the tattoo community.

We’ve seen a huge increase in bat tattoo designs; hyper-realistic clusters of bats, angry animated bats, mutant bats with green lizard tongues, radioactive bats. The possibilities are endless.

17. Essential Worker

Essential workers have been the backbone of the nation. Many have worked through the pandemic, on the frontlines, and want to get a tattoo in commemoration of that – and we fully support it.

Some popular essential worker tattoos have been:

  • Nurses or doctors in full scrubs and PPE
  • A heartbeat monitor line (with personalization like a heart or a cross within it)
  • survived coronavirus tattoo
  • A hand holding a flower
  • A stethoscope surrounded by flowers
  • Vaccination tattoos

18. Lotus Flower

We’ve touched upon flower tattoos, but one unisex design that became very popular in 2021 and into 2022 is the lotus flower. It symbolizes strength, hardship, and overcoming obstacles.

It’s also the Buddhist symbol for new beginnings and rebirth. The eight lotus flower petals represent the Eightfold Path which Buddhists practice for mindfulness and peace.

In Hinduism, it’s known as Padma, the Sanskrit word for lotus, and symbolizes delicacy, purity, and spirituality. Lotus flowers are popular worldwide for their beauty, and the general belief is that they grow out of mud and dirt, and that’s why they’re seen as a symbol of rebirth.

Dreaming Up Tattoo Ideas? Book Yours Now!

Skin Factory tattoo studios are located in Henderson, Las Vegas, and Maui and service both loyal locals and tourists who are looking for a safe, expert tattoo experience away from over-priced regular tourist hotspots.

After reading through our extensive list of tattoo ideas to commemorate living through the Coronavirus pandemic, come and find your perfect tattoo! Either bring your art with you or give us a call and book a consultation with one of our experienced artists for a piece of art you’ll love for a lifetime.

To learn more, contact us here.

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White Tattoo

White Tattoo

What Is a White Tattoo, and Should I Get One?

After a lifetime of consideration, today is the day that you’re finally making a tattoo appointment at Skin Factory Tatoo! You’ve got a massive design in mind, and you know exactly where you want it – somewhere everyone will be able to see it. You are ready for a lifetime of bold self-expression featuring the most incredible artwork!

But wait. Before you commit to a whole lifetime, have you considered a white tattoo?

After all, what about the dress code at work? What about that period drama you were planning to audition for at the community theatre? And, now that you think about it, that full-color back piece you’ve been dreaming about seems like it might take a really long time.

White ink tattoos are the compromise between going big and going home. They allow you to cover your skin with large, intricate, ultraviolet reactive artwork that still allows room for delicate subtlety.

If you’re curious about whether a white ink tattoo might be right for you, keep reading to learn how to make a striking but subtle statement by trying this unique body art trend!

What Are White Ink Tattoos?

If you have investigated more traditional tattoos, you’ve probably come across a few options. These will range from full-color pieces to black and white pieces to simple black contour art. While white ink can incorporated into any of these traditional styles, a white tattoo is something unique.

White tattoos aren’t simply what’s left behind when you outline negative space. Your artist might create the outline of your tattoo using white pigment, which will leave behind a subtle, dimensional image. Designs can range from the most understated contour designs to filled-in icons.

On darker skin, white ink creates a striking visual contrast that will draw the eye. On lighter skin, your design might “camouflage,” creating a piece of personal art that’s easy to hide in plain sight. In both cases, the piece will be closer to “neutral” than other options and is unlikely to clash with clothing or other tattoos.

Your tattoo artist can use white ink in other ways, too. For example, you might choose art with a simple black contour and choose to fill it in with white.

A white halo around a traditional tattoo adds an additional visual and tactile dimension that can help it “pop.” White accents on a full-color tattoo can add stunning detail to a more complex piece.

The Benefits of White Ink Tattoos

If you’re interested in getting a white tattoo because you think they look cool, that’s reason enough! If you still need convincing, however, there are a few specific reasons why white tattoos might be the right choice for your next piece of body art.

