Asiah Accola what are you waiting for? Be careful tho. They’re addictive. I said I would only get one very meaningful tattoo. That didn’t last long. Here I sit 3/4 of the way done with my left sleeve, planning my right sleeve, considering I sternum piece, and with 9 individual tattoos scattered around the rest of my body. Your body is your temple, start decorating those walls!
I think the biggest issu is for the client who paid a premium price to get a custom piece tattooed by an artist to find later on that someone copied his tattoo.
Noémie Robidoux whats it matter if the person who copied it found it on google images years later and had it tattooed, they probably dont even live in the same state or country even, its not like they would ever run into each other and be like, “damn, this asshole has the same tattoo as me”
Craig C if you get a tattoo to let’s say, remember someone, you would be ok to know that another person have the EXACT same tattoo just because they found it cool?
Premium price is for a quality tattoo not for a design that no one else will have. You just want to puff up your ego to make yourself feel special. If everyone is special no one is special in reality.
FullMoonFullHeart I get they are talking about their original pieces being copied. If Megans comments on flash were off topic or perceived as irrelevant to this discussion don't you think Inked would have edited it out???
Frank Brown it’s irrelevant to the conversation, it was left in because it’s the only contrasting opinion and this channel doesn’t like to push just one perspective
FullMoonFullHeart the only contrasting opinion??? There were 25 varying opinions given... Everyones entitled to question or voice their views whether you agree with them or not...
There are 2 types of customers: 1) Customers who've researched you and your portfolio and want YOUR art on their body. 2) Customers who want THEIR art on their body (including images they've found online). Both are completely valid. Not everyone is free spirited enough to let you have that much control over what is on their body forever. A tattoo is a justifiable reason to be a neurotic perfectionist for most people. I'm artistic and I went in for my first tattoo with a sketch I did of what I wanted. The artist insisted on taking liberties and I was too much of a pushover to stand my ground. I still intend to get it "fixed" someday.
Omg same I brought the "artist" a minimalist piece of a lil dog. I just told him to have it to look up. I had to photoshop it and drae it myself bc the guy tried to fucking trace it straight from my phone. The tattoo turned out shitty and the inking was just awful. I have to cover up my entire leg in order to make it not look like it was there
I know a girl who let her tattooist go free range and my friend absolute hated and regretted it. I think at least a discussion about a piece that has meaning to the client is necessary.
I went in with a simple sketch idea of something I wanted for my family and my culture, and told the guy that he could change it up a bit, that just certain parts were important to me (the flowers I wanted, what the text said). He instead traced EXACTLY what I did (and I was a pretty amateur artist) and it looked horrible. I wound up having it covered almost 10 years later, and the new tattoo artist incorporated a full sleeve around it, I just have to go back and get the text added in. So much happier now.
God, that's the WORST! Even a small town tattoo artist should realize... This Is Forever on this person's skin. I don't get how anyone with that responsibility could be so cavalier...
The guy at the 0:59 is the most mature and gives a really solid point. Art as a whole? Everything has been done. All of our drawing styles draws inspiration from something. If an tattooist can give their own twist and make it unique for a client. That's dope. There's literally no such thing as stealing art unless its a line from line copy.
That's what they're talking about. They didn't say "what's your opinion on being inspired by another artists work"....they said "copy" which is basically line for line.
Copying is copying and taking inspiration is something completely different. Copying to me at least is tracing it and slapping it on a client. I feel the old guy has the best point, it’s the clients who suffer. Seeing their personal piece completely copied on someone else. Making it your own isn’t an issue but it would warrant credit if it’s over halfway someone elses design. It’s one thing to make something like someone else and actually copying someone elses work.
6:55 This girl said pretty much exactly what I was thinking. Not being able to personally go get one from her but loving her work enough to try get something similar
I love american traditional tattoos so obviously i have a couple of flashes and people have told me it's dumb to copy, but there's definitely a difference between getting a traditional flash and getting someone else's tattoo. I just always say to never get a tattoo that you see on another person's body.
Bryar Olson Well... American traditional once also had 'unique' designs, but since it's been around for so long it's now okay to copy endless traditional designs. I feel like this happens with many styles
Yeah flash is completely different because it's understood when you get that tattoo that's it's a "cookie cutter tattoo" and many other people may have wanted that exact one.
Nah fuck that, that’s the way to do it. I have met multiple who have the same tattoo ask me. Sure sometimes the hair is different, maybe some purple where some green was, or make this skull doesn’t have gold teeth. All flash is the way to go. Flash looks good on everyone
I just got my first tattoo on Friday which was a unique American traditional, and I want some flash but I can’t decide how I feel about having a design on me that could be on a ton of other people
I’m a watercolor artist and over the years I’ve had maybe 20 people email me and ask if they can get my artwork tattooed on their body. I love it, copy away. I’ve seen some beautiful tattoos of my work. I’ve seen interpretations and exact duplicates. I find it flattering. I don’t take myself to seriously. My art style is simple, geometric and fuck it. Copy away.
exo xoxo ...Geometricink ...I haven’t been on Instagram in a long time, but some of my stuff I’m sure is on there. The geometric Buffalo has been turned into more than a few tattoos! It’s funny seeing tattoo artists try to get that marbled, black and white, watercolor look I do :)
@@nahqiv the creative Muse is something that spans the entire essence of humanity. I understand wanting a slice of ownership of it but I don't like this attitude of copying is never okay. Literally no art that you love would be in existence if everybody stuck hard fast with that type of rule. Copying allows creative avenues to be explored in certain scenarios. And the fact that you can't ever stop it makes it a moot thing to even worry about.
What is important is permission IMO, if the original artist and the person the tattoo is on says cool you can have it then yes. Art can be personal, commercial, or free for everyone, but you won't be able to tell unless you ask. I would feel so shitty if I copied a tattoo and it was actually meant to be a tribute piece. I would at least know where art came from and have myself and my artist reinterpret it after we understood what it was.
