2010 April | My LA Ink

The Bride

April 25th, 2010 by Kat Von

New Haven Connecticut’s Joe Capobianco is well known to the tattoo world for his spacey/scary/creepy portraits of crazy space girls. I think that’s the best way that I can describe it. No offense intended, Joe. Joe has been tattooing for longer than you, and he does really, really, really cool work.

In fact, Joe Capobianco’s tattoo art reminds me of these little figurine sort of dolls of various manga comic book characters that you can buy all over the place in Japan. I’m not kidding, they’re crazy popular over there. But hey! What a coincidence that I would think of those little figurines that you see all over the place in Japan when I see Joe Capobianco’s tattoos! Why? Well, because Joe Capobianco has recently designed one of those little figurines that you see all over the place in Japan!

That’s right, if you’re a fan of Capobianco’s work and you can’t one way or another get to Joe, or you don’t have the money to get a tattoo or whatever the case may be that prohibits you from getting Joe’s art on your body, then you can order one of the limited edition toy figurines, named The Bride. It’s pretty cool looking actually, and if I had an inch of space in my tiny-ass apartment, I’d probably even buy one. At any rate, if you’re interested in buying one of these beauties, they’ll run you a cool $75 USD. You can find them here, at Kidrobot.com. You can’t however, buy one until May 20th.

If you do happen to live in Columbus Ohio, you can pick one up at the Hell City Tattoo Festival on May 21st, where Capobianco and crew will be on hand for what I’m sure will be a decent release party.

Tags: Celebrity, Conventions, Hell City tattoo festival, Inspired, Japan, Joe Capobianco, kidrobot, manga characters, News, Pinup Girls, Products, Tattoo Artists, tattoo blog, tattoo figurine, The Bride figurine, Workforce

The Truth About the Truth

April 25th, 2010 by Kat Von

I don’t mean to be a Negative Ned over here, but sometimes I read stuff that is just too annoying and plain stupid to not break out some serious criticism. That being the case, I feel that there are two types of criticism when it comes to tattoos: those leveled by people within the tattoo industry, i.e.: tattoo artists, people who are tattooed and people who although they may not be tattooed, are generally pretty well informed about the state of tattooing. These complaints range from tattoo artists who’ve sold out – for example, certain artists who choose to be reality TV stars; criticism of certain tattoos and the work of certain tattoo artists, and of course, the lack of understanding and tolerance for tattooed people by non-tattooed people.

Then, there’s the second type of criticism. This type is generated by an entirely different group of people, people who more often than not have zero real exposure to people with tattoos (passing a tattooed person on the street doesn’t count as exposure), tattoo art, tattoo studios, tattoo artist, you name it. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but this particular group of people wants things one way and one way only. (In case you’re still wondering, that one way happens to be a world where tattoos have ceased to exist.)

The author of this article definitely belongs to the latter group of critics. The article itself explains in ridiculously biased fashion why everyone should steer clear of being tattooed or pierced. Or at least that’s what it’s trying to doing. In reality it’s more an article about why people shouldn’t get pierced, with a few small tattoo references thrown in for good measure. Referencing highly obscure incidents and making them seem as though they happen to every single person who gets tattooed or pierced is more than just lazy writing, it’s also irresponsible. Kind of ironic considering that the author of the article was trying to prove how irresponsible tattoos and piercings are.

“…There have been reports of everything from tetanus to toxic shock after piercing.

And “minor” germs can spread to produce life-threatening infections. Even if you avoid germs, your latest metal or paint work might still cause havoc. Swelling and bleeding are common early on.

Piercings can take ages to heal, especially in the navel, nipple or genitals and can leave nasty scars.”