They Are Ultraviolet Reactive

Think about what happens when you’re wearing a non-descript white t-shirt and you accidentally walk into a room that’s flooded with ultraviolet light. Suddenly, you’re glowing like a god, and everyone’s eye is immediately drawn to you!

The same thing happens to white ink tattoos. While some of these tattoos will be nearly invisible from a distance, they are all UV reactive. Under ultraviolet light, they glow faintly neon and come to life!

This is a great way for those with a rich nightlife to transition from day to night! You’ll be able to wear your tattoos proudly in a professional environment without attracting any negative attention. As soon as you’re under club lights, you’ll become a walking, glowing work of eye-catching art!

Until someone manages to invent a long-lasting glow-in-the-dark body pigment, white ink is the next best thing.

They Are Subtle

Even if you’ve always wanted a tattoo, you might not want to show it off to the entire world. Often, clients use tattoos for memorial purposes. Some pieces have special, secret meanings.

If you want a permanent piece of art but still want to keep it to yourself, white ink means you don’t need to hide it away.

On lighter skin, white ink might only be visible in certain light. Even if you have a large piece, they tend to blend in with your flesh tone. They look more like a shimmer on the surface of the skin and don’t attract visual attention in the same way as traditional tattoos.

Think about looking at a photograph with a camouflaging animal in it. At first, you might not even realize there’s an animal in the picture. Once it’s pointed out to you, however, your eye will go straight to the animal every time.

That’s the experience that many individuals with white ink tattoos have. They manage to hide their body art in plain sight, but let those they love in on their “secret.”

Normally, those looking to “hide” a tattoo might have it done in a spot that’s hidden under clothing or hard to see without a mirror. White ink opens up the option to have tattoos in more accessible locations.

If you want to honor someone you’ve lost, carry your childrens’ names with you, or etch a meaningful affirmation into your skin, consider white ink. A small, white ink tattoo on the wrist or finger makes for a gorgeous permanent reminder just for you.

They Are Unique

Some people get white ink tattoos for the subtlety – others like them because they’re looking for a way to stand out! If you’re already a body art fan with traditional tattoos, a white ink piece can add some interesting stylistic contrast to your extant collection.

White ink tattoos can be just as intricate as traditional tattoos and have a sense of lightness and airiness that more substantial tattoos lack. They also tend to have more tactile dimension than black ink tattoos, which is a great way to add some texture to your body art.

Some body art aficionados like using white ink in the negative space between their other pieces. They allow you to have one set of tattoos during the day, and a second set under blacklight.

Other Things to Consider

White tattoos are an excellent compromise for someone who is reticent about showing off body art, or who might be more interested in a subtle tribute. A white ink tattoo is still a commitment, however. There are some special considerations when it comes to the care and maintenance of these pieces that you should keep in mind before you commit.

They Tend to Fade

White ink was not initially created to be a stand-alone pigment. Tattoo artists use white to change the tone of their other pigments to allow for shading and variation in color.

As a result, white ink tattoos tend to fade faster than traditional tattoos. You may experience a transition period during which the white tones look somewhat uneven. Most tattoos end up settling into a light, subtle scar-like appearance, which many people love.

You can care for your white ink tattoo by avoiding direct sun exposure and wearing sunscreen daily. Even so, your tattoo probably won’t have the same level of brightness and contrast after a few months or years. It will always be there, but you might have to look harder to find it.

This is a feature for many people, who may not want to commit to a piece for their entire life. Knowing that their white ink tattoo will fade over time means they don’t have to worry about the effects of aging on the art. The tattoo will age along with them in a pleasant and unobtrusive way.

They Require More Healing Time

White ink is unique and requires special expertise to apply correctly. The ink itself is thicker than black or colored pigment, but it’s less pigmented than other inks overall. It’s supposed to be somewhat transparent by design.

The light color means your artist will have to apply the ink more aggressively than other inks to make sure that it takes. As a result, white tattoos may require more healing time than traditional tattoos. You may experience more pain and swelling with a white ink tattoo than you would with a more traditional tattoo, even if the piece is small.

