Tattoo Books:
Must Reads for Tattoo Artists
Introduction
Tattoo Books are not only a great source for creating new tattoo ideas but also serve as guides for the beginners and inspirations for the professionals
In a world where tattooing is not considered as an academic part of art education, tattoo books are considered as a great source of learning this art. In the realm of body art, tattooing is one of the most promising and expressive mode. Tattooing is an art of ink in which an artist manifest the idea of expression of other person on his body. Perhaps tattooing is one of the few arts in which artist’s canvas or medium is skin of a living being. Unfortunately, in many countries like Korea, Japan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and in many other cultures and regions, tattooing is not encouraged. In addition, there are very little to no evidence where tattooing is considered as a branch of art that could be learnt in colleges and universities at any degree level. In such scenario, private tattoo schools and studios, experienced tattoo artists and their professional experiences, tattoo books and tutorials are the only way left to learn this art. There are various categories of tattoo books including archives; chronicles; dictionaries; tattoo protocols and manuals; books related to tattoo history, origin and cultures; pictorial or visual guides for great tattoo ideas, books based on tattoo artist’s experiences, technology and advancement in tattoo art etc.
List of Must Read Tattoo Books
The Tattoo Textbook: Escape the Grind, Do What You Love, and Launch Your Kick-Ass Tattoo Career
Author & Illustrator: Shelly Dax
Goodreads = 4.2 / 5
Among the recommended books for beginner tattoo artists, this book ranks first in our list tattoo books. This book is a true textbook of tattoo curriculum. It was originally publishes in October 2019 by Garden of Ink. The author and illustrator of this book is Shelly Dax, an experienced tattoo artist running her own tattoo school in Oregon. She herself taught the art to many students as instructor and teacher. Another book on the art of tattoo by Shelly is “How to do Watercolor Tattoos: Painterly Techniques for Tattoo Artists”.
This book is a perfect GUIDE for those who want to start their journey of tattooing. Step by step, it is a complete textual and visual training book covering all the related topics like sanitation, safety, techniques, tips, crafts etc. It helps the artists to learn how to make art for living.
Published: 2019
Publisher: Garden of Ink
ISBN: 9781734185201
Pages: 238
Language: English
So what you going to read in this book
Table of contents: This book includes twelve chapters excluding introduction followed by each chapters covering different topics listed as: Introduction: So, You Want to Be a Tattoo Artist?; Chapter One: What’s at Risk? Chapter Two: Safety & Infection; Chapter Three: Skin; Chapter Four: Equipment & Supplies; Chapter Five: Machines & Needles; Chapter Six: Art & Design Fundamentals; Chapter Seven: Color Theory; Chapter Eight: Tattoo Ink; Chapter Nine: Tattoo Technique; Chapter Ten: Client Services; Chapter Eleven: Business & Marketing; Chapter Twelve: Conclusion
Basic Fundamentals of Modern Tattoo
Author: C.R Jordan
Goodreads = 4.25 / 5
This book is an excellent source and step by step guidance for the beginner’s tattoo artist and one of the best among our list of highly recommended tattoo books. This book describes the basic and technical fundamentals of tattooing process ranging from making a DIY tattoo machine, cartilages, needles, inks, batteries, supplies, hygiene, sanitation etc. It explains all the technical aspects of tattooing techniques like lining, shading, color selections and much more. The innovative part of this book is you can get an access to interactive website www.TeachMeToTattoo.com where your queries will be entertained regarding this books and tattoo process. The author of this book C.R Jordan explained in an interview that though this book is somewhat a manual for the artist who wants to plunge in Ink field but a true professional training is an essential part before starting this journey. A comprehensive internship under supervision of an expert and professionally experienced tattooist is one of the best practices to improve your craft before your start your professional career.
