PERMANENT RECORD
PERMANENT RECORD NAME
NICOLE A . TINKER
..............................................
REASON DATE
GRADUATING CAPSTONE
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APRIL 2018
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N o 61803
Note from the author
From a young age, I have always had a fascination with criminology and criminal justice. In my spare time, you can probably catch me watching re-runs of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit or doing my homework while listening to a true crime podcast. Even though the Fashion Communication program at Ryerson has nothing to do with solving murder mysteries, my final graduation project has been deeply influenced by my interest in the life and aesthetic of criminals. Taking two things I am interested in, criminology and tattoos, I decided to merge the two and create a print book to see if the negative associations between the two remain. I would not only like to thank all that I interviewed to show the juxtaposition between criminals and 20-somethings in Toronto with tattoos, but for all my friends and family who have been there with me throughout this year and the journey of creating this book.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
01 INTRODUCTION
05
02 BRIEF TATTOO HISTORY
A brief beginning 1846-1910 Guide to sailor tattoos 1940-1989 1990-2010 Popular tattoo styles Terms to know
07 08 10 12 16 18 21 22
03 RUSSIAN CRIMINAL TATTOOS
Tattooing in Europe Guide to Russian criminal tattoos
24
26 28
04 JAPENESE GANG TATTOOS
Brief history of Japanese tattooing Yakuza
34 35 37
05 AMERICAN GANG TATTOOS
Gangs and tattoos The Latin Kings 18th Street Gang MS-13 Bloods and Crips Aryan Brotherhood
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41 42 44 45 46 49
06 PERSONAL INTERVIEWS
Bobby de Keyzer Laura Pitt Taylor Hand Logan Dunn
51 52 60 70 80
07 SOURCES
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Introduction With nearly 1 in 4 adult North Americans having a tattoo1, it is important to ask whether the strong associations between tattoos and deviancy of the past still remain today. Although tattooing has been indicated to start during the late Stone Age, the well-established decorative form began to change directions in the early 20th century.2 From stories of diseases being contracted from unhygienic tattooing practices to sailors being rejected from the Navy for having indecent tattoos of naked women2, the tattoo subculture has seen a shift from a negative association into a popular art. The aim of this capstone is to determine if the relationship between tattooed individuals and deviant behaviour still holds the same strong associations as previously throughout history. The goal of my research is to hopefully eliminate the negative stereotypes and associations of both tattoos and tattooed individuals through educational research as well as personal stories and ideas.
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A BRIEF TATTOO HISTORY
07
A brief beginning
With tattoo popularity rising every year, it is astonishing to learn that archeological evidence indicates that tattooing practices were found during the late Stone Age.2 Tattooing evidence has been found worldwide from carved figures in Europe dating back to 6000 BC to Egyptian figurines in 4000 BC. It is said that although researchers aren’t positive where tattooing started, it was a “well established decorate form by 1000 BC” 2. Tattoo practices were found worldwide throughout tribal societies, with the Maori of New Zealand arguably having the most sophisticated and rank-symbolizing designs.2 Tattooing was used as a way to denote the bearer’s status or social identity through the rite of passage to adult status and protection in the afterlife. The modern history of western tattooing can be marked with the voyages of Captain James Cook and his encounters with tattooing in the South Pacific.2 It is stated that the modern day term tattoo came from the Tahitian word ta-tu meaning “to mark”. Officers and sailors aboard the ship began to receive tattoos from the Tahitian artists to commemorate their adventures. Tattooing made it’s way to Europe on the body’s of sailors, craftsmen, the military, and members of the aristocracy with most of middle-class Europe not being affected although the press called it “the tattoo rage”2. Soon after, tattooing made it’s way across the ocean to the rich and powerful of America.
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In the early 20th century, tattooing was becoming less popular among the elite Americans. Ward McAllister, an American socialite once stated, “It is certainly the most vulgar and barbarous habit the eccentric mind of fashion ever invented. It may do for an illiterate seaman, but hardly for an aristocrat�3.
1846 - 1910 “Indecent or obscene tattooing is a cause for rejection”
In 1846, Martin Hildebrandt opened the first tattoo shop in New York City to tattoo civil war soldiers, followed by more tattoo shops popping up in port cities all over the United States to tattoo sailors.4 Modern tattooing changed for the better in 1891 when Samuel O’Reilly, a New York City tattoo artist, patented the first electric tattoo machine inspired by Thomas Edison’s perforating pen. With a new instrument came a new style – thick lines, solid shading, and colour in red, black, blue, and green dictated the new tattoo. O’Reilly took on Charles Wagner as a tattoo apprentice and spent their days tattooing hundreds of men. It is noted that in the late 1890s, over 80% of men in the US Navy had a tattoo.3
By 1900, tattoo shops were spreading from American port cities to major cities and in 1908, US Navy officials stated that “indecent or obscene tattooing is a cause for rejection, but the application should be given an opportunity to alter the design, in which even he may, if otherwise qualified, be accepted”3. With the Navy’s new rules, tattoo shops were becoming even more popular with sailors lining up to get their tattoos covered.