After you receive your white tattoo, you’ll want to carefully heed the aftercare instructions given to you by your tattoo artist. As with all tattoos, there will be some scabbing and flaking. Great aftercare is key to keeping your white ink tattoos looking crisp and clean.

They Can Distort

The thickness of the white ink means that it takes a very talented tattoo artist to create thin, delicate designs. If you’re looking to get a tiny piece, or you want something specific like a mandala, white ink can be tricky. As these pieces heal, they occasionally distort as they settle into your skin.

A white ink tattoo will never look as crisp and clean as it does on the first day. They look different on different skin types, and it’s hard to predict how well they’ll take to your skin. For that reason, most artists suggest that you don’t get a white ink piece as a first tattoo.

White Tattoo Ideas

If you are willing to take a risk on a truly unique tattoo, a white ink piece is a great place to start. All you need is the perfect design to get you started!

Consider the special qualities of white ink when choosing a design. What would look incredible glowing under black light? What design would still look great once it has faded enough to become part of the fabric of your skin?

Many creative clients have already taken these things into consideration. Here are a few popular options that might inspire your meaningful white ink tattoo.

Look to the Stars

With their incredible blacklight glow, it’s no wonder that so many clients have used white ink to depict images from astronomy. One of the most popular images is constellations, with their clean lines and specificity.

Solid astronomical icons also make great white ink tattoos. They’re perfect for tiny half-moons, brilliant stars, or even little planet designs. These saturated images glow brighter under blacklight when compared to thinner contour designs.

Grow and Glow

Fans of the white ink tattoo are also overwhelmingly fans of floral designs. One of the most popular white ink images is a white daisy. Whether you choose a subtle daisy silhouette or choose to fill in the petals, these look gorgeous and maintain their integrity as they fade.

Those who are fond of the delicate nature of white ink tend to go for art featuring greenery. Botanical plants are a popular subject. A fern, palm leaf, or other tropical design can add a secret hint of summertime all year long.

Keep It Light

As discussed, white ink is a popular option for memorial tattoos. It allows you to permanently wear a reminder on your skin without broadcasting it to the world. Many of our white ink tattoos feature personal images with special meaning to the client.

Some of our most striking white tattoos have been images of feathers, ghostly animal silhouettes, and snowflakes. A light image deserves gentle treatment. White ink is a great medium for these airy subjects.

Schedule a Consult at Skin Factory Tattoo

If you’re looking for a more understated piece of body art that will never clash or go out of style, a white tattoo might be your perfect match. You’ll love the near camouflage effect of having artwork big or small hiding right in plain sight! Under ultraviolet light, your tattoo’s iridescent glow will elevate your self-expression to the next level.

Ready to glow for it? Skilled artists at Skin Factory Tattoo’s Maui and Vegas locations are ready to consult with you about their next great masterpiece. Reach out today to get the process started!

To learn more, contact us here.

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History of Tattoos

History of Tattoos

A Complete History of Tattoos

Tattoos have become a massive part of our culture both in the United States and around the world. You might think that the artform or craze only started a century or two ago. However, that’s not the case.

Tattoos have been around in some way for over 5,000 years. If you want to learn a complete history of tattoos, read on.

Otzi – The Iceman

Archaeologists discovered the first tattoo or oldest dating tattoo in September of 1991. Otzi, a mummified human, gets his name from the place two German hikers found him. The Oztzal Alps of Europe near the Italian and Austrian border.

Researchers discovered a total of 61 tattoos on Otzi. The tattoos are from soot or ash from a fireplace. They’re divided into 19 groups in different areas of the body.

Otzi was about five-foot-three inches tall and somewhere between 30 and 45 years old.

Otzi’s tattoos are on his ankle points, knee, and spine. How he died is a mystery, but they think his death was a violent one.

There’s one extremely interesting thing. The markings on Otzi align with traditional Chinese acupuncture points. That can’t be a coincidence, can it?

