Frog and Toad are two characters of a series of illustrated short stories written by author Arnold Lobel in the 1970’s, that were also made into short claymation animation pieces in the 80’s.
By Sidney ThoresonBy Amber Howe
The stories are meant to teach children to be kind, and were also the beginnings of Arnold coming out as gay. He described frog and toad as two aspects of himself, and his daughter described the pair as of the same sex that love each other.
By Sara Taylor at Arsenal InkBy Kiki Kono at Great Whale Tattoo
There are four books, each containing five wholesome short stories that are simple, humorous, and full of teachable moments.
By Ryan BrayBy Knotted Sword Tattoo
Frog is tall, green, cheery, and relaxed; while toad is short, squat, light brown, and while still friendly, is the more serious and pragmatic of the two.
By Julia Seizure at Divine Ink DevonBy Mark Bennett at Tough Luck Delaware
For many these two were a favourite couple growing up, and getting them as tattoos can be a callback to childhood and simpler times. As a tattoo, they are largely drawn quite similarly to their illustrated selves, meaning simple designs, colours, and textures.
By Ian Powers at Powers Tattoo CompanyBy Julia Hayes at Moonrise Tattoo
Rob Kelly is the owner of BLACKOUT Tattoo in Hong Kong. Rob has been tattooing since 2005, and has lived in Hong Kong since 1994. BLACKOUT Tattoo was founded in 2010 and features brilliant permanent artists as well as travelling guest artists.
Realistic black and grey tiger.Realistic black and grey lion head.American traditional lady head butterfly.Black and grey Japanese Kitsune.
Rob tattoos in many styles including American traditional, Neo traditional, black work, Japanese, Chinese, black and grey, line work, realism, tribal, and more.
American traditional butterfly.Water colour dragon.Tribal chest panel.
Rob has a book of flash you can choose from, or you can book a consultation with him and collaborate on something completely original for yourself.
Blackwork half goat, half mermaid.Classic mom tattoo with a heart and dagger.Japanese lucky cat, Neko!
The shop abides by all health regulations, including using new ink and needles, so no need to worry about infections.
Blackwork chrysanthemum.Chinese dragon in American traditional style.Bright red chrysanthemum.
Rob has incredible attention to detail and will make sure you leave the shop happy and with a badass tattoo! Check out his website and set up a consultation http://www.blackout-tattoo.com
American traditional cherub and skull.Black and grey Harry Potter piece. Expecto patronum!Legend of Zelda sword.
Frankenstein is a story that has delighted and frightened readers since 1818, now two hundred years!
An electrifying monster done by Nikko Hurtado.A gorgeous realistic black and grey piece of the monster and a man with a torch. Done by Kyle Williams at Grindhouse Tattoo in the UK.A very blue Bride of Frankenstein done by Jordan Croke at Second Skin Tattoo in Derby UK.Another one done by Jordan Croke.
Frankenstein is the story of a mad doctor that brings the dead back to life. Only to find that he has made a monster.
Neo traditional green monster done by Alejandro Mazakre.Cute blackwork love tattoo by Keely Rutherford in London.An adorable monster out for some Halloween fun done by Tom Chippendale.
Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein when she was 18, and had it published when she was 20. She wrote it for a writing contest for ghost stories, and she shocked the world!
Terrifying realistic and colourful monster done by Audie Fulfer jr. Tattoo artist in Fresno CA.A realistic and bruised looking monster done by Kyle Cotterman at Distinction Tattoo in Kettering Ohio.
When the book initially came out, readers were disgusted and horrified, but by 1823 it became widely popular, as gothic literature was becoming all the rage.
Black and grey portrait by Bob Tyrrell.The monster under candlelight done by Mike DeVries at MDTattooStudio.
In 1910 the first Frankenstein film was made by Thomas Edison, a one-reel 15 minute short film, thought by some to be the first horror movie.
Neo traditional portrait of the monster and his bride done by Debora Cherrys in Madrid.A very colourful neo traditional monster and rose done by Nicholas Keiser at Materia Tattoo in Downingtown ,PA.
Many others have been made including Frankenstein in 1931, Bride of Frankenstein in 1935, Son of frankenstein in 1939, The Ghost of Frankenstein in 1942, and many more!
Brutal blackwork 3/4 sleeve of the monster and flowers done by Fredao Oliveira in Brasil.Another green monster, this time done by Nick Sarich at Timeless Tattoos in Chicago.
Fans of gothic literature and horror movies often get Frankenstein tattoos, mainly of the monster, whose name is not actually Frankenstein. Many relate to the monster because he is a misunderstood creature. He may have some violent tendencies, but what he really wants is to be understood and feel love.
