All of the artwork in this collection -- Skulls, Catrinas and Culture of the Dead share a common theme: a lust for life and reverence of death -- all explored in engaging paintings, drawings, photography and sculpture. This book represents a veritable compendium of skulls and Catrinas with impressive artistic scope, and a valuable source of inspiration for contemporary tattoo artwork. Skulls and Catrinas are the most significant attributes of Mexico's traditional celebration of The Day of the Dead, El Dia de los Muertos. Such pleasures are brilliantly displayed in the artwork featured, in full vibrant colour, on the pages of this book. In this massive hardcover, Edgar Hoill has assembled renowned tattooists from around the world, who uniquely interpret the icons of this sacred day. The Calaveras, literally, "skulls" are artfully manifested in various forms among the artwork. Images of Catrina, the covert queen of the dead, within this book demonstrate how the artists view death as something to be laughed at and not feared. Also populating these pages are beautiful women with skeletal features transposed over their faces, bringing to mind the joy and suffering of love. Tattoo artists represented in this book: Jacky Rudy, Horiyoshi III, Italia Ruotolo, Chuey Quintanar, Colin Dale, Christin Hock Dolorosa, Dimitri, Paco Arias, Fredi Tut, Greg D., Rask Opticon, Derek Noble, Benjamin Estrada, Pablo Xno, Miguel Morales, Shige, Martin Martinez Castro, Roy Palma, Frank Chavez, Jesse Hernandez, Richie, Chamaco, Manson, Elvia Guadian, Paul Barrientos, Phillip Spearman, Ricardo Mendez, Abraham Ortega, AR Ink Bombers, El Chocky, Rob Struven, Diego Garcia, Gabriel Frias, Tony Boyd, Dr. Lakra, Steve Soto, Robert Atkinson, Mike, Roxi, Osiris, Stef De Bad, Dermafilia familia, Dan Chase, Indio Reyes, Chia, Krazy K, Tatu Baby, Khan, Javier Pina, Colin Dale, David Dettleoff, Jonathan Fernandez, Edgar Alvarez, Rich Martinez, Elvia Guadian, Paco Arias, Chuy Ortega, Electroshock, Pablo Ash, Kiki Platas, Liber Riot, El Chanok, Genziana, Jason Wheeler, Claire Octopus, Chamaco, Tony Mancia, Joe Romero, Ben Corn, Rojo, Paola Maria, Brian Everett, Vampiro, Juan Metal, El Chocky, Manuel Lorenzana, Paul Nguyen, Gator, Steph D., Rob Hill, Grim, El Buster, Manuel Valenzuela, Tracey, Tuich, Juan Arreguin, Kasuyoshi, Fide, Simone Pfaff, Justin Hendrick, Henri B., Yushi Takei, Homero Reyes, Jorge Issac Trujeque Gutierrez, Peque, Horikazu, Ricardo Mendez, Eric San, Federico Ruiz, Nervio, Colin Dale, Pedro Alvarez, Heidi Scheck, Mouse Lopez, Hector, Dermafilia familia, El Will, Nelson Acido Garcia, Morof, Tuer, Italia Ruotolo, Roxi Tattoo, Alex 'Kofuu' Reinke Horikitsune, Ina Trece, Sodapop, Karrona, Catalyst Butcher, Mike Sirot, Tofino Tattoo, Gajin Fujita, Steve Martin, Chino De Tepito, Will Contreras, Chuy Espinoza, El Whyner, Antonio Mejia, Listo Tj, Shane Tyner, Defer, Christina Ramos, Robert Cervantes, Shane Modica, Miguel Morales, Charlie Machete, Pedro Alvarez, El Sukre, Ching, Ocelotzin, Tony Chakal Serrano, Dawn Silva, JJ., Rudy Chee, Lorena Vuyovich, Carlos Macias, Chino De Tepito, Nelson Acido Garcia, Pedro Alvarez, Naualli Russo, Tatu Baby, Andres Juarez, Javier Hurtado, Tony Salgado, Horitaka, Aaron Hernandez, Melissa Reyes.

