Meaning of Tattoos

Nick Schonberger is a writer, blogger and critic on fashion, culture and music, based in New York. He is the co-author of TTT: Tattoo (2018) and The Graphic Art of Tattoo Lettering (2019). Oliver Munden is an illustrator and tattoo artist who has turned his hand to all manner of styles and applications for almost two decades. Vintage skate art, psychedelia, renaissance art, and most notably European, American and Japanese tattoo aesthetics are combined to create a recognisable signature style which has attracted many commercial clients as well as private clients in his work as a tattooist. He is the creator of the Tattoo Colouring Book (2013), Tattoo Flash Colouring Book (2017) and Tattoo Tarot card deck (2018).

• Introduction   Chapter 1    New beginningsThe decision to get tattooed often coincides with a major moment or life change. Motifs related to new beginnings naturally speak to shifts. These can be literal, such as scissors representing cutting past ties or a shell representing growth. Or, as is the case with some spiral-based geometric images, the design can speak to perpetual renewal. Chapter 2CourageGiven the natural intersection between tattooing and military ranks, themes of courage have been represented in Western traditional tattooing for centuries. For example, the classic navy tattoo: the pig and the rooster. Tattoos related to courage are simultaneously bold and subtle, driven by story, and delivered with an intentional study of the chosen motif.  Chapter 3DangerKnives, blades and various blunt weapons all fit into the theme of danger. Danger is visceral, best relayed by motifs that speak about potential harm. Several tattoo symbols in this chapter are also grounded in fantasy: B-movies provide a campy version of danger, Pin-ups dressed as pirates are playfully dangerous, and there are plenty of frightful mythological figures. Chapter 4PowerPower sits differently depending on the symbol. There are the obvious markers of authority: a crown, a goddess of war, King Tutankhamun. Chess pieces hold power in a strategic mindset. Rock ’n’ roll iconography brings an electric glamour. Animals and spirits bridge the gap between toughness and protection Chapter 5AdaptabilityThis chapter is filled with resilient animals. From the flamingo to the octopus, creatures with tactics for defying environmental challenges are depicted across Western traditional, Japanese and fine line styles. One idea of adaptability suggests that some animal designs portray that the wearer can ‘go with the flow’. Pliable creatures are great examples. Another thought suggests resilience by highlighting a capability for rejuvenation. Chapter 6DualityClassic Western traditional tattoo designs playfully investigate duality, focusing on a clear juxtaposition. Good vs evil. Winning vs losing. Life vs death. Think of the flip-flop: beauty on one side; the devil on the other. Another fun way of representing duality in a tattoo design is when contrasting an image and text. For example, brass knuckles framed by the words ‘Love thy neighbour’ balance openness and protection. Chapter 7SpiritualityMother Mary, Hindu symbols and sacred geometry are included. Elements of several religious practices and the relation these have to tattoo styles are addressed.  Across the globe, tattoos honouring spiritual connection have become more broadly selected. Some of the designs might not be tattooed as markers of the observance of a particular religion, but rather speak to ideas honoured by the images themselves. Chapter 8UnionThrough recorded history, the symbolism of union  –  familial, fraternal, social  –  has been prominent in tattoo designs. In this chapter, the idea of union focuses on connection and community. There are odes to classic Victorian iconography and subcultural signals, fighters and lovers and professional associations.  Chapter 9MythologyWhile mythological iconography fits into several themes of tattooing, this chapter highlights elements of foundational narratives. Gods across time and religion as well as mystical animals prevail. Fortune, power and wisdom are held within the figures. Another way myth shifts over time is when absorbed into entertainment. Several mythological figures are employed as characters of Japanese anime and video games. Chapter 10Pop CultureSymbols that reach a state of cultural ubiquity meet the criteria of pop. The motifs have meaning, but those meanings are pulled from mass use, mass understanding and mass media. Cartoons, the peace sign and the smiley face fit into pop because they permeate so many segments of society. The designs are at once deeply symbolic and delightfully watered down. Each makes for a playful  – if not unserious  –  tattoo. Index