This Christmas season has looked quite different for most of the world due to the global pandemic, but these Christmas Tattoos are sure to help make the season bright! Wishing all my readers a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.
A merry looking Santa Clause done by floietattoosA cute snowman in a snow globe by Colby JuneCozy winter scenes by HarleQuinn_inkNightmare Before Christmas toy done by Sophie Annison at Township TattooA realistic black and grey pine tree done by jku_tattoo in Seoul, KoreaChristmas lights done by jawtattoos in Sacramento, CAA Christmas pumpkin done by Skylar Wasserman at Aces High Tattoo in FloridaA cozy Christmas fireplace done by Ovenlee.tattoo in KoreaThe Grinch done by Audrey at Brothers Keeper Tattoo in Pittsburgh, PASome spooky holly done by Schuyler Abrams at Tramp Art Studios in Savannah, GeorgiaA realistic Christmas tree done by Mattia Calvi at Mambo Tattoo Shop
Kewpie dolls have been seen on old school flash sheets since the early 1900’s, and have gone through fazes of popularity. The original creator of these cuties was Rose O’Neill, an American poet and artist who was famous for being the best-known and highest paid female commercial illustrator in the US at the time. The original designs were made for Ladies Home Journal in 1909 as cupid dolls, with “Kewpie” being a fun variation of the word “Cupid.” They were then put into comic strips also written and Illustrated by Rose O’Neill, and were also used in multiple advertisements such as Jell-O and Kellogg’s corn flakes, among others.
Huck Finn Kewpie by Adri O at Tatouage Chatte NoireHobo Kewpie done by Paul Dobleman at Black Heart Tattoo in SF,CA
Some notable tattoo artists that first started putting Kewpies in tattoo flash were Percy Waters, Milton Zeis, and Bill Moore. They were very popular designs in the early 1900’s, but faded in popularity in the 1950’s.
Armed and dangerous Kewpie by Gianni OrlandiniThree Kewpies by Jarret Crosson in Austin Texas
It was tattooer Mike “Rollo” Malone that brought Kewpie tattoos back into popularity, drawing many variations of the Kewpie to suit all sorts of tattoo collectors.
Grim Reaper Kewpie by Sylvain ProulxHappy and Sad Kewpie heads by Jon Harper at Black Friars Tattoo
Kewpies were also made into the famous dolls we know now, also originally designed by Rose O’Neill. Some notable features of Kewpies as dolls, drawings, and tattoos include a (usually) nude Cupid-like child with a chubby belly, a kind of topknot hairdo, and originally, a red heart and blue wings painted on the chest and back. Rosie cheeks and a mischievous smile were/are also key elements. These dolls were made of many materials including hard plastic, vinyl, cloth, and more. The original dolls are still recognizable with Rose O’Neills name on the bottom of their feet, and are often worth quite a lot.
Punk Kewpie by Miss Marla at The Office TattooKewpie in a rose by Sara Bi at La Cantina Dell’Inchiostro
While most Kewpies were nude, in the 1920’s they started being made with clothing and uniforms such as firemen, cowboys, soldiers, musicians, and more. Today, as tattoos these impish characters are usually still done in an old school American traditional style, and feature most of the same original features previously listed. Many artists get creative and turn famous celebrities or characters into Kewpies, or make them a bit darker by giving them weapons or even making them into horror icons.
Ramen loving Kewpie by Gabe Goyner at Wayward TattooGhost Face Kewpie by Alex Bach in Colchester, Essex
Palm tattoos have been growing in popularity over the last few years, but people are still divided on the longevity of the pieces (as well as how much they have to hurt).
Two healed palms by Mark Walker at The Grand Reaper in San DiegoHealed flowers by Luke Ashley at South City Market
Palms are of course a high touch part of your body, and go through a lot of wear and tear. So putting a tattoo on it might seem pointless to some if it’s just going to fade immediately.
Ornamental black work by Brody Polinksy in BerlinJapanese mask by LAPA at Artwork Tattoo Studio
I have seen a fair number of healed palm pieces that haven’t required touch ups, even after years of wear.
Black work eyes by James Lau at The Company Tattoo, Hong KongMatching hearts by Alena Chun at Icon Tattoo in Portland
A long lasting palm tattoo seems to require two things; Solid black lines, and proper aftercare. If you’re able to more or less not use that hand during the majority of the healing process, your tattoo shouldn’t scab much, and should settle in nicely. Obviously that’s not doable for everyone, but it definitely plays a part.
Matching spider webs by Berthe Tattoos at lucky Town Tattoo in Regensburg, GermanyBarbed wire by David Mottier in Switzerland
Do you have or want a palm tattoo?
Medieval flail by Milky Tattoos in TorontoBert Grimm’s crying heart by Joe Destefano Electric Park Tattoo, Detroit MI
Gorgeous flowers and ornamental vasePinup lady and eagleHealed Rock of Ages front piece with angels
Francesco does classic old school tattoos that are bright and vibrant in colour, with bold black lines. Looking at Francesco’s work, you’ll only see black, red, and yellow/gold making up these beautiful pieces.
Battle back piece and nautical back pieceDevil head and butterfly for the feetRock of Ages back piece
His portfolio includes both one shot smaller pieces, and large full back or front pieces. Among these gorgeous designs you’ll find classics such as the Rock of Ages, Sun Dance, devils and angels, lady heads, and animals such as snakes, eagles, and butterfly’s.
Queen of hearts and a feisty snakeClassic eagle
Whether you live in Rome or are passing through, Francesco is another must see artist.