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
Cthulhu is a fictional entity that was created by horror-fantasy writer H.P. Lovecraft and was first seen in 1928 in his story The Call of Cthulhu. Its physical appearance is supposed to be so horrible that it destroys the sanity of anyone who looks at it. It is described as “a monster of vaguely anthropoid outline, but with an octopus-like head whose face was a mass of feelers, a scaly, rubbery-looking body, prodigious claws on hind and fore feet, and long, narrow wings behind.”
Mostly black and grey piece done by Chloe Smith TattooCool Cthulhu done by María Roca in Madrid
Cthulhu is a priest or leader for “the Old Ones” who are a species that came to earth from space well before humans came to be. The Old Ones lay dormant and their city was buried under the earth’s crust, beneath the Pacific Ocean. They were more or less forgotten about by the majority of humans, except for certain “uncivilized” groups of people who remembered Cthulhu and the Old Ones and worshipped them in horrible rites and rituals.
Black and grey piece by Sarah WalsworthCthulhu and the moon done by Lucy Harrington in Dublin, Ireland
H.P. Lovecraft is regarded as one of the most influential and well-known horror-fantasy writers, having influenced modern horror writers and directors such as Stephen King, Guillermo del Toro, Junji Ito, Matt and Ross Duffer, Matt Ruff, Misha Green, and countless others. He is also known as the creator of the sub-genre of horror known as “Cosmic Horror”.
A more neo-traditional piece done by Kelly GormleySuper cute new school Cthulhu by Mychaela at The great Wilderness Tattoo
Despite Lovecraft’s wide reach, he was also extremely racist, and people like Matt Ruff and Misha Green (Lovecraft Country) have worked to expose that while still recognizing the cultural relevance, particularly of Cthulhu and other creatures. By the early 1930’s he was defending white Lynch mobs and praising Hitler in letters to friends, and short stories such as “The Shadow over Innsmouth”, and “The Horror of Red Hook” made non-white folks out to be primitive and less than human.
To be or not to be, that is the question Cthulhu asked… Done by Jack Vegas in Lviv, UkraineCreepy black and grey piece by Anubis Lok at Phycho Pomp Tattoo in Hong Kong
As a tattoo, many people choose to get Cthulhu in a more realistic style, although neo-traditional and new school are also popular. What is your favourite story featuring Cthulhu?
Dotwork piece by Mammoth TattooTerrifying black work piece by Markus Blanchard in Salem MA
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
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