In this blog post we will discuss how I will use this research to fuel and inspire a design project. My idea for the practical work is to create a portfolio of tattoo designs inspired by the rich history of tattooing culture and the symbolist movement. I will focus on using symbols and themes that were common in the symbolist movement whilst also utilising my knowledge of classic and traditional tattoo art to create intricate designs. Not only do I intend to do this, I also will learn the art of tattooing itself by purchasing a tattoo machine and logging my process in learning a new skill. In this article, I will discuss the outcomes I wish to produce, a few prototypes I have already designed and the timelines.
As the final design outcome, I plan to create and build an aesthetically interesting and intelligent set of tattoo designs and then tattoo my favourites on to fake skin. It will be interesting to experiment translating the traditional paintings of the symbolist movement and using those iconic pieces to create new designs that will fit onto the human body.
TATTOO MACHINES
I have found a couple of machines and products that I intend to purchase in order to produce the final designs, some of which are just simply beginner tattoo artists starter kits that are readily available on storefronts like amazon. Although I recognise it may not be of the highest quality, I understand that as a beginner (and as I won’t be tattooing real skin) it will perform perfectly well just for practise and learning. As with learning any skill I intend to learn every aspect of it, including the health and safety practises associated with tattooing, I think this is an equally important part of the process to the design aspect.
PORTFOLIO MAKING
The final outcome will be a digital set of tattoo designs finalised and produced in procreate for the iPad (as that is industry standard for tattoo artists) I will document the design process from initial sketches all the way to the digital outcome and then a few of the best designs will be produced onto fake skin using the tattoo machine. I will create a collection of blog posts one for each design and intend to make 10+ designs, each of which will link to the symbolist movement and tattoo history in some way using recurring imagery and themes. I would also like to create some graphic designs related to the tattoos, perhaps business cards or logos for an independent freelance tattoo business, I would like to experiment with this idea when designing the portfolio. Alongside the designs, I will create a video blog documenting my process in learning how to use the tattoo machine
TIMELINE
Initially I will start by purchasing the tattoo machine, I will unbox it and see what is in the kit, I will also vlog this experience. Then I will film a couple of attempts at using the machine just as experiments. Then once I am more comfortable with the machine and have used it a few times I will start creating my designs, brainstorming ideas of how to blend symbolism into the designs themselves. Once I have done a couple of these designs and they are finalised in procreate I will attempt to transfer them onto the fake skin using the machine and will document this whole process in blog posts and on film. Between the 30th January and the 16th May there are 15 weeks, I will aim to make progress weekly by designing and finalising designs as well as log my progress learning the art of tattooing. This means that in the last few weeks I can focus on transferring these designs on to fake skin and attempting to create a brand.
REFERENCES:
Amazon (?) Stigma Tattoo Pen Machine Kit Rotary Complete Tattoo Set with 20Pcs Cartridges Needles Power Supply Tattoo Ink Tattoo Kit with Plastic Box for Beginners and Tattoo Artists EM123KITP162-1-UK. Available online: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09DXYMZT5/?coliid=I1C1C69DVIE6TU&colid=19BE9FLR9KY3S&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1 [Accessed: 01//01/23]