An electrifying portrait of the Bride of Frankenstein done by Gary Parisi at MAYDAY! Tattoo Co. Chicago.A beautiful Bride of Frankenstein done by Paul Acker at The Séance Tattoo Parlor in Bensalem PA.The monster also done by Paul Acker.
Frankenstein tattoos are often done in realism, black and grey, neo traditional, and American traditional, as well as black work.
A little green monster done in American traditional style by John Claude in Cheltenham, England.The monster and the castle and storm that created him done by Steve Wimmer at The Grand Reaper in San Diego, CA.
“Even broken in spirit as he is, no one can feel more deeply than he does the beauties of nature. The starry sky, the sea, and every sight afforded by these wonderful regions, seems still to have the power of elevating his soul from earth. Such a man has a double existence: he may suffer misery, and be overwhelmed by disappointments; yet, when he has retired into himself, he will be like a celestial spirit that has a halo around him, within whose circle no grief or folly ventures.” ― Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Frankenstein
Hogwarts is the fictional (maybe) school from J.K Rowling’s series “Harry Potter”. To many fans of both the books and the movies, Hogwarts is a second home. As J.K has said before, “Whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.”
Hyper realistic miniature Hogwarts done by Andrea Morales.Hyper realistic mini Hogwarts during a beautiful sunset. Done by Savaş Doğan in Istanbul Kadıköy Moda
Many people feel so strongly towards the school that they choose to have it tattooed on them permanently.
Bright neo traditional Hogwarts done by Carly Baggins, Perth, Australia.Heavy blackwork Hogwarts done by Jessica Svartvit.
Here are some facts you may not know about the school. According to the first book, there are over 142 staircases in Hogwarts; many of which tend to move, even while someone walks on them, making it difficult to get to classes on time.
Matching Hedwig and Hogwarts done by Carly Montgomery at First String Tattoo in Winnipeg, Manitoba.Cute Always and Hogwarts done by Keely Rutherford at Jolie Rouge Tattoo in London.
The school motto “Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus” sounds pretty impressive in latin right? When translated into English it means “Never tickle a sleeping dragon.” Not the most inspiring motto to live by maybe, but definitely a practical one!
Bright night time miniature piece done by Daria Stahp.All was well. Mini dotwork Hogwarts done by Mali at Cool Kidz Tattoo.
The castle can keep its own secrets and choose to reveal them to those it deems worthy. Such as the room of requirement, which is eventually used as a safe haven for the students to hide from the Death Eaters running the school in the seventh book.
Realistic black and grey piece with Hedwig, the deathly hallows symbol and candles. Done by David Irizarry Ink & Dagger Tattoo : Foundation Tattoo.Hogwarts snow globe done by Nicole at Voodoo Tattoo Club.
Hogwarts was founded in 990 AD, meaning it was founded before Oxford University which was founded in 1209, making it one of the oldest English institutions .
Black work Hogwarts done by Demon Dance at Easy Tiger Tattoo.Tiny black and grey piece done by Peta Heffernan.
The ceiling in the Great Hall is enchanted to reflect the sky outside. Meaning the Great Hall could be bright and sunny, or pouring rain while lighting crackles across the sky.
Dotwork Hogwarts done by Dino Nemec.Another Always piece. Done by Sanae Garcia Tattoos.
The first Triwizard Tournament was held 300 years after the school was founded.
Neo traditional Hogwarts with frame and roses done by Drew Shallis.Great use of negative space done in this one by Sierra Granger at Freaks and Geeks Tattoo Sideshow in Asheville NC.
Muggles cannot see Hogwarts. Electronics also do not work on the school grounds, so no WIFI!
Triangular realistic nighttime view of Hogwarts done by Giuseppe Cozzolino at Ozon Tattoo Studio, Napoli Italy.First years on their way to Hogwarts done by Susanne Konig at Redwood Tattoo Studio in Manchester.
Peeves who is unfortunately not featured in the films, first came to Hogwarts in 993 AD and is an indestructible spirit of chaos!
Realistic half sleeve done by Jamie Schene.
As a tattoo Hogwarts is often done in a realistic style, often as black work or neo traditional.
Purple neo traditional Hogwarts done by Jessica Channer in Toronto.
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (better known as Alice in Wonderland) was written in 1865 by Charles Dodgson (under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll).
Black and grey Caterpillar (Alan Rickman) done by Omar Orozco.Bright back piece done by Brian Reaid at Ace of Spades Tattoo in Asheville NC.Bright pastel coloured Tim Burton sleeve done by Jules Boho, an Austrian based traveling artist.Matching Alice and the White Rabbit in a delicate black and grey design. Done by Abbo Florez.