Another invention that would change modern tattooing was flash sheets, first created by “Lew-the-Jew” Alberts, a former sailor who tattooed his shipmates. Having a background in wallpaper design, Alberts developed sheets of tattoo designs that could easily be recreated.4
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Samuel O’Reilly 1854 - 1909
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A guide to sailor tattoos
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Full-Rigged Ship A full-rigged ship tattooed on a sailor was used to commemorate sailing around Cape Horn (rough waters near Chile).
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A GUIDE TO
A shellback turtle tattoo is another milestone tattoo used to commemorate sailing across the equator.
SAILOR TATTOOS
Shellback Turtle
Anchor This simple anchor design meant a lot to sailors, the anchor was used to commemorate crossing the Atlantic ocean. 14
Swallow The swallow was another milestone tattoo used to commemorate sailing 5,000 miles representing the promise to return home.
Hold Fast Usually tattooed on the knuckles of a sailor, hold fast symbolized good luck while the sailor was holding the rigging (ropes) of the ship.
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Lyle Tuttle 1931 -
1940 - 1989 With the war in full swing, tattooist “Sailor” Jerry Collins began to make a name for himself tattooing sailors and soldiers going through Pearl Harbour. Collins continued to tattoo using heavy black outlines and bold colours, and tattooing patriotic symbols, Navy symbols and pin up girls. During the 1960s, hepatitis scares reintroduced the stigmatization of tattoos and introduced age limits and laws for tattooing. In 1961, New York City prohibited all tattooing and Massachusetts followed New York City’s actions in 1962.1 After the 1970s, the attitudes towards tattoos began to change with the rise of punk subcultures. When famous tattoo artist Lyle Tuttle tattooed Janis Joplin in 1970, her wrist tattoo that was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone changed minds of many surrounding body modification and caused many to get tattooed themselves.5 Like the flash sheets developed in the 1900s, the designs on the shop walls dictated the trends. It wasn’t until the 1980s that tattooing split into two different directions: old school tattooists who would tattoo the same flash plastered on their shops walls, and trained artists who changed their medium from canvas to skin. With new technology came new art – thinner needles created different widths, more advanced machines controlled shading, safer hygiene, and new colors of ink.
“I wanted some decoration. See, the one on my wrist is for everybody; the one on my tit is for me and my friends. Just a little treat for the boys, like icing on the cake.” - Janis Joplin 6
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1990s - 2010 As the possibilities for tattooing expanded, so did shops and the clientele. By the 1990s, tattooing became popular among the middleclass population and college students, and small-scale versions of tattoo designs from previous generations became trendy. The rise of media and reality television shows such as LA Ink, featuring female tattoo artist Kat Von D, promoted tattooing to wider audiences and allowed viewers to view self-expression through tattooing as well as broaden the demographics of tattoo artists. It was stated that in 2010, 30 percent of 18-29 year olds had a least one tattoo and that nearly one in four adults in North America were tattooed.1 With the rise of hip hop and urban street culture, tattooing was embraced and designs on highly visible parts of the body such as neck, hands, and faces were gaining popularity within the hip hop and rap subcultures. Along with the music subcultures, urban street culture popularized tattooing both Hispanic and African Americans – populations
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Kat Von D 1982 -
And even Angelina Jolie got those
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Jordin Sparks, Tattoo
02
Wiz Khalifa, Ink My Whole Body
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Detail, Tattoo Girl
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Wale ft. Rick Ross, Tats on My Arm
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Drake, Gyalchester
“Got so many tats, you can’t even count ‘em. In the shop every week, I can’t seem to get enough. My aunt says my skin too clean to mark up.”
“Like first the rose then the butterfly, then the small little catch themes catch your eyes, and even Angelina Jolie got those.”
“Okay, tats all on my arm. These dreads all in my eyes.”
“Tat on my ribs like I do not know what permanent is.”
