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
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?
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
The Hamsa has gone by many other names including the eye of Fatima, the hand of Fatima, and the hand of Miriam to name a few. In terms of visual appearance the Hamsa is an open hand with an eye in the middle. The Hamsa is usually worn as protection, specifically against the Evil Eye.
Floral Hamsa flash by Joey Ramona at Under My Thumb Tattoo in TorontoMicro Hamsa by EQ Tattoo in Seoul, Korea
Today this design is mainly seen as an important Jewish symbol but it has been interpreted by many scholars as Jewish, Christian, Islamic, and even as a pagan symbol of fertility.
Neo-traditional Hamsa by Ceci at Trenton Point TattooMicro Hamsa by Camilo Leal Tattoo in Bogotá Columbia
Two of the Hamsa’s other names (referencing Fatima or Miriam) link this ancient symbol closely to Judaism and Islam. Fatima is the daughter of Mohammed, and Miriam is the sister of Moses.
Geometric Hamsa by Jutta Carter at Martins Custom TattooingGeometric/dot work Hamsa by Meg Evans in Shrewsbury UK
One of the oldest depictions of the Hamsa comes from a 14th-century Islamic fortress in southern Spain, on the Puerta Judiciaria, or, “Gate of Judgement.” There are also those who believe the Hamsa has its roots in Christianity through the virgin Mary whose hands are often seen in a “fig” pose. Then there are historians and professors who believe the Hamsa doesn’t come from religion at all, because there are Palaeolithic caves in France, Spain, Argentina, Algeria, and Australia with paintings of the hand.
Hamsa, flowers, and gems by Sarah Thirteen at Black Lodge Tattoo Studio in Bournemouth, UKA more old school Hamsa by Cari at True Blue Electric Tattoo in Knoxville, TN
As a tattoo the Hamsa is often done in a black and grey or fine line, but neo-traditional and geometric patters thrown into the mix are also popular. Many people wonder if it’s ok for them to wear a Hamsa, whether it’s a tattoo, on a necklace, or a t-shirt, and the short answer is yes. It can be culturally insensitive to wear it without understanding what it means, but as so many religions and cultures have ties to it, it really can be for anyone, as protection is a universal theme.
Micro Hamsa and other work by Marjolein Evens at Garden of Eden Studios in Hasselt, BelgiumGeometric/dot work Hamsa by Ozz Tat in Mexico
Hyottoko and Okame are an endearing and comical pair of peasants that have been a part of Japanese folklore for centuries. They are two of Noh theatres most beloved characters and both are portrayed using very stylized masks.
Black and grey piece of them together by David SáezOkame by Owen Yu in Suzhou China
Hyottoko is a male character with an oddly shaped face, prominent cheeks that are red from drinking too much sake, with one eye larger than the other, pursed lips, and a white handkerchief with blue dots tied and knotted around his head and under his chin.
Hyottoko by Jeff Ma at Ukiyo Ink in WinnipegHyottoko by Christos Serafeim in the UK
He is a kind peasant spirit who according to legend could remove gold from his navel and spit fire through a bamboo tube that he always brings with him. This tube is also why he is usually depicted with pursed lips as though perpetually ready to blow fire through his tube. He is also described as a drunkard who enjoys dancing and parties. The handkerchief around his head is also a nod towards him being a drunk as toothaches were common from drinking too much.
Hyottoko and flower half sleeve by Wootattoo_1 at Authentink Tattoo Studio in AustraliaOkame and Hyottoko flash by Maiz Art
Okame is a female character (also sometimes called Otafuku) with a smiling face and large cheeks. She also has white makeup and red lips, in the style of a geisha.
Okame by Rocky Burley at True Nature Tattoo Studio in Arcata, CAOkame by Alec at Gastown Tattoo Parlour, Vancouver
She is meant to bring happiness and enjoyment, and also embodies the ideal of feminine beauty. Okame is also often associated with geishas because of her playful nature and more silent and secondary role in theatre and folklore.
Okame by Jeff Ma at Ukiyo Ink in WinnipegHyottoko and Okame by Baku Zumi in South Korea
Chris is known for his notable work in two main styles, Japanese and traditional old school, with some black and grey or black work versions of both styles thrown into the mix.