Another of her book about tattoos titled “This Might Sting a Bit: Everything Your Tattoo Artist Forgot to Tell You & You Were Too Afraid to Ask”
Published: 2009
Published: Tattoo Books Online LLC
ISBN: 9780615281476 (ISBN10: 0615281478)
Pages: 240
Language: English
The World Atlas of Tattoo
Author: Anna Felicity Friedman; Foreword: James Elkins; Contributors: Lars Krutak, Matt Lodder, Nick Schonberger, Sébastien Galliot, Ole Wittmann
Goodreads = 4.16 / 5
This book written by Anna Felicity Friedman who is a teacher and researcher at the University of Chicago. This book provides its readers a great understanding of tattoo art in context of geography. The book has been divided in seven different parts on the basis of world geography further explaining tattoo culture and history of each part separately. If any artist wants to understand the history and traditions of tattooing in different parts of world, this book is a must read. With more than 700 illustrations and work of 100 celebrity tattoo artists, it is a great source to explore the origin and evolution of multiethnic and hybrid tattoo designs. I would include this book in this list of “Must Reads” of tattoo books due to its unique idea of illustrating tattoos chorographically. There are total 4 editions of this book released so far
So what you going to read in this book
Introduction • Europe • North America • Central and South America • East, South, Central and Southeast Asia • Pacific Islands and Australia • Sub-Saharan Africa • Middle East and North Africa
Published: 2015
Publisher: Yale University Press
ISBN: 9780300210484 (ISBN10: 0300210485)
Pages: 400
Language: English
Japanese Tattoos: Meanings, Shapes and Motifs
Author: Yori Moriarty
Goodreads = 4.25 / 5
Beside a dark history regarding tattooing, Japanese style of tattoo is getting popular day by day. Even in the modern era, tattooing is not good reputed in Japanese culture, and its reasons revolve around Yakuza. In Japan, Yakuza is termed as a group of criminals whose members used to tattoo themselves all over their bodies to distinguish them from others. There is also a history of giving punishment to the the criminals by making tattoos on their body. The place and type of tattoo was solely dependent upon the type of crime committed. So Japan has a really sinister history with lots of grim stores with this art. This book is a rich source of history of Japanese tattoos. The evolution from Yakuza to Irezumi is a journey of Japanese culture towards accepting tattooing as a body art. This book depicts some of the traditional and historical tattoo symbols, tattoo designs and motifs related to Japanese history and culture. Some popular Japanese symbols include mythological beasts including dragons, baku, foo dogs; animals and birds; plants and flowers; Bhuddas; supernatural characters termed yokai; and some historical characters. This book elucidates the meaning, origin, history and graphics of most of Japanese motifs and symbols. There are total 4 editions of this book in languages other than English.
The author of this book is Yori Moriarty who a professional tattoo artist is running his tattoo studio in Spain. His tattoo studio named ‘only tat2 studio’ located in Spain since 2001. He polished his craft of making Japanese tattoo while working with Osakan tattooist Horitoshi Izumi.
So what you going to read in this book
A short history of Japanese tattoo art; Water; Mythological animals: Phoenix. Kirin. Orochi. Dragon / Ryu. Lion / Shishi; Real animals: Hawk / Taka. Carp / Koi. Goldfish / Kingyo. Raccoon dog / Tanuki. Tiger / Tora. Catfish / Namazu. Fox / Kitsune; Characters from mythology and folklore: Daruma. Enma-o. Fudo Myo-o. Fujin and Raijin. Hannya. Hyottoko and Okame. Kintaro. The Seven Lucky Gods. Nio. Oni and Shoki, the Demon Queller. Tamatori-hime. Tengu. Tennin; Historical characters: Benkei. Bokuko. Chojun. Cho-o. Chosei. Dankeiju. Ensei. Genshogo. Hakusho. Rishun. Rochishin. Setsuei. Shishin. Shuki. Sosei. Toko. Jiraiya; Flowers; Shunga; Yokai; Protective amulets and talismans: Hoshu. Takarazukushi; Epilogue; Gallery of original designs; Glossary
Published: 2018
Publisher: Promopress
ISBN: 9788416851966 (ISBN10: 8416851964)
Pages: 240
Language:English
The Tattoo Dictionary
Author: Trent Aitken-Smith ; Illustrator: Ashley Tyson
Goodreads = 3.7 / 5
As the name implies it is a true dictionary for tattoo vocabulary. It is a database for most popular tattoo symbols, meanings and tattoo ideas. It tells you story behind more than 200 tattoo type, their history and significance. This book has 6 editions other than English language. If you are a novice or beginner tattoo artist and want to learn tattoo vocabulary, this book is made for you. However, if you are a tattoo lover planning to a have a particular tattoo design and wanted to decipher it, this book will definitely a solution.
This book is written by an international tattoo journalist named Trent Aitken-Smith and illustrated by tattoo artist Ashley Tyson.