Dragons have inspired fantasy, fear, and heroism. Re-known tattoo artist Spider Webb has been tracing their images in ink and oil, on skin and parchment, for decades, and here gathers the best of his imagery for an inspiring look at the mythical realms of this fantastic creature. Dragons lend their forms to colorful, swirling artwork, playfully and sometimes provocatively displayed to inspire graphic artist, ink jockeys, and fans of the fantastic.

Tattoos, perhaps one of the oldest forms of communication or body art, have had and still have different meanings. From healing powers to the identification of criminals, through myths and different beliefs or simply as a form of identification and affirmation of group belonging, tattoos are one of the most characteristic means of expression associated with sailors, soldiers, organized crime, gangs or urban tribes, as well as being a form of body adornment and expression of a lifestyle, philosophy or many people's beliefs. By way of a clear, insightful text, this publication unveils the meaning of the tattoos that have lived on through the passage of time and that, even today, explain a lot about the person who wears them. After all, a tattoo is much more than a drawing on the skin; it's a declaration of intent. From drawings that date back to the dawn of civilization to contemporary designs, each tattoo has a hidden story that this book is eager to reveal.

Bold, visual, profound, symbolic: Japanese kanji characters communicate powerful graphic messages that look great on skin, walls, stationery, T-shirts, and more Here are dozens of edgy, targeted characters hand-picked to help you find the inner you and express yourself in a distinctive stylish way. With cultural clues, readings, font varieties, and ideas for proper use. Don't embarrass yourself with bad ink! Shogo Oketani is an editor and author in Tokyo, Japan, and a long-time student of Japanese martial arts, philosophy, poetry, and history. Leza Lowitz is the author of twenty books of fiction and poetry and is owner/teacher at Sun and Moon yoga studio in Tokyo, Japan.

Japanese men have been marked by tattoo artists for the past 300 years. Todays urbane Japanese youth continue the tradition, proudly creating and wearing this ever changing art form. Over 530 breathtaking color photos display a vast range of Japanese tattoos, from traditional full-body forms repleat with classical images steeped in symbolism, including Horimono, to modern One-Point style, heavily influenced by the cultures of the West.\nThe fascinating text provides a glimpse of Japans youth culture and recounts, through personal interviews, stories of Japanese masters of the tattoo art, including Senseis Horihide, Horiyoshi III, Horitoshi I, Horiyasu, and Horikoi. Readers will see some of the most intricate tattoo art in the world, while traveling through time from the 19th century Edo Floating World to the busy streets of modern Tokyo.

For thousands of years, Native Americans throughout the Eastern Woodlands and Great Plains used the physical act and visual language of tattooing to construct and reinforce the identity of individuals and their place within society and the cosmos. The act of tattooing served as a rite of passage and supplication, while the composition and use of ancestral tattoo bundles was intimately related to group identity. The resulting symbols and imagery inscribed on the body held important social, civil, military, and ritual connotations within Native American society. Yet despite the cultural importance that tattooing held for prehistoric and early historic Native Americans, modern scholars have only recently begun to consider the implications of ancient Native American tattooing and assign tattooed symbols the same significance as imagery inscribed on pottery, shell, copper, and stone. Drawing with Great Needles is the first book-length scholarly examination into the antiquity, meaning, and significance of Native American tattooing in the Eastern Woodlands and Great Plains. The contributors use a variety of approaches, including ethnohistorical and ethnographic accounts, ancient art, evidence of tattooing in the archaeological record, historic portraiture, tattoo tools and toolkits, gender roles, and the meanings that specific tattoos held for Dhegiha Sioux and other Native speakers, to examine Native American tattoo traditions. Their findings add an important new dimension to our understanding of ancient and early historic Native American society in the Eastern Woodlands and Great Plains.

In recent years, having received a considerable boost by social media, a young and dynamic scene has emerged that is dedicated to what has become known as queer tattooing. This special community, which is growing steadily, has been born out of a desire to break with the hierarchies and patriarchal structures of traditional tattoo art. It aims to create safe, tolerant, and inclusive spaces where queer, nonbinary, and trans people can experiment away from the mainstream and develop their own individual styles and techniques. In their work, many tattoo artists break free from the destructive, heteronormative, and capitalist ideals of beauty, creating a visual language that subverts the long tradition of cultural appropriation which characterises the traditional tattoo scene. Their designs reveal a unique creative flair for queer iconography. This book is the first comprehensive introduction to this vibrant and diverse queer tattoo community. It presents 50 international tattoo artists with the help of extensive portraits, texts, and series of images.

