If you’re interested in keeping up with the latest developments in the tattoo world, accessing the right reference websites can be a wise first step. These websites not only provide the latest information on tattoo styles, techniques and trends, but also offer insights from leading tattoo artists around the world. By choosing the right reference websites, you can gain inspiration and in-depth knowledge that will help you stay up-to-date with the evolution of tattoo art.
Tattoo artists are usually full of creativity and inspiration, always eager to create. But there might be times when they feel stuck or out of ideas. Or maybe they are already bursting with ideas and just want to add more skills to their toolkit. Whatever the reason, we’ve gathered the top ten tattoo resources to keep all tattoo artists motivated and help to learn more.
1. Inked Magazine
Inked magazine, both in print and online, isn’t just about tattoos anymore, but tattoos remain at the heart of its pop-culture content. The magazine has played a role in breaking down the stigma around tattoos, highlighting how they not only blend into society but also add beauty to it.
Inked features everything from interviews with rock stars like Rob Zombie to artist spotlights and bold photo spreads, making it a visual treat that sparks creativity. It’s also a great reminder that tattoos are becoming more mainstream. Plus, if you enjoy good writing, you’ll appreciate Inked’s thoughtful and well-crafted articles.
2. Tattodo
Tattoodo was started in 2013 by famous tattoo artist and TV personality Ami James. It has since grown into the world’s biggest tattoo marketplace and the most popular tattoo app.
Tattoodo was mainly created to help people find the perfect artist for their next tattoo. The website also offers features for tattoo artists, like an “Explore” page where you can search for inspiration and ideas using specific filters.
The website also has a “Read” section with hundreds of articles on various topics related to tattoo industry. Additionally, Tattoodo’s Instagram showcases beautiful tattoo work from artists worldwide.
3. World Tattoo Forum
World Tattoo Forum is an online discussion space for tattoo lovers that brings together tattoo artists, enthusiasts and industry professionals from around the world. The forum is the ultimate platform for sharing knowledge, the latest techniques and trends in the tattoo industry.
Here, members not only hone their skills, but also make connections with the international tattoo community. With a wide range of discussion topics, the World Tattoo Forum offers a rare opportunity to delve into the world of tattooing in an inspiring and collaborative atmosphere.
4. Tattoo Life magazine
Tattoo Life magazine has been a major part of the tattoo industry since 1999. Its editor, Miki Vialetto, started his journey in 1993 with Italy’s first tattoo magazine, Tattoo Review. He quickly built up enough connections to launch his own publication.
Nearly 30 years later, Vialetto has refined Tattoo Life to the point where their website now features a bookstore with various tattoo resources and an “Inkdustry” section offering professional advice for tattoo artists.
5. Tattoo Society magazine
Tattoo Society magazine is a glossy, high-quality publication available at major bookstores like Barnes & Noble. Their slogan, “Great art for great artists,” reflects their focus on the art itself. Most of the magazine is devoted to artist interviews and showcasing top-notch portfolios.
Unlike Inked magazine, Tattoo Society doesn’t include much pop culture content. They emphasize their dedication to the art by featuring their slogan prominently on the cover of each issue.
If you value the art of tattooing, Tattoo Society is the magazine for you. It’s not only a valuable resource for professional tattoo artists but also a great place for artists to get their work published.
6. Tattd app
Brooklyn entrepreneur Laura Schaack created the Tattd app to help people find local tattoo artists who match their needs and to give artists a way to promote themselves to the right clients.
Schaack came up with the idea for the app to make getting a tattoo easier. She wanted to simplify the process of searching through portfolios, Instagram pages, and Yelp reviews. So, she created a search engine, similar to Kayak, that helps people quickly find the perfect tattoo artist.
While the Tattd app is designed for clients, it’s also a great tool for artists. It lets them create a profile, be easily found, and communicate directly with potential clients through the app.
7. Ink Hunter
InkHunter is an app that helps people see what a tattoo would look like on their body before they get it. Users can choose designs from the app’s gallery or upload their own images to try out different placements on their body.
While InkHunter is mainly designed for clients, it’s also a useful tool for tattoo artists. Since getting a tattoo is a shared process between the client and artist, both can benefit from using the app.
If you have a client who has chosen a design but isn’t sure where to place it, you can recommend they use InkHunter. This can help reduce their stress and save you time and materials.
8. Juxtapoz Art & Culture Magazine
Juxtapoz was started in 1994 by a group of artists and collectors to showcase urban alternative and underground contemporary art. Although it doesn’t often feature tattoos, many tattoo artists are interested in and work with various art forms.
This makes Juxtapoz a valuable resource, especially since many other tools focus only on the tattoo industry. It offers a fresh perspective on different art styles and provides a rich source of unique inspiration.
9. Lars Krutak
Lars Krutak is a leading American tattoo anthropologist. For many years, he has dedicated himself to studying, photographing, and documenting tattoos and their cultural significance before this history disappears.
He has written several well-researched books and papers on tattoos and was the producer and host of the Discovery Channel’s show “Tattoo Hunter.”
Krutak’s website is filled with blog posts and articles about ancient tattoos, the mysterious origins of tattooing, and the beautiful tattoo traditions of rarely seen tribes and cultures.
He is known for being an active field researcher, meaning he spends time with the people and communities he studies rather than just researching from afar.
Because of this, Lars Krutak’s website and Instagram are valuable resources for professional tattoo artists who want to learn more about the history of tattoos from around the world.
10. Linework
Linework is a top-notch software designed specifically for tattoo artists, by tattoo artists. Unlike other business management tools, Linework is tailored to meet the unique needs of the tattoo industry, making your work life simpler.
Linework brings all the tools you need into one user-friendly app, helping you manage your business easily and stay well-organized.
Plus, Linework helps reduce risks and boosts your income, so you can focus on what you love most: tattooing.
