The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R.R Tolkien is one of (if not the) most iconic fantasy stories ever written. The story was written as a sequel to another novel of his, The Hobbit. The Lord of the Rings was written in stages between 1937 and 1949.
Magnificent realistic back piece featuring Gandalf, Gollum, the ring, and the eye of Sauron. Done by Jesse Rix in Keene, NH.Hyper realistic portrait of Gimli done by Ben Kaye at Ship Shape Tattoo in New Zealand.Solid neo traditional hobbit hole done by Heath Clifford at Fat Ink Tattoo.Elrond portrait done by Kristian Kimonides at Leviathan Tattoo Gallery in Melbourne, Australia.American traditional Witch King done by Onnie O’Leary.
Tolkien fought in WW1, and this was extremely influential in his shaping of Middle Earth. As an example, WW1 was fought not by heroes, but by civilians. This reflects the hobbits who are quite literally the “little people”, who then step up to fight a war that they had not asked to be a part of.
Black and grey portrait of Aragorn, featuring Gimli and Legolas. Done by Fong Vang at Inkarnate Tattoos in North Saint Paul, Mn.Terrifying portrait of Gollum and his precious. Done by Carles Bonafe.Terrifying and realistic portrait of a nazgul. Done by Iliya Astafiev Chelny city, Russia.Broken shards of Narsil. Done by Lauren Gibler done in Canton OH.Graphic black and grey sleeve featuring Gandalf fighting the balrog on the bridge of Kazan Dum. Done by Róbert A Borbás done at Rooklet Ink, Hungary.
The films were directed by Peter Jackson, starting with The Fellowship of the Ring in 2001. They were filmed back to back on location in New Zealand, making for fantastic landscapes and scenery.
Hyper realistic colour portraits of Sam, Frodo, and the ring. Done by Alex Rattray at Empire Ink in Edinburgh.A very green ent done by Cody Young at Emerald Tattoo.Black and grey Gandalf amidst a geometric background done by Izhar Rott Owner of Manifacto Amsterdam Tattoos.Blackwork Barad Dur (dark tower) done by Lauren Melina done in Perth, Australia.There and back again, inspiration taken from The Hobbit book cover. Done by Samantha at I love Mom Tattoo Studio in Dovercourt Village, Toronto.
Some of the most popular characters include Gandalf, Frodo, Gimli, Legolas, Gollum (Smeagol), Sam, Aragorn, Elrond, Saruman, Witch king, and Sauron. Fantastic creatures include the ents, the balrog, and the nazgul. Popular items include the swords sting, and the shards of Narsil, as well as the Witch King’s flail, and quaint hobbit holes. Of course we also can’t forget the ring itself, which makes a stellar tattoo, especially when paired with a portrait.
Sting and flowers done by Alexandra Skarsgård in London.Black and grey Gandalf portrait done by Dan Mawdsley at Pop Culture Tattoos in Melbourne, Australia.Linework version of an ent. Done by Jerome Chapman.Hyper realistic Gollum done by Maksims Zotovs.Hyper realistic matching portraits of Saruman (and the eye of Sauron) and Gandalf. Done by Tony Sklepic done in Edmonton, Alberta.
Lord of the Rings tattoos are often done in a photo realistic or hyper realistic style, as well as black and grey, dotwork, linework, American traditional, and neo traditional.
Black and grey Legolas done by Khail Tattooer at Young bloods Tattoo in Perth, Australia.Witch King hand and Morgul blade done by Dave Swambo at Stronghold Tattoo in Cardiff, Wales.Bright and bold hobbit hole done by Jess White in Sacramento, CA.Gorgeous portrait of Frodo and the ring done by Nick Imms at the Church Tattoo.American traditional Witch King and flail. Done by Travis Stanley at Ink City Tattoo in Bonney Lake, WA Capitol City.
Jason Voorhees is the iconic villain from the Friday the 13th franchise. Jason is a silent, undead killing machine, and mamma’s boy. Jason haunts Camp Crystal Lake where he drowned as a child due to inattentive lifeguards. As a tattoo Jason is done in a realistic style portrait, American traditional style, neo traditional, black and grey, and new school/cartoon. He is usually seen wearing his hockey mask, sometimes paired with his machete or other weapons, or seen in Camp Crystal Lake.
Jason mask with full bodied Jason in very dark tones done by DJ at True Color Tattoos.Hyper realistic Jason in a killing position done by Paul Acker The Séance Tattoo Parlor in Bensalem PA.Colour piece by Joe K Worrall at Heart & Arrow Tattoo Studio in the UK.Black and grey Jason at Camp Crystal Lake with nude camp counsellor by Matt Beirne at Stefano’s Tattoo Studio in Ft. Lauderdale.Great contrasted Jason mask and machete by Moira Ramone at 25 to Life Tattoo in NL.