This ladies and gentlemen, is little more than fear-mongering. Am I trying to say that these things can’t happen? No, of course not. But I can guarantee you that more people die each year from automobile accidents, drugs and alcohol or domestic disputes than from tattoos or piercing. In fact, I can guarantee you that more people die each year from A LOT more threatening things other than tattoos and piercing. Why the author feels the need to discourage people from getting tattooed isn’t exactly clear, but one thing is very clear: it’s okay to criticize the tattoo world and everything that goes on within it, but if you’re going to do that, you might want to try to at least get a glimpse into that world before you go spouting obscure statistics as if they were as common place as snow in winter.

I really hope that anyone who is considering a tattoo doesn’t allow their mind to be made up by the type of cheap, shoddy journalism on display in the aforementioned article. If you really want to get a tattoo but aren’t 100% sold on the idea yet, wait until you are. Or better yet, get real information from tattoo artists and hell, even talk to a doctor if you’re worried about effects to your health. There are tons and tons and tons of reputable tattoo artists out there and believe me, caring about your health is their business. But don’t take it from me, do your own research. Just don’t believe everything you read when it comes to the negatives associated with tattoos, because there’s negatives associated with everything. Do your research, take your time, be smart, keep an open mind and everything will be fine.

Tags: ask Dr. Keith, Dislike, Health Risks, scared of tattoos, Stories, Tattoo Artists, tattoo blog, tattoo health risks, tattoo safety, tattoo stereotypes, the Sun, Tips, Workforce

Right Time, Wrong Place?

April 21st, 2010 by Kat Von

Everyone it seems, is aware of the current and continuing popularity of tattoos. Yet why then, are so many of us with tattoos or those of us planning to get more tattoos so hesitant to have tattoos done in a easily visible spot on our bodies?

Lately I’ve been thinking about getting a new tattoo. All of the tattoos that I currently have can easily be covered with clothing. This time however, I’ve been thinking about getting a tattoo on my wrist – a far more visible place that can’t easily be covered. Yet when I started to think about it more, I started to think that maybe someplace completely visible isn’t the best idea. But why? I’m self-employed, I work from home – so what’s the problem? Why should I still be even the least bit hesitant about where my tattoos should go?

Apparently, I’m not alone. This article states that 72% of adults (both young and old), don’t have visible tattoos. Now just for a minute, throw aside all those inevitable questions about who the 72% of adults were and how and when and all that and consider that this statistic most definitely marks the effects of years of people being forced to be frightened of getting a tattoo in the “wrong” place.

Thankfully, these concepts of getting the tattoo in the wrong place are beginning to change. Unfortunately, there’s most likely going to be a lengthy hangover from the times when getting tattooed was some sort of subversive act. That then, is the reason why I myself am hesitant about getting a tattoo in a visible place. I’m not worried about myself, I’m worried about how people will judge me. But not any more. I’ve made my decision: the tattoo will be on the wrist. It’s time to leave that era of being bossed into not getting a visible tattoo behind. Visible tattoos all around! Go on, do it if you haven’t already. It’s time to force a move forward.

Tags: statistics on tattoos, Stories, tattoo blog, visible tattoos, Workforce, wrist tattoos

When I Grow Up

April 21st, 2010 by Kat Von

There’s nothing new about a parent wanting their child to one day follow in their footsteps, career wise. It happens all the time; family passing on the tricks of their trade to family. Though it’s a common enough concept for most trades and lines of work, you don’t often hear about tattoo artists passing on their legacy to their sons or daughters. But that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t happen.

Thirty-six-year-old Blane Dickinson runs his own tattoo studio called Inkaholics Anonymous from his home in Penmaenmawr, Conwy, Wales. He’s more or less like any other hard working family man, except that in his home, he’s not the only tattoo artist: Blane’s 3-year-old daughter Ruby is currently being apprenticed by Blane himself.

For her fourth birthday this coming October, Blane will be giving his daughter a miniature tattoo kit, specially designed and made for small hands, shipped all the way from the United States. Blane wants his daughter to contribute a tattoo of a spider to his leg. Ruby currently takes “tattoo lessons” after nursery school and practices at her father’s shop with a toy tattoo kit.

