INNER LIP TATTOOS DON'T COUNT

Working Not Working September 2, 2015

INNER LIP TATTOOS DON'T COUNT

As part of our Tattoo Series, we interviewed WNW Member #1217 Vincent Iadevaia, a London-based UX/IA designer with quite the collection. He has dedicated several limbs to celebrate the stories of his hero, comic book artist Jack Kirby. "All of my tattoos are things I’ve been obsessed with since I was a kid: dinosaurs, Star Wars, and comic books (mostly comic books.)"

While Vincent may be running out of space, he's not planning to slow down anytime soon: "I have to fly to New York in September for my sister’s wedding. I’m literally getting off the plane and going straight to Three Kings Tattoo to finish up my Fantastic Four sleeve with Myles. I’m really not looking forward to wearing a tux with a swollen arm."

Vincent offers some advice for those thinking of getting some ink. Just remember: "Inner lip tattoos don't count."

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How many tattoos do you have and how'd you decide on them?

At this point I’d say I have 8 tattoos, which doesn’t sound like a whole lot, but a few of them cover an entire limb so I’m quickly running out of space. All of my tattoos are things I’ve been obsessed with since I was a kid: dinosaurs, Star Wars, and comic books (mostly comic books).

1. Right Rib Cage: Stegosaurus Skeleton

2. Right Inner Arm: Rorschach & Night Owl Watchmen Panel

3. Left Rib Cage: Imperial AT-AT Walker

4. Left Inner Arm: Doctor Manhattan Watchmen Panel

5. Right Arm: BPRD sleeve

6. Left Thigh: Jack Kirby’s New Gods

7. Right Leg: Batman Family / Justice League Sleeve

8. Left Arm: Fantastic Four Sleeve

Fantastic Four Sleeve

I love everything Jack Kirby, the King of Comics, has ever created but the Fantastic Four are easily my favorite. I collect a lot of silver-age comic books and one of my goals is to collect the original run, issues 1 through 102, so I thought it would only be fitting to sleeve my arm with my favorite superhero family.

Who's the tattoo artist to whom you entrust the task? Do you give a lot of direction?

I’ve only ever been tattooed by Myles Karr. I met him my freshmen year of college and we’ve been friends ever since. He’s my favorite artist, and I’m incredibly grateful to have his work on me. I completely trust him and know whatever he’s going to create will be incredible so I don’t really give him any direction other than the characters I want.

What does your mom think? Or are we outing you on the internet right now?

My mom, of course, cried the first time I came home with my ribs all bandaged up. The next day when she actually got a look at it she said “Oh that looks really great” and hasn’t complained much since. I’m lucky to have her because, at the end of the day, she couldn’t care less about how many tattoos I have as long as I’m happy, and I’ve got health insurance.

B.P.R.D. Sleeve

Mike Mignola is another one of my favorite comic book creators and the B.P.R.D. is one of my favorite creations of his. I think at some point in everyone’s lives they feel like a monster that no one understands so I ended up sleeving 3/4 of my arm with some of my favorite ones.

What was the process like? Painful? Any funny anecdotes of the process?

I kind of like how it feels, which is going to make me sound like a bit of a masochist. I originally thought it would be a lot worse, but at this point I’m used to it. It’s that good kind of pain that you know will all be worth it once it’s over.

So far my kneecap and inner thigh have been the most painful. The kneecap doesn’t have much padding so you can imagine it’s not a lot of fun. The inner thigh is just a bit too close to my junk, so I’m glad I know my tattoo artist really well.

Do you have any new ones planned or in the works?

I have to fly to New York in September for my sister’s wedding. I’m literally getting off the plane and going straight to Three Kings Tattoo to finish up my Fantastic Four sleeve with Myles. I’m really not looking forward to wearing a tux with a swollen arm.

A presidential portrait of Zaphod Beeblebrox is hopefully in my near future.

Batman Family / Justice League Sleeve

I had an appointment to get some sort of Batman tattoo. Myles drew me Batman as a dragon owl on the spot which was the coolest thing I had ever seen and we just kept adding DC characters as mythological beasts until it sleeved my entire right leg.

Any advice for those considering getting a tattoo?

1. Do some research, it’s even easier these days since there are a ton of tattoo artists on Instagram.

2. Don’t be cheap! If you’re going to be cheap about something you’re going to have for the rest of your life, then you’re an idiot and probably shouldn’t be getting tattooed.