Jason was born with facial deformities and a mental disability. His mother kept him away from other people, homeschooling him and looking after him herself, but when she was unable to find a babysitter she resorted to sending him to Camp Crystal Lake where she worked as the cook. Jason was bullied by the other kids and thrown into the lake where he drowned while the counsellors were having sex in the woods. Mad with grief, Pamela, Jason’s mother, murdered the counsellors she blamed for Jason’s death. Jason came back to life and waited for his mother to come back to him, for 20 years. Years later the camp tried to re open, but Pamela murdered all but one of the counsellors. The survivor, Alice, cut off her head, while Jason watched. Jason killed anyone who came back to the camp, mostly using the machete that killed his own mother.
Adorable cartoon Jason done by Alessia at Bikini Bottom Tattoo shop.Realistic black and grey Jason head and chain by Fran Muñoz.American traditional Jason mask with “mamma’s boy” and flower by Megan Fell.
Jason has a kill count of over 150 throughout the films he’s been in. Jason’s supernatural powers include immortality, regeneration, superhuman strength, enhanced speed, and durability.
Jason mask and machete’s in classic skull and crossbones fashion by Amanda Fox in Glasgow.Mostly black and grey Jason mask by Jesse Torres.Blackwork mask and machete by Murrmosavich at Blue Blood Custom Tattoos.Blackwork Jason mask and trees by Sabrina Sawyers.
Jason is a fan favorite in the horror genre, often paired with Freddy Kreuger, due in part to the film Freddy VS. Jason.
Jason’s torso and machete, with chains, done at Bespoke Body Art Tattoos in Grimsby, UK.Neo traditional Jason and Camp Crystal Lake tattoo by Matt Bishop at Artistic Edge Tattoo.“Mama tried” American traditional mask and flower by Tony Davis in VA.
Marilyn Manson is a musician, painter, and actor. Known for his controversial music, and dark style. His stage name, “Marilyn Manson” comes from mixing what he believes to be the two most influential people in recent American history; actress and model Marilyn Monroe, and serial killer Charles Manson.
Mini Manson portrait done by Andrea Morales in Spain.Brilliant black and grey Manson by Angel Lopez Sousa at The Shining Tattoo in Spain.Black, grey, and red portrait with pentagram by Draven Heart in Adelaide.
He has sold millions of copies of his albums, and his influence reaches far and wide. He has a cult following, and those who love his music, really love it. He sells out stadiums around the world, and never fails to awe the crowd.
Disney meets Manson in this more traditional style portrait by Christian Grimma at Sigil Ink.Satanic pope Manson by Matthew Murray at Black Veil Tattoo in Salem Massachusetts.Realistic creepy Manson by Paul Acker at Seance Tattoo Parlour in Bensalem PA.
His music is described as shock rock, and goth, and his style follows in this same manner. Manson has had numerous run ins with the law, and public, including being blamed in part for the infamous Columbine school shooting. He has also had his shows protested by religious groups for being Satanic. Manson has been given the honorary title of “reverend” in the Satanic Church, but has said many times before in interviews that he does not actually believe in the devil, or any religion. All of his art is satirical and made to shock those who listen, and view it.
Terrifying portrait from The Beautiful People music video, by Dan Molloy in Perth, Australia.Heavy black portrait by Johnny Scillieri at Ace Tattoo in Glendale AZ.Hyper realistic Manson, also by Paul Acker.
As a tattoo, Manson is often done as a portrait, showing off his own various tattoos, makeup, and various costumes from music videos, photo shoots, and live shows.
Black and grey portrait showing off his own tattoos by Laura Gomez at The Ink Captains Tattorium.Green Manson from his Smells Like Children days, by Mike Guinn.
Stephen McConnell is an artist at Main Street Tattoo Collective in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Neo trad bear with beautiful fall leaves and bright red sun.Dark Kylo Ren portrait.Matching hammerhead shark and great white in American traditional style.
Stephen’s work ranges from black and grey, to realism, watercolor, American traditional, blackwork, geometric, and neo traditional.
Beautiful American traditional shoulder rose.Black and grey skull and mask.Huge black and grey owl with geometric patterns and some dotwork on the sternum.Blackwork creepy shrunken head.Travel themed piece with hot air balloon and luggage!Fantastic portrait!Geometric half sleeve with both black and red, creating a brilliant duality.Painful full torso crane with dotwork halo.American traditional lady head.Creepy Norman Bates with his house.American traditional French Bulldog portrait!Three forearm mandalas.Amazing almost finished realistic lion half sleeve.
Stephen McConnell is a must visit artist in Winnipeg!
