Classic skull and snake for a super cool back piece.A bold red and green rose.
Adam does old school traditional tattoos, mainly in heavy black work but if you take a look at his Instagram you’ll see some bright pieces as well.
Classic crying heart (Bert Grimm) and death mothNo Cure For Fools done in colour
If you’re looking for something classic, look no further. Adam has lots of flash to choose from, but he’ll also do up a custom piece if you ask.
Eagle vs snakeGrim Reaper and rose
Big or small, Adam does it all! Most of his work is smaller pieces that can be done in one or two sessions, but if you’re looking for something big like a sleeve or back he’s got you covered.
Super cool Alien piece done in the classic composition of a panther piece.Treehouse of Horror Bart/Edgar Allan Poe piece
Adam is a must visit artist if you’re in the Worcester area. Be sure to check out his website as well where you can buy books and flash.
Beautiful Rock of Ages.Amazing colours in this bouquet and vase.
Esther does brilliant American traditional work in colour, black and grey, and blackwork.
Super cool Midsommar piece.Healed butterfly and rose and fresh chain and barbed wire.
Her work is made to last, with thick black lines and beautifully bright colours, or heavy blackwork.
Butterfly and stars for a classic throat piece.Killer scorpion.
Esther’s Instagram is full of classics such as Pharaohs Horses, Battle Royale’s, ships and more. But check out her flash for something drawn up by her, or email her for a custom design.
Blackwork Battle Royale.Lady head with flowers in her hair.
Large or small pieces, Esther has you covered. Whether you want a small gap filler in your sleeve or a full back piece, Esther is a must see artist if you’re visiting Montreal or live nearby.
Love this classic spiderweb lady.Awesome blackwork ship and mermaids.
For those who are unfamiliar, the guillotine is a device made for execution by beheading. The structure consists of a tall wooden frame from which a razor sharp and heavy blade hangs ready to fall on its victim who is placed in a stock of sorts, leaving the neck exposed and ready to be separated from its body.
Bloody guillotine by Larry Coffins at Toronto InkWoodblock print style guillotine done by Baynez Graff at Pinecone Gallery Tattoo
The guillotine as we know it was allegedly invented by Dr. Joseph-Ignace Guillotin as a more humane way to execute people. It was significantly quicker than even regular beheading by axe which could be easily botched and would often take two or more swings to finally kill the victim. This specific name “guillotine” dates back to 1789, France, but similar devices with different structural designs existed for centuries before; such as the “planke” in Germany and Flanders dating back to the Middle Ages, and the “Halifax Gibbet” in England which may have been used as far back as antiquity. But the French guillotine design was specifically based off of two other existing execution devices; the “mannaia” from Italy during the Renaissance, and the “Scottish Maiden” from Scotland which was used from the 16th to 18th centuries.
Bold heavy black and dark red guillotine done by Hudson at Lock and Key Tattoo in the UKBright and colourful American traditional guillotine on fire with skulls done by Chin at Common Ground Tattoo in Bangkok
Dr. Guillotin was apparently horrified when the device was named after him, and his family even tried (and failed) to have the name changed in the early 19th century. The French Guillotine claimed its first victim in April 1972, and its last use was in France in 1977 where it was still the main method of execution until capital punishment was stopped in 1981. While hundreds of thousands of people met their bloody end underneath the glinting blade of a guillotine, the most infamous time of its usage was during the French Revolution which took place from September 1793 – July 1794. During this relatively short time a shocking 16,594 people were executed by the guillotine in France, with 2,639 in Paris alone.
American traditional guillotine with demon and skulls done by Chris Spriggs at Iron and Gold TattooBlack and grey traditional guillotine with flower done by Lizzy Michelle at Pacific Tattoos in Eindhoven, Netherlands
Public beheadings existed from the beginning of the French Revolution until 1939 in France, but during the Revolution it was extremely popular for anyone, including families to check out an execution and even grab a bite to eat at the famous “Cabaret de la Guillotine” before watching the bloodbath. There was even a well known trio of women called the “Tricoteuses,” who used to sit next to the guillotine and knitted in between executions. Theatrics even became popular for those being executed with some dancing on their way up the steps, and others offering jokes and sarcastic remarks before their heads rolled away.
Black and grey guillotine on fire done by Mike Marion at Grizzly Tattoo in Port’s End, ORBroken blackwork guillotine done by @phil_bomb_ in Seoul
As tattoos, guillotines are popular with those interested in the darker side of life and history buffs alike. They are easily recognizable and can be done in many styles including American traditional, neo-traditional, black and grey, blackwork, and woodblock print styles. They are often accompanied by decapitated heads, skulls, flowers, flames, and blood.
Blackwork guillotine and head done by Laura Alice Westover“Keep your head up” and guillotine done by Luke Nicou at Lucky Luke’s Traditional Tattooing, Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha, South Africa
Galina is a vintage non-electric (hand poke) tattoo artist based out of Moscow (though she does guest spots world wide when she’s able to).