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SONGS ABOUT TATTOOS
“You’re on my heart just like a tattoo. Just like a tattoo, I’ll always have you”
ANGELINA JOLIE’S COVERED TATTOO
A guide to popular tattoo styles
Traditional
New School
Mentioned in the brief history of tattoos earlier, traditional tattoos became popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s with civil war soldiers and US Navy sailors getting tattoos in port cities all over the United States. Also known as old school, traditional tattoos got their start by featuring thick bold outlines with simple packed colours. Common imagery of the time included patriotic symbols such as eagles and armed forces symbols, anchors, swallows, pin-up girls, roses, and daggers. Traditional tattooing can still be seen today and is still as popular as ever. Although artists have added new colours to the then-limited colour palette and a larger range of imagery, you can always tell a traditional tattoo by the thick, bold outlines.
Opposite of traditional tattoos, new school uses bright colours and cartoon-like shapes and characters to convey the new style. Although both traditional and new school tattoos feature heavy outlines, their colour palette is what sets them apart. New school uses bright, saturated “unnatural� colours whereas traditional style uses a limited colour palette. Developed in the 1970s, new school is said to have started in California when tattoo artists started inking famous characters and cartoons.
Japanese Originating in Japan, the Japanese style of tattooing is influenced by wood-block prints and oriental animals and figures such as dragons, koi fish, and tigers. Unlike other tattoo styles, Japanese tattoos usually fill a piece of skin with no gaps, using objects such as waves and clouds as the background.
Realism Just like the name suggests, realism tattoos convey the object or figure just like a photograph would. Also known as photorealism, this style focuses on details and shading rather than bold outlines and colours.
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Terms to know: A tattoo glossary Apprentice
Custom Work
Someone who is learning what it takes to be a tattoo artist under the guidance of an established artist. Teaching you everything from setting up stations to actually tattooing, being an apprentice is the first step in a tattooers career.
Unlike flash, custom work are tattoos that are personally designed between the artist and the client.
Dot Work
Blow Out
A style of tattooing done by the use of many dots, usually in black or grey ink.
A visual result of an artist pushing the ink too far into a person’s skin. A blowout will cause lines to look blurred and bruised.
Flash Tattoo designs that are drawn beforehand for any client to get tattooed, usually on a tattoo shop’s walls or a binder.
Black Work Inspired by tribal tattoos, black work features bold line work and large areas of saturated black ink.
Line Work
Body Suit
A style of tattooing that features crisp outlines and little to no shading.
Another name for tattoos that covers either the entire torso or entire body.
Sleeve
Canvas
An arm that is filled with tattoos forming what looks like a sleeve from a shirt.
Another name for a client who is getting tattooed.
Stick and Poke
Cover-Up
A manual form of tattooing that uses a tattoo needle and ink, without the use of a tattoo machine.
A tattoo design that is placed on top of a previously done tattoo using line work and shading to hide the previous design. 22
RUSSIAN CRIMINAL TATTOOS татуировка
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Tattooing in Europe
It has been stated that there has been both academic and pop culture associating tattoos to criminality since the 1800s. Discussions of tattooing can be dated back to writings by Cesare Lombroso, an Italian criminologist who worked during the late 1800s and early 1900s.9 Lombroso had often written about criminals using tattooing to express themselves. In 1896, Lombroso wrote “when the attempt is made to introduce [tattoos] into the respectable world, we feel a genuine disgust, if not for those who practice it, for those who suggest it and who must have something atavistic and save in their hearts”10. In 1908, Adolf Loos, an Austrian architect had stated:
“The modern man who tattoos himself is a criminal or degenerate… tattooed men who are not behind bars are either latent criminals or generate aristocrats.” 11
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A guide to Russian criminal tattoos Surprisingly, tattooing was compulsory for Russian prisoners until 1861.12 Before being deported to Siberia, prisoners had to pass through the Tobolsk sorting centre in the second oldest Russian settlement to be sorted into different camps. Depending on the convicts sentence and crime, tattoos were given on their faces and hands. Examples of these tattoos include “SP” for exile, “K” for forced labour, and a “V” on the forehead of thieves (until 1914).11 Although the year is unknown for when Russian prisoners started voluntarily getting tattoos, convicts used their tattoos as “criminal identity cards”11 telling a story through their sentences and life in prisons and camps.
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Eyes above the waistline Worn by a homosexual.
Church bell on a chain, tattooed on the right shoulder Worn by a pickpocketer who has taken money from believers on church festival days.
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Five dots, tattooed on the wrist Worn by someone familar with the prison system. The dots signify “four watchtowers and me�.
Spider crawling up the shoulder A spider crawling up is worn by an active thief, while a spider crawling down indicates that the thief is finished with the criminal life.
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Cross with an angel on each side Worn by a convicted murderer in a special regime labour camp.
Woman boiling in a pot Crime was egged on by a woman.