She's so down to earth. Most of the other people in this vid are so egocentric. Like your design can't be enjoyed by other people because you did it? foh
That's one of the many reasons that tattoo copying is such a complicated issue sometimes. No one necessarily owns a specific style or a specific subject matter. A lot of traditional tattoos are, well tradional. I would say that a lot of American Traditional tattoos come from old flash. It comes with the territory of the style. I'm not an artist, but I have traditional tattoos. It's kind of how like "Cinderella" is in the common domain. Someone can write a princess story and call her Cinderella, and it's not considered copying. It's a tradional story. However, if I take "Harry Potter" but call him "Herman Porter" but keep almost everything else the same, that's a different scenario. Basically, with traditional tattoos, I would say that it's not necessarily about originality--it's keeping the tradition.
Rook Talma but that's not the only tattoos out there. Im sure they're referring to bigger and more unique designs. Look at tattoocopycat Instagram. There's a lot more tattoo designs out there then ur tiny brain can think of.
Rook Talma many celebrities have copied Rihanna’s tattoos... especially her “shh...” on her finger and her goddess Isis tattoo that she got in memory of her grandmother! That’s the fuckshit they’re talking about
@@loveharrydaily but who's to say the got the Isis tattoo because of rihanna? Suppose they got it for an entirely different reason. The goddess, Isis, isn't "original" so who's to say the person got out solely because rihanna got it
Emma Elisha because they got exact replicas, same size, in the exact location (sternum under breast) and certainly didn’t have it before her. If someone is gonna copy... at least change it up!
How come only a couple of them even MENTIONED the client. Its their piece too! If I had a custom piece made (something I'm going to get done within the next couple months) then I don't want none to just copy that, it was made for ME from MY vision and the tattoo artist was the tool to make it real. I think it says something about why this keeps happening when all the artists were so nonchalant about this and didn't think about the clients feelings.
Bleuhaze purpleclouds I'm an aspiring tattoo artist but I'm also for the most part a client. All of these people are covered in ink, they're clients too and I am frankly disappointed that they don't think about this problem as clients as well. It shows that they don't truly respect the clients and their right to their own ink that they're going to have for the rest of their life. These are artists I look up to and want to learn from as well as get ink from, but now that I'm seeing their attitude on the issue I'm afraid. I'm afraid to go to them with MY ideas and have them do something in their style because they don't see tattoo theft as a big deal.
Amy estrada-tello I don't know if you've noticed, but tattoo artists can't really be a tattoo artist...without a canvas...their job is literally to... Make art on people's skin... That they have to carry with them... Forever... Excuse me if I'm a bit upset that none of them seem to have respect for their clients who are paying them to give them unique and personal designs. Honestly, I'm getting more and more disappointed by the reactions you people seem to have and I'm starting to understand why tattoo theft is such a big problem. No respect.
I get what you're saying but like one of them said, if you don't want no one to copy your tattoo then simply don't post it on the internet, because I can almost guarantee you, once it's out there, someone will copy it.
Ryan gave one of the best answers. It's usually the client's desire to have that art on them. I don't think all artists want to copy other artist's work, but when the client wants something and don't wanna hear otherwise the tattoo artist doesn't have much choice if they want to have their income. I am a tattoo collector and have several tattoos that were copied and what Ryan said opened my eyes, so for the next tattoos I'm gonna work with my tattooer for the design I wanted. This video is amazing and educational. Thanks for that. 😊
There are millions of tattoos out there. NOTHING is original anymore. Especially in traditional circles. Japanese tattoos for example utilize the same dozen or so motifs (dragons, koi, fu-dogs, samurai, clouds, waves, flowers). I think Japanese is beautiful (planning to get a sleeve actually), but it's never that original and I don't mind.
Alien She what is your opinion if someone is getting something like a logo from a band or company though? To me itd totally be fine cause its just a logo
Blake M Hall I don’t thinks a very unique look to brand yourself like cattle but to each their own right. ex: Black flag logo has often been copied and it’s also a tattoo on the back on Henry Rollins neck. Look at the playboy bunny logo. Its no longer is a work of art made by one artist it’s consumed and enjoined by the public. You can look old art as well ex: Mona Lisa, how many times has it been recreated. Now if someone were to get one of my art logos tattoo on them that would be a different story. My art would be unique to me, basically if it’s not in mass consumption do not tattoo it and just design your own work.
@@taylorannedraws7585 originality is a myth in tattooing there's a million people walking around with nautical stars and sugar skull tattoos hell horn Beatles on their necks lol originality in tattoos is an illusion the media only gives you so much avenues
Leonardo Rodriguez I would disagree, True there is so many subjects to make and design but it’s how you do this that is the true art. How you create and make the subject your own is the “ unique” factor. If you sit copy the same shit over and over again of course than it’s not unique but also your aren’t a real artist either.
@@taylorannedraws7585 I define an artist as creating his or her own style plus creating original ideas you can only do so much with tattooing artisted are limited in creativity freedom its not like painting or sculpting
I don't know how the artists who have contributed to my piece would feel, but I would be disgusted to have someone copy my piece. It's so personal. I would not be flattered at all.
TomLifesTooShort if it's my artwork then I own the tattoo. I'm lucky because my artist signs an agreement that he can't put it on anyone else. That's integrity!
The person who commisioned the tattoo owns it. I think it's hilarious that these artists are claiming false ownership over someone property. When you commision art, the art is now legally yours copyright, brand, etc. It doesn't belong to the artist.
In it's simplest form/concept, no one. In a more complicated form, the artist's style, color, shading, composition, design, etc all put together can makes it original. I like to think of art like words All words are different, but they are all just combinations of 26 letters. So sure the art peice may not be 100% original, but it's unique enough to come across that way
I think the issue arises as to whether or not the "tattoo artist" is actually being commissioned as an artist or "hired" to provide a service. Many clients are not looking for the tattooist's art, but just their ability to put the client's own idea to skin. At first I thought the topic of this video was just about stealing "original art", but after some of the artists discussed their opinions on stock images and photography, I felt like too wide a subject matter was being discussed that it distracted from the point. Copying someone else's original artwork is not cool, and I would wager there's probably a case for copyright infringement (although I'm not sure who actually owns a tattoo between the artist and the canvas). However, I don't think there's anything morally wrong with "unoriginal" tattoos - one of my local artists has a catalogue of designs and will give the same tattoo to as many people who request it, in addition to original work he does for the "more serious" fan. I have three types of tattoo on my body: a stock-image on my shoulder; an original sleeve by my tattoo artist; and an original sleeve by a third party that I then asked my tattoo artist to put on me.