It’s really not that surprising that something like this should happen. You see it all the time with sports or music or even painting. As long as there’s publicity to be had, people far and wide are always too eager to foist their kids into the limelight. In this case however, if Ruby truly enjoys tattooing, then I guess this is the best way to learn. Far better that she be doing this now under her father’s supervision than ordering equipment off Ebay when she’s 14 and scratching in some dingy basement somewhere. Of course, that could still be a possibility even with her dad’s training, but it seems far more likely that as Ruby grows up she’ll learn a respect for tattooing, thanks to her father. At least I hope that’s what her father’s teaching her.

Tags: 3 year old tattoo artist, Blane Dickinson, Celebrity, Conwy, Inkaholics Anonymous Wales, News, Penmaenmawr, Ruby Dickinson, Stories, Tattoo Artists, tattoo blog, three year old tattoo artist, Wales, Workforce

Meet Deano Cook!

April 21st, 2010 by Kat Von

What can I say? I’m a sucker for photo-realism. Scenes of the earth and animals and the ocean in particular, are all some of the greatest genres of tattoos currently being done. When you find one of the few tattoo artists who can do the photo realism style some justice, then remember who they are. Write their names down, if you must, but remember all the same. The exceptionally good ones are few and far between.

Fortunately, Deano Cook is one of the aforementioned “exceptionally good ones”. His images of underwater and coral reef life are hypnotic, calm and expertly rendered. If you love the ocean and want to show that love in a tattoo, Deano Cook is absolutely your man. Of course, it certainly helps the situation that Cook is an outdoor enthusiast. He fishes, scuba dives and works on his other passion in life, underwater photography. Even Cook’s home has two salt water fish tanks, further proof of a man whose genuine passion for the beauty of the sea motivates the day to day work that he does.

I’ve only wanted to improve myself from day one of learning to tattoo. For me, the desire to learn never ends. I try to give people what they want, and people certainly want very different things, so I’ve learned to accommodate. When you broaden your horizons you can only improve. I’ve also found that when I learn in different mediums and forms of art, I can almost always apply these findings to my tattooing.

- Deano Cook (Prick Magazine)

Cook began tattooing in 1993 and by 1994, he had opened up his own tattoo studio called Psycho Tattoo, in Atlanta, Georgia. Jump ahead 16 years and Psycho Tattoos has three different locations within Atlanta: the original in Marrieta (where Deano can be found), one in Sandy Springs, and one in Douglasville.

Deano, if I ever get to Atlanta, I’m coming to see you. Take a look at Deano Cook’s portfolio here. Do yourself a favour and look at it in full screen mode.

Tags: Atlanta tattoo, Deano Cook, Inspired, Meet Deano Cook!, Pictures, Psycho Tattoo, tattoo artist profile, Tattoo Artists, tattoo blog, Tattoo Magazines, Tattoo Pictures, underwater photography, Workforce

Here?

April 21st, 2010 by Kat Von

When people get tattoos, often they don’t stop to think about the commitment that they are making. The commitment of having a certain image or even a person’s name is not one that should be taken lightly. Now, before you start getting all worried that I’m lecturing you (come to think of it, before I start worrying about me lecturing you), I do have to say that a little foresight can sometimes be a really good thing. But what can you do?

Well how about I tell you? Sound good? All right then. If you are trying to decide how a particular tattoo design will look on a particular place on your body, you might want to pay a visit to Obsessive Ink. Basically the idea over there is that you can create a virtual you and for the low, buy now price of $1.99 (USD). You can upload a photo of your face so that the virtual you can be more personal. You can also upload your own tattoo design and place it wherever you want to on the body – except for the genitals. Seriously.

The guy who wrote this blog post about Obsessive Ink argues that maybe it’s just as simple to get a temporary tattoo in the spot that you are thinking about getting the real tattoo. Of course, he misses the point that you can upload your own tattoo design so that you can see how it looks on your body. Buying a temporary tattoo is not personalized.

