Where to Start if You Want a Seriously Amazing Tattoo

Tattoos have come a long way in the last decade. Thanks to mainstream media and the introduction of global TV shows like Miami Ink, Tattoodo and Ink Master, tattoos are shifting their identity from a form of scarification to fine art. Not only that but in recent years they have become a fashionable trend where everyone and anyone is looking to get some impeccable ink to last them a lifetime. So where do you start when looking to get a seriously amazing tattoo? By knowing your own individual tattoo style.

There are so many different classifications of tattoos it can be a little overwhelming when starting your search for that perfect piece. From Ancient Tribal to New School there is an endless catalogue of genres of which each require a specific set of skills, so it’s important to know what style resonates with you before heading for the needle. While there are several tattoo artists who can design, and apply any type of tattoo you request of them, this is a very lucky limited few. So, when looking for that epic tattoo you need an equally epic artist, who specialises in your style, to apply it.

The oldest forms of tattooing begin with Ancient Tribal, Japanese/Oriental and what’s called Traditional which began in the western world in the 1800’s. Each of these historic techniques require their own set of attributes from colour and use of imagery to their own cultural traditions.

As the industry and technology progressed this opened the possibility for more detailed and photographic like ink applications. Realism comes from having a strong background in fine art with the ability to apply tattoos on skin with a photographic like replication. It requires such precision and ability with a needle it is important to budget as much as possible when going for this type of tattoo.

The newer techniques of tattooing from Surrealism and Watercolour, to Dot, Line and Geometric work, are all as what you would expect them to be. They mirror the same elements you would find in the art world and are labelled with the same names. They have their own set of guidelines, unique colour palettes and procedures when it comes to applying a tattoo to the curvature of one’s body.

While these are a few of the more well known forms of tattoos, this does not even begin to scratch the surface of the ink world. Social environments, cultural traditions and availability of equipment effect the many layers you could go through when searching for that holy grail tattoo. The best place to find these examples in real life, to uncover all the things this industry has to offer and to discover your own body art style, is a Tattoo Convention. An event where all your local tattooists are in one place, and is an endless experience of art, design and performance. You can ask questions, meet fellow enthusiasts and discover the reason why everyone doesn’t just want a tattoo, they need one. By Natasha MacKenzie

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