When they said tattoo copying I meant like copying from a picture of a tattoo because that's what the person wants but they deadass mean like copying designs and trying to act like they're yours
I appreciate the artists that understand how it feels for a client who's custom piece gets copied. My artist and i designed all of my work to be a certain style and mood that it's obvious to everyone and would be lost if just copied imo.
+Lil Penis +Alexis DP That's just skilled labor, friends. I actually do tattoo's, as does my licensed friend who taught me. I can trace and follow a stencil, no matter how complex. But even my stick figures are lopsided when I draw freehand lol... The quality of tattoos I produce is in no way related to my artistic ability, or lack thereof
This goes for all industries. You can’t take someone else’s painting, paint it and claim it as your own original. Same as photography. I don’t understand why some people think this doesn’t apply to tattoo. Be inspired, don’t copy.
all of my tattoos have been inspired. ive had them way before drawing apps were available and im just glad me and my tattooer agreed on how to modify them
Kind of depends what the client wants isn’t it? Some clients want something very specific, others want a tattoo made from scratch because they like the tattooists art.
This. I have both; I have specific ones and ones that are pieces because I liked the tattooists art work. (More the latter than the former.) I’m of the belief that I want my body to be a literal canvas. I always* tell my artists that I want my pieces to be uniquely theirs. I’ve been known to tell them, “Do what you want. Here’s what I can afford. Go to town.”
The only one who spoke facts was Nikki, jess, joice, Ben, and Megan massacre I feel personally because clients will come in with stuff they want and most tattoo artist will do it and like Ben said if you put it out there someone is gonna copy it regardless
The two girls a little before the 10 minute mark make the most interesting comments, because many modern artists and animators could very well have had their pictures directly copied to tattoos before and some people want their tattoo to exactly resemble whatever drawing not done in a different style. Basically there's no way to know what has been turned into a tattoo before
I think copying isn't bad in reference to learning how it is being done and why. It's like trying to find your own style. However with originality many could argue that there is nothing new under the ☀. If I am looking for a tattoo artist I will always look at their portfolio.
I hate artists who straight up copy other people's work. I think its fine to use another art piece as a reference picture but as long as you either change the design into a different style or add stuff and remove stuff. Overall make it drastically different and unique. But straight up tracing and copying its unacceptable IMO. The whole point of an artist is to create unique and original work.
Why do they keep on showing the blond lady? I mean. Tattoos are not even white people's culture. It's Ethiopian, African, Japanese, New Zealand(native), Australians (native), Amazonians, American south and north (native), pacific islanders (natives) . Has nothing to do with white people. So for fucks sakes! stop showing blonde bimbos whites in every single irrelevant shit spot. Whites never invented everything. But they made others believe that they did.
Jose Espinoza not if you don’t own the image, have permission to permanently put that image on your body, or plan to change the image so it isn’t and exact copy.
@@annamathree8455 Have fun not getting money or clients. If I want a tattoo to be exact, then I want it that way. I don't care about having an alternate version because of artistic pride. I'll straight up leave and find someone else who'll do the job right.
There definitely a blurry line, with some very clear ends, coming from a client's point of view. Flash art and shit like that is obviously ok. Personally, if you're getting Johnny Depp's face on you, or lyrics, or a painting, you don't get to claim it as your own personal piece. On the other end, if I spend a bunch of time and money working with my artist to get my perfect, unique piece I'd be upset to see a bunch of other people walking around with it. I've certainly seen pieces that I wish I had thought of and gotten first, but it would feel wrong to rip it off. The blurry line comes around things that are border line basic, or are basic with a twist. Those I don't have any answers for.
But what if somebody comes in and is like “this is what I want” and shows them a tattoo? If they didn’t copy most of its aspect then the customer wouldn’t be happy, right?
Customer isn’t always right. I have a friend that was tryna copy someone else’s tattoo. I (not a tattoo artist yet) told her to add a few different lines here and there. She did and she now loves her tattoo better than the original and she can say hers is different, not an exact copy
As a client, it is often the exact image that you see which is what you want tattooed. If you take this to a tattoo artist who takes inspiration from this and makes even very minor changes, it detracts somewhat from why you liked the image in the first place and you may not be as happy with it as you thought you would. It is fine if you want something custom like this, but ultimately, you are hiring the tattoo artist for a service. If the artist refuses to copy, find someone who will because it is your body and you should be able to have whatever image you like tattooed on it. Who cares if someone halfway around the world has the same tattoo? As long as it is a good tattoo and you like it, that's all that should matter.
I personally think it just shouldn’t be posted so openly.. if u don’t want others to have ur tattoo then make sure the artist isn’t going to post it like I understand that it’s like “advertisement” for them but if a customer doesn’t want it out there, they should respect that right?
Jess Yen has the wisest perspective on it. Even as a portrait artist, unless you’ve taken that photo yourself you are stealing someone else’s work. Copying another person’s tattoo isn’t the problem. It’s claiming it as your own. Give credit where it’s due and quite honestly it’s not that big of a deal.
I’ve been slowly watching all these Inked eps over the last week or two. Have to say, they’re great for when you’re subscription list runs dry, and you’re completely up to date. Other great filler videos are those Technique Critiques (especially the linguistics dude, he’s amazing). But I’m always looking for more channels with a heap of videos to slowly go through while I wait for other videos.
Totally behind Jess and Megans views, why make a big issue about copying. There are a lot of people, who do not want always something different. But exactly something of what they saw. A lot of people just like to have a simple star / pentagram tattoo of some image they liked or just a typical one. Noting special about that. Also I have runes tattoos, but so a lot of people, I bet someone has same combinations of letters tattooed or want to get. Whats wrong with that? I think as a tattooer you should be professional before being an artist, whatever some one wants it is their choice. You should educated and make sure they really want it as a professional. If they are open to your art skills, then be the best artist you can be. If not, then it should not matter. Only one thing would of course be an issue, if it is truly one of a kind specially design tattoo that may have nowhere same meaning for another person then that would be wrong to copy.
As an artist, I don't want people selling my stuff without paying me. musicians, movie producers, writers, software designers, inventors/ engineers, anyone who creates things should be payed for THEIR work.