Hannya and snake back piece Black American traditional torso
Chris’ Instagram is full of both large and small scale work, including back pieces, full sleeves, one-offs, and job stoppers.
Hannya job stopperKintaro wrestling a wolf
His work is crisp and detailed, and you can tell how much pride he takes in his work by spending only a few minutes looking through his portfolio. Much of his work takes direct influence from woodblock Japanese artists as well as old school tattooers from the 19th-20th centuries.
Kyōsai’s frogBlack and grey Japanese sleeve
If you’re able to make the trip to Norway or are lucky enough to live in Europe where it’s easy to travel between countries, Chris is a must see artist.
Kate Hellenbrand AKA “Shanghai Kate” AKA “America’s Tattoo Godmother” got started as one of America’s most well known female tattooers in the early 1970’s, and still tattoos now (though she is semi retired). She works out of Holy Work Tattoo in Austin, Texas, and works tattoo conventions with her husband.
Classic rattlesnake1970’s flash
Kate has worked alongside some of the greatest American tattoo icons of the 1900’s including Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins, Jack Rudy, and Ed hardy, and was also good friends with the late Lyle Tuttle.
Classic pinupBlack cat and 13 for Friday the 13th
Kate has a background in art and became interested in tattooing when she lived in New York with her partner Michael Malone at a time when tattooing was actually illegal in the city. The two worked out of an apartment and would hand out business cards to anyone they came across who had a visible tattoo. Tattooing was difficult at the time, and they even had to make machines using parts bought at bike shops, or pretend to be nursing students to acquire medical equipment.
Crossed pistols and desert themed florals 1970 Jack Grice, Kate, Thom Devita, Sailor Sid
In 1972 Kate was invited to be one of the seven tattooers at what was the first international tattoo convention in Hawaii that was hosted by Sailor Jerry. This group was called “The Council of the Seven.” This lasted around one week, but when the other tattooers left, Kate stayed behind to work with Jerry for a number of weeks. Sailor Jerry was notoriously protective of tattoo culture and disliked most newcomers to the industry particularly women, but Kate seemed to be an exception and was welcomed wholeheartedly and taught a lot.
Bright and bold dragonFortune Teller
As well as still occasionally tattooing, Kate also sells tattoo memorabilia including old flash from the greats, tattoo books, and also gives talks at tattoo conventions around the US.
Kate’s signature added to an old back piece by Sailor JerryKate tattooing that same signature
Elbows are one of the more painful spots to get tattooed, but if you’re wanting that full sleeve it’s something you’ve got to tough out.
Horseshoe and Flower by Caige Baker at the Brindle Room in Calgary, AlbertaSpiderweb by Tony Torvis at Mortem Tattoo in Montréal, Quebec
There are lots of designs that fit the shape of the elbow well, such as spiderwebs, flowers, mandalas, geometric shapes, and other “gap filler” type pieces.
Mandala by Hans Joen Heggum at Blue Arms Tattoo in Oslo, NorwayHeart web done by Tasha Terror at Three of Swords Tattoo in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Elbow tattoos also often take a bit longer to heal than many other locations on the body just because it’s a joint that most of us use all day every day. All that movement irritates the area so you can expect prolonged swelling, and maybe more scabbing than other tattoos you have.
Spiderweb done by Gabriel BuisonBright flower piece done by Jasmine Worth at Remington Tattoo in San Diego
Because the bone lies directly under the skin with virtually no “padding” on your elbow, it’s going to hurt more than the rest of your sleeve, which is why many people choose to save it for last, or choose a design that doesn’t fully cover the area such as a spiderweb or a horseshoe.
Geometric dot work piece by Tommy BirchBright and bold flower piece by Capa Tattoo at Tattoo Circus in Italy
While spiderweb tattoos are arguably one of the most popular elbow designs among old school collectors, you should be aware that originally this design was meant for people in prison, often signifying how much time a person has done. Nowadays most people won’t assume that you’ve been to prison if you have this tattoo, but it’s important to be aware of.
Black work butterfly by Alin in Seoul, KoreaColourful spiderweb by Dave at Trophy Tattoo in Hamilton, Ontario
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