Beautiful Rock of Ages.Amazing colours in this bouquet and vase.
Esther does brilliant American traditional work in colour, black and grey, and blackwork.
Super cool Midsommar piece.Healed butterfly and rose and fresh chain and barbed wire.
Her work is made to last, with thick black lines and beautifully bright colours, or heavy blackwork.
Butterfly and stars for a classic throat piece.Killer scorpion.
Esther’s Instagram is full of classics such as Pharaohs Horses, Battle Royale’s, ships and more. But check out her flash for something drawn up by her, or email her for a custom design.
Blackwork Battle Royale.Lady head with flowers in her hair.
Large or small pieces, Esther has you covered. Whether you want a small gap filler in your sleeve or a full back piece, Esther is a must see artist if you’re visiting Montreal or live nearby.
Love this classic spiderweb lady.Awesome blackwork ship and mermaids.
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
Gap filler tattoos are exactly what they sound like, small tattoos that fill the gap between other pieces to make a sleeve or torso look more fluid.
Cute bondage Kewpie done by Cobra Kai TattooFrog filler by Tattoo Mozart
Generally when someone says gap filler they’re referring to a more old school style, as the custom with old school tattoos is to collect lots of smaller tattoos that then form a larger piece when it’s all put together.
Flail by Gary Gerhardt at Key City TattooCoffin nails by Hudson at Rose of Mercy in London
Some common gap fillers include centipedes, flowers, butterflies, spider webs, nails, snakes, frogs, etc. Almost anything can be a gap filler if it can be made small enough and can have some diversity in placement to fit those odd angles.
Old school flower by Aaron at FHC Tattoo in MelbourneA happy little sun by Daniele Delligatti at Sacred Circle Tattoo in Rome
If you’re going for that bodysuit look you’ll probably end up with some gap fillers unless you pre-planned your whole body before you started getting tattoos, or worked with a style like Japanese where gap fillers are less common (though not unheard of).
Pistol and butterfly by Jade Harper at House of the Rising Sun Tattoo in WinnipegFloral fillers by atomlenhart
What gap fillers do you have or want?
Mosquito by Dan Coy at Hobart Tattoo Collective in AustraliaDice and floral filler by Eva at Baltimore Ave Tattoo
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1 in 8 Canadian cisgendered women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives, and 1 in 33 will die from it. In 2020, 25% of all cancers in Canadian cisgendered women was a form of breast cancer, with approximately 27,400 women diagnosed and 240 cisgendered men also diagnosed.
Peony flower by Justin Dunwoody at Eastern Pass Tattoo CoBlack and grey bird and rose by Emma at True Love Tattoos in Norwich
Breast cancer is unfortunately quite a common form of cancer, and mainly affects cisgendered women. Often a breast cancer diagnoses leads to a mastectomy. A mastectomy is a surgery that removes part or all of the breast. There are 5 kinds of mastectomy surgeries including; “Simple” or “total” mastectomy, modified radical mastectomy, radical mastectomy, partial mastectomy, and subcutaneous (nipple-sparing) mastectomy.
Before and after nipple recreation by Eric Eye in SeattleBreast cancer awareness ribbon and flowers by Kerry Soraci in St Louis
For years now people who undergo various forms of mastectomies have turned to tattooing to either cover the area after it is healed, or in some cases recreate what they looked like before the mastectomy.
Black and grey flowers by Clara Welsh at Evil From the Needle in Camnden, UKPastel flowers and nipple recreation by Lita Edwards at Boobs and Tattoos
Many tattoo artists even specialize in mastectomy tattoos, either covering the whole area with an image, or nipple and/or breast recreation. Many people who decide to get tattooed after a mastectomy opt for some form of cancer awareness piece, such as the breast cancer awareness ribbon with flowers or a butterfly, or something that they find beautiful to help them deal with the trauma they’ve been through.
Breast cancer awareness ribbon and flowers by Sabrina Cruz at Skin Elixir TattooWater colour style rose by Michelle Gómez in Guadalajara Mexico
Some tattoo artists also offer to do mastectomy tattoos for free if they have some sort of personal connection to it, but those who specialize in this type of work always do a great job.
