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 YorkCreepy 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 TattooAn 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 WinnipegA 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 SeoulA 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 AfricaMatching buns by Darren Quinn at Sang Bleu Tattoo in London
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
The geisha, or, “person of accomplishment” date back to 1751 in the mid-Tokugawa period in Japan. Geisha’s were originally men, but eventually became women.
Deep in thought by Ami James.
Geisha’s were trained artists skilled in tea ceremony, flower arranging, and as singers, dancers, storytellers, servers, and conversationalists. These women were all literate and were familiar with poetry and tales of warriors in order to entertain their patrons. Geisha’s were not prostitutes, but worked in the pleasure districts, also called “the floating world” and while not they were not sex workers, some did become concubines or mistresses for men who would buy their contracts from their masters.
Black and grey neo Japanese geisha with cherry blossoms by Andrew Mcnally at Northside Private Rooms in Newcastle, UK.Realistic side/stomach piece with cherry blossoms by Anna Yershova.Brilliant Japanese back piece by Horiyasu.
Geisha’s are known for their musical prowess, particularly with an instrument called samisen, which today is also used in kabuki plays and has an inherently “Japanese” sound. As for appearance, while working a geisha would wear a kimono tied from the back, which is another difference between a geisha and a prostitute as a prostitute would have her kimono tied in the front. A thick white foundation of makeup is applied to the face, neck, and upper chest, with a line around the hairline creating a mask like appearance. Other makeup includes black around the eyes and eyebrows with bright red lips.
Fantastic neo traditional neck piece also with cherry blossoms, by Daniel Gensch in Berlin, Germany.A more Westernized neo traditional geisha by Emily Rose Murray in Melbourne, Australia.Blackwork Japanese piece of a sly looking geisha by Gakkin in Amsterdam.Another traditional Japanese back piece with cherry blossoms, skeleton, and Buddhist imagery by Horihana in Brazil.Dark American traditional geisha and flower by Jarrad Serafino at The Sweet Life Tattoo in Melbourne, Australia.
Geisha’s still exist today, though due in part to the rigorous training in order to become one, are much less frequent. Today, geisha’s mainly entertain politicians at parties.
Neo traditional namakubi or severed head geisha with peony by Kevin Nocerino at Still Life Tattoo.Realistic black and grey geisha by Mark Wosgerau at Sinners Inc in Denmark.Bold mix of black and grey and colour in a realistic style by Michael Litovkin.Soft, colourful, realistic geisha by Pavel Krim in Stockholm.American traditional black and red work by Reuben Todd at Kapala Tattoo in Winnipeg.
As a tattoo a geisha will generally be done in Japanese traditional style, neo Japanese, American traditional, neo traditional, black and grey, or realism.
American traditional work by Shon Lindauer in Hollywood.Fantastic Japanese piece by Thomas Pineiro at Black Garden Tattoo in the UK.Bold American traditional piece by Tony Nilsson in Norway.Modern watercolor piece by Victor Octaviano in Brazil.tiny blackwork geisha and hannya by William Roos in Stockholm.Geisha head and fan by Zak Partak in Toronto.
Geisha’s are an important part of Japanese history and make a fantastic design!
Reuben is a tattoo artist working out of Kapala Tattoo in Winnipeg. His main styles are American traditional and Japanese. Along with tattooing, Reuben also paints; mainly Japanese inspired images.
Reuben has years of experience under his belt and is a pleasure to be tattooed by. Even while tattooing my stomach which is quite a tender area, he was able to take my mind off the pain with conversation.
My own blackwork American traditional stomach piece.Blackwork American traditional clasped hands and dagger with flowers.Peter Pan inspired piece with pan flute and script.Blue traditional rose.Matching knee ditch Halloween pieces. A witch and Casper the friendly ghost.
Reuben has been doing larger pieces recently including half and full sleeves. His American traditional pieces are reminiscent of the old days, but have a twist of newer style, particularly while tattooing lady heads.
Ladyhead with apple and different coloured eyes based on his clients photo.Large healed ladyhead with new traditional wolf below.
His Japanese work is bold, often featuring waves or flowers, which really make the main center piece of the tattoo pop. His Japanese work is generally done large in a arm or leg sleeve.
Japanese dragon 3/4 sleeve with fire.Full Japanese leg sleeve with koi, waves, and leaves.Japanese snake sleeve with waves.
Reuben is a must see artist for your traditional or Japanese tattoo needs.
Gorillas in nature are associated with brute strength and bravery, but also for their compassion, honour, and intelligence. It is no surprise then that gorillas have been a popular choice in the tattoo world.
Gorillas are usually done in American traditional, neo traditional, photo realism, or black and grey. Gorillas done in traditional style are now usually based off of Ed Hardy’s traditional gorilla piece.
Huge gorilla head with swords by Josh Mason at Old Soul Tattoo in Canonsburg, PA.
Gorilla tattoos are also almost always just the head. Though sometimes there are full bodied depictions.
Neo Traditional Gorilla head with leaves by kirsten Holliday at Wonderland Tattoo in Portland Oregon.Realistic gorilla portrait by Mike DeVries at MD Tattoo Studio in Northridge Ca.All black roaring gorilla head by Oliver White at Crooked Claw Tattoo in Sheffield.Surrealist peaceful gorilla and squirrel done by Peter Aurisch in Berlin.Another angry bold black gorilla by Philp Yarnell at Skynyard tattoo in the UK.An Ed Hardy inspired gorilla head by Reuben Todd at Kapala Tattoo in Winnipeg, Manitoba.Surrealist gorilla head with city architecture by Tobias Burchert at Saints and Sinners Tattoo Lounge in Germany.Neo traditional bloodied gorilla head by W.T Norbert in Sydney, Australia.
And of course you can’t have gorilla tattoos without seeing King Kong, the king of gorillas.
Fantastic black and grey king kong leg sleeve by Drew Apicture at “The Tattoo Shop”.Black and grey serene king kong with Ann Darrow, done by Rob Richardson at Black Friars Tattoo House in the UK.
All Things Tattoo 