“‘IT” is the 1986 novel by horror genius, Stephen King. The book takes place between two time periods, and follows the experiences of seven children, as well as later when they are adults. Pennywise is actually a demon shapeshifter, who usually takes the form of a clown in order to lure children.
We All Float Down Here, with boat and balloon by Aimée Lou at Bespoke Tattoo Co. in Guilford, UK.Realistic and terrifying portrait of the new Pennywise by Carlos Rojas at Black Anchor Collective, Hesparia, CA.
The story was made into a popular mini series in 1990, starring Tim Curry as the terrifying Pennywise the clown. The mini series also follows these seven children, with a large focus on their lives 30 years later as they try to protect their town. Many people who are coulrophobic (afraid of clowns) attribute this fear to Tim Curry’s brilliant portrayal of the murderous demon clown.
Another portrait of the new Pennywise, by Cruz Valdez at Evil Emporium of Tattoos in Santa Fe New Mexico.Tim Curry’s Pennywise in a neo traditional portrait with “we all float down here”, by Ick Abrams.
Now (2017), IT has been re made into a feature length film, this time starring Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise. The new version of Pennywise is much more overtly frightening, which some people like, and some people don’t. This re make is slotted to have the best opening day ever for an R rated horror movie, and has made the most money on an opening weekend of any other horror movie. This film has had great advertising in the months leading up to its release, and also stars Finn Wolfhard, one of the very popular actors from Netflix’s “Stranger Things”.
Minimalistic balloon and hand by Ivih Maia in Brazil.Minimalistic paper boat with blood splatter by Jay Blackburn at Powerline Tattoo in Cranston RI.
As a tattoo, Pennywise is by far the most popular character to be tattooed. Tim Curry has been tattooed on people for a long time, as the mini series is a such a popular cult classic. Even though the new movie has only been out a short time currently, Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise is quickly being tattooed for fans all around the world. Along with Pennywise, fans also get his red balloon, a toy paper boat, and the phrase “we all float down here”.
Terrifying Tim Curry portrait with balloons by Jessica Downer at Inland Empire, CA.Horrifying hyper realistic portrait of Bill Skarsgård’s Pennywise by Marek Maras Rydzewski at Reinkarnacja Tattoo Studio in Warsaw.
These tattoos are mostly done in portrait/realism styles, along with black and grey, and neo traditional.
Great mix of black, grey, and white, with vibrant red for a fantastic portrait of Bill Skarsgård by Medz at The Kingdom Tattoo Gallery in Miami.Bright Tim Curry Pennywise in a more traditional style by Mike Biggs at Biggs Studio.Fantastic Tim Curry by Nick Sarich at Timeless Tattoos in Chicago.Absolutely stunning IT half sleeve by the talented Paul Acker at the Séance Tattoo Parlour in Bensalem PA.Blackwork/dotwork Pennywise in a knife by Sabri Art at Black Heart Tattoo in Argentina.Geometric we all float down here and Pennywise by Shane Murphy at Crown of Thorns Tattoo in Worcester, MA LC.Black and grey portrait of a crying Tim Curry Pennywise by Simon Drolet at Art Therapy Corp in Osoyoos BC.
Zhuo Dan Ting is the owner of Shanghai Tattoo as of January 2007 (located in Shanghai, China) where she tattoos people from all around the world. People seek out her art from far and wide, and are not disappointed with the results.
Black and grey baby portrait.Realistic elephant half sleeve.Black and grey bio mechanical sleeve.
Zhuo Dan Ting has been an artist since an early age, where her father (an art teacher himself) and his friends would teach her new techniques. She went on to art school in Harbin after high school, but quickly moved onto something entirely different.
Black and grey Asian leg sleeve featuring Fu Dog, peony, and great wall of China.Bio mechanical/ripped skin/ realism back piece!Bright dragon and flower half sleeve.Amazing realistic Greek Poseidon sleeve.
Ting found the subcultures of death metal and punk music, which is where she fell in love with tattoos. Ting started off tattooing her friends in Harbin’s underground music scene, where she quickly started making a name for herself in the tattoo world.
Full black and grey realistic sleeve with monster, lightning, waves, etc.Ting doing her thing, tattooing a painful chest piece!Surrealist color sleeve with angel, skull, and watercolor.Color realism owl, skull, and eyeball half sleeve.
Ting does brilliant black and grey, photo realism, portrait art, and Asian styled pieces inspired by both Chinese and Japanese art. Along with making beautiful art, Ting was also the first woman in China to open her own tattoo shop, a big step for the Chinese tattoo community!
Black and grey Monkey King half sleeve.Realistic color eye.Brilliant Japanese style peony flower.Realistic Japanese/Chinese style dragon sleeve.Realistic portrait.Terrifying zombie clown portrait.
