The Art Of Tattooing
There is something about the permanence of a tattoo that eases my mind. In a world full of constant change and the unknown, having something that is unchangeable is calming to many. In fact, we can’t help but wonder if this is perhaps where the art of tattooing lies.
While some start with tattooing to symbolise something like green blood flowing through their veins, their souls’ likeness to a wildflower, or a saying they want to live by, others go big. Some people get tattoo sleeves made up of dragons that eventually reach across their chest and blow fire. Or, faces of people they have never met before on their thighs. Some get fairies on their calves. In the end, the word ‘tattoo’ can mean something completely different to you than what it means to someone else. The ink takes on a role dependent on who its wearer is. And that – according to many – is the art of tattooing.
Tattoos as Vessels of a Life Lived
Whenever someone says they want a tattoo, the most common response is “why?” Individuals have different reasons for getting ink etched into their skin. Some turn to tattooing in an effort to display their identity or personal sentiments. Others just find it pretty. In addition, some people get tattoos for cosmetic purposes, to cover up a scar or hide a previous tattoo they now regret. And, a few do it to memorialise loved ones.
After chatting to tattoo artists from Royal Ink Tattoo Studio, it’s clear that these individuals live and breathe for the ink on their skins. It isn’t surprising that the four artists in the tattoo parlour are all covered in ink, each with their own reason for using their skins as canvas.
Owner of Royal Ink, Brad Pretorius, says his first tattoo is his most loved: A portrait of his daughter with a realist twist. Tattoo artist Tai Slabbert says he chose his tattoos simply because they looked cool. Mark Gangiah chose the symbolism route, with the central theme of the sun found throughout his tattoos.
For Dylan Hart, being a tattoo artist was “a controversial and not traditional job,” which highlighted his passion for drawing. He chose this medium of art as it allowed him to express himself in a unique way. His tattoos signal his journey of becoming the artist he is today, with no regrets in sight.
Even in just this one tattoo parlour there are so many different reasons for tattooing (or becoming a tattoo artist). Yes, permanence manifests itself as a way of life within those four walls.
The Art of Tattooing
Just like an art school graduate would tell you, art is limitless in what it can be and what it can achieve. Hence, in this modern era, it makes sense that tattoos are considered a form of art. There are unlimited options for what tattoos can be and how they can be designed and developed. The art of tattooing is a process of communication and refinement, where the wearer describes what he wants and the tattoo artist tries to bring that vision to life.
Pretorius explains how he will “never do a tattoo he is not happy with” no matter how much the client begs. He understands the permanence of it all, even if he is given free reign over his client’s body. Slabbert says he looks at the references clients send and then he finds a way to make them look even better. It is as much an ongoing process of manipulation and clarification of the art onto the person’s skin as it is about the piece itself.
As we dived into the topic of tattooing, we came across at least twelve general styles of tattoos that exist in the modern world. However, what we realised is that each tattoo artist has a personal style and they can put their own twist on a design to make it completely unique. A tattoo does not need to fit into a box or have certain criteria. Basically, anything goes. Aa you need is inspiration.
Realism
Hart’s favourite style is realism because of how different each piece can be. He essentially creates a photo on your skin, using fine lines, shading and splashes of colour. Skulls, statues, faces, animals, plants and geometric designs are most commonly found in this style of tattooing.
Watercolour
These opaque-looking tattoos aim to mimic watercolour paints. With soft edges and pastel colours, these tattoos are normally made up of animals, birds and flowers. Essentially, it’s an ode to the soft side of life.
Tribal
Evolving directly from history, tribal-style tattoos signify one’s lineage, ancestors and family beliefs. Modern tribal tattoos draw on this for inspiration, but focus more on imagery that symbolise power and protection. Most of the time, these tattoos are designed to flow with the body’s muscles.
New School
Pushing the limits of believability and colour swatches, these tattoos often have a cartoon-feel to them. You can spot them by looking for exaggerated facial features, caricatures and some sort of 3D-graffiti effect.
Old School
Also known as ‘sailors’ tattoos,’ this style pays homage to the 5000-year-old history of tattooing. It uses bold lines and a limited colour palette of yellow, green and black. Common images found in this style of tattooing include roses, pin-up girls, anchors, eagles, snakes and butterflies.
Neotraditional
Gangiah finds this style the most rewarding. It goes hand in hand with American Traditional styles. Made up of different line weights, subtle gradients, colour and intricate details, it encompasses the Art Nouveau appeal.
Japanese
Big and bright, Japanese-style tattoos focus on cultural symbols. Each image has an underlying meaning to it. For example, tigers represent strength whilst koi fish stand for inspiration. Additionally, a samurai symbolises honour, whilst cats symbolise good fortune.
Black and Grey Work
Pretty self-explanatory, black and grey tattoos are quite popular and frequently used. There is absolutely no colour found within these tattoos, with the grey gradients coming from shading techniques and depth.
Portraits
Pretorius’ passion lies in illustrations and portraits. He loves the challenge this tattooing style offers as you cannot get anything wrong. He understands that he is immortalising a face through his work, so perfection is the only standard he sets.
Fine-line
Popular with younger generations, Hart explains how fine-line tattoos are the new trend. They constitute tattoos made up of thin lines that are then shaded together. Mostly found on their own in small dimensions or part of a larger patchwork, fine-line tattoos have unlimited potential in what they are and can become.
Scripting or Lettering
Sometimes a person wants words instead of pictures. This is where scripting comes in. Words can be thick, thin, printed, handwritten, inked in cursive or hidden within bigger artworks. Think calligraphy, but on your skin and not a piece of paper.
Geometric
Lastly, geometric tattoos take any design and break it into fundamental lines and shapes. Ultimately, it’s like architectural designs, but with a twist. Slabbert says one of his favourite things to do is to put a dark twist on ordinary objects. This is a tattooing style which supports that process perfectly.
The permanence of tattoos does not have to be a daunting thought. In fact, many rather see it as a glimpse of hope for some things in life to remain unchangeable. Yes, laser tattoo removal exists and cover-ups are more common than you think, but the ink will still always live on in one or other layer of your skin.
Tattoo artists have trained themselves to bring ordinary visions to life – visions that live forever. So, whether you are eighteen and want your first fine-line tattoo, or whether you’re older and want a sleeve with your wife’s face and children’s names, there is something for everyone.
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