No, tattoos are not exclusively reserved for Harley-swilling fifty-somethings, big American rappers and hyped footballers.
The image of tattoos has changed a lot these days, and that's a good thing. It has too often been seen as the preserve of marginal communities... or, on the contrary, of rednecks. Now, it's a way of revealing one's personality and history , when it's not a pure work of art.
Whether one is sensitive to this style or not, one must recognize the mastery and technique required.
Misconceptions about tattoos: between beliefs and myths?
However, we should not hide behind the excuse of meaning. This is a long debate that we find everywhere, and each time it is the same thing. We expect a story worthy of a US film and there, it is the drama.
You know who I'm talking about? That famous tattooed guy at a party. But yes, you know, the one who wears a short-sleeved tee to show off his new tattoo, or a super plunging V-neck to show off his new chicano on the pecs. This guy who is forced to justify himself, who wants to create charisma and who discredits his act.
So when you're looking for a tattoo idea , here are the thoughts you should NOT have:
- “Ah, isn’t that too hipster?”;
- “Ah, but this world-famous model/singer/athlete has something in common: I’m right”;
- "It will make me more manly";
- "I could go to the beach without worries now";
- I'm too skinny/too fat to get a tattoo.
What bad thoughts in your head...
(Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
NB: We can take inspiration from Lil Wayne's street style... but not from his tattoos!
Are you really getting a tattoo to please? Do you really want a tattoo to get compliments? Do you really think you're going to look tough? Do you think getting a tattoo will change your figure?
Sorry to disappoint you, tattooing is not a miracle cure! In fact, it is not a cure at all. It is an act of expression (of tastes, philosophies, messages, passions or thoughts), and it should be nothing else.
Finding inspiration for your tattoo
Finding inspiration for your tattoo is much easier than you think. The real difficulty is giving meaning to all of your inspirations.
At the beginning, we have an accumulation of images, meanings, words that have no real connection with each other. It can be a tagged wall, a color, a geometric figure, a work of art, textures seen in nature. You have to know how to make the connection between what you want and what you can do. That's the key.
Your tattoo artist will offer you a range of designs if you have no inspiration.
The tattoo transcribes a "piece" of what you are. Your tattoo will tell something. The simply "aesthetic" tattoo does not have the same objective as what we are talking about; it does not require in-depth thought since you are primarily looking to "decorate" a part of your body according to your tastes. Make a cuff with flowers, stars or small symbols, ideas are easier to find.
There is no minimum or maximum time to be ready to get tattooed. A good methodology is to store images in a "tattoo inspirations" folder and update it as often as possible, deleting and adding as much as you want. Over time, if you are in the "right", something interesting will form and you can start on a project.
Tattoos usually say something about you and your personality.
If you know someone who can help you connect these elements, don't hesitate to spend time with them. An artist, a writer, someone who has reflexes of assimilation and assembly. It could also be an architect or a musician.
Various sites have also been created in recent years.
Give yourself the means to create a unique identity for this tattoo by bringing the sensitivity and the eye of someone who matches the spirit you want to give.
How to choose your tattoo artist?
1. Where to get a tattoo?
Officially, there are places to get inked all over the world. Unofficially, it's not so easy.
For example, there is no question of setting foot in tattoo parlors that do not respect hygiene measures . Also, avoid these new “tattoo concept stores” with red walls, deer heads on the wall and tattoo catalogs . Or the kind of shops in seaside resorts and tourist areas that ink tribal in series.
The equipment must be new and sterilized: the tattoo artist usually opens it in front of you.
For a first piece, unless it is a big project, also absolutely avoid all-artist tattooists, who would respond to you via email by automatic message:
No discussion before, no appointment, you will see your drawing the same day. Check our calendar to set a session.
You risk getting upset and being subject to the tattoo artist's tastes more than anything else.
It's all a question of dosage, you have to feel integrated into the creation but not to the point of not giving your tattoo artist some free rein. Remember that they are artists first and foremost. They must be able to express themselves in their art, you would insult them by asking them for a copy and paste.
2. The price of a tattoo
First of all, you have to be prepared to spend a certain amount of money to get a quality tattoo. Getting a tattoo is not a trivial action (at least at first). The more difficult the surface is to ink and the more details you want, the higher the price.
Since tattoo artists are mostly paid by the hour, a general estimate of the cost of your project is possible. Prices vary depending on the experience, reputation and demand of a tattoo artist. For around €150 per hour, you will find many very competent tattoo artists, knowing that it is necessary to count up to several dozen hours for “large” pieces.
