jonvandyck american traditional tattoo, blackwork tattoo, neo traditional tattoos, new school tattoo, realism tattoo, tattoo, tattoo info, tattoo meaning, traditional tattoo

Devil Tattoos

Devil tattoos are one of the classics in tattoo history. Devil doesn’t always refer to a red man with horns, it can also be just a symbol of evil. Having a symbol like this on your body can mean protection from demons/the devil by scaring them away. It can show a mischievous side of you, or a rebellious attitude. Sometimes they can be portrayed with an angel counterpart, or a woman, generally symbolizing the balance between good and evil.

Here are some of the best devil tattoo designs. They come in all kinds of styles, from American traditional, to neo-traditional, new school, black and grey, watercolour, realism, and experimental. Whatever the style, a devil tattoo is bold “as hell”.

Alena Chun knee cap
American traditional knee blaster by Alena Chun at Icon Tattoo Studio.
Adrian Edek
Intense full head piece by Adrien Edek at Lowbrow Tattoo Parlour. Those yellow eyes stand out wonderfully from the red, black and white space.
Dustin Barnhart Kitchener, Ontario
Another head piece, only for the toughest clients, these have got to hurt! Done by Dustin Barnhart from Kitchener Ontario at Berlin Tattoo. Another great example of a mischievous looking American Traditional devil.
Franz Stefanik Toronto
Franz Stefanik, helping represent Canadian artists, from Toronto at The Okey Doke Tattoo Shop. Juxtaposing life and death in this stomach piece. Ink right in the belly button must have been fun.
Gordon Combs
This piece has a definite Greek mythological feel to it. Done by Gordon Combs at Art Work Rebels.
Heath Clifford
Fantastic Neo Traditional, black and grey piece done by Heath Clifford at Throne Room Tattoo.
James Armstrong
More black and grey in this wonderfully inventive leg piece, done by the talented James Armstrong at Holy Mountain Tattoo.
Jon Larson - Ypsilanti Michigan
Huge devil and burning church done by Jon Larson from Ypsilanti Michigan at Depot Town Tattoo. Great use of the devil’s fur turning into the flames!
Paulina Szoloch
Interesting water colour, experimental piece by Paulina Szoloch.
Phil Hatchet-Yau - San Diego California
Palm pieces are tricky as they tend to fade quickly. This one looks like it isn’t going anywhere though. Done by Phil Hatchet-Yau from San Diego, California at Felix’s Master Tattoo and Museum.
Robert Borbas
Brilliant realistic black and grey leg sleeve done by Robert Borbas at Rooklet Ink in Hungary. Some seriously intense detail in this piece.
Sergey Vaskevich
Another stomach piece, done by Sergey Vaskevich. The muted tones in this fit the theme perfectly. Nothing too overpowering in this.
Thomas Flanagan - Leeds
Neat matching hand pieces done by Thomas Flanagan out of Leeds, at Oddfellows Tattoo Collective. Quite a bit of detail for such a small space.

Share your own devil tattoo’s in the comments!

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jonvandyck american traditional tattoo, blackwork tattoo, minimalistic tattoo, neo traditional tattoos, tattoo, tattoo info, tattoo meaning, traditional tattoo, trash polka tattoo

Lighthouse Tattoos

Lighthouses are buildings or towers that provide a guiding light for ships at sea. The first lighthouse, or  first tower to be fully exposed to the sea, was built by Henry Winstanely at the Eddystone Rocks from 1696 to 1698.

Lighthouse tattoos can have a practical sort of meaning  for sailors , fishermen, or people in the navy. They can also have different meanings, such as a guiding light home, or a reminder to follow the light (metaphorical light, spiritual light, or real light). Lighthouse tattoos can also be for protection, hope, inspiration, warning, and safety. Lighthouses can be done in many different styles including black and grey, new school, traditional, trash polka, realistic, neo traditional, and minimalistic.

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Black and Grey, bold line work piece Done by Phil TwoRavens.
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New School piece by Pat Whiting
Buena-Vista-Tattoo
Super realistic Trash Polka style partial sleeve done at Buena-Vista tattoo. Mix of black and grey and bright bold blue contrasts well.
Stefano-Alcantara
Stormy Black and Grey killer rib piece done by Stefano Alcantara.
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Stunning Realistic Black and Grey Sailor featuring a storm and lighthouse done by Mumia in Portugal. Look at those old eyes and the detail in the beard and lighthouse.
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Realistic stormy half sleeve by Bolo Art.
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Extremely detailed, tiny lighthouse and seascape done by Lesha Lauz.
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Traditional Lighthouse in a bottle done by Matthew Houston.

What kind of lighthouse tattoo is your favorite?

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jonvandyck blackwork tattoo, geometric tattoo, realism tattoo, religious tattoo, tattoo, tattoo info, tattoo meaning

Artist of the Month. Dale Sarok

Dale Sarok is a tattoo artist out of Vida Loca Tattoo in Bolton, UK. Dale does black and grey work, making great use of dead space on client’s skin. His work is incredibly detailed, and often features whimsical creatures, various religious imagery, and geometric shapes. He is also an illustrator and often uses quite large canvases for his work. He has done album artwork for the band “Counting Days”.

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Detailed torch with excellent use of dead space in the flames.
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An x-ray of an orca whale.
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Macabre butterfly with skull.
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Hot air balloon with anchor, featuring designs similar to those found in mandala’s on the balloon.
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Fierce, snarling wolf head. Look closely at all the detail in the muzzle of this creature.
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Viking ax with celtic knots within the blade. Incredible detail in the woodwork.
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Skull with mountain landscape. Great amount of detail in such a small space.

Some incredible mythological creatures. A great mix of macabre and elegance in these pieces.

Dale also does the occasional portrait piece. Any fans of “The Adams Family”?

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Tree growing out of an anatomically correct heart. This is another example of fantastic use of dead space, both in the leaves and the heart. The roots of the tree blend seamlessly into the veins of the heart.
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A religious Sacred Heart.
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Dale always does fire beautifully.

Two full sleeves featuring skeletons, skulls, and lots of geometric work. These must have taken a very long time to do with all the detail put into them.

Myself and many others look forward to seeing what Dale will bring to 2016!

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