That’s not to say that I think Obsessive Ink is all that amazing, either. It’s a good enough idea for what it is, but what it all comes down is that people make a lot of money off stuff like this, meaning there’s a market for it, meaning that the reason for this is that people don’t want to end up like the people who have tattoos that they hate/are embarrassed of. So people get curious to know whether or not their idea for a back piece featuring Kenny Rogers is as rad as they initially thought it was. (For what it’s worth, that is as rad as you thought it was.) You can hardly blame them. And hey, even if you don’t plan on actually getting the tattoo, it’s always fun to see how your designs would look on someone. (Without scratching.)

Tags: Kenny Rogers tattoo, obsessive ink, Products, Scratchers, tattoo blog, virtual tattoo, Workforce

Say It Ain’t So, 50

April 21st, 2010 by Kat Von

Sooner or later, some people just want to get rid of their tattoos. Everybody has their own reasons, I guess, but if you ask me, most of the time it’s just a damn shame. I go out and see crap tattoos on people every day, yet somehow those people are never the ones who are going and getting rid of their crap tattoos. They literally could be doing a favour to everyone who has trouble looking at lame or otherwise shitty tattoos, but they just don’t bother getting rid of them. Sad, really.

Now I hear that rapper 50 Cent has decided to get a whole whack-load of his tattoos removed. If you’ve ever seen a photo of 50 Cent, then you’ll understand what I’m saying when I say that dude’s got quite a few tattoos. This is an outrage! What’s next, Lil Wayne announcing that he’s getting rid of his tattoos? Outrageous I tell you, simply outrageous.

50 Cent, who lost a bet to Kanye West in 2007 over album sales, has made the career altering decision of trying to focus more on acting than the rap game. For this reason, he needs to get rid of some of his tattoos, as having fewer tattoos will not only help him land more acting roles, but will also cut down on the amount of time on set that he has to spend in the make-up chair getting his tattoos covered up. Hey 50, you know what else will help you land more acting roles? Actually being able to act. Zing!

Yeah, I don’t know what’s worse: the fact that 50 Cent plans to get rid of most of his tattoos or the fact that 50 Cent will now be appearing in more films. Did anyone see Get Rich or Die Tryin‘? Yikes.

…And you thought tattoos could be painful.

Tags: 50 Cent, 50 Cent tattoo removal, Celebrity, Dislike, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, Kanye West, Lil Wayne tattoos, News, tattoo blog, Tattoo Removal

Who’s Tattooed?

April 21st, 2010 by Kat Von

Whether you give two craps about celebrities or not, the truth is that it can be interesting to find out which Hollywood stars or musicians have which tattoos. There are tons of people out there who are only too willing and ready to get copycat tattoos done of the tattoo or tattoos that their favourite celebrity has. Not only that, but sometimes it’s cool to check out the tattoos of celebrities that aren’t always hogging the spotlight. In other words, hell yeah I’m interested to know what tattoos Slash or Goldie Hawn or pro wrestler the Undertaker have, what they look like, what they mean and why they have them. Wouldn’t you be?

If you answered yes to that question then have I got a site for you! Okay, I might be making this sound more exciting than it actually is, but cut me some friggin’ slack here, it’s not that easy getting people pumped to see Goldie Hawn’s tattoos. No offense to Goldie Hawn of course, I thought she was great in that Steve Martin movie, Houseguest. But I digress.

Anyway, yeah, this link will take you to a site that provides an alphabetical list of celebrities. If you find who you’re looking for, you’ll be able to get more info about their tattoos and photos. Some of the listings are a bit of a cop-out, saying crap like “______ has many tattoos”, but for the most part, there’s some interesting stuff on there. Hell, I had no idea that Tom Waits has a map of Easter Island tattooed on his back.

