6 Tattoo Books That Inspire

Are you a tattoo enthusiast or artist looking to expand your knowledge? Check out this list of tattoo books and take your skills to the next level.

1. Tattoo in Japan | Various Authors

The opulently illustrated volume "Tattoo in Japan" is an impressive book about the high art of tattooing in Japan. Not solely for fans of tattoos or those seeking a tattoo career, it's equally appealing for people who are interested in Japanese culture and art. This book will likewise delight graphic artists, fashion designers and visual artists. Acclaimed as being well worth the price tag.

2.100 Years of Tattoos | David McComb

From body art's early association with sailors, convicts and side-show acts to the current adoption of tattoo culture amongst celebrities and the mainstream via the tattoo renaissance of the 1970s, this book reveals the entire history of the art of tattoo. Combining a wealth of visual material from across the many cultures and sub-cultures we associate with tattoos, with examples of some of the most exquisite tattoos ever inked, the book shows over 400 photographs, many published for the first time.

3. The Little Book of Elvgren | Dian Hanson

He’s called the King of Pin-up for good reason, Gillette Elvgren created some 700 pin-up oil paintings during his long career, more than any other calendar artist. From his first mid-’30s paintings through the 1970s, it’s all here, more portable, affordable, and adorable than ever!

4. Spider Murphy's | Various Authors

This massive, clothbound, hardcover book contains 110 sheets of tattoo flash by various artists, past and present, from the California tattoo studio, Spider Murphy's. It is a tribute to old-time flash and its themes and motifs are numerous and dedicated to the most authentic and at the same time original American tattoo culture.

5. Nature's Palette: A colour reference system from the natural world | Various Authors

Marking the 200th anniversary of the publication of Syme’s expanded edition of Werner’s Nomenclature of Colours (1821), this lavish volume takes Syme’s field guide of 110 standard colours and – for the first time – fully illustrates it with nineteenth-century depictions of his referenced species. This chromatic catalogue of the natural world pairs individual colour swatches with examples from the animal, vegetable and mineral kingdoms to create a beautiful and comprehensive colour reference system to grace every bookshelf.

6. Fantastic Ornament: 110 Designs and Motifs | Michel Liénard

Swirling with gargoyles, devils, dragons, griffins, and other images that haunt both dreams and nightmares, this otherworldly assortment features more than 100 decorations from a rare nineteenth-century volume. This collection of versatile, royalty-free illustrations are suitable for immediate use, adaptation, and inspiration.

If you'd like to learn more about tattoo artistry, why not join:
-Design Old School Tattoos in Procreate
-Artistic Tattoo Design With Golden Effects in Procreate

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