3. Go big or go home.

4. Inner lip tattoos don’t count.

Bonus Round!

What did you want to be when you grow up?

A dinosaur, then an Archeologist, then an astronaut. I’m really not sure how I ended up as a Product Designer.

Last things you googled?

Dog Backpacks, Mothman, Fantastic Four #45

Top pop culture influences growing up?

Dr. Alan Grant, Han Solo, and Peter Parker.

What’s in your backpack right now?

My laptop, some pens and a D20.

Best social networking site?

Tumblr. It’s where I met my girlfriend.

Follow Vincent on WNW

Are you a WNW Member with tattoos and stories to share? Email us.

HOW TO EXPRESS YOURSELF WITH YOUR ARMS, FINGERS, AND BUTTS

Working Not Working June 26, 2015

HOW TO EXPRESS YOURSELF WITH YOUR ARMS, FINGERS, AND BUTTS

A couple weeks back, Member Samuel Viani kicked off a new Free Range series about creatives, their tattoos, and the stories behind them. WNW Member #5326 Meg Lewis, Brooklyn-based designer and Member of Ghostly Ferns, is next up to talk about her exquisite collection of tattoos. She's got lots on her arms, fingers, and one on her butt, which celebrates none other than her love of butts: "The butt tattoo was the strangest sensation. In order to get a butt tattoo, you have to bend over a table with your pants down. I was also positioned toward the front door for passers by to enjoy an eyeful of Meg." Meg takes us on a tour of her personality through her tattoos, from a lifelong struggle with asthma to an obsession with The Yellow Submarine. She also offers some great advice for those who want tattoos: "Wait a year from the time you have your initial idea. If you're still just as jazzed as you were a year ago, it's time." And she's also got a message for those against tattoos: "Anyone who judges people harshly for having tattoos is a Butthole Bob." (Photos of Meg by Bekka Palmer)

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1. How many tattoos do you have? How'd you decide on them?

I have so many small tattoos all over my arms that it's really hard to count and choose a definitive number. So, let's go with lots of tattoos. Most of the tattoos that I have represent something important throughout my life. My entire right arm is a collage of The Beatles' Yellow Submarine cartoon characters, and I have two other tattoos that commemorate my favorite movies. Another tattoo of an inhaler symbolizes my lifelong comedic struggle with asthma. I even have a tattoo on my butt celebrating my love of butts. At first I was really careful with the planning of each tattoo, which is important for someone who doesn't know what they want. Over time I've learned exactly who I am and what's important to me. From there, it's easy. There's hardly any decision process anymore. I just know!

2. What was the process like? Painful? Any funny anecdotes of the process?

I've never sat for a tattoo longer than 3 hours since I mostly have small pieces that are pieced together. The process is not as painful as I originally imagined tattoos to be. I think I have a high tolerance for pain combined with some genetically thick skin. The butt tattoo was the strangest sensation. In order to get a butt tattoo, you have to bend over a table with your pants down. I was also positioned toward the front door for passers by to enjoy an eyeful of Meg. When Gav started tattooing me, my butt muscles couldn't help but contract every time anything happened. A comedy of errors!

3. Who's the tattoo artist to whom you entrust the task? Do you give a lot of direction?

I've entrusted the task to many different tattoo artists. Depending on the artist and the piece of work I want, I either bring in existing artwork from an illustrator or I have the artist draft up an original piece. I'm lucky enough to have so many illustrator friends, a lot of my tattoos have been drawn by them and perfected by the tattoo artist. Here's a guide to who's done each of my tattoos:

Right Beatles Arm, Round Man's Face, Finger Tattoos: Angus Hendry

Equality sign, Royal Tenenbaums, Clockwork Orange, Walrus: Nathan Blankenship

Pinecone & Inhaler: Artists at Saint Sabrina's in Minneapolis

Rat: Dick Verdammt

Cat Head Björn & Butt Tattoo (not pictured): Knarly Gav

New York City Sardine Can: Duke Riley

Good Vibrations Space Portal: Mimifats

Palm Tattoos: Unknown artist on Hollywood Blvd

4. Do you have any new ones planned / in the works?

I don't have any tattoos planned but there are a ton of artists all over the world that I would love to book if they come into town. I really have been dying for something from Katya Krasnova and Shannone Perry.

