jonvandyck film tattoos, nerdy tattoo, new school tattoo, realism tattoo, Uncategorized

Spider-Man Tattoos:

Spider-Man remains one of the most popular superheroes ever created, thanks to writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko. Fans have been enamoured with Spider-Man ever since Peter Parker was first bitten by a radioactive spider in 1962, and today, many are even getting Spider-Man tattoos. 

Spider-Man half sleeve done by Richy Price at Dark Souls Tattoo in Birminham, UK
Simpsons meets Spider-Man by Chelsea Matthews at Bold as Brass Tattoo in Liverpool

Spider-Man had a humble beginning as a comic book character and has since been in cartoons, live action and animated movies, video games, and even a Broadway musical. Spidey’s movies are probably the most well known and currently consumed amidst pop culture out there (aside from possibly Batman), and he’s been played by Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland in the live action films, and was voiced by Shameik Moore, Chris Pine, and Jake Johnson as various versions of Spider-Man in his most recent animated film. 

Spider-Man by Blanca Secco in Spain
Comic book style Spider-Man by Zineb Slaimi in Cambodia

The first villain in the comics was the Chameleon, but other villains include Dr. Octopus, Venom, Electro, and one of his main arch-nemeses the Green Goblin. 

Spider-Man and New York’s skyline by Tom Osvath at Ink and Iron in Chicago
A cute cartoon spidey by Danny Elliott at Rebel Muse Denver

While most folks ship Peter with Mary Jane or Gwen Stacey, his original love interest was Betty Brant, the secretary at The Daily Planet. 

Miles Morales by at PMA Jay
A hyper realistic Spider-Man by Lui Color Tattoo at Bunte Tinte Tattoo Dresden

Peter Parker is the most well known version of Spider-Man, but other versions within the spider-verse include Miles Morales, Spider-Ham, Miguel O’Hara, Mayday Parker, and Gwen Stacey (as Spider-Gwen) among others.

Miles Morales by Yeray Perez
Comic book Spidey by Joäo Paulo Matos

Which Spider-Man movie is your favourite?

Edited by Harrison R.

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jonvandyck black and grey tattoo, film tattoos, nerdy tattoo, portrait tattoo, realism tattoo, Uncategorized

Addams Family Tattoos:

The Addams family have been creeping people out and making them laugh since 1938 when the kooky family first appeared in Charles Addams’ cartoon in The New Yorker. Since then, they have also appeared in the 1960’s sit-com that ran for two seasons, a cartoon show in the 70’s that also ran for two seasons, a live action feature film in 1991 and a sequel in 1993, and a cartoon feature in 2019.

Addams Family quote by Meg Lewis at Stallions and Galleons Tattoo in the UK
Morticia and Gomez by Max Puga

As tattoos, the character “Wednesday” is probably the most popular for fans, followed by Uncle Fester and Thing. Quotes and other characters also make for great tattoos. The most prevalent styles are black and grey, realism, and neo-traditional. 

Hyper realistic portrait of Uncle Fester by Sólyom Dániel at James Tattoo Gallery in Budapest
Thing by Emma Maris at This Dark Horse Tattoo in Manchester, England

Wednesday Addams has long been a fan favourite, but like the other characters, she didn’t have a name until the 1960’s show. She was named after the nursery rhyme called “Monday’s Child”, detailing the days of the week, with Wednesday being described in the rhyme as “Wednesday’s child is full of woe.” In the original cartoon she is pail, dark haired, and has an obsession with the macabre. In the 1960’s show she is much sweeter and kinder, though her favourite hobby is raising spiders. The 1990’s films made her much darker again, and it’s this version of Wednesday that usually makes it to tattoos. 

A devilish Wednesday by Peter Granite Crowell at Lighthouse Tattoo Club, in Auburn, CA
Wednesday and poison by Kim Cauchi at Modern Tribe Tattoo Studio

Creator Charles Addams was known for having somewhat macabre interests and hobbies, hence his ability to create such fantastic characters and stories. His house was apparently filled with medieval weapons and torture devices. He had a particular love for crossbows and even admitted to fantasizing about shooting an intruder or robber with one.

