20 Years Showcasing The Best Artists And Their Creations: Tattoo Magazine
by cascogirl - Written: Oct 28 '06
Product Rating:
Pros: Good quality photos, interesting interviews, convention info. Few ads, little to no offensive material
Cons: Convention info doesn't apply to me.
The Bottom Line: I feel much more confident about getting a tattoo and more knowledgeable about the industry and the work that goes into it after reading Tattoo magazine
Why do I read Tattoo magazine? No, I don’t have any tattoos – yet. I have always wanted one but could never decide on what I wanted done. I am thinking more seriously about it now and don’t want any regrets. I know a few people who read Tattoo magazine and rave about how great it is, so I thought reading up a bit on the subject and getting an idea of what kind of tattoos are out there might help me make a good decision and pick a tattoo artist that hopefully knows what they are doing!
The latest issue, December 2006 has Kat Von D as their cover girl. She is the newest – and only female artist - addition to the “reality” based series Miami Ink shown on TLC (The Learning Channel.)
Each issue contains numerous features. These articles span 2- 4 pages and feature either a tattoo artist or a person with incredible tattoo designs on themselves. There is an interview with the person, often times giving their history in the tattoo business or the history behind some of the art they are wearing. Why did they have a specific piece done? Why did they choose the artist they did? Nice large photos accompany the write ups showing off the artwork.
Profiles of very talented artists will span several pages and contain in-depth interviews with background on the artists, like where they learned, and some of their more memorable tattoo pieces. Lots of pictures, some full page, will showcase their work on different people.
Slinging Ink contains Tattoos In The News, Reviews, Music, Fashion, Resources and Other Interesting Stuff and ends with Tattoo Times – a listing of upcoming shows, events and conventions.
Conventions are featured in depth, and while they don’t apply to me, anyone who is an artist or attends these events will find their coverage to include many photos of people and happenings, as well as a little write up of who was there and what went on.
In the Skin features the best in skin art from around the world. Anyone can submit a photo of a tattoo, whether it is small or large, simple or intricate. The mag will review the photos and publish pages of good quality pics of tattoos and where they were done and by what artist. I liked that section, as it gives readers a chance to show off some of the work they have had done.
Flash is a couple of pages of designs drawn up and is featured on non glossy paper. Some are in color, others black and white.
Pushing Ink is one of the last pages and gives recognition to a deserving artist. These are submitted from readers as well.
Even with fewer than 100 pages, this magazine packs in a lot of content! There are few advertisements, and the ads that are there are for tattoo/piercing supply companies, products, parlors and conventions or events.
Special pull outs are often included like a year end Dream Team series pullout presenting innovative artists from all over the world.
For their 20th Anniversary they have a big celebration going on and will be showcasing 2 decades of their cover girls and a calendar poster. Available on newsstands October 31st, it should be a delight to read up on the history of this magazine.
Very little nudity is shown, and it would only be found in someones tattoo. Profanity is also scarce and in the same instances. Tattoo is adult themed though and not recommended for children - but if your child stumbled upon it there is nothing in it that would have you calling a therapist about.
The magazine also is great for learning about the different types of art that are found and practiced all over the globe. Realistic looking portraits, abstract work, Japanese style, traditional art, to name a few are all pictured in the magazine, giving the reader a variety of styles to contemplate. I noticed right now Koi seem to be very popular and many people are really into getting this symbol of good luck inked on them somewhere
I also really liked the female representation in this magazine. They always have a female cover girl, but it is not sexed up the way some magazines are. Women are not on display as pretty things to look at in the magazine - even if they are pretty to look at, but instead are valued as key players in the industry and are highlighted right up there with the men. I like that equality, as people may view the tattoo world as a boys club, but the magazine ensures women artists are getting a shout out as well.
This magazine is a very good representation of the tattoo industry. Many people that don’t care for tattoos or are uninformed about them may look at this industry with a negative view, or be judgmental about it. This magazine shows a great side of the tattoo world and the interviews prove that the people giving and receiving tattoos are everyday people, from business people to soccer moms and everything in between – Not just bikers or rock stars. They give credit to hard working tattoo artists and promote the industry working together through conventions and events to share ideas and talent.
I feel much more confident about getting a tattoo and more knowledgeable about the industry and the work that goes into it after reading Tattoo magazine.
If you are interested in this magazine I would suggest purchasing single copies off the newsstand first to be sure you like it as subscriptions are pricey. They may have special deals on subscriptions, so look around.
Published monthly
1 year subscription $37.95 US. Foreign subscriptions add $30. per year
Single issues $5.99
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