Tina INK: TATTOO ART: Drawing On Skin

"The action of drawing on skin either, illustrations, patterns, shapes, designs, words, or images, with the use of ink-infused tools, to draw through the skin, delivering the lines, shades, tones and colours of an overall intended image"

Here, I'm not gonna go heavily into the origins or history of Tattooing so much, but instead share my own progression in this area, as its something I've considered diversifying into for a long time, based on the many requests received.

The Art of Tattooing is an interesting one. Attitudes toward them have changed dramatically over the years, as you see more and more people, the world over, choosing to wear one. All of varying degrees, sizes, colours, and styles. With some designs being detailed and intricate, leaving you wondering 'how'd they do that?', to other designs being small, simple, and subtle. And all personal to the wearer. An expression of individual character, culture, and flavour.

Nowadays, its been associated with the glam industry too, with high profile celebs proudly showing their 'inked' skin as their personal statements of who they are, what they're about, and whats important to them.

The Tattoo has evolved into something more accepted and accessable to most people, in general society today. Even though its been around for hundreds of years, particularly within the indigenous cultures. And with the amazing selection of creative designs currently available, or yet to be created, then the whole industry is in excellent stead for not only a renewed ressurgence, but with a heightened vigour.


In the Samoan culture, historically, the sacred ceremonial application and process involved with being especially chosen and bestowed a full traditional 'Pe'a' Tattoo (traditionally for high-ranking males) or 'Malu' Tattoo (traditionally for high-ranking females) were a significant display of status, within a community, and what that person means to that community. And how they represent in all things 'traditional and customary within the culture, and a respected 'rite of passage'. While this full customary process is still practised, by some, using all the traditional tools, preparations, and protocols,

a newer generation, of Pacific tattooists, have evolved the designs into a more contemporary variation, while still maintaining specific cultural motifs, from the original Pe'a and Malu, to identify with, as all symbols, in the original, have special and significant meaning.
Sonny Bill Willams NZ Sports Icon (Right)
No, I'm not the designer of his sleeve.

But, when I did design a 'sleeve' (Left) for a family member, I firstly researched all I could find out, about cultural patterns and symbols, as this is what I based the heart of the design around. I found it both interesting and fascinating, to learn what most of the symbols meant. And that they weren't just random 'designer' shapes, but actually hold great significance as separate parts of a whole. Once I understood this, I began to create the design, with the use of the coded symbols. It just felt right.

So far, this is how my design appears on the arm. It is still yet to be completed, but, the tattooist has a blueprint copy of the design, to work from, in order to complete it. But, it is now my preference, to train in this area, so that I can eventually tattoo my own designs onto people, as they require.
More designs are being requested for me to create, and I'll upload, only after the recipients have seen and approved of them first. It takes a bit of time for me to create detailed finished drawings, of a good standard, so thanks heaps for the patience. Other 'free-style' designs, I create, will be uploaded, both in this blog, and on my other website, I'm continuing to work on, and will combine all of my workings, into that website too.


Like most specialists, its important to have some credentials. You wouldn't go get an aching tooth pulled out by a Hairstylist, unless they were a Dentist too...lol...But seriously, if seeking a tattoo, make sure the Tattoo Artist is proven. Check out their work first, always. The permanence of tattooing is that important! Nothing worse than paying your hard-earned cash only to find your 'Tat' ain't a 'happening' thing. Don't live in regret, just do it right the first time. But, still, thankfully theres some amazingly gifted Tattoo Artists out there to tidy up any mistakes accidently made by another. So, its always important to research thoroughly first, before making any long-term decisions in this.


And just to 'err' on the side of caution here. If you're a young person reading this, and you're interested in a Tattoo, and still under the care of your parents, I recommend talk to them openly about it first. They only have your best interests at heart, until you're mature enough to make your own decisions.


To everyone else, keep tabs on this space, and I'll update you as I go with my upskilling into this area of Tattoo Art: Drawing On Skin ! My new business venture, 'www.tinaink.com'...

Link through to * Tina Ink * here!


I'll share with you, through this process of setting up, how you can establish a viable new venture, in anything you decide. As long as you have some skill or knowledge and experience of something, then, thats good enough to consider expanding into as well.



** UPDATE for 2012 **

Check out the * UPDATE * for Tina Ink's Arrival of New Business Cards !....here





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