I’ve been designing my own tattoo for 2 years now and it’s all inspiration from other tattoos and artists but I’ve drawn in all myself and had my own touches but never have I traced any other work. I’m getting it tattooed in 6 months and I’m pumped
5 ปีที่แล้ว +5
"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery", as one of the guys (kinda) said. Also, with tattoos becoming more and more mainstream (we're getting dangerously close to the point where by having no ink on you, you're actually more "unique" than those who do), more and more artists pop up. I might be wrong, but I highly doubt that there can be millions of different art styles. I firmly believe that even if you're going in legit (as in not copying others' work), you have a very high chance to have a very very very similar style than another artist does a few countries away or something.
Here's my thing with copying tattoos. Does it actually effect the original creator, or the person who got the first one? How often do you run into someone who copied a tattoo from say Instagram? Or have someone say "oh, yeah i've seen that tattoo a lot." Sure, there are some examples that are just way overused like barb wire, or the forest rising out of a solid band on the forearm, but that's just one of those tattoos that everyone's seen and should know to avoid at this point. I don't care if someone see's a tattoo I got and posted online, and even if I run into them i'm not going to be upset, because that means some random person thinks my design is awesome. As for this whole giving credit thing, how? There aren't a lot of ways to do that. EDIT. I'd also like to add that just because another tattoo artist sold that tattoo to someone else, odd's are the original artist never would've gotten that sale, since the copy is probably being done in another state.
@@noshititskrae but that's on them, they chose to willingly put it out on the internet where nothing I'd original. And based on your comment, one could easily say all modern tattoos were ripped off of tribal tattoos done centuries ago,
If anything it negativity affects the tattoo artist more often than not, but if someone gets an extremely personal piece and that gets copied it can be a pretty big problem. That's why I don't share my tattoos online despite how much I love them. Honestly, it's down to how much of an asshole you are if you care or not.
If you copy someone else's tattoo it just shows that you have 0 integrity and shouldn't even call yourself an artist. There are actually plenty of ain't pages who track down copied tattoos and expose these "artists". Even if it doesn't directly affect the original artist/client your work shouldn't be built upon copying others.
I totally agree with Anthony and Megan Massacre. I feel the same way. I love the image of the child that she used. Once I told someone that my creations were like my children but he laughed at me. People don't understand the importance of not copying but getting inspired. Lots of people are not aware of the importance of the creative process and what steeling does to the artist. Stealing a piece of art is stealing a part of the artist soul. Copying is not a problem as long as you don't get credit for it, you don't publish it and keep it for you, you mention the artist and you use it to forge your own tools of creativity. It's an exercise to improve your skills.
I have one tattoo that is a copy of another tattoo. My artist wanted to draw something original but I wanted the exact one that I saw. Usually I am not like that, but the tattoo and the meaning behind it were from a person who I truly admire and had a huge impact on my life. They are definitely not the same tattoo but close enough that you can tell what it is based of off. Long story short I think there are exceptions to this rule.
12:07-12:18 YES! THANK YOU! I'm so glad someone said this because for me that's really why tattoo copying is so bad. Like, someone got that piece for a reason, maybe it means a lot to them, and stealing that uniqueness and that personal meaning is abhorrant.
This all comes from the point of view of the artist, but what about the client? Not everybody has the privilege of getting the tattoo they want from the artist they'd like to get it from. They can't afford it, or it would mean travelling across the world... it's impossible for them to get it any other way than that. Many people (probably these artists too) have a print of a famous painting or photo on their wall because they love the work and respect the artist, but could never afford the original. They still hang it on their wall. ... I get the point most of these people here are making (all of whom have done unoriginal work themselves, don't kid yourselves) but it's just not one that represents the reality of art. To put it into perspective... Leonardo Da Vinci copied a lot of his work.
sure, but if you REALLY like something, you can also tweak it to make it your own. if you love a design that much, but can't afford to get it done by the original artist, then i understand that. But the issue with that is that is that a lot of "artists" will take someone else's design, and say it was theirs. I feel like if a client comes in and says, i love design this other artist did, can you replicate it, and the second artist does, that can be ok too, as long as the second artist, when showing off that work or talking about it or whatever, acknowledges that they REPLICATED someone else's work. its when they try to pass it off as their own work that it becomes really messed up and shady
Prints are going to be sold by the owner, copyright owner, or is fair use, otherwise is copyright infringement. Did da vinci sell copied works? I feel like that would be super obvious back then, ill probbably look it up. But there it's a difference between copying to learn (art studies), and copying for for commercial purposes.
And most tattoo artists around her charge the same. There is like, 2 tiers. There's really bad to really good tier, and than there is the amazing tier who will generally charge double
The tattoo artist I will be going too here in a few months has a policy that says that she will do whatever your idea is but that she reserves the right to include a little detail of her own to it, so that every single tattoo she makes is unique.
My thing is though, as a consumer, if I see a picture online of a tattoo that I love and I go into a shop and want that on my body, then that's that. I don't want an artist's interpretation of it, I want the picture I fell in love with. Doesn't make the artist shitty.
That's the same way I feel. When I got my first tattoo, I was so disappointed because details I loved were changed and I wasn't even aware until after it was finished. I guess I'll just get add-ons until I like it but until then I'm pretty much going to have to keep my wrists covered
Colin Deal no it’s not plagiarism because you are not an essay you are a person so if someone asks you where the design came from you can say the internet
No it makes you shitty because that's someones skin you're getting tattooed on you. That's someone's work depending on how big and how much emotion comes with it. It's not just drawing.. I work in a tattoo shop and I see how hard these people work to put their own spin on their work. If you like the picture so much, maybe contact the artist and ask for permission or go to THAT artist
As a consumer and an artist myself (not a tattoo artist) I don't agree to anyone ever copying someone elses work. You should never expect a tattoo artist to ever completely copy a tattoo from someone else to you. Always expect that there are going to be changes that need to be done. Talk to your artist in a consultation about what you like about the tattoo and how alike you want it, it's rare for them to actually copy things ever especially since they wouldn't want people to copy their own work. You don't have to do large changes if your artist agrees to it just at least a little change.
I have a tattoo that was posted on my artists blog when it was done 8 or so years ago and I’ve since seen pictures of 3 copies of it online. It’s based on a logo for a band so it’s something that fans of the band google and my tattoo is one of the more unique takes which is probably why it is often copied. I find it frustrating because I went to the artist with a unique idea that was mine and the artist spent hours sketching it up and even longer tattooing it. I know mine is the original though and that it’s was done by an artist who I respect and who has unbelievable talent. Proud to have his piece on me.
