Alexandra Fische is a tattoo artist working out of 9th Realm Gallery in Salem, MA. Alexandra is the perfect artist to feature during October, as 30 seconds on her Instagram will show you.
Black Philip from The WitchNeo-traditional werewolf
Alexandra’s main focus of work is cute neo-traditional and new school Halloween and horror themed pieces. While spooky themed work is what you’ll mainly see on her page, Alexandra is also known to do watercolour, black and grey, and some more realistic work.
Salem themed graveAFI’s All Hallow’s E.P album cover
You can tell Alexandra is passionate about horror and Halloween from the incredible care and attention to detail she puts into every piece. Her takes on classic horror icons, creatures, and monsters are one of a kind and really showcase her unique style.
Lock, Shock, and Barrel from the Nightmare Before Christmas Vlad the Impaler portrait
Alexandra has brilliant flash to choose from, as well as the ability to draw up something original.
Creepy black catBarbara and Adam from Beetlejuice done up as The Lovers Tarot card
If you’re in the Salem area Alexandra is a must see artist. What horror movie do you want a tattoo from most?
Who doesn’t enjoy a nice cold beer at the end of a hard week or day, being able to sit out on a patio with friends or in a nice homey pub? Some people like beer so much that they’ve even chosen to immortalize their favourite drink on their skin as a tattoo!
New school Heineken by Craig Foster at Skin WerksOld school brew and anchor by Siam Mais at Stay Cold Tattoo in Bangkok, Thailand
Many people go for a realistic depiction of their drink of choice, but neo-traditional, American traditional, new school, and black and grey are also popular.
A more neo-traditional beer and nature scene by Pablo Sinalma at Eclipse Tattoo in BarcelonaA realistic frosty mug by Melek Tastekin
Now for some cool facts; Did you know that beer is actually the oldest recorded recipe in the world? Ancient Egyptians first recorded their recipes on scrolls that date back to around 5000 BCE, and was brewed with ingredients such as dates, pomegranate, and other local fruits and herbs. This early form of beer was used mainly in religious ceremonies, and was controlled directly by the Pharaoh of the time.
Prisoner of beer by João Teixeira at Shark Tattoo GalleryBeer, boobs, and bikes by Hubert Plaikner at Tintenfass Tattoo in Italy
While beer recipes were written down around 5000 BCE, it is believed that the ancient Mesopotamians were also brewing beer, around 10,000 BCE based on the malted barley and bowls with a beer-like residue that have been found by archaeologists. This beer eventually made its way over to Europe from the Middle East, and became an important part of life for nearly everyone. Northern Europe in particular brewed a lot of beer, in large part due to the crops like barley that they were able to grow. Beer even became a popular alternative to water because it was often cleaner to drink (lots of water at that time was pretty badly contaminated by human and animal waste).
Neo-Traditional beer and hand by Marco CondorMatching beer tattoos by Hécate at Le Coer Sauvage in lyon, France
Beer that is more similar to what you and I drink today was made in the early Middle Ages, combining hops and other herbs and spices to the barley that had already been used for a few hundred years. Around the year 1150, monks from Germany started using wild hops in beer and it caught on quick. It also acted as a natural preservative, allowing beer to last longer before needing to be drunk. While Pharaohs were the main brewers in Egypt thousands of years ago, monks were the main brewers in the Middle Ages, with almost all monasteries having an onsite brewery. Even today a number of Belgian monasteries still produce beer and rank as some of the best in the world.
Hand poked beer carton by Simply Uglyful at Inkformal TattooPhoto realistic Stella Artois beer bottle by Maiko Only at Good Tattoo Studio in Nottingham, UK
Moira Ramone is a tattoo artist working out of Bont & Blauw Tattoo in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Moira does old school and neo-traditional work with and without colour, with a particular love for all things horror and punk.
A classic demon breaking free of its shacklesKiefer Sutherland as David from “The Lost boys”
Moira’s Instagram page is filled with images such as punk rock girls with black boots and tattoos of their own, horror icons like Jason Voorhees and Christmas Devil Krampus, circus performers, and portraits (among others).
The Hindu Goddess KaliClassic horror sleeve
Moira makes a point to create a safe space for all people regardless of skin colour, gender identity or sexual orientation. Tattooing is quite an intimate experience so it’s always great to be able to receive your new art from someone who makes an effort to make all people comfortable.
Old school back featuring Bert Grimm’s butterfly ladyNo Means No!