If you’re in Shanghai, Shanghai Tattoo is the place to go!
Anubis is the ancient Egyptian god/guardian of the dead. The name Anubis actually comes from the Greek, but the earliest Egyptian names for him include Anpu, or Inpu. Both have the same root word which means “royal child”, and “inp” which means “to decay”.
Watercolor Anubis done by Agny Fran at Black Velvet Studio in De Santiago, Chile.
He is generally depicted as a black, jackal-dog-man hybrid, with the body of a man and head of a jackal/dog. The colour black was chosen for its symbolism of both decaying bodies, and the soil along the Nile river.
More American traditional version of Anubis by Andrew Conner.
Anubis is first seen as the son of Ra and Hesat, before he is brought into the story of Osiris, and said to be his son.
Black and grey full bodied Anubis by Bryan Hidalgo Reyes.
Anubis is the earliest god depicted on tomb walls, usually presiding over the mummification process, or weighing of the soul. This is the process in which a persons soul is weighed against the feather of truth.
Brilliant black and grey Anubis and Ra by Codrea Bogdan.
Anubis is both judge and guide of the dead. Making him an authoritative figure, as well as a protector. This makes him one of the most important gods in Egyptian history.
Neo traditional Anubis by Dany Linhares in Brazil.
Later in history he was partially adopted into Greek mythology, associating him with Hermes.
Blackwork skeletal Anubis by Dono B in Seoul, South Korea.
As a tattoo, Anubis is often done in blackwork, black and grey, neo traditional, water colour, and realism styles.
Neo traditional Anubis by Fatima Oliveira.Heavy matching black/dark colour Anubis and Bastet by Heather Bailey at Black Heart in San Francisco, CA.Black/dotwork Anubis head by Mario Farfán Calderón at Blackmoon Custom Tattoo in Mexico.Realistic black and grey Anubis by Melissa Flattinger at Corpsepainter Tattoo and Piercing in Munich, Germany.Realistic black and grey Anubis head by Meza Cruz in Mexico.Neo traditional Anubis head and scarab beetle by Miss Poppy in the Netherlands.Black and grey sketchwork Anubis head by Ráa Fernandes in Tokyo, Japan.American traditional Anubis by Shawn Qin at Cat Town Tattoo in South Korea.Brilliant neo traditional Anubis by Yeray Perez in Sitges, Barcelona.
Shawn Beatty is a tattoo artist working out of Soul Survivors Body Art in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Shawn is a talented artist who works in several styles; including American traditional, black and grey, realism, blackwork, new school, neo traditional, and some Japanese.
Disney’s Cinderella and quote.Badass grim reaper.Neo traditional flower and snake.Black and grey surrealist death moth.Black and grey realistic/neo traditional sleeve featuring a demonic version of V from v for vendetta, a bird, snake, and caged heart.Black and grey neo traditional fortune teller and tarot card.Black and grey compass with arrow and biblical quote.Bright new school Sailor Moon piece.Canadian Eddie from Iron Maiden!Realistic black and grey tiger with skull and quote.Japanese tiger and flower cover up.Knight inspired armour full sleeve. Looks like the real deal!Red crescent moon and skull.Neo traditional leopard headdress piece.Simpsons pig and donut, anti fascist piece!Lego leg piece tearing through the skin.David Bowie astronaut piece inspired by the song Heroes.
Shawn Beatty is a must see artist if you’re in Winnipeg!
This popular horror, fantasy, drama show follows the Winchester brothers, Sam and Dean, as they hunt and kill all manner of supernatural creatures. The show first aired in 2005, and has thirteen seasons. The show is popular with lovers of horror and comedy, as every episode features some sort of horrifying monster, as well as dark, sarcastic humour, mostly on the part of Dean.
Dean by William Quiceno in Miami FL.Day of the dead skull, quote, pistol, and pentagram by Tad Peyton at Jinx Proof Tattoo in DC.
Fans of the show have a love/hate relationship with it, as many favourite characters have quite tragic stories, and no one has plot armour thick enough to protect them indefinitely.
Angel wings, anti-possession symbol, and quote by Gus Honey at Authentink Tattoo Studio, Sydney Australia.Anti-possession symbol by Pompie Tubelan.Anti-possession symbol by Tiffany Kups.
Tattoos related to the show include character portraits, quotes, and the famous anti-possession tattoo from the show, which both Sam and Dean wear to protect themselves from demon possession. This design is a pentagram and flames.
Portrait of Dean by Kristian Kimonides at Leviathan Tattoo Gallery in Melbourne Australia.Sam portrait also by KristianCastiel portrait also by Kristian.