I think what Megan says about not being able to actually go see the artist who has the tattoo style you're wanting is so true. With social media, it's so easy to see designs from all over the world and get inspired, but how then do you get the money or time to go personally see that tattooist? Is it okay to ask your own tattooist to do something for you that is in line with someone else's style, or is that called copying too?
Megan Massacre seems like such a great person all around. I've watched a few of her videos on TH-cam and I love what she always has to say. She's very inspirational.
I understand all artists want to add their artistic flare in to designs; that is what partly separates some tattoo artists in to the elite category. Also you wouldn't want some jackoff stealing your design. But what about flash tattoos like sailor jerry designs? Aren't those meant to be copied exactly?
But where does it become YOUR art or the consumers PRODUCT? Tattooing is art sure but if someone wants something on their body that we would assume will be on their body forever they should be entitled to what they want. Tattooing is hard with this because compared to other art forms it will be on them forever unless they get it laser removed or get is covered up but lets someone who draws illustrations was asked to copy someone's art than yeah they will be a problem.
I don't know how many times I told someone a tattoo idea, or showed them a design and had it copied. It is infuriating and frustrating. I even posted a picture of a mock tattoo in sharpie just to try it out and see how it moved with my body and that was copied as well. Now, I only have one tattoo, and I don't show it to anyone for fear that someone will take that personal design and put it on their body without knowing the meaning behind it.
Anthony is such a peaceful soul. He’s handsome, intelligent, well spoken, AND talented. His parents must be such wonderful people to have created such a well rounded man.
All these guys hating on coping, but how many people out there are running around with Superman, Spiderman, or other copyrighted materials on their customers? Bet these same artists don't have a problem.
I think sometimes the clients just don't understand that you don't wanna tattoo another person's work. They sometimes just have a picture and that is what they want tattooed. And sometimes get angry when you try to make changes
Unpopular opinion: Tattoo copying isn't a bad thing. I think Megan really hit the nail on it, not everyone can go to a certain artist. I don't know, I personally want all my tattoos to be original, but at the same time hypothetically, if I want an exact tattoo on online, it's my body and I'm paying for that. You may be an artist, but this is going on someone's body permanently. Skin is not a piece of paper.
You can put whatever you want on your body, but people also have a right to call you out if you blatantly steal somebody's work. Artists work bloody hard and the least you can do is come up with something original. Even if you aren't an artist, bring reference photos of a subject or sketch out a really quick design and bring it to your artist, ask them what they can do to create an original piece. Stealing is lazy and so disrespectful.
The two people I get tattooed by definitely prefer references that aren’t tattoos, period. Like they’re cool with seeing the work of other tattooists to get an idea of the style you like, but they’re all about doing custom pieces for every single client and specifically request references that aren’t already tattooed on someone else for when they go to draw it up. Got a lot of love and respect for both of them. ❤️
My best friend at the time her dad didn't want her to have a tattoo unless it was matching with her mom. She was set on a particular design (ended up not getting it). She wanted me to go watch but it was a school night. When I finally got to see it it broke my heart. Me and my mom were going to get song lyrics from our favorite song when I was little that we sang together. It was a representation of how much we went through together but we always had each other. She got the same lyrics, flowers, and when they were together the tattoo came together like ours was going to have . She could tell i was upset and said, "I forgot you and your mom was going to get it until after we got it." So this topic is a touchy one for me.
What happens if a client comes in with a picture of a tattoo and wants that exact tattoo done and aren’t necessarily looking for a custom piece? Is that a no-no?
A good artist will not copy another persons art exactly. If you find an artist who is willing to cut and paste another persons art, it probably wont be a well done tattoo. That's the general consensus.
I think it's fair when the one guy said that you should at least give credit. Because I do understand that lots of people like the same kind of artwork. How many people have a reproduction painting in their homes? Or a print? Or have some type of copy done to look similar? It's something that is going to happen. But as with any work, people should give credit where it's due. Especially with big personal pieces. I get why people are bothered by it. But at the same time, the people who get the tattoos are sometimes bothered by it, who is to say if the artist has the right to reuse their designs on multiple people.... or should that individual have sole rights to that image?
Half the tattoos out there are copied off the flash on the wall or google images anyway. Stop taking yourselves so seriously. I tattooed for over 20 years, trust me this is too much. These people think that they and everything they do is so fucking important, but guess what- they aren't. Notice that the down-to-earth artists aren't super bothered, but the "more tattoo than you" types are.
i agree, I want to be a tattoo artist and I've seen many people have the same tattoos. Back in the days people had the same tattoos but now since tattoos are a "trend" they get butthurt when they see people with the same tattoos.
They're butthurt because they have zero originality within themselves so they have to portray it outwardly to fool others, thinking that if they can make others think of them in a certain way then maybe that will give them the courage to believe in themselves. The lack of originality of people's thinking bothered me more as a tattoo artist than having to just tattoo #37-C once in a while. Most people really don't have much original going on. I can usually pinpoint a tribal armband to the year, usually between 1996 and 1999. The summer of 199....6 or 7 was the Summer of the Ankle Dolphins. Those with unicorns are from the early 80's, Tazmanian devils mid-80s to very early 90's. In the 2000's girls with stars on their hip near their puss were showing up like locusts. From 80s to 90s I probably did a few hundred "smile now cry later"-s, maybe a thousand butterflies. Later in the decade I was seeing a lot of "cult" tattoos such as wiccan symbols and owls. When some rogue cops formed a gang and all got the same tattoo of a skull wearing a cowboy hat and smoking guns, one of them came to our shop to get it. I still tattoo for friends or the occasional client from way back, but I'm not very into it. I DEFINITELY will never want to go back to shops. I could take their bad music when I was making money hand over fist, but it just ain't like that anymore so no thank you.
Well they are, but mistaken as to what makes them so. The main station everyone listens to is "alternative rock", people get tattoos to stand out from the crowd only to end up part of a genre. The rebel today is playing their own music and has no tattoos.
I agree with Joice Wang. I understand the complexity of the issue and that a lot of people find it problematic, usually for good reason. I agree that you shouldn't directly steal an existing piece, but then again: nothing is truly original at this point. It's not possible to create something that has never been done before. You can customize the piece and make it a bit more personal, add details that didn't exist in the original and whatnot. That way you'll get something slightly new and different from the original. What matters is that you should try to avoid directly copying something but it's ok if it happens, as long as you understand the complexity of the issue. It's important not to take it lightly.