The story follows a young girl, Alice, who falls down a hole into a fantastical land full of bizarre characters and situations.
Watercolor Cheshire done by Aleksandra Katsan in Kiev, Ukraine.Linework version of Disney’s Alice done by Bryan at Nirvana Tattoo Studio in Glasgow, Scotland.Dark and sinister looking Mad Hatter done by Kristen Goetz.Cheshire in Mad Hatters Hat done by Ricardo Gomez at Soledad Tattoo.
There are also films based on the book, with the most popular being Disney’s animated version from 1951.
Realistic and stylized version of the Red Queen. Done by Alex Moro done in London, UK.“Drink me” done by Efthimis Vrettos in Athens, Greece.Stylized White Rabbit in a teacup done by Luca Testadiferro in Jesi Italy.Sleeping Alice done by Lello Sannino in Italy.
More recent films Alice in wonderland (directed by Tim Burton) and Alice Through the Looking Glass (directed by James Bobin) are also produced by Disney, but take on a much darker theme.
Hyper realistic White Rabbit and his pocket watch done by Ben Kaye at Ship Shape Tattoo, New Zealand.Black and grey Disney’s Mad Hatter done by Fabio Onorini Fronte Del Porto tattoo , in Rome.Neo traditional portrait of Alice done by Mugs Costa in Australia.Blackwork Mad hatter and teacup done by Sigbjørn in Copenhagen.Sketchwork/watercolour Cheshire done by Tania Catclaw.
People in the 1960’s-80’s speculated about what the story was “really” about. Many people thought that it was really a psychedelic trip. Due in large part to the frequent usage of drugs such as LSD and magic mushrooms at this time. Experts usually disagree with this theory though, as Charles isn’t thought to have been a user of recreational drugs.
Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland sleeve done by Brent O’Leary at Blue Collar Tattoo in Plainfield IL.Linework version of the Walrus and the carpenter with their tasty clams. Done by Gina Gila at Riverwest Tattoo Company Milwaukee, Wisconsin.Brilliant black and grey version of the Mad Hatter done by Nick Imms at The Church Tattoo.Queen of Hearts and White Rabbit, also done by Nick Imms.And a third done by Nick Imms.
Popular characters include the Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat, Red Queen (Queen of Hearts), the March Hare, White Rabbit, the Caterpillar, and many more.
A partial watercolor style March Hare and a lovely cup of tea done by Bruno Corvalan Mission Ink in San Francisco.Neo traditional Red Queen done by Jack Goks at Cloak and Dagger Tattoo in London, UK.Brilliant neo traditional White Rabbit hand piece done by Oash Rodriguez.Hatter’s hat, pocket watch, and painted rose done by Steve LaMantia at Ever After Gallery, Spring Hill, FL.
The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R.R Tolkien is one of (if not the) most iconic fantasy stories ever written. The story was written as a sequel to another novel of his, The Hobbit. The Lord of the Rings was written in stages between 1937 and 1949.
Magnificent realistic back piece featuring Gandalf, Gollum, the ring, and the eye of Sauron. Done by Jesse Rix in Keene, NH.Hyper realistic portrait of Gimli done by Ben Kaye at Ship Shape Tattoo in New Zealand.Solid neo traditional hobbit hole done by Heath Clifford at Fat Ink Tattoo.Elrond portrait done by Kristian Kimonides at Leviathan Tattoo Gallery in Melbourne, Australia.American traditional Witch King done by Onnie O’Leary.
Tolkien fought in WW1, and this was extremely influential in his shaping of Middle Earth. As an example, WW1 was fought not by heroes, but by civilians. This reflects the hobbits who are quite literally the “little people”, who then step up to fight a war that they had not asked to be a part of.
Black and grey portrait of Aragorn, featuring Gimli and Legolas. Done by Fong Vang at Inkarnate Tattoos in North Saint Paul, Mn.Terrifying portrait of Gollum and his precious. Done by Carles Bonafe.Terrifying and realistic portrait of a nazgul. Done by Iliya Astafiev Chelny city, Russia.Broken shards of Narsil. Done by Lauren Gibler done in Canton OH.Graphic black and grey sleeve featuring Gandalf fighting the balrog on the bridge of Kazan Dum. Done by Róbert A Borbás done at Rooklet Ink, Hungary.
The films were directed by Peter Jackson, starting with The Fellowship of the Ring in 2001. They were filmed back to back on location in New Zealand, making for fantastic landscapes and scenery.