Whether you’re looking for a small or large piece, Moira does it all. If you’re passing through you can get something smaller, or if you live in the area (or can get there easily) maybe you could start a full back or sleeve.
Krampus bringing some naughty children down to HellAll Cops Are Bastards tombstone
If you can’t make it all the way to the Netherlands for a tattoo, or just want to support Moira from a distance you can check out her store here and get yourself some clothing, books, stickers, candles, original paintings, or prints.
Punk girl meets the devilCircus performer featuring her own tattoos
Scorpions have been popular in tattooing for a long time, and have been tattooed in many different styles, including old school American traditional, black work, black and grey, realism, neo-traditional, and more.
Classic black work/old school scorpion done by Frank William at Smith Street Tattoo Parlour in New YorkCreepy one done by Dan Gagné at Mortem Tattoo in Montreal
Scorpions make for a popular design largely because of their tough look. The animal is deadly with a tough exterior, and can reflect this upon the tattoo wearer as well.
Perfectly placed black/old school one by Tony at Blue Arms TattooAn old school scorpion done by Jade Harper at House of the Rising Sun Tattoo in Winnipeg
Because it is a creature that can take care of itself, it can also represent strength and protection.
Scorpion and blood done by Reuben Todd at Kapala Tattoo in WinnipegA more neo-traditional scorpion with some eye popping colours done by Matt Andersson in Gothenburg
Another obvious reason for people to get a scorpion tattoo, is if their zodiac sign happens to be ‘scorpio.’ Scorpios (October 23rd-November 21st) are described as being calculating and striking; able to know what they want and do what it takes to get it.
A hyper realistic scorpion done by Gara at Lighthouse Tattoo in SeoulA cute scorpion with hearts done by Kara Noel at Folklore Trading Co
Which piece is your favourite?
Scorpions make great hand tattoos. Done by Richie J Howes at Electric Lounge Tattoo in South AfricaMatching buns by Darren Quinn at Sang Bleu Tattoo in London
Combining classic old school portraits of ladies and the wings of butterflies has long been a staple in old school tattooing. Flash from such legends as Bert Grimm, Ben Corday, and others from the 1800’s and 1900’s featured variations of the designs below, and more.
Back design done by Kasper_ftw in Seoul South KoreaBlack and grey chest piece done by Rich Hardy in the UK
Portraits of women are one of the most popular images in tattooing, as are butterflies. Combining the two beautiful designs makes sense, and can form an elegant tattoo that stands the test of time.
Black work back piece featuring a butterfly lady atop a skull, alongside two at the bottom done by Paul Dobleman at Black Heart Tattoo in CaliforniaButterfly lady head done on the hand by Reuben Todd at Kapala Tattoo in Winnipeg, Manitoba
One of the most popular ways for this design to be tattooed is a woman’s head with butterfly wings sprouting from behind, to the left and right.
Stomach butterfly lady head done by Francesco Ferrara in RomeButterfly lady atop a heart done by Blair Maxine Mckenna in Perth Australia
These butterfly ladies can also be seen more like fairies, with the bodies of women and butterfly wings.
Butterfly lady with a hidden face done by Capilli Tupou at Sunset Tattoo in Auckland New ZealandBlack work butterfly lady head done by Kim-Anh Nguyen-Dinh at Seven Seas in the Netherlands
Old school American traditional is the most common style for this design, but black work, black and grey, and Neo-traditional are also popular.
Black and grey butterfly woman done by Jade Harper at House of the Rising Sun Tattoo in WinnipegButterfly lady head on the chest done by naughtyjam_tattooer in Taipei, Taiwan
Jennah works out ofBluebird Tattoo in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She has become well known in the city and throughout Canada as a must see artist for anyone who loves anime, cartoons, video games, or comic books.
“Fight like a girl” Sailor Moon themed pieceBrilliant Miyazaki leg sleeve.
Jennah mainly works in new school or neo-traditonal styles, but also does brilliant black and grey.
Some water type Pokemon for the gamers.Shenron from Dragon Ball/Dragon Ball Z.
If you’re a lover of the nerdier things in life, Jennah is a must see artist. Her own love of cartoons and anime shines through in her exquisite attention to detail in the characters she recreates.
Beautiful Inuyasha piece with cherry blossoms.Batman/Joker piece inspired by Batman’s “Death of a Family.”
Jennah does brilliant large scale pieces such as full arm or leg sleeves, but happily does small one-offs such as singular characters and creatures.
An in progress Disney sleeve.Super Smash Bros and Legend of Zelda sleeve.