Cat wearing boots Worn by a convict who has previously broken out of prison or is planning on breaking out.
Portrait of a woman wearing a cross on a chain, tattooed on the shoulder Worn by a convict who has spent their 17th birthday in prison.
Genie on left forearm Symbol of a drug addict.
Cathedrals with specific number of domes One of the most popular prison tattoos, cathedrals represent time spent in prison with the number of domes indicating the number of sentences a convict has served over their lifetime.
Portraits of Lenin and Stalin Worn both as patriotic feelings and protection for the convict. It was believed that prison guards were not able to shoot at an image of their leaders.
A cat wearing a hat, tattooed on the shoulder Worn by a burglar who likes to operate alone at night. 31
1. Spasite of syda (Save me from judgement) 2. Has convicted parents 3. A gambler or fraudster 4. Convicted for robbery 5. I escaped 6. A thief
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5 2 3
4
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JAPANESE GANG TATTOOS 極道
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A brief history
The earliest evidence of tattooing in Japan was found in tombs dated from 5,000 BC or earlier featuring clay figurines with painted or engraved faces representing tattoo marks.7 In 297 AD, a Chinese dynastic history was compiled that mentioned Japanese “men young and old, all tattoo their faces and decorate their bodies with designs�6. There was been multiple mentions of Japanese tattooing in Chinese texts but mostly in a negative light, stating that tattooing was a sign of barbarism and should be used as a punishment. It was in the 7th century that the rulers of Japan adopted the attitudes of the Chinese in terms of tattooing. By the early 17th century, tattooing had become a means to identify criminals although by the end of the century, penal tattooing had been replaced. With tattooing becoming popular again in the 1800s, the Japanese government decided to officially prohibit tattooing among the Japanese people in 1872 although they did not prohibit foreigners to receive the tattoos.8 Despite the tattoo ban, tattooers would work normal jobs during the day and switch to their artistry at night. Shockingly, it was much later in 1950 that the Japanese discovered the tattoo machine as they used the tebori technique (using a bundle of
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“Hide my tattoos in Shibuya, police think I’m of the underworld” Frank Ocean, Chanel
Just like in the 17th century, tattooing was still associated with organized crime in Japan with the yakuza being the perfect clientele for these hidden tattoo artists. The yakuza, members of Japanese organized crime, prided themselves on their loyalty and ability to endure pain6 – all things that tattooing would do to them. Tattooing still remains taboo in Japan because of the association between tattoos and deviant behavior. If you visit public baths, sports centers, and hotels – there is a chance you will not be allowed in if you have visible tattoos.
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AMERICAN GANG TATTOOS
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American gangs and tattoos
Gangs in the United States have been a part of cities such as New York and Los Angeles for decades. From national street and prison gangs to international organized crime gangs, gangs are still thriving in the United States with articles about them in the news popping up weekly. Just like Russian criminals and the Yakuza, different gangs in the United States decorate their bodies as a way to distinguish themselves and show off their pride. From subtle symbols on the torso to large scale face tattoos, tattooing goes hand in hand with these gangs. With over 33,000 active gangs in the USA, I will be focusing on six primary gangs who are not only popular but use tattoos as part of their identity.
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The Latin Kings Originating in Chicago in the 1960s13, The Latin Kings have become the largest Hispanic street gang in the United States. Created for both Mexican and Puerto Rican youths, the Latin Kings was formed to protect Latino youth from racist white gangs.14 Stated as “one of the most violent gangs in the United States today�15, the gang has evolved all over the country including chapters in New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Florida. To its members, the gang is not only an independent nation but also a religion and a means to survive.16 Just like a nation, The Latin Kings have their own government including laws and leaders.16 It is estimated there are around 7,500 members of the gang with the gang’s primary source of income coming from cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. 13
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18th Street Gang With an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 members across the United States17, 18th Street Gang or Barrio 18 is “one of the more significant emerging criminal threats in the region” 17. Originating in Los Angeles, Barrio 18 consists mostly of Central American immigrants – sometimes as young as elementary school children with immigrant parents. With members being deported, the gang has spread its reach to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.17 Known as “one of the largest youth gangs in the Western Hemisphere”18, the gang not only controls their own territory against rivals (namely MS-13), but operate by selling drugs and running brothels. Unlike other street gangs, Barrio 18 is made up of loosely associated groups each run by their own leader.13 The powerful gang has managed to control entire neighborhoods in Central America, becoming one of the “most powerful criminal enterprises in the world”19.
