New School

New School Tattoo is a style of work that has relatively recently come about: It is believed to have originated around the 1970s in California. The style combines all techniques of tattooing and uses them to create unique and vibrant artwork on the body. The style often features heavy outlines, vivid colors, and an exaggeration of the subject matter. While it borrows heavily  from Old School in its use of heavy outlines, New School is not restricted by color palette and subject matter. New School Tattoos can feature any range of subjects, allowing for the artist to have lots of freedom in the creation of the design. The style often has a certain whimsical and playful nature about it. Sometimes taking an Old School design and revamping to pay homage or for irony.

Tattoo

The spelling and meaning of the word "tattoo" has changed with the passing of time. The word tattoo comes from the the Polynesian word "tatau". It was later changed and modified for spelling and pronunciation to better fit English phonology. Before the word "tattoo" was introduced the practice had been referred to as painting, pricking, or staining.
There are four types of tattoos: Traumatic tattoos, amateur tattoos, professional tattoos, cosmetic tattoos, and medical tattoos.
Traumatic tattoos are typically gained by accident. A traumatic tattoo, also sometimes referred to as a "natural tattoo" are a result of injuries that have had some kind of substance put under the skin. A common occurrence of this is when you are stabbed with a pencil and a gray mark is left behind.
Amateur tattoos and professional tattoos are used as identification, body art, rites of passage, and status symbols.
Cosmetic tattoos are most commonly used as a form of permanent makeup. Most commonly women will shave the hair on their face off and tattoo eyebrows in place in order to eliminate upkeep.

Irezumi

The art of tattooing has been around for centuries in Japan. However tattoo culture in Japan has had both positive and negative connotations throughout their history. It is thought that tattoos in Japan were first introduced as symbols of status- since only those who who could afford it would have these intricate designs carved into their bodies. Later tattoos were used to mark criminals and as a result the criminals would cover up these shameful marks with beautiful depictive scenes that is a characteristic of the Irezumi style. The word Irezumi as defined by Wikipedia "is a Japanese word that refers to the insertion of ink under the skin to leave a permanent usually decorative mark; a form of tattooing. The word can be written in several ways, each with slightly different connotations." One thing unique about Irezumi is the in used in its most traditional form. Nara ink, or Nara black is renowned for the blue-green color the ink takes on when inserted under the skin

 Common imagery found within the Irezumi style are mythological beasts common to Japanese culture such as:

•  Ryu (Dragon)
•  Kirin (Japanese Unicorn)
• Baku (dream-devouring spirit)
• Foo Dogs (also known as Fu Dogs, Foo Lions, and Komainu)
• Ho-o (Japanese Phoenix)

Common Animals Found:

• Birds
• Koi fish (Carp) or Koi Dragons
• Tigers
• Snakes

Other Elements Found:

• Oni (Demons)
• Zugaikatsu (Skulls)
• Hannya, or masks used by traditional Japanese actors
• Namakubi (severed heads)
• Botan (Peony flowers)
• Momiji (Maple leaf)
• Kiku (Chrysanthemum flower)
• Sakura (Cherry Blossom)
• Hasu (Lotus Flower)

Each symbol has its own meanings and importance, and when incorporated into a design give meaning and flow to the composition of the piece.

American Traditional Tattoo

      Old School, or American Traditional is a style of tattoo that is characterized by its use of bold, black outlines, limited color palette, little to no shading, and its simplified design elements. The American Traditional style of tattooing emerged around the late eighteenth century, early nineteenth century. The tattoos were poplar among sailors as a way of marking their bodies for identification. It was something unique to them and them only. Also, since they could not keep many possessions with them, sailors used tattooing to serve as mementos for family members or any significant events they themselves had weathered in their life. As had been mentioned above, American Traditional/Old School tattoos feature bold, black lines, a limited color palette, little to no shading and a simplified design. Along with these four requirements are some common motifs often found in this tattoo style. Common motifs include: Pinup Girls, mermaids, swallows and sparrows, sacred hearts and hearts,

anchors, eagles, military symbols (mostly Navy), Skulls and Daggers, snakes, roses, beveled/nautical stars, and banners. The "limited" style of these tattoos was characterized y  the tattooing technology of the time. Tattoo machines (if they used a machine at all) were primitive in comparison to today's methods and practices. Line width and shape and were limited. The colors were also limited to the availability of resources able to produce pigment that would hold in the skin. Anything from Urine to Gunpowder was used as a viable way to color a tattoo.

About Me

My name is Lekedra Leath and I am a first year student at Methodist University. I am majoring in Graphic Design at the University and have a love of all styles of tattoo! Art is my passion. I was in my high school's Art Club senior year and was on the Prom committee for creating props. Tattooing is one of the oldest forms of art, and the most permanent, it is fascinating!