The four designs in this collection are based on actual tattoos from the 1920s to the 1950s: a pierced heart, inscribed with "Love"; a bouquet of roses and a banner proclaiming "Mother"; a snake encircling a dagger; and a handsome, full-rigged sailing vessel, with the inscription "Homeward."

Packed with illustrations, this book celebrates the art of the tattoo. It includes tattoo designs that all specially drawn for the book range from traditional motifs hearts, sailors, girls, skulls, roses to more elaborate compositions with a contemporary edge.

Between these pages are images of the original acetate rubbings from Charlie Wagner's turn of the 20th century tattoo shop, The Black Eye Barbershop, in the Bowery at Chatham Square in New York. This is the only known art that has survived from this shop, where Samuel J. O'Reilley's modern-day electric tattoo machine was born and patented. The imagery of this classic flash preserves the origins of American tattoos, when tattoo art was transferred to the client from these templates via an acetate stencil. Everything was done by hand until O'Reilley's electrified tattoo machine changed history. This rich heritage of folk art has more than 900 individual pieces of flash that provide commentary on the shop's clientele and reveal some of the social, economic, and political ideas of the time. Including nautical themes, Asian imagery, flowers, boxers, circus characters, and plenty of girls, this is an exciting collection of early American flash and a necessary book for the tattoo artist, aficionado, and student.

Tattoos have been around for thousands of years. (The ancient Egyptians seemed to have favored geometric figures.) Regarded by many who wear them today as a form of personal identification, tattoo designs range from symbols of courage and patriotism to expressions of love and affection. This collection of colorable tattoos — all adapted from patterns created during the first half of the 20th century — lets colorists of all ages apply their own eye-catching hues to thirty pages of intriguing designs. From frightening figures and powerful beasts to good luck symbols, pretty girls, and pierced hearts, the traditional tattoos represent a unique form of body art — and a great source of coloring fun.

Vintage Tattoo Flash is a one-of-a-kind visual explorationof the history and evolution of tattooing in America. Aluscious, offset-printed, hardcover tome-a beautiful andserious addition to the understanding of one of the world'soldest and most popular art forms. Electric tattooing as we know it today was invented inNew York City at the turn of the 19th century. In the firstdays of American tattooing, tattoos were primarily wornby sailors and soldiers, outlaws and outsiders. The visuallanguage of what came to be known as "traditional tattooing"was developed in those early days on the Boweryand catered to the interests of the clientele. Commonimagery that soon became canon included sailing ships,women, hearts, roses, daggers, eagles, dragons, wolves,panthers, skulls, crosses, and popular cartoon charactersof the era. The first tattooists also figured out that usingbold outlines, complimented by solid color and smoothshading, was the proper technique for creating art on abody that would stand the test of time. In the over 100years since then, techniques and styles have evolved, andthe customer base has expanded, but the core subjectmatter and philosophy developed at the dawn of electrictattooing has persisted as perennial favorites through themodern era. While most tattoos are inherently ephemeral, transportedon skin until the death of the collector, a visual recordexists in the form of tattoo flash: the hand-painted sheetsof designs posted in tattoo shops for customers to selectfrom. Painted and repainted, stolen, traded, bought andsold, these sheets are passed between artists through onechannel or another, often having multiple useful lives in avariety of shops scattered across time and geography. Theutility of these original pieces of painted art has made itso that original examples can still be found in use or up forgrabs if you know where to look. Vintage Tattoo Flash draws from the personal collectionof Jonathan Shaw-renowned outlaw tattooist andauthor-and represents a selection of over 300 pieces offlash from one of the largest private collections in existence.Vintage Tattoo Flash spans the first roughly 75years of American tattooing from the 1900s Bowery, to50s Texas, through the Pike in the 60s and the developmentof the first black and grey, single-needle tattooingin LA in the 70s. The book lovingly reproduces entirelyunpublished sheets of original flash from the likes of BobShaw, Zeke Owen, Tex Rowe, Ted Inman, Ace Harlyn, EdSmith, Paul Rogers, the Moskowitz brothers, and many,many others relatively known and unknown.

The unearthing of authentic celluloid acetate stencils, a project undertaken by Long Island tattoo shopowner and memorabilia collector Cliff White, continues. In this compilation, thousands more artifacts emerge from "deeper inside the trunk" and expose a sprawling collection from the late '50s and early '60s. These facsimiles, represented in their original color and tone, include timeless designs such as anchors and panthers; famous cartoon characters; wizards, unicorns, and leprechauns; cultural and historical symbols, from Marine Corps logos to Asian designs; and hundreds of other styles too numerous to mention here. Marks of original artists shine through in the leaves of this volume, revealing the etchings of rough craftsmen of a half century ago and evoking stories of weathered sailors and hardscrabble New Yorkers that veteran and young tattooists will appreciate. Fans of scrimshaw, folk art, and engraving will also consider this book a massive source of inspiration and awe.

Legends is a compilation of vintage tattoo flash and photos of some of tattoo's legendary artists. It includes work by Sailor Jerry, Mike Malone, Cap Coleman, Bert Grimm, Bob Shaw and many others.

Embark on a creative journey into the world of tattoos with Exploring Tattoos: A Journey into the World of Body Art. Whether you're a seasoned tattoo enthusiast or someone considering their first piece of ink, this ebook is your passport to the fascinating realm of body art. Discover the secrets of crafting a tattoo that goes beyond the surface – a design that tells a story, captures emotions, and reflects your unique personality. "Inkscapes" is not just a book; it's your companion in navigating the rich tapestry of tattooing. What You'll Find Inside:Design Fundamentals: Uncover the basics of tattoo design, from understanding the significance of symbols to mastering the art of composition. Learn how to transform ideas into visually stunning designs that stand the test of time. Style Exploration: Dive into the diverse world of tattoo styles, including traditional, realism, watercolor, geometric, Japanese, tribal, and new school. Explore the characteristics of each style and find the one that resonates with your personal taste. Symbolism Decoded: Decode the symbolism behind common tattoo motifs. Whether it's anchors, roses, dragons, or geometric shapes, understand the deeper meanings that add layers of significance to your chosen design. Customization Techniques: Discover how to tailor existing designs or create entirely unique tattoos. Unleash your creativity by exploring customization techniques that make your ink a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Choosing the Right Artist: Learn the essential tips for selecting a tattoo artist who aligns with your vision. Understand the importance of collaboration and communication in turning your design ideas into a stunning reality. Caring for Your Tattoo: Delve into the post-ink journey with insights on proper aftercare. Ensure your tattoo heals beautifully, maintaining its vibrancy and clarity for years to come. Why "Inkscapes" is Your Go-To Guide: "Inkscapes" is more than just a guidebook; it's an exploration of the art form that has been etched into human history for centuries. Packed with practical advice, artistic inspiration, and a celebration of individuality, this ebook is your key to unlocking the door to the world of meaningful and captivating tattoos. Are you ready to embark on a visual and symbolic journey? Dive into "Inkscapes" and discover the artistry, stories, and timeless allure of tattoo design. Your body is a canvas; let this guide help you paint your unique masterpiece.