Tattoo Artist Designs

A tattoo artist designs and applies images to people’s skin using indelible inks.

Tattoos have existed in human culture since time immemorial. Before the introduction of the written word, the ancient peoples of Europe painted themselves and their surroundings with ornate designs. Likewise aboriginal peoples all over the world continue to use a variety of natural materials to indelibly mark themselves. In doing so they delineate heritage, authority, achievements and a myriad of other concepts.

Modern day tattoos and indeed the word itself are inspired by the Polynesian word for inserting indelible ink onto the skin to make permanent markings, ‘tatu’. Eighteenth century sailors were the first to come into contact with this culture, popularised it and so became inextricably associated with the practice. Today, tattoos are at an apex of popularity, with many celebrities, artists and musicians sporting impressive designs. Once a subject of taboo, this alternative culture has become more mainstream and tattooing is increasingly regulated, creative and popular.