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Mara Salvatrucha Rivaling Barrio 18, Mara Salvatrucha (also known as MS-13) started in Los Angeles in the 1980s by a group of Salvadoran youth20 and has grown into an international criminal gang with anywhere between 30,000 to 50,000 members worldwide. Labeled a “transnational criminal organization” by the U.S. Department of the Treasury21, the violent gang was originally created to protect fleeing Salvadoran immigrants. With a shocking motto of “Mata, roba, viola, controla” (Kill, steal, rape, control)22, this violent gang is rumored to have an annual revenue of 31.2 million dollars22 through drug trafficking, human trafficking, prostitution, and murder.
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Bloods
Formed during the 1970s in Compton, California23, the Bloods have become one of the most known gangs in North America with 15,000 to 20,000 members nationwide. Primarily an AfricanAmerican street gang, the Bloods are known for their red clothing. Originally formed to rival the Crips, the street gang primarily makes their income through the selling of crack cocaine and other criminal activities.
Crips
and the Rival to the Bloods, the Crips originated in Los Angeles in the 1960s by Raymond Washington and Stanley Williams24. Opposite to the Bloods, the Crips were known for wearing blue although the practice of repping colours has faded to become subtler. With 30,000 to 35,000 members, the street gang is made up of youth of primarily AfricanAmerican decent with other members being white, Hispanic, or Asian.
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01
The Black Eyed Peas, Where Is The Love?
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Kanye West, Murder to Excellence
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Eazy-E, Boyz n the Hood
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G-Unit, Poppin’ Them Thangs
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Coolio, Gangsta’s Paradise
“Heard about at least three killings this afternoon, looking at the news like, ‘Damn! I was just with him after school. No shop class but half the school got a tool and a ‘I could die any day’-type attitude, plus his little brother got shot reppin’ his avenue.”
“Chased him up the street to call a truce, the silly motherfucker pull out a deuce-deuce. Little did he know I had a loaded 12 gauge, one sucker dead, LA Times front page”
“Every hood we go through, all the gangstas around know my whole crew. We hold it down like we supposed to.”
“You better watch how you’re talking and where you’re walking or you and your homies might be lined in chalk.”
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SONGS ABOUT AMERICAN GANGS
“But we still got terrorists here livin’ in the USA. The big CIA, the Bloods and the Crips and the KKK”
Aryan Brotherhood As a means to protect white inmates from being assaulted in prison25, the Aryan Brotherhood is a prison gang formed in the 1960s in San Quentin, a prison in California. The original members started the gang to protect themselves from two other main prison gangs, the Black Guerrilla Family and the Mexican Mafia.26 Originally forming for self-protection, the Aryan Brotherhood is known as a white supremacist, Neo-Nazi prison gang. The gang went from killing for racial reasons to becoming organized criminals, with everything from drug trafficking and prostitution, to murder-for-hire. As the United States’ oldest white supremacist prison gang27, the Brotherhood has an estimated 20,000 members in and out of prison.
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PERSONAL INTERVIEWS AND PHOTOS
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Bobby de Keyzer Getting his first tattoo just two years prior, this twenty two year old professional skateboarder has his left arm and both thighs covered in art from his favourite tattoo artists, imagery from street signs around the world, and whatever else he may have seen along the way. Unlike popular opinion, Bobby believes he is less likely to regret a tattoo that has little to no personal meaning to him.
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“It’s definitely easier for me to go into a shop with no real idea of what I want and find something that I like.”
From personally knowing you, I know that you don’t like to share your tattoos on social media.
I feel that I don’t like sharing my tattoos on social media because they are very personal to me. I don’t like the idea of sharing a new tattoo because I don’t want to influence someone to get something similar to mine just because I have it. I think everyone should have their own reasons for getting them and don’t feel like it’s something that needs to be shared.
What was your first experience with tattoos? I don’t really remember my first experience but I do remember my older brother talking about ideas for tattoos and my parents never liking them. Were you raised to see tattoos in a certain light? Did your parents or close relatives have tattoos? Nobody in my family growing up really had tattoos. Later on my older brothers did get tattoos that I thought were cool but still never gave it much thought of my own. You now have over 10 tattoos but you only started getting them a year to two ago, what made you decide that you wanted to start getting them? I started to want tattoos when I saw my other friends getting them. I knew of multiple people who could tattoo and I enjoyed learning more about the drawings and styles that I thought applied to my aesthetic. Do any of your tattoos have meanings or do you strictly get them for the art? Most of my tattoos don’t have any real meaning. I don’t really like meaningful tattoos personally, so I basically got all of them because I liked the design. Do you find your own references or are they mainly from tattoo artist’s flash? I have a mix of drawings that I have found on my own and that other artists have made. I enjoy both but it’s definitely easier for me to go into a shop with no real idea of what I want and find something that I like. An example of one of my tattoos is from a street sign that I saw in Puerto Rico.