5. What do your parents think? Or are we outing you on the internet right now?

I am lucky enough to have incredibly supportive parents who are so thrilled that I'm living a life as my true self. They taught me to be extremely self-confident and have always let me express my personality in any way I want. They are truly the model of what every parent should be like and I am so thankful for them every day. They are genuinely interested every time I get a new tattoo and have never given me an ounce of judgment. I'm a lucky girl!

6. What would you say to someone who is on the fence about getting a tattoo?

If you're on the fence, don't get a tattoo! If you haven't gotten a tattoo yet before, wait a year from the time you have your initial idea. If you're still just as jazzed as you were a year ago, it's time. However if you're never 100% positive about a tattoo, you probably shouldn't get it. But, if you're like me and live your life without regrets, Heck yes, friend, go for it!

7. Anything else you'd like to add that we haven't asked?

Anyone who judges people harshly for having tattoos is a Butthole Bob. As long as a person is happy and living a healthy life without hurting anyone else, they should be allowed to do whatever they please with their own body. It makes me sad to hear negative comments about tattoos as I know it comes from a place of personal insecurity for that person. For anyone reading this, open your mind and learn to be excited by those who are different from you. That's one of the best parts of life!

Meg's Work

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Are you a WNW Member with tattoos and stories to share? Email us.

HOW TO ART DIRECT YOUR TATTOO ARTIST

Working Not Working June 11, 2015

HOW TO ART DIRECT YOUR
TATTOO ARTIST

Our members' work is so good, it's no surprise that many of them choose to ink it permanently onto their bodies. Case in point: Jen Mussari has a tattoo of a drawing by friend and fellow WNW Member Julianna Brion.

We've always been curious if our members get tattoos of their own work to be a walking portfolio, or if, as creatives, they art direct their tattoo artists. WNW Member #6102 Samuel Viani, a Brazilian Art Director and Designer based in London, kicks off our new series about members, their tattoos, and the stories behind them. He knows what it's like to get a tattoo or three. And they're not hiding behind his ear.

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Let us state the obvious: you have a shit ton of tattoos. Tell us about them.

Since I was a child I’ve always been into fantasy, comics, card and role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. Around the age of 15 I started to be really interested in various mythologies, particularly the Norse Mythology. Growing up with Heavy Metal music was one of the crucial factors which contributed to this passion. So at the age of 20 (I think) I decided to get my first tattoo on the Viking subject. My first tattoo wasn’t very well planned but I was very sure about the meaning I wanted it to convey. The tattoos that came after the first were planned with precision – going through a creative process until I had a strong and solid concept to make the final decision on the subject matter in order to start working with the tattoo artist to define the design.

I spent a good time thinking about the concept and style of these tattoos to make sure I wanted to stick to the Norse Mythology subject from my first tattoo. The concept is based on the Ragnarök (The Twilight of the Gods). Its meaning is a cyclical end of the world, after which follows a new creation, which will in turn be followed by another Ragnarök, and so on throughout eternity. I was interested in the idea of the cleansing before a new beginning, creation and destruction as ends of a circle. However, I never wanted to portray the Norse Gods with the classic Viking visual style, so I took another step to wrap the concept up on an abstract level. In the final battle all the Gods fight and some die. As a horror fan I also wanted to have some skulls and zombie-like tattoos, from which came the idea to design the Gods using this style to represent their death in the battle. There are symbols and details within the tattoos which indicate the identity of the Gods. It was very important to me to keep a strong concept behind the tattoos.

At the moment I only have a half sleeve on my right arm, a full sleeve on my left arm and a back piece in progress.

What was the process like?

The tattoo process can be quite painful depending on a few factors such as the body part, tattoo design, the tattoo artist and your own pain threshold. For me, most of my tattoos were quite painful but I could say it was a ‘positive’ pain. It is hard to describe, but sometimes I look forward to the next session. It can be fun and you can see it as a meditation ritual or something like that, seeing an amazing transformation taking shape as a result of pain and hard work.

There was this one time after finishing a session I noticed a couple of ‘mistakes’ in the tattoo and my OCD for perfection made me point them out to the artist…“Hey, there’s a line out of place here”. He said “Leave the line there, it’s ok. That line isn’t going anywhere”. Tattoo art can’t be so precise and that’s one of the beauties of the process… you might end up with something out of place in your tattoo but hey, that’s ok.

Who's the tattoo artist to whom you entrust the task? Do you give a lot of direction?