Uncle Fester by Kyra Leigh at To The Grave Tattoo in Lexington, KY
“Stay Weird” Wednesday by Brianne Sienkiewicz at No Man’s Land Tattoo in Middletown NY

Angelica Huston (Morticia Addams) apparently grew up reading her parents’ book of Addams Family cartoons and even pretended she was Morticia. It is interesting how she ended up playing the character in the movies 30 years later. She also had to go through a daily routine of fitting into a metal corset that created the cartoonish figure of Morticia. This included gauze eye lifts, neck tucks, and fake nails. 

Cartoons Wednesday and Pugsley by Toni Mazuranic at Tattoo Hardline in Zagreb, Croatia
Wednesday and the house by Uncle Trashcan in Orlando, FL

Who is your favourite Addams Family character?

Edited by Harrison R.

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jonvandyck american traditional tattoo, black and grey tattoo, blackwork tattoo, neo traditional tattoos, realism tattoo, tattoo meaning, Uncategorized

Scorpion 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 York
Creepy 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 Tattoo
An 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 Winnipeg
A 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 Seoul
A 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 Africa
Matching buns by Darren Quinn at Sang Bleu Tattoo in London

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jonvandyck black and grey tattoo, minimalistic tattoo, portrait tattoo, realism tattoo, Uncategorized

Christmas Tattoos:

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 floietattoos
A cute snowman in a snow globe by Colby June
Cozy winter scenes by HarleQuinn_ink
Nightmare Before Christmas toy done by Sophie Annison at Township Tattoo
A realistic black and grey pine tree done by jku_tattoo in Seoul, Korea
Christmas lights done by jawtattoos in Sacramento, CA
A Christmas pumpkin done by Skylar Wasserman at Aces High Tattoo in Florida
A cozy Christmas fireplace done by Ovenlee.tattoo in Korea
The Grinch done by Audrey at Brothers Keeper Tattoo in Pittsburgh, PA
Some spooky holly done by Schuyler Abrams at Tramp Art Studios in Savannah, Georgia
A realistic Christmas tree done by Mattia Calvi at Mambo Tattoo Shop

What is your favourite thing about Christmas?

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jonvandyck american traditional tattoo, realism tattoo

Andres Inkman

Andres is a tattooer working out of Black Ship in Barcelona. He tattoos old school designs with a much more realistic look. Expect to see lots of ladies, devils, and nautical designs.

Rose of no man’s land
Snake and lady head

Andres’ colour palette follows the old school style of mainly black and red, and he really makes those colours pop.

Devil in disguise
Queen of hearts and a sneaky devil

Andres has managed to mix old school and realism flawlessly, with eyes that appear to be really looking at you, and lines that will stand the test of time.

Devil and woman in love
Nautical sailor lady head and ship

In addition to tattooing, Andres has an online store where you can buy prints.

Lady head and dragon
Lady and devil head

If you live in Barcelona or plan on passing through (when we can all travel safely again) make sure Andres is on your list of artists to be tattooed by.

Split lady and devil head
Classic tattooed pinup

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jonvandyck black and grey tattoo, realism tattoo

Jack the Ripper Tattoos:

One of the most famous serial killers in history, Jack the Ripper, killed at least five women in the East London/Whitechapel area between August and November of 1888. Despite some pretty good theories about who he may have been, the crimes are still unsolved today.

Black and grey half sleeve by Ricky Borchert at Black Hatchet Tattoos
Black and grey leg piece by Hans Heaton

Some of the most commonly cited suspects include Michael Ostrog; a Russian criminal and physician, Aaron Kosmininski; a Polish immigrant who lived in Whitechapel and fit the description, and Montague Druitt; a lawyer and teacher who also had great interest in surgery.

Black and grey piece by Pat at Borders and Boundaries Tattoo
Realistic back piece done by Sabian Ink in Bali, Indonesia

There are a dozen or so murders that many people believe were the work of the Ripper, but five that are more or less known. All five women were prostitutes, and all but one were working the streets at their time of death. The victims all had their throats cut, and their bodies mutilated in different ways; and the manner in which they were carved suggests the murderer had a reasonably good knowledge of human anatomy. The five women were Mary Ann Nichols (found August 31), Annie Chapman (found September 8), Elizabeth Stride (found September 30), Catherine Eddowes (found September 30), and Mary Jane Kelly (found November 9).