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Makes sense, so although you don’t like meaningful tattoos – you find your tattoos personal to you? Is there a reason why you don’t like so-called “meaningful” tattoos? I find my tattoos personal to my aesthetic, so although I don’t have a meaning for a snake on my arm I still think of it as part of my style. I’m not a fan of meaningful tattoos because I’ve always kind of associated them with regret for some reason. I think it would be easier for me to get sick of having someone’s name tattooed on me rather than a classic drawing of a panther for example. Have you ever noticed yourself conforming to a certain group? No, not really. It’s pretty rare for me to feel uncomfortable with having my tattoos showing in a public setting, most of them tend to be pretty hidden for the most part anyway. The only reason I would want them to be covered at something professional is because I hate talking and trying to explain to people why I like them. I would never feel ashamed or immature because of my tattoos though. Since my capstone is on tattoos and deviant behavior – do you still think the negative association between them exists? Of course I think there is still some kind of negative association with tattoos. Maybe not always related to deviant behavior and things like that but I would just associate a general discomfort from people who don’t understand tattoos. There has definitely been a change though and it is becoming more normal for any kind of person to have tattoos and I think that it has a lot to do with social media and younger generations not working your typical office jobs.
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Laura Pitt Meet Laura - A 21 year old who is about to graduate with a Bachelor of Design from York University and Sheridan College. As one of the most creative people I know, I knew I had to interview her to get her story. After she finishes school, she hopes to take a little bit of time for herself to enjoy the warmth of the summer, do a bit of travelling, and most importantly spend time with her friends before they all set off on their own adventures. Talking about the future, she’d like to find a small studio to settle into whether it be here in Toronto, Montreal, or somewhere in Europe! Outside of design she has a lot of love for mandarins, the colour orange, poetry, and dim sum.
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“I found it a lot of fun to decorate my body and found the process to be quite exciting.�
What was your first experience with tattoos? One of the first experiences with tattoos that I can recall, if I can call it one, was with temporary tattoos you would use with water. I absolutely loved them. I found it a lot of fun to decorate my body and found the process to be quite exciting. Peeling of the little white paper and revealing the design on my skin was such a satisfying feeling for me!
What was your first tattoo? When did you know you wanted to get it? My very first tattoo is a stick and poke (if you consider stick and poke a tattoo) of a moon on the inside of my wrist done by my friend. It was in my basement apartment I was living in during the second year of my undergrad using a sewing needle, cheap ink, some ice. Couldn’t have done it without the help of some wine and coercion from two of my other friends who were with us. It was a very impulsive decision I made that night, but I haven’t regretted it since!
Me too! Were you raised to see tattoos in a certain light? Did your parents or close relatives have tattoos? Growing up, the topic of getting tattoos never came up between me and anyone in my family. Although, I was exposed to a lot of the idea that tattoos get really ugly and deformed in the long run once you become “old.” I was the first one in my family to get a tattoo, which my mum and dad at first were not pleased about. I continued to get more anyway, because it was my body. My dad came to terms with that idea pretty quickly and feels pretty neutral about it now. Whereas my mum likes to bounce back and forth a lot between calling them beautiful or asking me if that tattoo is new with concerned and disappointed tone. It’s interesting because my brother actually got a tattoo on his back about a year or so ago, and my parents do not seem to care at all!
After your first /real/ tattoo, did you receive any negative feedback from close family or friends? After my first “real” tattoo appointment in which I got two tattoos done, both on my right arm, my parents weren’t exactly thrilled to see it. It was a lot of “Oh no, what you done?” from them. On the other hand, my friends were really supportive and really liked them! All of these reactions were pretty expected.
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Do all your tattoos have meaning or do you believe tattoos can just be body art? Nope! I think all of my tattoos except one do not have meaning. I am totally for the idea that tattoos can just be body art! I respect and support everyone’s decision with what they wanna do with their body in regards to tattoos. For me, a large part of tattooing is about having that liberation and control to do whatever you want with your body. Have you ever noticed yourself conforming to a certain group? Yes. At first, my parents suggested I wear a long sleeve of some sort to cover my tattoos when visiting my grandparents. I did for the first few visits, but I eventually stopped because I forgot and also grew to not care. Other than that, I’ve never felt the need to cover them up. I show them off and wear them proudly! What did your grandparents think? My grandparents on both sides both kind of squinted and asked what it was. After I explained it was a tattoo and what it was of, they both just kind of nodded.