Inspired by vintage photosBeautiful geometric and vintage Russian woman and Church
Her work is largely inspired by old school tattoos done in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, which includes lady heads, portraits, weapons, animals, etc.
Large hand poked tea partyClown featuring rare hand poked colour
Galina’s work is primarily inspired by both Russian and French prison tattoos, again mainly from the 18-1900’s.
Well placed tower on the back of the headA classic dagger and heart
Along with more old school work, Galina also does great geometric work, particularly on fingers for full hand pieces. Because the work is hand poked it allows her to do more detailed work then a machine could do, particularly in such a small space as a hand.
Lute player Traditional Russian woman
Most of her work is done without colour, but if you’re wanting some red thrown into the mix she can do that for you. Many people think hand poked tattoos have to be small, with very little detail, but Galina is proof that hand poked pieces can still be big and bold. If you’re visiting Russia Galina is a must visit artist! And pay attention to her Instagram to find out her guest spot dates.
The perfect combo, wine and cheese, with geometric fingersInspired by vintage French art
Hattie Rich is an artist working out of Rose of Mercy in London, England. Her work is mainly filed with old school traditional work, but she also does great ornamental pieces.
classic swallow and roseBold crab lady on the neck
Hattie has lots of flash to choose from, both old school and ornamental, or you can also bring your own idea!
Elbow spider-webBlack and grey swallows and flowers
Whether you like bright and colourful, or black and bold, you can be sure Hattie will have something you’ll love. In her flash you’ll find lots of lady heads, flowers, dragons, animals, and more.
Sleeping kewpie and roseHand of glory
The ornamental work currently on Hattie’s Instagram will remind you of delicate lace patterns, and can be made to fit most parts of the body.
Ornamental hand pieceGeisha and dragon
If you can’t make it all the way to London from outside of the UK you can also purchase merchandise and flash from Hattie here. But if you’re in the area or live nearby be sure to get a cool piece from Hattie at Rose of Mercy.
Black and grey Coleman ladyClassic lady and spider-web
Witches have been around for hundreds and hundreds of years, and span across all cultures in various forms and with different names, but we’re all familiar with them, and they’re more popular than ever (in Western culture at least).
A witch being burned at the stake done by Uncle Phil at Wolf and Dagger tattoo, UKA witch and her staff done by Moira Ramone Rotterdam, Netherlands
Witches and witchcraft have had many different meanings over the years, but traditionally it refers to women (often portrayed as old crones) practicing some kind of dark magic that often involves spirits and/or satan himself. Throw in some cannibalism, a pet familiar, and other ghosts and ghouls and you’ve got yourself a party.
A neo-traditonal witch being burned at the stake done by Renae Haak at Diabolik Tattoo in Newcastle, AustraliaA witch being burned at the stake by Bex Priest Tattoos
Wicca is a predominantly western movement whose followers “worship” nature, and base the religion upon pre-Christian traditions of mainly Northern and Eastern Europe. Some important celebrations for Wiccans include Halloween, the summer solstice, winter solstice, and vernal equinox.
A witchy woman done by Ryan Murray at Black Veil Tattoo in Salem MAA witchy woman done by Matthew Murray at Black Veil Tattoo in Salem MA
Witchcraft and witches have become so mainstream today that even businesses such as Sephora, Urban Outfitters, and others sell products like tarot cards, witch-themed makeup, Ouija boards, crystals, and more.
A witch being burned done by Nikos Tsakiris at the Golden Goat TattooA more American traditional witch done by Alice Burke at Highwater Gallery in Swansea, UK
As a tattoo, many people choose the more “classic” witch look; pointy hat and all. Blackwork, American traditional and black and grey are some of the more popular styles for witches, and many folks choose to get witch burning tattoos, witches haunting places, or witches with their broomsticks or familiars.
An adorable witch head done by Amanda LaForest at Momentum Tattoo FloridaBlack and grey witch/plague doctor done by Julianna Menna at Gristle Tattoo in Brooklen, NY
Scream, first released in 1996, written by Kevin Williamson, and directed by the great Wes Craven, has turned into one of the most popular horror franchises around, spanning four films from the 1990’s to 2010’s, with a 5th on the way.
Line work Ghostface done by Jen at Fall Back Down TattooBlack work Ghostface in a heart done by Nate Laird
Scream was pretty groundbreaking in its day, being a slasher film that successfully moved into the mainstream through its use of comedy and self awareness. The first film was written by Williamson in just three days after he got the idea for the film during a scare he had a few days earlier in which he heard a noise while watching tv, and noticed that the window was open, which he hadn’t done. He reportedly called a friend while grabbing a knife from the kitchen. His friend apparently started asking him about scary movies to distract him, and the opening scene of the first Scream was born. The idea for the film overall was also loosely inspired by a series of real murders committed by serial killer Danny Rolling, AKA the Gainesville Ripper.
