Understanding the Ink
Concept/Theme
Body modifications, specifically tattoos, being an artistic medium; and how tattoos have evolved throughout the years (bad to accepted connotations)
Thesis
Thesis
Although it is so difficult to find help when learning how to become a tattoo artist despite it being a huge industry in demand, the placement, design, and concept behind a tattoo is an art to master. This medium has proven to create strong opinions both in favor and against tattooing and body modifications.
Abstract
Tattoos date back to thousands of years ago but have just recently become mainstream in American culture. Today, perceptions of tattooed people still include stereotypes of that person being more risk induced and rebellious than non tattooed people. However, more and more people are becoming tatted and more people are trying to become tattoo artists themselves. For my thesis project, I want to explore more about the history of tattoo design dating back to the first discovery of tattoos. I want to learn the steps of mastering a tattoo design and the medium in general. The placement is important and there are many reasons why a person might get tattooed, I want to know why.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/tattoos-144038580/
This article mentions the instruments that Ancient Egyptians used to create tattoos resembled on female mummies. These tattoos included a repeated pattern of large dots and lines that were located on the thighs and arms of young women. Many cultures used tattoos as a method of permanently recording social, political and religious groups on oneself, as well as a form of self expression.
I will obviously look at books about tattoos but I want to talk to tattoo artists and how/why they started tattooing, as well as talking to tattooed clients and understanding the meaning behind their tattoos. Tattoos are like memories, even the bad ones.
Why do I want to explore this topic?
Growing up my parents discouraged the idea of tattoos and would always remind me of how hard it would to obtain a professional job when I am older, or how the tattoo wouldn’t age well so I shouldn’t waste time “damaging” my body. However, I now have tattoos and I believe they are an art form. I think everything regarding the tattoo is an artistic choice; from the message behind the tattoo to the placement and quality of the final design. It takes a designer to understand the layout of a good design and how it may compliment other designs on the human body.
I want to pursue this topic because I have an interest in learning how to become a tattoo artist myself. I want to know more and it is difficult to find a path in tattooing without the correct resources. There is so much to unpack about tattoos and so many routes I could take but I mainly am interested in the reasons why people choose the tattoo life or not. I want to explore the learning process of tattooing and why it is such a gatekept profession and so hard to learn/master.
Research methods
Abstract
Tattoos date back to thousands of years ago but have just recently become mainstream in American culture. Today, perceptions of tattooed people still include stereotypes of that person being more risk induced and rebellious than non tattooed people. However, more and more people are becoming tatted and more people are trying to become tattoo artists themselves. For my thesis project, I want to explore more about the history of tattoo design dating back to the first discovery of tattoos. I want to learn the steps of mastering a tattoo design and the medium in general. The placement is important and there are many reasons why a person might get tattooed, I want to know why.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/tattoos-144038580/
This article mentions the instruments that Ancient Egyptians used to create tattoos resembled on female mummies. These tattoos included a repeated pattern of large dots and lines that were located on the thighs and arms of young women. Many cultures used tattoos as a method of permanently recording social, political and religious groups on oneself, as well as a form of self expression.
I will obviously look at books about tattoos but I want to talk to tattoo artists and how/why they started tattooing, as well as talking to tattooed clients and understanding the meaning behind their tattoos. Tattoos are like memories, even the bad ones.
Why do I want to explore this topic?
Growing up my parents discouraged the idea of tattoos and would always remind me of how hard it would to obtain a professional job when I am older, or how the tattoo wouldn’t age well so I shouldn’t waste time “damaging” my body. However, I now have tattoos and I believe they are an art form. I think everything regarding the tattoo is an artistic choice; from the message behind the tattoo to the placement and quality of the final design. It takes a designer to understand the layout of a good design and how it may compliment other designs on the human body.
I want to pursue this topic because I have an interest in learning how to become a tattoo artist myself. I want to know more and it is difficult to find a path in tattooing without the correct resources. There is so much to unpack about tattoos and so many routes I could take but I mainly am interested in the reasons why people choose the tattoo life or not. I want to explore the learning process of tattooing and why it is such a gatekept profession and so hard to learn/master.
Research methods
I would like to use a combination of research methods for this project. I want to create a book that includes photographs of people and their tattoo designs, how their tattoos compliment their body shape and how they may not. Tattoos influence the perception of a person and I wonder if there is any correlation between the design and placement. I want the book to include snapshots and commentary of their experiences getting the tattoo and interactions of them having tattoos.
I also want to look at temporary body art because that is a portion of tattoo design. I will experiment with live models and understand the placements of tattoos and learn the fundamentals of the tattoo industry by creating designs on a human canvas.
I also want to look at temporary body art because that is a portion of tattoo design. I will experiment with live models and understand the placements of tattoos and learn the fundamentals of the tattoo industry by creating designs on a human canvas.
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