There's a difference between copying someone else's tattoo design and copying works of art such as the Mona Lisa, yes they were both original ideas from someone but one has worldwide recognition and the other is a design created for 1 person so in that respect, you shouldn't copy someone else's Tattoo outright but replication of works of art is somewhat open to individual judgment. IDK it's just my opinion on design in general because I've yet to get a tattoo myself 😅
It also hurts the people who have those tattoos. I remember seeing a video of a woman who had her custom chest piece her artist had tattooed on her copied by someone who saw it. It was basically a straigjt copy and didn’t look nearly as good on the other person because it was drawn to fit her body. It’s kinda sad when someone completely rips off something custom made for a persons body.
Imagine Da Vinci saying no one can draw the Mona Lisa because it's custom to him. Your logic is flawed and the only valid argument is that you're selfish.
Jesus samurai the Mona Lisa wasn’t made specifically to one persons body like a big chest of back piece that’s literally designed to fit that persons body.
@@iljaxox526 So that makes the art Monopolized? You said it's not okay to straight copy. So that means if I get a wolf that fits my chest perfectly then no one else is allowed to get my creative wolf?
Ripping of someones artwork is bad, ripping of someones custom body art is worse imo. Taking inspiration is fine! Heavily inspired even. Changing the colors can really change a piece.
@@iljaxox526 You didn't really answer my question. You keep saying ripping off is bad but yet people run around with star wars tattoos, Marvel, and various other art that was created by someone else. It's bad rhetoric to say copying art is bad. You didn't answer the modification art either. So if I get a cool wolf chest piece does that mean I have a monopoly on it and no one else is allowed to do it because it fits my body perfectly?
I'd appreciate some feedbacks on this scenario: What if a customer wanted to copy a tattoo which is not an original artwork but instead was transposed from a cartoon poster/screenshot? Does that count as copying? Also, aside from copying the tattoo, if a customer asks for a cartoon poster/screenshot to be tattooed as is, can that request fall into the case of not allowing a tattoo artist to express him/herself?
I had someone take a screenshot of a tattoo that I drew myself for MYSELF and it is on my forearm. They took it into a shop and got the same exact thing except for the leafs that's all they took out. I was so pissed I even called them out. But in the long run ink is permanent so there isnt much you can do at that point. But YOU'LL always know that it's yours.
I got a tattoo ,then I moved out of town, i came back years later, a friend of mine has almost the same design,but even worse it's in the same place I put it.didnt really want to have my shirt off at the same time.so lame
James Downs Some tattoos are personal; if someone else copies something that has meaning for you just because they thought it was cool, it makes people feel jilted. Especially if you paid good money for a custom tat just to have it stolen.
Drunken Whaler How does someone else getting the same tattoo cause someone else to feel jilted? Why does it matter that someone else has it? Just because they feel a certain way doesn't mean that people should behave differently because of it.
James Downs So someone pays for a tattoo that is unique and personal. After being copied, it no longer has the uniqueness they paid for and it's not really personal anymore, is it? Of course if you wanted something unoriginal tattooed you don't exactly have a right to complain but people generally expect their custom tattoos to stay that way. That sentiment is why copyright and other such laws exist. Matter? To who? It could matter to the person who commissioned the original because to them you're stealing something personal from them. It matters to the artist because someone else is making bank off their work. It clearly doesn't matter to you because to be completely candid it seems you have problems understanding the emotions and reactions of normal folk. In the end, it doesn't really matter, and nobody cares until somebody recognises it's a copy. But be careful with that devil-may-care attitude, because take it far enough and you're just a cunt who can't be bothered to learn how a society works.
Drunken Whaler What does the uniqueness serve? Rarity has meaning if you're planning to resell something. Are people going to resell their tattoos? How is anything being stolen from the wearer? They still have their tattoo unless you're talking about someone cutting someone else's skin off but I'm talking about copying. What don't I understand about the reactions of normal folks? How do I not know how society works? What does it even matter?
My one and only (current) tattoo is an image I took from Google. The tattoo artist I got to do my tattoo added his own flair to the tattoo but I still look at it and feel a sense of guilt for getting something that is a copy of another artists piece of work, even though it was simply a drawing and not originally a tattoo.
8:44 I loved what she said and I agree with it. But I also agree with the other artists saying that it’s wrong. It’s a double edged sword. Like I loved Sasha Unisex’s work but she lives in Russia and I know I wouldn’t have the funds to get a tattoo from her but I want one so what can I do? Then it goes back to the fact that it would be wrong for another tattoo artist to copy her work. It will end up going around and around. I think you just have to be open and go to the tattoo artist with source material and trust that they’ll come up with something inspired by it or in the same aesthetic as the original. I feel like it helps to go to a tattoo artist that does the same style as well, rather than go to a tattoo shop and try to just have anybody do it because it won’t be the persons style and it won’t turn out the way you want it to. If you’re an artist, you’ll understand how everyone in the video is maybe struggling with the answer (because it can be hard to put it into words why it’s wrong, etc.), but I always think about the people coming into the shop who aren’t into that scene and won’t understand why the tattoo artist won’t do a carbon copy of the tattoo that you saw on Pinterest and won’t get the integrity that real artists have. I think that people forget that tattoo artists are ARTISTS, just like any illustrator, painter, sculptor, etc.
Everyone saying they hate other artists copying their work just reeks of insecurity in this video. When I see Joice Wang and Ben Kaye say they don't care about their work being copied it really shows how confident they are in their work. I would love to get a tattoo from them
Two Things -- Flash Tattoos, and Neo traditional tattoos Flash tattoos are, well, flash And Neo Traditional tattoos -- its all literally the same. How many ships or panther heads have you seen. When I discovered that art style I just quit worrying about unique tattoos or artwork period.
A big problem with so many artists that copy is they usually have no artistic integrity so the work they’re doing ends up a lesser quality, and usually they’re preying on people who aren’t as cultured about tattoos as an art form. It’s a really rampant problem in my city and I see so much sloppy work walking around that are obviously just taken off of google or Pinterest.