Hyper realistic colour portraits of Sam, Frodo, and the ring. Done by Alex Rattray at Empire Ink in Edinburgh.A very green ent done by Cody Young at Emerald Tattoo.Black and grey Gandalf amidst a geometric background done by Izhar Rott Owner of Manifacto Amsterdam Tattoos.Blackwork Barad Dur (dark tower) done by Lauren Melina done in Perth, Australia.There and back again, inspiration taken from The Hobbit book cover. Done by Samantha at I love Mom Tattoo Studio in Dovercourt Village, Toronto.
Some of the most popular characters include Gandalf, Frodo, Gimli, Legolas, Gollum (Smeagol), Sam, Aragorn, Elrond, Saruman, Witch king, and Sauron. Fantastic creatures include the ents, the balrog, and the nazgul. Popular items include the swords sting, and the shards of Narsil, as well as the Witch King’s flail, and quaint hobbit holes. Of course we also can’t forget the ring itself, which makes a stellar tattoo, especially when paired with a portrait.
Sting and flowers done by Alexandra Skarsgård in London.Black and grey Gandalf portrait done by Dan Mawdsley at Pop Culture Tattoos in Melbourne, Australia.Linework version of an ent. Done by Jerome Chapman.Hyper realistic Gollum done by Maksims Zotovs.Hyper realistic matching portraits of Saruman (and the eye of Sauron) and Gandalf. Done by Tony Sklepic done in Edmonton, Alberta.
Lord of the Rings tattoos are often done in a photo realistic or hyper realistic style, as well as black and grey, dotwork, linework, American traditional, and neo traditional.
Black and grey Legolas done by Khail Tattooer at Young bloods Tattoo in Perth, Australia.Witch King hand and Morgul blade done by Dave Swambo at Stronghold Tattoo in Cardiff, Wales.Bright and bold hobbit hole done by Jess White in Sacramento, CA.Gorgeous portrait of Frodo and the ring done by Nick Imms at the Church Tattoo.American traditional Witch King and flail. Done by Travis Stanley at Ink City Tattoo in Bonney Lake, WA Capitol City.
Dan Gagné is an artist working at Loveless Tattoo in Montréal, Canada. Dan’s tattoos are perfect for the month of October, and those who love Halloween and horror year round. His work is mainly American traditional and blackwork, and is heavily inspired by horror movies. His work often features monsters and other icons of classic horror movies and stories.
Bright Creature from the Black Lagoon with unlucky number 13.Ghostface from Scream with phone and knife.Creepy witch with hard black shadow.Fantastic werewolf and full moon.Huge mostly blackwork Alien torso piece.Creepy crawly spider head tattoo.A sinister looking Dracula!The Pale Man from Pan’s Labyrinth.Norman Bates and loving mother from Psycho.Battle of the monsters with Godzilla and King Kong!Nasty looking Gremlin. Don’t get it wet!Alien from Mars Attacks!Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th!Creepy skull and vampire bat with red moon.A startled looking Leatherface with his pretty mask and chainsaw.Matching loving undead.Jason Voorhees Vs. Michael Meyers. Friday the 13th and Halloween.The Demogorgon! From Stranger Things, featuring the classic light bulbs.The mighty Count Orlok from Nosferatu.For all the bookworms and halloween lovers. Book, vampire skull, and candles.
“‘IT” is the 1986 novel by horror genius, Stephen King. The book takes place between two time periods, and follows the experiences of seven children, as well as later when they are adults. Pennywise is actually a demon shapeshifter, who usually takes the form of a clown in order to lure children.
We All Float Down Here, with boat and balloon by Aimée Lou at Bespoke Tattoo Co. in Guilford, UK.Realistic and terrifying portrait of the new Pennywise by Carlos Rojas at Black Anchor Collective, Hesparia, CA.
The story was made into a popular mini series in 1990, starring Tim Curry as the terrifying Pennywise the clown. The mini series also follows these seven children, with a large focus on their lives 30 years later as they try to protect their town. Many people who are coulrophobic (afraid of clowns) attribute this fear to Tim Curry’s brilliant portrayal of the murderous demon clown.
Another portrait of the new Pennywise, by Cruz Valdez at Evil Emporium of Tattoos in Santa Fe New Mexico.Tim Curry’s Pennywise in a neo traditional portrait with “we all float down here”, by Ick Abrams.
Now (2017), IT has been re made into a feature length film, this time starring Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise. The new version of Pennywise is much more overtly frightening, which some people like, and some people don’t. This re make is slotted to have the best opening day ever for an R rated horror movie, and has made the most money on an opening weekend of any other horror movie. This film has had great advertising in the months leading up to its release, and also stars Finn Wolfhard, one of the very popular actors from Netflix’s “Stranger Things”.