But, Otzi was alive 2,000 years before the earliest evidence of acupuncture, and he was very far from China for the time period.

After Otzi – Egyptian Mummies

Until Otzi was found, evidence showed that the earliest tattoos came from about 4,000 years ago. There was a group of Egyptian mummies that are from the time the great pyramids were being made.

There’s some indirect evidence that may or may not conclude that tattoos or tattooing may even be older and more widespread than the Egyptian mummies.

The indirect or inconclusive evidence is that of engraved statuettes that can sometimes be put in the same context as needles and clay discs with ochre.

What Historical Cultures Practiced Tattooing?

history of tattoosHistorical and Ethnographic texts have shown that tattoos have been done by almost every known human culture, including Ancient Greeks who used tattoos in the fifth century to communicate with their spies.

After that, the Romans used to mark their slaves and criminals with tattoos.

Your first criminal offense in Japan way back when meant you got a line tattooed across your forehead. A second offense meant you got an arch tattooed above the line.

If you were guilty of a third offense, you got another line, and it completed the symbol for “dog.”

Of course, we can’t talk about ancient tattoos without discussing the Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas. They would have big tattooing rituals.

Then there’s the Norse, Danes, and Saxons who would tattoo their family’s crest across their chest. And the Britons also had tattoo ceremonies.

Tahitians also like their tattoos, and the word tattoo comes from the Tahitian word “tatau,” which means strike or mark. And tattoo means tapped as most tattoos back then were tapped into the skin by bone or wood.

In the Arctics, they pulled carbon thread under the skin with a needle. They could make designs with this method, almost like needlepoint.

Tattoos in Europe

Of course, the history of tattoos in Europe starts with Otzi but, there was evidence found showing that people may have been experimenting with tattoos before the last ice age nearly 12,000 years ago.

In 1867, at Grotte di Fées in Châtelperron, France, researchers found flintstone tools and bowls with red and black pigments.

But, this doesn’t mean the tools and paints were used to tattoo humans. They could have been used to draw on the walls in the caves. So, Otzi is the first or earliest proof of tattoos on humans.

In the early 300s, A.D., Constantine, the roman Emporer at the time, banned facial tattoos.

He did so because criminals wore them; while so did his own soldiers and gladiators. Constantine would have none of that and put the ban in place.

Other Europeans, such as the Vikings, didn’t seem to care. You could find them in the 1100s A.D. covered with tattoos.

In the 1700s, a British naval Captain by the name of Cook brought back native Polynesians with tattoos. The soldiers liked the idea and proceeded to get tatted up.

Alfred Charles South, from London, created the first twin coil tattoo machine in 1899. It was so heavy it had to be suspended from the ceiling to work correctly.

Tattoos in America

The history of tattoos in America can be a bit complicated. The origins of the English word tattoo are from the 16th century.

But the earliest proof of tattoos in America comes from a picture or pictograph of a Seneca trader. The Seneca traders’ tattoos were a bird and snake, which represent freedom.

There is also the picture of The Four Indian Kings from that same era. The King of the Maquas, a Mohawk tribe, is in that picture after returning from a European voyage.

His chest and lower part of his face were covered in black lines that were tattooed.

The origins of the first tattoo machine in America started with Thomas Edison. He created an electric stencil maker.

In 1891, a man named Samuel F. O’Reilly used Edison’s design to create the first electric tattoo machine. O’Reilly patented the machine on December 8th of that year.

Both the design O’Reilly used, which is like a rotary machine, and the coil machine from Europe are still used today to some effect. Nowadays they’re cooler looking, lighter, and much easier to handle with a lot of accessories.

The History of Tattoos and Today’s World

Tattoos and tattoo machines have come a long way since Otzi. We still use the rotary and coil methods, but they’re a lot smaller, lighter, and easier to maneuver.

Modern-day tattoo artists have several different tools/accessories they can use for different tattoos, but they all stem from past centuries of the art of the tattoo.

If learning about the history of tattoos has given you the itch for one, contact us now for an appointment.

To learn more, contact us here.

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