One part history book, one part art book, and one part fascinating memoir, this book is an overview of more than two centuries of tattoo history intermixed with an intimate look at the lives of tattoo artists, and the personal struggles and triumphs, occupational hazards, and artistic courage that have defined so much of this history. For the last forty years, Henk Schiffmacher has poured his heart and soul into his collection, amassing tattoo drawings, designs, photographs, and artifacts from around the world. Each of the book's five chapters features many never-before-seen highlights from this collection and includes lithographs, etchings, tattooing instruments, paintings, photographs, posters, shop signs, original drawings, and tattoo designs known in the business as flash, among them extremely rare vintage flash sheets from major players in early Western tattooing. The vastness and variety of tattooing around the world is chronicled in the book's 700+ images, including the indigenous tattooing of the Maori and South Pacific islanders, the ancient traditions of Asia, and the origins of old-school Western tattooing in Europe and the United States. The book also features a dozen original illustrations by Schiffmacher in his inimitable style, as well as a personal introduction describing Schiffmacher's own journey as both an artist and a collector that has shaped his view of the art's journey from the underground to the mainstream. Schiffmacher brings a fascinating perspective to tattoo history through his personal reflections and wild tales of adventure. In this book, we learn not only about the history of tattooing, but also about the adventures behind the making of one of the largest tattoo collections in the world, by a self-taught tattoo artist in love with the art and its innovators.

We have tattooing in the blood in New Zealand, and styles worn with pride here in Aotearoa are appreciated worldwide by admirers of beautiful design. And in the early 2010s, tattooing is going through a renaissance. Chris Hoult immersed himself in the Kiwi tattoo scene from 2011 and 2012, and brought writer-musician Steve Forbes along for the ride. What they record in New Zealand Tattoo is the view from the studios of New Zealand now, with profiles of leading tattooists including Merv OConnor, Gordon Hatfield, Monique Mataga, Jason Parkinson and Te Rangitu Netana. Combining stunning photography and snappy text, New Zealand Tattoo is a contemporary celebration of tattooing here in its three rich traditions: Ta Moko (Maori tattoo), Tatau (Pacific Islands tattoo) and Tattoo (European and Asian forms).

This new book continues the tradition of the American pin-up girl, while taking it to new territory. It celebrates not only the stunning beauty of the models, but the artistry of tattoos and piercings that adorn their bodies. These new cultural icons are sassy, alluring, bold, outspoken, gorgeous, and proud to show off their assets.The 46 women who posed for the stunning photographs all wear creative body art by some of the most talented tattooers and body piercers in the world. They share their thoughts about tattoos and life in brief character sketches that accompany the pictures. Readers quickly learn that their body art is emblematic of the empowerment they share and the zeal with which they live their lives. This fascinating book will delight everyone who loves the feminine form and those who appreciate the tattooist's art.

This title includes a wide range of styles, all by renowned artists: angels, flowers, stars, zodiac signs and more. Tattoos are very popular and this book will help readers find the perfect one for them. These days, it seems like everybody - male, female, young and old - wants a tattoo. But choosing the right design isn't always easy. "Tattoo Johnny" to the rescue! Taken from the world's leading tattoo website, this in-depth resource offers more than 1,000 designs in a wide range of styles. Whether readers are getting their first tattoo or a second, third, or tenth, this is the ideal place to find the perfect pattern.

The intimate relationship of Japanese tattooing with the dark world of the yakuza has helped cover this form of artistic expression with an aura of mystery. But the culture of irezumi is deep and rich in meanings, shapes and motifs that have gone from color woodblock prints to being applied to the skin to beautify and protect their bearers. This book reveals the meaning and the secrets behind the most significant motifs from traditional Japanese tattooing-such as mythological and supernatural creatures, animals, Buddhist deities, flowers and historical characters-and turns this art form into a path toward personal knowledge and individual expression. Readers will discover the origin and meaning of each visual representation of the most frequent themes in this art form. Irezumi itai begins with a brief review of the history of Japanese tattoo art and then examines each subject (water, mythological animals, real animals, mythological characters, historical characters, flowers, shunga and yokai) through images and descriptive texts; it also includes a gallery of original designs by the author and a glossary.

