Tattoos: Divisive or Uniting? 

Through history, tattooing has either brought us together, or drove us apart. When it comes to different social affiliations, some imagery may automatically leave an unsavory taste in your mouth and drive you to avoid that individual. Although one may think they know the person's background, their character and behavior, and even the meaning behind that tattoo at a single glace. This challenges us today to refrain from passing judgement, although it still does not mean we must hold a space in our life for that individual.

If we sit down with our grandmother, she may help us navigate our thoughts on this matter. Now she knows you and she loves you but she may not love your tattoos. We forget that even though she may be "stuck in her ways" she has seen the evolution of tattooing as a main stream form of body modification. Tattoos may at one point, have represented a ruffian type of rapscallion. Being less common practice, one may feel safe in their assumption that that individual lived a rough life. Maybe a life of crime, maybe even served time. And she would hate for others to feel the same way about you.

But then we have this beautiful concept called generational divide. Generational divide is the difference of opinions between one generation and another regarding beliefs, politics, or values. This is where our parents come in. They have seen a glimpse into both, your grandmother's generation and your own. They have seen a plethora of people, both tattooed, and unscathed. They have seen criminals free of ink, they have seen fully tattooed people giving back to their communities. They have seen you, a continually evolving human striving to be good and kind, and fully blasted with art.

So how do we break these generational prejudices? With patience! Next time you get a tattoo invite your mother/grandmother. Show them this beautiful world of art, and freedom of expression. Maybe you'll soften their heart one day. Maybe they'll even agree to get matching tattoos! Or maybe, they will continue to think and behave as they always have, but add a little sweetness to their interactions

You Don't Have to Live With Unwanted Tattoos

 

It seems illogical to rush to something that is permanent. Yet we find ourselves in an instant gratification situation. Maybe the decision for a tattoo isn't exactly impulsive, but we do grow as individuals and may not identify with that artwork anymore. The days of living with a tattoo you HATE are over. There are several options, that all our artists can provide. 

Complete Cover up: The artist will design a tattoo that will bring your eyes away from the unwanted images. These are often larger and quite successful in the complete eradication of the previous image. 

Reworking: This remedy for an unwanted tattoo is a bit like a facelift. The image is still very visible, but the lines, colors, and details are done over. This is a great option for aging tattoos that may have lost their luster. 

Today I would like to showcase some work done by Pineapple. From the image attached below, can you tell which tattoo is a cover up? It's a tough call, right?

How do I go about booking a cover up with Pineapple? Call the shop to book a consultation with Pineapple. He will sit down with you and discuss options for the cover up. He likes to take photos and design the cover up right on top of the old tattoo. This makes for an extremely effective cover up. We would love to work with you. 

Inspiration VS Replication

One of the most exciting parts of getting a tattoo is planning what you're going to get. We are surrounded by an infinite amount of content. Anything you're looking for, you're bound to find an example. Often, we find exactly what we're looking for. It has the right details, the right placement, the right vibe. It seems like it is an option to bring that reference to an artist and say, "I want this exactly. I like the way it looks on that person, this must mean I will be satisfied when it's on me". As helpful as references are, there is a distinct line between inspiration and replication. It is preferable to utilize reference images as just that, a tool to clarify the ideas you have. Although commonly used as such, they are not a menu item to choose from. 

Someone took the time to discuss their client's idea, they took the time to draw and design, they also took the time to execute the tattoo. By choosing designs online, expecting an exact replica, is a form of theft, it is stealing the design from another artist. Also, take into consideration, what it means to request or even expect an artist to steal that design. If they are willing to, they may not be the artist for you. A worth-while tattoo artist should have pride in the work they do, and want to offer a one of a kind piece. It isn't wise to work with an individual who is willing to cut corners on time and creativity. 

You as a client are worth having a piece all your own. Think about visiting a custom shop and a custom artist to have your ideas brought to life. What your artist created for you will blow you away. They are so very talented and creative. Let them take your ideas and inspiration and and tattoo something beautiful and one of a kind!

Therapeutic Effects of Getting a Tattoo

There are many reasons why someone would get a tattoo. Some of us strive to simply fill space, and some are collectors of art etc.. Some of us have gone through a very significant event and want something to represent those sweet memories. And some of us, have deeper maybe even painful reasons for getting a tattoo. We can all agree, we leave the shop feeling brand new. Why is it that tattoos are so therapeutic? There are a few reasons.

 The first being that they hurt. We know this, and still, we show up full of excitable energy. It takes strength and will to sit still and wait until it is over. When the machine stops, the pain stops. That is enough to celebrate. We realize we are more resilient to pain that we may have thought. Also, there is a physiological reason we jump for joy when our session is done. Our brains release endorphins, our natural pain reliever and that “feel good” chemical we all chase. 

We may be hesitant to sign up for pain. But for those that are hurting with very significant emotional trauma, a tattoo may be more therapeutic than once realized. While getting your tattoo, the pain may bring buried traumatic feelings to the surface allowing them to finally be released. This could happen immediately and even extend into the coming weeks. With every glimpse of our new body art, with every compliment we receive, we remember that we are one tough cookie. 

Sometimes it takes a tattoo to grant us a new beginning or even closure from a time we would like to forget. For those who have struggled with self-harm, there tends to be permanent reminders of one’s suffering. Tattooing is a great way to rid yourself of those marks. Some choose to embrace them and turn them into rainbow tiger stripes. Some choose to cover over them completely with a large, beautiful, and empowering piece. 

Each person has their own way of healing. Some of us choose a small amount of discomfort to reach a deeper catharsis. When glancing at your tattoos, I hope it brings you joy and helps you reach a place of peace.