Breast cancer awareness ribbon and water colour tree and birds by Louisa Kleinert at Blue Bird InkedBreast cancer awareness ribbon and flowers by Erin Mathews at Canvas Tattoo in MN
You can donate to the Canadian Cancer Society here.
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
Gorgeous flowers and ornamental vasePinup lady and eagleHealed Rock of Ages front piece with angels
Francesco does classic old school tattoos that are bright and vibrant in colour, with bold black lines. Looking at Francesco’s work, you’ll only see black, red, and yellow/gold making up these beautiful pieces.
Battle back piece and nautical back pieceDevil head and butterfly for the feetRock of Ages back piece
His portfolio includes both one shot smaller pieces, and large full back or front pieces. Among these gorgeous designs you’ll find classics such as the Rock of Ages, Sun Dance, devils and angels, lady heads, and animals such as snakes, eagles, and butterfly’s.
Queen of hearts and a feisty snakeClassic eagle
Whether you live in Rome or are passing through, Francesco is another must see artist.
Classic panther and snake going at it.What’s a more classic elbow tattoo?
Mathew is a tattooer at Trophy Tattoo in Hamilton, Ontario, formerly of Rebel Waltz in Winnipeg.. Mathew does crisp American traditional tattoos the way they were meant to be made. Bold as hell!
A small, classic eagle.“Working class” skull piece.
If you take a look through Mathew’s work, either online or in person, you’ll see he really does the classics. His Instagram is full of eagles, pinups, sailors and pirates, skulls, snakes, and more.
An all black, classic Japanese/American dragon head.Another classic old school piece. The Rock of Ages.
If you’re looking for a bit of a Japanese twist to an American style, Mathew is also your guy. He’s done both dragon heads and full bodied dragons, and Japanese flowers.
A more Japanese styled chrysanthemum flower.Crisp lines on this rose and cross.
Mathew mentored under Don Ritson, the owner of Rebel Waltz, and you can certainly see Don’s influence in Mathews work. Both artists stick to a very traditional colour palette of mainly black, red, some green, and small amounts of yellow to make pieces pop.
Skull butterfly for a small filler piece.
Check out his work on Instagram @mathew.machado where you’ll find his email for making appointments. You can also watch Rebel Waltz’ Instagram to see when Mathew and the other artists there are doing walk-ins.
Beautiful pirate lady portrait, done as quite a large thigh piece.
Kelly Smith works out of Cry Baby Tattoo in Sheffield, England. Kelly mainly does American traditional pieces, but also works in black work and Japanese styles.
Bloody panther head and a deadly looking snake.Some gorgeous pink peony’s paired with solid black filler in a forearm half sleeve.Some old school flowers for a bold neck piece.Badass scorpion ready to sting for this side neck piece.Japanese kitsune, or fox spirit.
Kelly’s work is bright and bold as hell, mixing the traditional themes of Americana and Japan with the bright colours of a Neo-traditional style.
Some classic clasped hands and trad flowers on the collar bone.Traditional geisha wearing a beautiful kimono.Anchor featuring Neck Deep lyrics.Good luck horseshoe and some mountains done in blackwork style.Badass Sailor Jerry inspired piece.
If you’re looking for a banging one off then Kelly is the one to see, but don’t be shy about getting a big piece! A back or torso design will be a brilliant addition to your collection.
Toad getting that zen life.Lots of green in this gorgeous back piece featuring Eve and Lucifer with that dratted apple.A painful spot for a mean looking eagle.Wicked snake head with some bright colours.Very painful looking old school piece featuring a tiger and a snake battling it out.
If you happen to find yourself in the Sheffield area Kelly is one to visit. I know I will!
Blackwork lady and rose.Namakubi hand banger. Gorgeous blue tones in that bloody head.Another peony, featuring a cute old school butterfly.More pink peony’s and solid black. These pieces are great for some heavy contrast.Sick traditional dragon looking ready to get into some mischief.
You can find Kelly on Instagram at @kellysmithtattoos
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