Large pieces take time and are done over several sessions.
Below €80, you risk being disappointed: the pricking technique, the ink used and the equipment will probably be less efficient. You will regret it a few years later, when you see the ink take on a strange shade and the contours of the tattoo become less precise, widening a little.
It can never be said enough: you will keep a tattoo for life . So the price is not the priority criterion. If it is for you, then don't get a tattoo: you probably have better things to do with your money.
3. Which tattoo artist to choose?
You must choose a tattoo artist who knows how to inject: that is to say with real lines without smudging, very uniform and without that impression of ink blots.
Generally, each tattoo artist has a very specific style. So choose your tattoo artist according to his style. You won't have the idea of asking a mechanic to help you choose your outfit for the 31st. Here, it's the same, you won't go to a tattoo artist specializing in Japanese cuffs to get a biomechanical style tattoo.
Look at the walls of the living room and chat with him to get a good overview of their work.
Then you have the real artists. Guys for whom you are ready to wait a year at least, or even years, and above all to save a lot. You are sure to have an exceptional and unique piece. It is better to reserve this kind of thing for a major project. I assure you, they do not accept everyone and only take on projects that motivate them and that bring them money: a cuff or a completely covered back, for example.
After a discussion with a renowned tattoo artist at a trade show, his wife said that he couldn't even get sick during the year because his schedule was fixed for several years.
Once you've found your tattoo artist, you're good to go!
The different styles of tattoos for men
1. Japanese and Asian tattoos
A major and most popular style in the West: inspirations from traditional images of this region, Chinese dragons, fish, flowers, lettering...
There are fundamental rules in this style, a lot of meanings present. Some people take years to do a full Japanese tattoo (all over the body).
2. The old school/new school influence
Most of the inspirations come from the 50s and 60s with, for example, pin-up drawings (yes!), boats, stripes, marine symbols, roses, the famous spider's web... We recognize them immediately thanks to the famous line stroke.
Mostly linked to rock culture, we see a lot of them with a recurring English influence that revives the style. There are also some old school tattoo artists who are moving towards cartoons. This is the kind of tattoo that you really have to assume.
3. Biomechanical aesthetics
It is composed of mechanical, organic and biological elements. It is a style of tattooing quite present in certain communities, which is very inspired by the world of science fiction.
There is often a robotic part covered by human tissue or the mixture of human/alien tissue. There is a real effect with the skin and the patterns that give the impression of a transformation.
4. Lettering
This is a perfect style for a first tattoo , lettering with a well-chosen typography on one side can be perfect in addition to being inexpensive. On the other hand, we can quickly fall into the cliché of a has-been R'n'B singer.
Isn't it?
5. Tribal/Polynesian influence
Originally a tradition with real meanings , sometimes very harsh, not to be underestimated depending on the countries you go to.
Unfortunately, our times have killed this style: traditional cuffs are sometimes sublime but are now ridiculed, unless they have corresponding origins. Otherwise, it will not pass.
Marquesan tattooing has been an integral part of Polynesian culture for centuries.
6. (Hyper) realistic tattoos, portraits and reproductions
Based on original portraits or creations, some inspirations are based on a multitude of cultural references, whether on the Renaissance, religions, the arts of living, decoration or even geography.
There is also a sub-style oriented towards hyper realism, recognizable by very particular features which transcribe reality as faithfully as possible.
We play a lot on gray nuances, shadows, details. We also play on exaggeration, simple, innocuous portraits are transformed into masterpieces.
7. Graphic tattoos (dot work, drawings, geometric patterns, original creations, graphics)
In most cases, you will start with a "unique" piece. The best tattoo artists of this kind are generally very good at graphics . It is very difficult to imagine something concise and clear in this style, these are real original creations.
How to properly prepare for your tattoo?
Lots of rest before. No drugs, no alcohol.
Above all, do not think of pain as if it were insurmountable. You have to accept the pain and not fight against it.
1. Breathe well following the artist's method
Some tattooists will stop very little during the session, others will do the opposite. Take a look during the session to overcome your anxiety and understand how it works.
We all have limits, remember that some areas are very painful and you have to be prepared to feel it. The inside of the fingers, for example.