Ghostface and his iconic knife done by Andrew Scott at Chronic Ink, TorontoGhostface ice cream cone by Ross Purvis at Primrose Tattoo Parlor in Orlando, Florida
Wes Craven actually wore the Ghostface mask once during filming, in the opening scene between he and Casey (Drew Barrymore), and also made a brief cameo as a janitor. Drew Barrymore’s tears were real, as Wes Craven told her real stories about animal cruelty in order to “keep her upset and crying.” Drew was also using a real phone, and the props master JP Jones had forgotten to unplug it, leading her to call 911 for real while filming.
Ghostface and his knife by Matt StasiSexy Ghostface done by Shelby Sawyer at Tried and True Tattoo
Originally the Weinstein brothers approached directors George A. Romero and Sam Raimi to direct, but they both turned it down. Wes Craven initially passed as well, but when he heard Drew Barrymore was originally set to play Sidney Prescott he signed on. Of course Drew changed her mind, and Neve Campbell became Sidney, and did a great job in the role for years to come.
Ghostface and Casey done by German Ferreiroa at True Black Tattoing in Dublin, IrelandA more old school Ghostface with knife and trad flowers done by Kristopher John in Los Angeles
As a tattoo most people choose to get some form of Ghostface, usually in a black work or American traditional style. Knives with Ghostface superimposed within are also quite popular. Do you have a Scream tattoo?
“What’s your favourite scary movie?” Done by Erin Sullins at Monolith Tattoo in Nashville TNA cute lil strawberry Ghostface done by Skylar Skylord Rose Wasserman in Florida
It’s October which means Halloween flash from many artists!
Witchy black and grey flash from Shannon Mcfarlene at Iron Lotus WinnipegComic book style flash from Mike End in Paris
Many artists have deals on flash throughout October, or at the very least have themed sheets with ghosts, goblins, and ghoulies.
Deadly warriors by Mike Roberts at Port’s End, OregonCute flash from Cloud Hamilton at White Lotus Body Arts in Ventura, CA
Most artists who do sheets like this are old school artists, but you can also find black and grey, hand poked, black work, and more!
Classic spooky flash from Renee Strong at Art and Soul Tattoo in WinnipegDisney flash from Kelly McMurray at Good Luck Tattoos in Santa Cruz, CA
As with most flash, pieces will be available either only one time (for one person to wear), or with small changes made to give you an original piece that is similar to others.
spooky Kewpie dolls by Sam Murphy at Black Sheep BristolSerial killers from Dan Gagné at Mortem Tattoo in Montreal
Some tattooers go for cute halloween themed sheets like Disney characters, cartoon characters, or cute horror icons, but I’ll take the real creepy stuff!
Japanese style horror classics from One Man Riet at Red Nimbus Tattoo ClubWomen in horror flash from Monica Amneus at Sants and Sinners Tattoo
Bert Grimm was one of the most influential American tattooers of the early 20th century, getting started in the tattoo business at the age of about 15. Grimm first started hanging out at tattoo shops in Portland, Oregon, but his first job was working at the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show. After working and traveling with sideshows he secured his first apprenticeship in the early 1920’s with Sailor George Fosdick in Oregon, and later he completed a two year apprenticeship with Sailor Charlie Barrs in Los Angeles.
Throughout his 70 plus years of tattooing Bert worked in Chicago, Honolulu, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Seattle, Los Angeles, Long beach, St Louis, Portland and Seaside Oregon, and even in China. He also worked with some of the other greats of the time such as Domingo Gulang, Charlie Barr, Tatts Thomas, Red Gibbons, Walter Torun, Bob Shaw, Percy Waters, William Grimshaw, Col Todd, Owen Jensen, and others.
Bert Grimm tiger by Darren Quinn at Sang Bleu Tattoo in LondonEd Caldwell and Bert Grimm, posted by Vintage Tattoo Archive
Bert’s World Famous Tattoo was a historic shop that he ran in Nu Pike in Long Beach, CA from the 1950’s through the 60’s where hundreds of sailors were tattooed before shipping out.
Bert Grimm’s Sundancer Bert Grimm suns by Hans Blue Arms at Blue Arms Tattoo in Oslo
Bert was inducted into the Tattoo Hall of Fame which was located at Lyle Tuttle’s Tattoo Art Museum in San Francisco. He retired in Seaside, Oregon but continued to tattoo out of a small shop in his home, doing around 10 tattoos a week according to a letter written to Paul Rogers.
Ed Caldwell’s back tattooed by Bert Grimm and posted by Bert Grimm OfficialCrucifixion back by Bert Grimm on Jack Flux and posted by Bert Grimm Official
Some of Bert’s most well known pieces include the Sun Dancer, the smiling sun, and Lyle Tuttle’s Duel in the Sun. Other popular designs from him include tiger heads, ships, and patriotic pieces for those in the military.
Sailor Larry’s Homeward Bound back done by Bert Grimm posted by Bert Grimm OfficialLyle Tuttle’s Duel in the Sun by Bert Grimm
All Things Tattoo 