Published: 2016
Published: Mitchell Beazley
ISBN: 9781784722548 (ISBN10: 1784722545)
Pages: 257
Language: English
Tattoo Sourcebook
Compile by : TattooFinder.com
Goodreads = 3.79 / 5
This is a sourcebook encompassing more than two thousands tattoo designs ranging from classical, historical, traditional, mythical, contemporary, lettering, symbols, tribal, aesthetic and modern. It is a high quality visual treat for its readers and tattoo enthusiasts. It is an across the board learning and inspiration for both beginners and professional tattoo artists. The book archives the tattoo designs of various tattoo artists from all around the world including some American and non-American tattoo artists like Friday Jones (who tattooed Penelope Cruz, Queens of the Stone Age, Angelina Jolie and Robbie Williams), Guy Aitchison, Joseph Patrick O’Sullivan famously known as Spider Webb, Furmanov from Kazakhstan, Edge from Croatia, Hudson Assis from Brazil.
The book is organized into 32 thematic sections, making it easy for readers to explore the history and symbolism of specific styles or motifs that interest them. Each section of the book features high-quality images of tattoos, providing inspiration and ideas for those considering getting inked. With its huge collections of designs, you can consider it as an archive or log of tattoo ideas. This book has total 4 editions all are in English.
Published: 2008
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 9780007289943 (ISBN10: 0007289944)
Pages: 520
Language: English
Tattoo Lettering Bible
Compiled by: Superior Tattoo
Goodreads = 4.25 / 5
The textual form is another branch of expression in tattooing industry. But there is a whole lot more science involved in it. The letters, the language, fonts, colors, style and everything else has an impact on true essence of tattooing yourself. “Tattoo Lettering Bible” uncovers the art of lettering by illustrating the classic as well as modern fonts. It depicts various lettering and banners by using detailed examples and explanatory visuals. There are also some other tattoo books compiled by Superior Tattoo: Superior Tattoo Bible (series), Tattoo Bible (series), Into the Skin The Ultimate Tattoo Sourcebook, Tattoo Designs: Butterflies and Roses etc.
Published: 2014
Publisher: Wolfgang Publications
ISBN: 9781935828921 (ISBN10: 1935828924)
Pages: 128
Language: English
Vintage Tattoos: The Book of Old-School Skin Art
Author: Carol Clerk
Goodreads = 3.86 / 5
This book archived profiles of history’s famous tattoo artists such as Sailor Jerry Collins, Don Ed Hardy (“the Godfather of Tattoos”), Mike “Rollo Banks” Malone, Bert Grimm, Japan’s Horiyoshi III, and Shanghai’s Pinky Yun. The book is thematic source of tattoo designs, types and tattoo ideas. Carol Elizabeth Clerk, the writer of this book was a British music journalist and author who died with breast cancer at the age of 55.
So what you going to read in this book
The greatest show on Earth • Nautical & patriotic traditions • Girls hearts & banners • The good, the bad & the superstitious • The natural world • The decline of a golden era • The vintage revival.
Published: 2009
Publisher: Universe
ISBN: 9780789318244 (ISBN10: 0789318245)
Pages: 256
Language: English
The Tattoo Chronicles
Author: Kat Von D
Goodreads = 3.91 / 5
This book unveils the struggling phase of famous tattoo artist, singer, fashion icon and entrepreneur Kat Von D. KVD who get famous by her charismatic personality in Miami Ink is a true inspiration for struggling artists. This book is more of her diary than any regular tattoo books and source guides. The experiences described in this book have been taken from her “Tattoo Journals”. Each time she tattooed a client, she made notes and write down the whole experience. She explained how each tattooing process transformed her personality over the course of time no matter that was good or bad one. The book is also compromised of sketches, drawings, final tattoos, snapshot etc. It is a graphically compelling and captive manuscript that can stimulate your artistic sense and feed your visual hunger of art. This book has total six editions included some in other than English language. If you want to read more about KAT Von D and her life visit page who is Kat Von D.
Published: 2010
Publisher: Collins Design
ISBN: 9780061953361 (ISBN10: 0061953369)
pages: 239
Language: English
Conclusions
In the absence of any degree program in tattooing, tattoo books serves as a great source of knowledge and learning for both beginners and professionals. If you are a beginner tattoo artists, these tattoo books not only offer you technical knowledge but also inspiration and a road to this journey. But it does never mean that you could start your professional career as tattooist without having training by an expert or without proper Apprenticeship. You cannot start your tattoo career solely trained on these books. Professional training under an expert supervisions from private school or studio is mandatory. Reading good tattoo materials and proper training goes hand in hand.