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I am very lucky to be in an environment that is often more accepting of tattoos and the culture. I definitely think that if I worked or wanted to work in a field that was not creative I would be a lot more cautious with who saw my tattoos. I’ve had a lot of friends express their interest in tattoos, but are very hesitant because of what they hope to do in the future in terms of employment.
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My capstone is on tattoos and deviant behavior – do you still think the negative association between them exists? I definitely think there is still a negative association between deviant behaviour and tattoos. While I do not associate the two together, I know there are still others who do. But again, that all comes back to the way we’ve all grown up and been taught what to think of them. If anything, I find people to be a lot more accepting of tattoos now than in the past which is evident through the reactions of older generations. With that being said, have you ever had an experience (positive or negative) that stemmed from being tattooed? Most, if not all, of my experiences that have come from my tattoos have been positive. One that has really stuck out to me was when someone told me about how they had some regret over a huge floral piece on their shoulder and they said that they remembered I also had one and then felt better. I honestly had no idea what to say, but it was one of the sweetest things that was said to me! Most of the other interactions are usually strangers commenting on my tattoos, asking where I got them done, and who the artist was because they’ve been thinking of getting one. It’s really heart-warming to have people ask for advice and hear that they like my tattoos because they’re literally a part of me!
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Taylor Hand At 24 years old, Taylor works at an agency downtown Toronto as a lead web & graphic designer. After getting out of a small town she found herself in the heart of the city surrounded by friends, food, art and design. Living in such a bustling city with different outlets to discover herself, Taylor then began growing her tattoo collection to caption growing moments, memories and personal staples; much to her parent’s dismay.
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What was your first experience with tattoos like? When you first viewed someone with tattoos, what came to mind? Growing up my dad had a couple tattoos. Since I was young I knew what they were and he would always say that he regretted them - and that’s all I knew. From hearing him say that he regretted them, did you think at the time you would ever get tattoos? Yeah, actually. One of his is for him mom. So I’d always tell him I’d copy it. Did you ever copy it? Not yet, probably eventually just to bother him I think. What was your first tattoo? Did you know exactly when you wanted to get it? Oh yeah, once I turned 15 and my grandma passed away I knew I wanted something for her and would constantly tell my parents I was going to get it. It was a hummingbird. Did you wait until you were of age to get it? Yeah definitely! I did a lot of research on who I wanted to do it and got it a week after I turned 18. A lot of people tend to not like their first tattoo and wish they did more research, so I’m assuming you still love it? Yeah, depends on the day. Sometimes I wish I didn’t have any, and then I get another one. So here we are. But that one specifically, I’m still happy with it.
“Yeah, depends on the day. Sometimes I wish I didn’t have any [tattoos], and then I get another one.”
“I think it’s important what you deem meaningful or not, and if you like something and want it on your body, then go for it.”
After getting that tattoo/your others, did you
Is there a reason for that? You’re always nervous around meeting your partner’s parents for the first time. So yeah, I’d say the first couple times I wanted to be the best version of myself. I know that sounds silly. I think it’s important for me to get comfortable in that type of setting before I show that I have tattoos. It’s funny because they’re all the most girly/ dainty things ever.
ever receive negative feedback from your family/friends? Initially, my grandparents had some negativity but I think they actually liked them in the end. Plus I don’t think I surprised anyone when they first saw my tattoo(s). Do you know why your grandparents weren’t the biggest fans? Those ones specifically are a little old school so they’ve always had their reservations with tattoos and the type of people who get them. Over the years though, they’ve definitely come around with their opinions I think.
So I guess with that being said, would you agree that tattoos still have negative associations? I think with any older generation, definitely. I do think over the years everyone is becoming more open minded about tattoos and what one can do with their own body.
Speaking on negative associations and thoughts, does working in a creative industry make you feel like you are free to flaunt your tattoos while in an office setting? Oh yeah, definitely. I think I’m lucky where that wasn’t even a hesitation or worry I needed to think about.
Do you think tattoos have to be meaningful or can they just be body art? Do all of yours having meaning? When I was younger I used to think that and thought it was a poor decision if it wasn’t meaningful. But I think that’s just what society had me believe. Since then, I have a mix of both. I think it’s important what you deem meaningful or not, and if you like something and want it on your body, then go for it.