Honestly if u don’t want someone to copy an original piece u got ur tattoo artist to do then don’t post it on social media and complain. Come to an agreement with ur artist to make sure they don’t post it or use that design again. Not everyone is able to give credit to artists who draw the designs and how would u even do that if u see something on google or Pinterest that isn’t from the artist or person who got it? Copying a tattoo is fine as long as whoever is using the design acknowledges it’s someone else’s work and informs the person getting the tattoo or the person getting the tattoo tells their tattoo artist that they got the design elsewhere. If I go into a tattoo shop and want a specific design then that’s me. I don’t want it tweaked or anything and I might not be able to give credit to the artist who created the design. Unfortunately the time and effort that goes into the designs isn’t acknowledged but if u put ur image out there u do so with the knowledge that anyone can see it and use it. Don’t be ignorant and upset when it’s used again when a client requests the image because the reality is that most tattoo artists will not turn you away with a design u want on your body and when your paying for it. While originality and creativity is applauded the simple fact is with the rise of tattoo popularity a lot of people have the same tattoos as someone they don’t even know miles away.
Im going overseas next year and Im designing a piece with two specific artists that Ive researched and I believe they will be they best choices for doing this piece of art. It reflects my unique faith, as well as the uniqueness of the artist helping create the piece. To see my design online would be awesome, seeing people appreciate our work. I would not like to see something I put in time, effort, money into being used as a quickie piece a bunch of people have. They wont understand its depth and meaning it has for me.
But if you like a certain style of tattoo why can't I get that cause "artists shouldn't copy". As a customer as you saying that if I want a certain style I'm to track down and travel to that artist? A person who could be in my town or some remote place half way around the world. No. That's stupid.
I completely understand the artist perspective , they’re artist & only want to create their own original pieces. Now from a customer point of view of I see someone I like that fire in my opinion , I’m gonna get it regardless of who had it first. It still very well can mean a lot to you and less stress knowing for sure you’re gonna love what you get because you already seen it done. This seemslike something people will always disagree on. I can 7 tattoos and only one I thought of on my own which was cover art from my favorite Kayne album. Other than that I found all my ideas searching Pinterest topics that I like.
Find it interesting that these high brow artists typically forget that in the end, they are choosing to put permanent art on SOMEONE ELSE'S BODY. They always act like this art springs into being thanks to them, but it is almost always the client approaching them to let them know what they want done. If they want a particular thing done it isnt right to change what they want too much
Ive seen this comment a lot, about how the tattoo artists should have minimal input because it's the clients body and they're going.to pay them. But it doesn't really make sense to me. If you want a fine line tattoo, are you going to go to a traditional tattoo artist? If you do, that guys going to tell you to get it done by someone else. Either that, or try to cater to you and give you some messed up tattoo. You're generally going to do some research and go to an artist who's previous work fits what you're looking to get (because it's your body and you want the best tattoo you can get). So we've established that you respect this person's work, so why not their opinions on what would work best?
Don't ....there's enough to worry about these days..... mistakes are how we learn to be better....reframe how you think about mistakes... in that you are a better person today and humanity needs people who grow and learn! This coming from a stranger...but I felt your comment...and I'm passing along something someone taught me!
I've always understood that you cant ask an artist to make the same thing that's been done before, my favorite advice when looking at tattoos, is looking at an artist's specific style and creating a new piece with your reference material and their own unique style
With my tattoos I put about 2 hrs of coming up with my leg tat so for me I don’t want someone to rip it off if they went and said I want something like that and the artist changes things to make it there own I wouldn’t have a problem like I found this anklet tat I really want and even though I like it the way it was I would just show my artist and say make something like this because it’s not only disrespectful to the person who has it but also the artist who created the piece
I agree with you completely. The other thing too...is that people often stealing from other cultures in their work in the form of hamsas and dreamcatchers, etc, that’s another issue not discussed. But I don’t post my tats online because eh I want mine to be orginal
Nikki Simpson describes it perfectly! little symbols and simple pieces are done when someone wants exactly what’s in a picture. However, if you have a piece/larger idea create your own. Take an idea or picture your client is thinking about, and follow a similar thought but make it your own.
Apparently customer is wrong. if i want a certain tattoo i will find someone that gonna give me what i want and they will get paid simple transactions not these pre madonna's talking about stealing from art cuz they all copy simple nothing original they're delusional
Why am I binging tattoo stuff when I legit don’t have a single tattoo anywhere on my body
Asiah Accola what are you waiting for? Be careful tho. They’re addictive. I said I would only get one very meaningful tattoo. That didn’t last long. Here I sit 3/4 of the way done with my left sleeve, planning my right sleeve, considering I sternum piece, and with 9 individual tattoos scattered around the rest of my body. Your body is your temple, start decorating those walls!
Its a sign, my dear
Same, its entertaining lol
I don't even like tattoos
Asiah Accola I’m not even old enough yet lol. But I turn 18 in November so not long
It’s interesting. I like tattoos but I’m to chicken to get one cause it would hurt also I scar easily
I think the biggest issu is for the client who paid a premium price to get a custom piece tattooed by an artist to find later on that someone copied his tattoo.
Noémie Robidoux whats it matter if the person who copied it found it on google images years later and had it tattooed, they probably dont even live in the same state or country even, its not like they would ever run into each other and be like, “damn, this asshole has the same tattoo as me”
+Craig C bitch so
Craig C if you get a tattoo to let’s say, remember someone, you would be ok to know that another person have the EXACT same tattoo just because they found it cool?
Premium price is for a quality tattoo not for a design that no one else will have. You just want to puff up your ego to make yourself feel special. If everyone is special no one is special in reality.
Garrett H oh yeah? So why are flash less expensive?
Everyone is special in their own way, each custom tattoos must be special too.
I'm suprised Megan was the only one to mention flash, given most artists learn & earn from it while developing their techniques...
Frank Brown she’s the only one who mentioned it because everyone else understands the actual context of the question asked
FullMoonFullHeart I totally understood the context (as I'm sure Megan did)
FullMoonFullHeart I get they are talking about their original pieces being copied. If Megans comments on flash were off topic or perceived as irrelevant to this discussion don't you think Inked would have edited it out???
Frank Brown it’s irrelevant to the conversation, it was left in because it’s the only contrasting opinion and this channel doesn’t like to push just one perspective
FullMoonFullHeart the only contrasting opinion??? There were 25 varying opinions given... Everyones entitled to question or voice their views whether you agree with them or not...