Feel free to bring your laptop or smartphone to watch a movie, but don't let your reactions to it bother the tattoo artist. Be careful though, this is not everyone's opinion, as Erwan, a tattooed reader, points out:
Some tattoo artists (including some tattooed ones like me) will take it the wrong way if you spend your entire session looking at your book or your phone. It's disrespectful to not be interested in how your tattoo is done. It's also a time for exchange (whether the tattoo artist is talking or not, you're exchanging money for ink). In a sense, a session allows you to take your time and enjoy the time that passes.
Bringing something to distract you with you to the tattoo artist can help you cope with the pain.
The tattoo will age differently depending on its color, area, your lifestyle and the expertise of the tattoo artist.
Which areas should you choose for a man’s tattoo?
The zone, let's talk about it. As a man or on the verge of becoming one, there are certain zones to favor and others to particularly avoid .
1. Places to avoid
We strongly advise against the neck and face , just in relation to your job search: it can be a handicap. If it's big, it looks fake gangster. If it's small, we still wonder why you wanted to get a tattoo if it's to write an English word or a first name. Not subtle and a bit "chicky".
Yes, the tiger in the neck is not recommended.
2. Areas to be favored
Cuff (full arm), forearm, upper arm, back, flanks : the key areas of the male anatomy. The possibilities are numerous, interesting and you will be completely in the spirit of a tattooed person.
Don't look for half measures. You want to express your personality, tell a story. So no need for little symbols behind the ear: make a Japanese cuff, a realistic chest or lettering on the upper back.
3. Delicate areas
Calves, hands and chest to consider in case of a real artistic project. They are too often chosen to stick a big mahori / tribal, Arabic lettering, etc. You will especially look like a singer in need of recognition.
Incorporate these areas into a larger tattoo or if you already have a large body part tattooed.
Here, the tattoo on the hand completes those on the body.
How to maintain your tattoo?
Very important, this is what will give your tattoo its first breath. The healing period can be catastrophic for some people. It is therefore essential not to do just anything.
A tattoo requires minimal maintenance, it is an act that does more harm than good to the skin. After getting inked, you will feel a little irritated and swollen. This is completely normal, the skin will peel a little afterwards. After two to three hours, you will need to wash and clean the entire tattooed area, by dabbing and not rubbing (especially not).
Apply ointment, Vaseline or olive oil as a poultice and put your medical film (be careful, not cling film). Repeat the operation three times a day, especially don't forget this before going to bed.
Same thing the next day. In most cases, you will no longer need a bandage after 48 hours (sometimes even after 12 hours or even 24 hours). Now, it is possible to still be bothered: in this case, do as you did the two previous days.
NEVER expose your tattoo to the sun for the first few weeks.
Keep your tattoo away from the sun at first, it will delay healing.
Do not scratch the scabs, otherwise some touch-ups will unfortunately not be possible, and you may even have holes in your tattoo. No swimming during the first ten days. Hydration at most during the first 10 days.
Overall, after 7-10 days, your skin will have almost completely returned to its original appearance and you will only have a few small red spots which will fade very quickly.
Always remember that the better your tattoo artist is and the better he can inject, the better your tattoo will age and look.
A good idea would therefore be to work on the background of the design as a whole - for example with a graphic designer - but to leave free rein to your tattoo artist on the majority of the shape, who will add something "racy" and characteristic.
Failed Tattoos
Mistakes are common, no need to look far. Just take a look while walking down the street. The Chinese sign on the wrists, the huge tribal chosen from a catalog on the biceps, the lettering in dubious English on the upper torso, the "cheap" dragon that goes up to the calves.
Just in case, don't get a tattoo of your great love's first name.
As you will have understood, even if it is not necessary to have an intense "reflection" and to go there gradually, try to start on something solid and not to get a tattoo just for the hype.
Humorous tattoos are in questionable taste and will only make your friends laugh (shout out to Homer Simpson tattoos). You are free to wear it at the beach afterwards.
How to integrate a tattoo into a man's look?
A tattoo is a real plus when it is fully assumed, you must be aware that it will become your skin in its own right.
Assuming that your tattoo is an extension of you, a part and a reflection of you, just like your style... you quickly understand that the two combined form a unique cocktail. If you are in tune, you will really give off an astonishing charisma. As long as your tattoo is visible.
(Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images)
Brightly colored in a dark-toned outfit, the tattoos enhance the whole look.
You can wear a Monoprix tank top, faded jeans with slightly damaged black ankle boots. If your tattoo is a cuff that looks like "you", your style will be enhanced. Your tattoo will be the highlight of your outfit.
A tattoo can add a little craziness to your formal outfits for example.
