Computer Arts

special report spring 2017

computerarts.creativebloq.com

have to rearrange as you go through the design
process. For this reason Clements thinks that
tattoo design is a lot more complicated and long-
winded compared to designing for print.
For Stephenson moving completely into the
world of tattooing is a path that remains unexplored
for the moment. “I’ve thought about it a lot but not
made the step yet” he says. “I guess it’s because I
enjoy getting tattooed. I think if I learned how to
tattoo I may not look forward to getting tattooed.”
Explaining this idea further Stephenson recalls his
previous experience of learning the guitar. “I was
always in awe of people who played but then as I
started to learn I viewed guitarists differently”
he says. “I’d think to myself ‘Ah I know how to do
that now!’ It kind of took the magic away. Therefore
I guess I will always want to get tattooed rather
than actually do it” he smiles.
But this hasn’t stopped people getting
Stephenson’s designs etched into their skin. Besides
his paper cutting work he has also drawn up a few
designs specifically for tattoo purposes. “I love the
idea of getting my work tattooed on skin it’s such
an honour for someone to give you that trust to be
with them forever” he remarks.
Munden has also had his work tattooed onto
clients but has reservations about this approach.
“Prior to creating the book I’d designed quite a few
tattoos for people. It was and still is something I’m
on the fence about as I’m not a trained tattooist” he
explains. “There are so many amazing tattoo artists
out there I find it a bit backwards coming to me for
the design. I always tell anyone that asks that it is
the most expensive way to get a tattoo and probably
not the best.” Munden did however design his
left sleeve piece and learned a lot about placement
and how much detail should be included or left
out along the way. Since the release of The Tattoo
Colouring Book he has also started to see more of
his designs tattooed on other people. “I’ve seen the
book pop up in various tattoo parlours and I’ve had
lots of people tag me on Instagram in pieces they’ve
had tattooed from the book. Some people write
to me and ask permission some send me a picture
once it’s done either way it’s all good with me. I love
seeing that the work has been well received and
people are getting tattooed” he grins.

learning to say no
Managing expectations and knowing when to back
off a brief is important whether you are working
on or off skin. As Chi points out tattooing is high
demand work. Unlike a commercial brief you are
often expected to come up with ideas on the fly.

martha smith’s early interest in

printing ignited the aesthetic that

she would later translate into her

intricate tattoo designs.

smith’s unique tattooing style

was born of her love of

graphic design and printing.

martha Smith

What do you

enjoy the most

about tatttooing?

“my favourite part of my job

is being a tradesman as i really

like working with my hands.

i enjoy developing a skill and

a craft and i like to judge

my accomplishments by the

cleanness of my lines and the

blackness of my healed tattoos.

i don’t think i would ever get

the same physical exhaustion

or technical achievements

i crave as a tattooist through

illustration alone.”