Ripper portrait done by Sammi at Aurora Tattoo, Lancaster
Creepy portrait done by Bullweih Stechwerk

The name “Jack the Ripper” comes from a letter that was published at the time of the murders. In fact, several letters were written to the London police, supposedly from the murderer, adding to the whole mystery of the thing.

Surrealist half back done by Browns Tattoos in Hasland, Chesterfield
Black and grey piece by Flóra Istvánffy

East London during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s was a rough part of the city, despite it being a place where many skilled immigrants (mainly Jews and Russians) settled to start businesses. It was an area known for its poverty and violence. The area was home to countless brothels, which unfortunately attracted many untoward people, and gangs and petty thugs ruled the streets.

Realistic black and grey sleeve by Marc Warren in Sheffield
Realistic black and grey back by Andreas Olsson

Who do you think the killer was?

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jonvandyck black and grey tattoo, realism tattoo, Uncategorized

Poseidon Tattoos:

Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, storms, earthquakes, and horses. Also considered one of the most temperamental and vengeful gods (hence the existence of storms).

Hyper realistic Poseidon and tiger by Bora Mesut Palas at Freak Tattoo Studio in Istanbul
Black and grey Poseidon by Sal Elias

According to mythology, Poseidon was the son of Cronus and Rhea, and (some believe) was swallowed by Cronus along with Hades, Demeter, Hestia, and Hera. Though others believe Poseidon, along with Zeus, were not swallowed but were hidden by their mother Rhea instead.

Linework Poseidon and trident by Tatuador Nunes
Line and dot work Poseidon by Daniela X Garcia at Sinistra Tattoo

When the gods defeated the Titans, the three brothers, Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon played a game of chance to decide who would rule where; Zeus got the sky, Hades the underworld, and Poseidon the sea.

Hyper realistic Poseidon and lightning by Jotapee Tattoo in Sao Paulo
Poseidon head by Chai Ketsiam in Thailand

Poseidon is also the reason Medusa was turned into a monster, as he raped her in the house of Athena, who then turned her into the monster we know. Poseidon also famously wields a trident which, when banged on the ground was said to create earthquakes.

Black and grey Poseidon back piece by Arthur James Blow at Inkredible Kreations
Poseidon and octopus leg piece by Break Neck Brad

As a tattoo, Poseidon is most often tattooed in black and grey/realism. He is often depicted as only a head, or with his trident, sometimes along with storms, the sea, ships, or horses.

Hyper realistic black and grey piece by Mirko Ponti Tattooer
Healed Poseidon sleeve by Zhuo Dan Ting Shanghai Tattoo

Which Poseidon piece is your favourite?

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jonvandyck black and grey tattoo, minimalistic tattoo, new school tattoo, realism tattoo, tattoo, Uncategorized

Artist of the Month: Alex Dahood

Alex is an artist working out of Santa la Muerte Tattoo in Madrid.

Realistic tiger eyes on the forearm.
Ariel from the Little Mermaid.

He has three styles that he works in, and he does them well. Realism, micro realism, and cartoon.

Micro realistic pooch head with a dash of colour.
The Mad Hatter and Alice, a Disney classic.

His realistic works are heavy on the black and grey, but he does use colour sparingly in these to make certain aspects pop, such as eyes and mouths in portraits of both people and animals.

Full realistic back piece of a snarling tiger. Black and grey with green eyes.

His cartoon pieces are like plucking a screenshot straight out of a movie or show, with great detail and colour throughout.

A classic Homer Simpson piece from Treehouse of Horror.

His micro realism pieces are great for those who want a small tattoo, and the amount of detail he’s able to pack into such a small space is unbelievable.

A portrait of Tupac done in black and grey.

If you’re passing through Madrid don’t hesitate to set up an appointment with Alex via his Instagram linked above.

Joaquin Phoenix’ portrayal of The Joker.

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jonvandyck american traditional tattoo, black and grey tattoo, blackwork tattoo, film tattoos, neo traditional tattoos, portrait tattoo, realism tattoo, traditional tattoo, Uncategorized

Peaky Blinders Tattoos:

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 Canelejo
Tiny 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 Limbers
Shelby 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 Valentina
American 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 Lindien
Large 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 Szofi
Black and grey John portrait done by Choc Inked

Who is your favourite character?

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