A collection of hand-painted tattoo flash by prolific artist John Wesley Harden a one-time member of the notorious Outlaws Motorcycle Club. Harden's hand-painted flash embodies tattoo imagery of the 1970s, '80s, and '90s that was popular among biker subculture and military personnel primarily in the southeastern region of the United States. Harden bounced between Florida and Alabama, which is where he drew his inspiration for most of his unique designs. Although this book is not his complete collection of painted works, the imagery here captures the essence of a time in history when tattooing was mysterious, magical, and dangerous.

From his home base in Denmark, Jakob Schultz interviewed tattooists from around the world, with an emphasis on Scandinavian artists. Each featured artist says a little about his or her craft and then the pictures do the talking.

Fundamentals of Traditional and Modern Polynesian Tattoo, is the result of a two-year labor of love from tattoo artist and author, Roland Pacheco. With over 660 illustrations, photographs and diagrams, and over 175 defined motifs, painstakingly researched and documented, Fundamentals of Traditional and Modern Polynesian Tattoo is not only a book for tattoo artists, but one that anyone interested in the art form of tattoo can enjoy. Approaching tattoo from a cultural perspective and exploring the 5 main genres of Polynesian tattoo: Hawai'ian, Marquesan, Tahitian, Samoan and Maori, the author shares his own personal insights as well as those of historians, anthropologists and early European explorers. Fundamentals of Traditional and Modern Polynesian Tattoo, is a massive collection of ancient and modern Polynesian tattoo motifs, as well as a historical and cultural account of what motivated the ancient Polynesians to cover themselves in the protective armor of tattoo.

Musical Ink is a portrait project from Toronto-based photographer Jon Blacker that spotlights 62 musicians and their tattoos. This exciting volume of imagery not only has something for every musical taste - featured artists range in genre from heavy metal to hip hop and opera - the tattoo styles include elaborate sleeves, creative one points, and traditional Japanese themes. Each portrait is photographed in black and white using a special infrared camera, which allows the tattoos to truly stand out from the skin because while infrared light largely reflects off of skin, it is absorbed by the tattoo ink, creating a great deal of contrast between the almost glowing, ethereal appearance of the skin and the deep blacks and greys of the tattoos. But Musical Ink goes more than skin deep and focuses on the personal meanings of the artists' body art, be it a deep personal reflection or simply a great funny story. This outstanding collection of images, including artists like Dave Navarro, Chad Smith, and Sammy Hagar, is ideal for music lovers, tattoo aficionados and artists, and photographers.

'The Big Book of Bode Tattoos' features over 400 images spanning more than a decade of creation. Contained within this chunky brick of a book you'll find: voluptuous 'Bode broads', beloved characters from the 'Cheech Wizard' comics; and Mark Bode's particular take on classic tattoo motifs, including dragons, fairies, demons, lions, butterflies and more. Bode's distinct style draws influence from the worlds of comic art, graffiti and traditional tattooing. The drawings are often marked by bold and curvy outlines."