Minimalistic balloon and hand by Ivih Maia in Brazil.Minimalistic paper boat with blood splatter by Jay Blackburn at Powerline Tattoo in Cranston RI.
As a tattoo, Pennywise is by far the most popular character to be tattooed. Tim Curry has been tattooed on people for a long time, as the mini series is a such a popular cult classic. Even though the new movie has only been out a short time currently, Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise is quickly being tattooed for fans all around the world. Along with Pennywise, fans also get his red balloon, a toy paper boat, and the phrase “we all float down here”.
Terrifying Tim Curry portrait with balloons by Jessica Downer at Inland Empire, CA.Horrifying hyper realistic portrait of Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise by Marek Maras Rydzewski at Reinkarnacja Tattoo Studio in Warsaw.
These tattoos are mostly done in portrait/realism styles, along with black and grey, and neo traditional.
Great mix of black, grey, and white, with vibrant red for a fantastic portrait of Bill Skarsgård by Medz at The Kingdom Tattoo Gallery in Miami.Bright Tim Curry Pennywise in a more traditional style by Mike Biggs at Biggs Studio.Fantastic Tim Curry by Nick Sarich at Timeless Tattoos in Chicago.Absolutely stunning IT half sleeve by the talented Paul Acker at the Séance Tattoo Parlour in Bensalem PA.Blackwork/dotwork Pennywise in a knife by Sabri Art at Black Heart Tattoo in Argentina.Geometric we all float down here and Pennywise by Shane Murphy at Crown of Thorns Tattoo in Worcester, MA LC.Black and grey portrait of a crying Tim Curry Pennywise by Simon Drolet at Art Therapy Corp in Osoyoos BC.
The Deathly Hallows are three magical objects from the Harry Potter series that together make up a triangular design that when worn shows you are a believer. The three objects are the Elder Wand, a wand made to be unbeatable, The Resurrection Stone, which brings back the dead, and the Cloak of Invisibility which as it says, renders the user completely invisible. The cloak forms a triangle, the stone is a circle within the triangle, and the wand is a straight line within the triangle and circle.
My own Hallows and quote Done by Carly Montgomery at First String Tattoo in Winnipeg.
The story of the Deathly Hallows is first told in the seventh book. In the story, Death created each of these three items, and gave them to the three Peverell brothers who had outsmarted Death by crossing a river that usually claimed lives. These items were their rewards for outsmarting him. The two eldest brothers had requested the wand and the stonem but both met grisly deaths due to the nature of their magical items. The wand caused Antioch Peverell to gloat, leading him to be killed in his sleep and have the wand stolen, while the stone caused Cadmus Peverell to take his own life after bringing his late wife back from the dead, as she was unable to be happy in the land of the living again. The youngest brother Ignotus Peverell requested Death’s own cloak, and used it to avoid him until he was ready for Death. Ignotus passed the cloak on to his son and from there greeted Death “like an old friend”. This cloak is the very same on that Harry had passed down to him.
White Hallows and bright flowers by Brit Tigera.Watercolour background with Hallows and hand holding onto the Elder Wand by Felipe Bernardes.Neo traditional hand with Hogwarts and Hallows by Fulvio Vaccarone at Dark Ink Tattoo Studio in Italy.
Lovers of the Harry Potter series, whether the books or films, have often gotten the Deathly Hallows as a tattoo to show their love of magic. The Deathly Hallows symbol is often paired with quotes or other images such as flowers, Hogwarts, magical creatures, spells, potions, and people’s patronuses.
Brightly coloured Hogwarts in a globe with Hallows by Helena Darling in Halifax, Nova Scotia.Brilliant geometric patterned back of the neck piece with Hallows by Jack Peppiette at Insider Tattoo in Edinburgh, Scotland.Hallows and American Traditional rose by Mike D. at Old Rose Tattoo in California.Blackwork/dotwork tree’s, broomstick, wand, snitch, and Hallows by Nichola Pierport at Jays Inks in Lincoln, UK.Golden snitch, Harry Potter, and Hallows with watercolour background by Raul Willian at Jack Tattoo.Mcgonagall in cat form with Hallows by Ryan Murray at Black Veil Tattoo in Salem, MA.White Hallows and bright watercolour background by Ryan Tews in Calgary, Alberta.Blackwork Hallows and and Augrey, a magical bird creature that is tattooed on the Character Delphi from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Done by Twon in Egypt.