Apart from the first one, all my tattoos have been created by my good Brazilian friend and very talented London-based tattoo artist named Joao Bosco. His dark fantasy style has everything I was looking for in my tattoos. He has an amazing talent to create large complex pieces while keeping it minimal, focusing on the idea and subject of the tattoo. His line work, ability to add motion with a strong contrast and details which bring the tattoo to life, inviting the viewer to discover more couldn’t fit any better conceptually with my subject matter.

As a designer, I spent quite a while thinking about the concept, gathering references, sketching out and everything else through a creative process. I even created a presentation deck for Joao, which he just looked at and said “Dude, wtf is this???” Obviously he ignored mostly everything and followed his own process! It was good though, having a strong definition of the concept helped us to work together on the design and come up with something pretty amazing. I can’t really draw so I’d just give him a few directions of what I was thinking, he would make a sketch and we would go from there. It was a very collaborative process. If the tattoo artist is good, you have to trust him/her because they will know what works best aesthetically in your skin.

Do you have any new ones planned or in the works?

I’m still doing my back piece which might take a few more sessions to finish up but I already have plans for new ones…I actually planned these a long time ago when I was starting the other tattoos. One is for my legs but I might do another piece on the other arm first. For now I’ll stick to the same subject as it’s something I had planned before and am still happy about it. You know what they say about tattoos, once you start, it’s hard to stop on the first one!

What do your parents think? Or are we outing you on the Internet right now?

Like most parents of people on my age, they didn’t quite appreciate my tattoos. They say a small tattoo is ok but what I’ve done is too big!

They don’t know about my back tattoo yet. It’s gonna be a tough one to show them as it’s much much bigger than the sleeve. Hopefully it will be alright and they will come to terms with the fact that there will be more to come…

What would you say to someone who is on the fence about getting a tattoo?

I always say think about what you really like conceptually and from a visual point of view. Getting a tattoo just for the sake of having one is not the best way to go. You should have a better reason to get a tattoo rather than “It’s cool” because you might regret it. I decided to go through with my first tattoo because there was a meaning for me behind it. As the design was using symbols, it wasn’t really the most visually striking tattoo. I did it because of what the idea and its meaning represent for me. If you’re on the fence about getting a tattoo, spend a good time thinking about what really attracts you and then speak to the tattoo artist about the design, don’t just go with something you took from the internet.

Anything else you'd like to add that we haven't asked?

Don’t be afraid to get a tattoo if you want one, but only get a big piece if you really know what you want. If it’s a small one, then just go for it!

Sam's Work

Follow Samuel on WNW

INNER LIP TATTOOS DON'T COUNT

How many tattoos do you have and how'd you decide on them?

Fantastic Four Sleeve

Who's the tattoo artist to whom you entrust the task? Do you give a lot of direction?

What does your mom think? Or are we outing you on the internet right now?

B.P.R.D. Sleeve

What was the process like? Painful? Any funny anecdotes of the process?

Do you have any new ones planned or in the works?

Batman Family / Justice League Sleeve

Any advice for those considering getting a tattoo?

Bonus Round!

What did you want to be when you grow up?

Last things you googled?

Top pop culture influences growing up?

What’s in your backpack right now?

Best social networking site?

Are you a WNW Member with tattoos and stories to share? Email us.

HOW TO EXPRESS YOURSELF WITH YOUR ARMS, FINGERS, AND BUTTS

1. How many tattoos do you have? How'd you decide on them?

2. What was the process like? Painful? Any funny anecdotes of the process?

3. Who's the tattoo artist to whom you entrust the task? Do you give a lot of direction?

4. Do you have any new ones planned / in the works?

5. What do your parents think? Or are we outing you on the internet right now?

6. What would you say to someone who is on the fence about getting a tattoo?

7. Anything else you'd like to add that we haven't asked?

Meg's Work

Are you a WNW Member with tattoos and stories to share? Email us.

HOW TO ART DIRECT YOURTATTOO ARTIST

Let us state the obvious: you have a shit ton of tattoos. Tell us about them.

What was the process like?

Who's the tattoo artist to whom you entrust the task? Do you give a lot of direction?

Do you have any new ones planned or in the works?

What do your parents think? Or are we outing you on the Internet right now?

What would you say to someone who is on the fence about getting a tattoo?

Anything else you'd like to add that we haven't asked?

Sam's Work

Are you a WNW Member with tattoos and stories to share? Email us.

HOW TO ART DIRECT YOUR
TATTOO ARTIST