What’s your favourite anime?
An adorable Baby Groot from The Guardians of the Galaxy.Adventure Time’s Lumpy Space Princess in all her lumpy glory.
It’s that time of year again, so here are 10 pumpkin tattoos to satisfy your halloween tattoo needs. So why do we carve Jack’O’Lanterns anyway? You can thank the Irish! This practice originates with a legend called “Stingy Jack.”
Charlie Brown’s Halloween Special done by Mandy Snyder at Lucky Monkey TattooBlack and grey pumpkin done by Margaret Arinne
According to the story, Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. True to his name, Stingy Jack didn’t want to pay for his drink, so he convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin that Jack could use to buy their drinks. Once the Devil did so, Jack decided to keep the money and put it into his pocket next to a silver cross, which prevented the Devil from changing back into his original form.
Full haunted house complete with pumpkins done by Tiffany Garcia at Black Raven TattooBlack and grey pumpkin and bats done by Matthew Murray at Black Veil Tattoo in Salem Mass.
Jack eventually freed the Devil, under the condition that he would not bother Jack for one year and that, should Jack die, he would not claim his soul. The next year, Jack again tricked the Devil into climbing into a tree to pick a piece of fruit. While he was up in the tree, Jack carved a sign of the cross into the tree’s bark so that the Devil could not come down until the Devil promised Jack not to bother him for ten more years.
Pumpkin and bloody knife by Katelynn Rhea at Iron Age TattooTrick R’ Treat pumpkin done by Steve Black at All of One Tattoo
Soon after, Jack died. As the legend goes, God would not allow such an unsavory figure into heaven. The Devil, upset by the trick Jack had played on him and keeping his word not to claim his soul, would not allow Jack into hell. He sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the Earth with it ever since. The Irish began to refer to this ghostly figure as “Jack of the Lantern,” and then, simply “Jack O’Lantern.”
Creepy pumpkin done by Mark W. Richards at Pino Bros InkHappy pumpkin done by Shannon Mcfarlene at Iron Lotus
As tattoos, most pumpkin pieces are bright and colourful, with a trend to old school or neo traditional styles, though black work and black and grey can also make for nice pieces. Often paired with other spooky things like bats, knives, haunted houses, etc. Pumpkins are a perfect piece for those who love halloween.
Cute bright piece done by Kori MillhimesAn evil looking piece using black and orange done by Angelo Parente at Black Casket Tattoo
Peaky Blinders is the incredibly popular British tv show following a gang called “The Peaky Blinders” in mainly Birmingham, immediately following the First World War.
Neo traditional Tommy portrait by Paula CanelejoTiny realistic portrait of Tommy by Dani Ginzburg
Every episode is written by Steven Knight, and is loosely based on both historical gangs in England, and a story the writers father used to tell him about his grandfather having him deliver notes to his uncles, the Sheldons, who became the shows “Shelbys.”
American traditional Tommy portrait and rose by Matthew LimbersShelby skull by Marcello Barros
The history of the “real” peaky blinders differs from place to place, with some sources saying they died out by the 1890s. While they weren’t the ruling gang in Birmingham by the end of World War I, it looks like they probably still existed, even though the bigger “Birmingham Boys” became the top dogs by 1910. Peaky Blinders also eventually became a term to describe all gangs coming out of the Birmingham area. In both the show and real life, the gang is made up of mainly young unemployed men, looking to gain power and money through robbery, violence, and controlling both legal and illegal gambling. In the show many of the men also fought in World War I.
Blackwork Tommy by ValentinaAmerican traditional Arthur done by Edo Sent
The name Peaky Blinders comes from the clothes worn by both the real and fictional gangsters. Their signature style includes tailored jackets, overcoats, waistcoats, silk scarves, bell-bottom trousers, and “peaked” caps. In the show, the gang is famous for sewing razorblades into their caps as their signature weapon, but realistically these blades wouldn’t have been affordable at the time and weren’t used until around 1890, when the Peaky Blinders started to lose power.
American traditional Tommy and flower by Ju LindienLarge realistic portrait of Tommy by Alexandr Ramm
Many people are drawn to the show for its style, and that translates into the tattoos we see being made. Most Peaky Blinders tattoos are done in a classic traditional style, keeping it bold and classy, just like the show. Other styles include neo traditional, black work, and realism. Most of the tattoos I found are of Tommy, but the other Shelby brothers also make fine pieces.
Neo traditional black and red Tommy and flowers done by SzofiBlack and grey John portrait done by Choc Inked
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