Tags: Celebrity, Celebrity tattoos, Goldie Hawn’s tattoos, hollywood, Mark Wahlberg tattoo, Pictures, Slash tattoos, Steve Martin, tattoo blog, Tattoo Pictures, the Undertaker, Tom Waits Easter Island tattoo

There Are No (Tattooed) Eyes in Illinois

April 21st, 2010 by Kat Von

Bad news for people in Illinois who might have a hankering for some eyeball tattoos: the Illinois senate recently voted to ban the procedure, which means getting the whites of your eyes injected with ink, is now one step closer to being illegal in the state of Illinois.

The technical name for the procedure is actually not “eyeball tattooing” (although I like the sound of that), but scleral tattooing. This new law proposal will go to the House on April 15th and will then be debated. Yes, I know that some of you will be crushed by this should it in fact become law, but if you’re really desperate to get ink jabbed into your eyeballs, there just may be a loophole. The Senate’s one exception for the procedure is in the case of licensed doctors doing the tattooing. In that case, the tattoo is done for people who have corneal scarring as a result of some sort of eye trauma like a cut or a burn. It’s basically like a cover up, but it’s a far cry from the high fashion of eyeball tattooing. Also, very few doctors actually perform the procedure.

So I guess the books will soon be closed (at least in Illinois) on that sort of tattooing. Personally I think eyeball tattooing is lame. It’s like being the kid who is always trying to one up everybody else so that people will pay attention to them. It doesn’t look cool and it’s not like a tattoo, which can be appreciated for its artistic and personal merits. No one’s getting a portrait of their dead grandmother on their eyeball, so really, isn’t it just an excuse for pretentious jerks to walk around with their corneas all blue?

Hey, I call ‘em as I see ‘em.

Tags: eyeball tattooing, Health Risks, illinois bans scleral tattooing, illinois senate, News, scleral tattooing

Oops!

April 21st, 2010 by Kat Von

It has been said time and time again that people are human and we make mistakes. “To err is human, to forgive divine” or something along those lines. However, when it comes to forgiving yourself for some mistake you’ve brought upon yourself, is it really that easy? How can you forgive yourself for a big mistake like dating someone you really shouldn’t have been dating when you have to look at a tattoo of their name on your shoulder every day in the mirror? It can make it pretty tough to forgive and forget, right? Well then it’s a good things we have laser tattoo removal services all over the place now!
For the low price of one month’s paycheck you too can go get your old boyfriend or girlfriend’s name semi-removed from wherever you put it years ago. What once was a thing of passion and a showing of loyalty will now become an expensive and painful reminder of what NOT to do in the future.

There are other ways to have tattoos removed, should you choose against the laser option, since it does sound a little scary to have lasers pointed at your skin and burning the tattoo off little by little. There’s always a skin graft, which is probably more painful than the lasers, or if you’re lucky enough to have that bad tattoo be something small enough, you can have a cover-up, or new larger and darker tattoo, put overtop of the old tattoo. Nobody would be the wiser, unless you told them. Just make sure you get something as a cover-up that you will not regret later. Otherwise, you might be stuck with the laser or skin graft next time around.

Lately, because of the many people getting tattoos and the other many people having tattoos removed, tattoo artists have started using laser friendly inks. These are inks that are more easily removed during the laser removal process than the older, more difficult to remove inks. The older inks not only take more laser treatments to remove but they also do not always remove themselves completely. The new inks that are “laser removal friendly” can be removed from a person’s skin with just one of the painful expensive laser treatments, leaving no regrets to look upon in the mirror. This could be the reason more and more people seem to be walking around with tattoos lately, since getting a tattoo no longer has to be a lifelong commitment like it used to be.

This new tattoo ink could also be the reason that, not only are there a lot more people walking around with tattoos but there seem to be a lot more BAD tattoos around as well. Thinking long and hard about what you want permanently painted into your skin no longer has to be an option. Quick, impulsive tattoos can be purchased and removed later when the person is no longer happy with them.