Text in English & German. This is the second incarnation of what has been deemed the Bible of Blackwork Tattoos continues the first volumes photographic journey across the globe: showcasing the absolute best of tattoos that capture the magic of the ancient art form in exciting contemporary interpretations on the body. Within the 448 pages of this massive tattoo tome, including over 600 images, readers will explore quite different movements in tattoo art. Everything is possible, everything is allowed: black lines, dots, plains, hand-poked or tattooed by machine. And the creative scope is just unlimited: gorgeous traditional tribals, elaborated patterns and figurative designs, to the point of completely free and unconventionally tattooed layouts. The impressive diversity of tattoo designs presented in Black Tattoo Art II is based upon the great roster of international artists: 80 top tattooists from Saint Petersburg to Sao Paolo, Austin to Aotearoa, Barcelona to Brooklyn and beyond. They share their creativity, innovation, and spirit in presenting images of their tattoo and fine art work for this book. The book comprises five tantalizing chapters, preceded by short introductions: Ornamental / Neotribal, Dotwork, Celtic / Nordic, Abstract / Art Brut, and Traditional Revival. Altogether, these tattooed works convey the endless possibilities of art that can be created with needles and black ink only. Tattoo artists represented in this book: Tomas Tomas, Leo Zulueta, Laszlo Kis, Christophe Souloumiac, Roxx 2Spirit Tattoo, Daniel DiMattia, Jun Matsui, Nazareno Tubaro, Bong Padilla, Rory Keating, Colin Zumbro, Andreas Curly Moore, Rob Deut, Mikel Johnson, Mike The Athens, Christos (Christ)Zacharopoulos, Psychopat, Gerhard Wiesbeck, Hellenic Stixis, Calen Paris, Jacqueline Spoerle, Chris Higgins, Phil Cummins, Patrick Huttlinger, Tim Hunt, Jared Leathers, Dmitry Babakhin, Xed LeHead, Corson Hayes, Cory Ferguson, Tomas Tomas, Jondix, Vincent Hocquet, Daniel DiMattia, Nazareno Tubaro, Thomas Hooper, Galdo Marco, Matt Black, Delphine Noiztoy, Damien Voodoo, Amanda Ruby, Tattoo Pink, Nathan Kostechko, Gerhard Wiesbeck, Goldilox, Garcia Leonam, Kenji Alucky, Colin Dale, Kai Uwe Faust, Pat Fish, Dimon Taturin, Marianne Sundby, Eric Sundby, Fiumix, Kari Kjelskau, Raffaella Olomhe Ricci, Tor Ola Svennevig, Rory Keating, Zele, Simone Pfaff, Volko Merschky, Noon, idexa stern, Little Swastika, Cammy Stewart, Jef, Cy Wilson, Cy Wilson and Caro, Ran "Ruiner" Maclurkin, Leon Lam tattoo, Loic aka Xoil, Yann, Elle Festin, Zel Festin, Tomasi Suluape, Lard Yao Peter, Brent McCown, Durga, Jeremy Lo, Sulu'ape Pili Mo'o.

A revised edition of the now sold-out and sought-after Full Coverage book. Over 200 pages extensively documenting all 33 back pieces from start to finish, with photos by Max Dolberg and NSK, an exclusive essay by the Master Horiyoshi III and introductory text by Adrian Lee. Full Coverage expands on the Suits Made to Fit project, which documented the bodysuit tattoo designs of NSKolectiv. Full Coverage is the next practical extension of that project. Whereas Suits Made to Fit was essentially an elaborate homework assignment produced on various static media, Full Coverage too those concepts and applied them to living canvas. The goal: to produce a series of comprehensive back pieces.

Filled with fantastic photography and beautifully designed Tattooed focusses on the work of Mo Coppoletta and The Family Business, based in London's Exmouth Market. Filled with spectacular artwork and original designs from one of the world's leading tattoo artists Beautifully photographed and designed An inspirational insight into the creative life of a tattoo parlour and its clients This is a tattoo book like no other. Filled with fantastic photography and beautifully designed Tattooed focusses on the work of Mo Coppoletta and The Family Business, based in London's Exmouth Market. Taking us through the creative and physical process of having a tattoo, this book is as much an inspirational design source as a peek into the private world of the tattoo parlour, its artists and clients. From the first traces to the finished design, the characters and equipment used, this book reflects the status of the tattoo as a truly twenty-first century art form.

Whether you are preparing for your first tattoo or your twenty-seventh, you need artwork and designs that are just-right. Tattoo Bible, authored by Superior Tattoo, provides well over 500 pieces of unique flash art. Everything is here, from Hearts to Dragons, tattoo designs that range from traditional to the avant-garde. Tattoo Bible includes flash never before compiled in one single book. While most tattoo books available today concentrate on one specific genre, this book covers many different genres and the ideas are endless. This is not just a book to add to your collection - this is your collection. You can combine different pieces of art from within the book, or just take them as is. The images are represented in range of physical sizes, some are printed two or four per page, the more intricate designs are reproduced as full-page spreads. The categories include Hearts, Dragons, Roses, Skulls, Butterflies, Girls, Crosses, Celestial, Tribal, Back Pieces, and Nautical.Over 500 images that are both striking and very useful to both the tattoo shop, and the tattoo aficionado.

'Bodies of Subversion' is a fascinating excursion into a secret history and subculture that dates back to the 19th century. It examines feminist and suffragist attitudes to tattooing and includes many hitherto unseen photographs of tattooed women.