Have you ever noticed yourself conforming to a certain group because of your tattoos? Hm, I’m not entirely sure. I mean I think when I started dating my boyfriend; I used to cover up where my tattoos are a bit more than usual. 76
For sure, do you think that idea that everything had to be meaningful stemmed from society and your dad? Yeah, big time. I had always thought that and had to figure it out for myself, which was a big learning curve for all things, really. As someone who has tattoos, do you ever see them in a negative light? Do you ever create negative associations towards someone because of their tattooed appearance? Well I’ve seen some really bad/poorly done tattoos but that’s more aesthetic. I don’t then create negative thoughts regarding that person. Any last words? I guess, it really just is someone’s own decision to get a tattoo and no one else’s. If they love it then the more power to them. It shouldn’t be anyone else’s opinion to deter one’s feelings on their own body and if they should or shouldn’t get a tattoo.
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Logan Dunn At 23 years old, Logan is studying Nutritional Sciences while taking photos of food, friends, and anything else that catches his eye in his spare time. Driven by a strong desire to encourage a more food secure system and a more sustainable world, Logan curates a blog where he shares weekly recipes to show others that consuming a plant-based lifestyle can be both economic and attainable. Through this he hopes to show that choosing more sustainable options in terms of not only food choices, but in areas of beauty and wellness, is easy when given the right information. While being passionate about nutrition and creativity, Logan uses his tattoos as an outlet for his confidence and as a conversation starter.
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“I also just love the aesthetic of being covered in them, it makes me feel confident.”
What was your first experience with tattoos? I don’t have a good response to this because I literally just got one because I could when I turned 18 - I thought it was funny.
After getting your first tattoo, what made you decide to keep getting them? I really enjoyed the process of the tattoo. I don’t put much thought into my pieces and I dug the spontaneity of it, bonding with the artist over their work that I’d wear permanently and the way it feels. It was like a rush. I also just love the aesthetic of being covered in them, it makes me feel confident, and I dig when people who would usually ignore me spark up a conversation about my ink.
I guess I thought they were a way to distinguish yourself from a crowd, to show a part of yourself that others couldn’t see previously. Growing up, did anyone in your family have tattoos? Nobody really.
Are you ever worried about your tattoos being seen by people in a negative way? Occasionally I do get stressed that my professors or peers in the scientific community won’t take me seriously because of my choice to not only have tattoos, but because of the nature of the pieces that I have. That’s not very often though, most jobs I apply to are in the creative industry so I feel like they’re a lot more accepting of tattoos and I never feel like I have to hide them for fear of being judged.
So once you legally could get one, you just did it as a thing to do? Yeah, I make decisions spur of the moment and I figured it would make me stand out if I had one so I went and did a walk in. I got a crown of twigs on my thigh. Although no one in your family had tattoos, do you believe you were raised to see them in a certain light or was it just not talked about? We didn’t really talk about them, I never had any negative associations with them but I did know that my parents wouldn’t appreciate me covering my body the way I have.
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When talking about the nature of your pieces - Do you mind sharing what you mean? A lot of them are more explicit, or I guess “dark”. I have a headless naked lady diving into a lake, a two headed snake, and a death moth. I feel like people in the scientific community don’t always appreciate those things. Gotcha. Do these tattoos/your others have a special meaning to you or do you get them purely for the art? I only have a few that have a meaning, most of which are tied back to my childhood home and growing up by the water. The rest are purely art that I chose moments before getting them on my skin. I have a wave that I stick n poked on myself to remind me of my childhood spent in the lake swells, and the lyrics “To shape the winds, to shape the currents” by Jose Gonzalez because they really resonated with me and my connection with nature. With saying you can sometimes be conscious of your tattoos, have you ever noticed yourself conforming to a certain group? No, whenever I feel like someone may judge me for my tattoos, it almost drives me to show them more and to wear shorter sleeves for people to see them. If someone is going to be uncomfortable by decisions I make in my life then I want them to truly feel it and to know that I dont care at all about their discomfort.
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Since my capstone is on tattoos and deviant behavior – do you still think the negative association between them exists? I feel that in certain circles (academics, some business men, conservatives and bigots), negative associations definitely still exist. I do feel though that a lot of the previous connotations have been lifted, and more people are open to viewing tattoos as art, and not marks of deviance. With that being said, have you ever had an experience (positive or negative) that stemmed from being tattooed? I actually haven’t had any negative experiences as of yet due to my tattoos. My family doesn’t love them but they do appreciate that it’s my decision to get them on my skin. I feel that honestly a lot of positive experiances have come from them, a lot of fun times spent stick and poking new pieces with friends, forming memories that have created a bond between the two of us through the ink on our skin. Just in general I find that they’re a good conversation starter, I’ve met a lot of new pals at parties or events through the simple fact that they were interested in the stories behind my pieces (which by no means are very interesting), but it still sparks a conversation that may not have happened if i had bare skin.
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