There are 2 types of customers: 1) Customers who've researched you and your portfolio and want YOUR art on their body. 2) Customers who want THEIR art on their body (including images they've found online). Both are completely valid. Not everyone is free spirited enough to let you have that much control over what is on their body forever. A tattoo is a justifiable reason to be a neurotic perfectionist for most people. I'm artistic and I went in for my first tattoo with a sketch I did of what I wanted. The artist insisted on taking liberties and I was too much of a pushover to stand my ground. I still intend to get it "fixed" someday.
I did the same thing. So many regrets. Get what YOU WANT .
Omg same
I brought the "artist" a minimalist piece of a lil dog. I just told him to have it to look up. I had to photoshop it and drae it myself bc the guy tried to fucking trace it straight from my phone.
The tattoo turned out shitty and the inking was just awful.
I have to cover up my entire leg in order to make it not look like it was there
I know a girl who let her tattooist go free range and my friend absolute hated and regretted it. I think at least a discussion about a piece that has meaning to the client is necessary.
I went in with a simple sketch idea of something I wanted for my family and my culture, and told the guy that he could change it up a bit, that just certain parts were important to me (the flowers I wanted, what the text said). He instead traced EXACTLY what I did (and I was a pretty amateur artist) and it looked horrible. I wound up having it covered almost 10 years later, and the new tattoo artist incorporated a full sleeve around it, I just have to go back and get the text added in. So much happier now.
God, that's the WORST! Even a small town tattoo artist should realize... This Is Forever on this person's skin. I don't get how anyone with that responsibility could be so cavalier...
The guy at the 0:59 is the most mature and gives a really solid point. Art as a whole? Everything has been done. All of our drawing styles draws inspiration from something. If an tattooist can give their own twist and make it unique for a client. That's dope. There's literally no such thing as stealing art unless its a line from line copy.
Imo Megan Massacre is the most mature.
TheCaptain008
Unless its literally traced and looks exactly the same as someone else's tattoo with no variation...
The rule of thumb is that at least 1/3 of the tattoo should be different for it to be a unique tattoo.
That's what they're talking about. They didn't say "what's your opinion on being inspired by another artists work"....they said "copy" which is basically line for line.
Copying is copying and taking inspiration is something completely different. Copying to me at least is tracing it and slapping it on a client. I feel the old guy has the best point, it’s the clients who suffer. Seeing their personal piece completely copied on someone else. Making it your own isn’t an issue but it would warrant credit if it’s over halfway someone elses design. It’s one thing to make something like someone else and actually copying someone elses work.
6:55 This girl said pretty much exactly what I was thinking. Not being able to personally go get one from her but loving her work enough to try get something similar
I love american traditional tattoos so obviously i have a couple of flashes and people have told me it's dumb to copy, but there's definitely a difference between getting a traditional flash and getting someone else's tattoo. I just always say to never get a tattoo that you see on another person's body.
Bryar Olson Well... American traditional once also had 'unique' designs, but since it's been around for so long it's now okay to copy endless traditional designs. I feel like this happens with many styles
Yeah flash is completely different because it's understood when you get that tattoo that's it's a "cookie cutter tattoo" and many other people may have wanted that exact one.
if i see a tattoo I like.. I am getting it.
Nah fuck that, that’s the way to do it. I have met multiple who have the same tattoo ask me. Sure sometimes the hair is different, maybe some purple where some green was, or make this skull doesn’t have gold teeth. All flash is the way to go. Flash looks good on everyone
I just got my first tattoo on Friday which was a unique American traditional, and I want some flash but I can’t decide how I feel about having a design on me that could be on a ton of other people
I’m a watercolor artist and over the years I’ve had maybe 20 people email me and ask if they can get my artwork tattooed on their body. I love it, copy away. I’ve seen some beautiful tattoos of my work. I’ve seen interpretations and exact duplicates. I find it flattering. I don’t take myself to seriously. My art style is simple, geometric and fuck it. Copy away.
exo xoxo ...Geometricink ...I haven’t been on Instagram in a long time, but some of my stuff I’m sure is on there. The geometric Buffalo has been turned into more than a few tattoos! It’s funny seeing tattoo artists try to get that marbled, black and white, watercolor look I do :)
@@GEOMETRICINK I checked out your art and omg you are amazing!
@@GEOMETRICINK 🙂
@@nahqiv the creative Muse is something that spans the entire essence of humanity. I understand wanting a slice of ownership of it but I don't like this attitude of copying is never okay. Literally no art that you love would be in existence if everybody stuck hard fast with that type of rule. Copying allows creative avenues to be explored in certain scenarios. And the fact that you can't ever stop it makes it a moot thing to even worry about.
What is important is permission IMO, if the original artist and the person the tattoo is on says cool you can have it then yes. Art can be personal, commercial, or free for everyone, but you won't be able to tell unless you ask. I would feel so shitty if I copied a tattoo and it was actually meant to be a tribute piece. I would at least know where art came from and have myself and my artist reinterpret it after we understood what it was.
8:24 Real talk.
Indeed.
True
She's so down to earth. Most of the other people in this vid are so egocentric. Like your design can't be enjoyed by other people because you did it? foh
Ya she right lmao
That's the way she feels. Everyone has the right to not agree and feel the same.
Every traditional tattoo I've ever seen looks exactly like every other traditional tattoo lol
That's one of the many reasons that tattoo copying is such a complicated issue sometimes. No one necessarily owns a specific style or a specific subject matter. A lot of traditional tattoos are, well tradional. I would say that a lot of American Traditional tattoos come from old flash. It comes with the territory of the style. I'm not an artist, but I have traditional tattoos. It's kind of how like "Cinderella" is in the common domain. Someone can write a princess story and call her Cinderella, and it's not considered copying. It's a tradional story. However, if I take "Harry Potter" but call him "Herman Porter" but keep almost everything else the same, that's a different scenario. Basically, with traditional tattoos, I would say that it's not necessarily about originality--it's keeping the tradition.
There’s a difference between similar concepts and ideas to a straight up specific design
cant even IMAGINE being that stupid-
@@FireDiamondPoison one things Is design another is art style people steal designs
That's because traditional is a style, just because it's a style doesn't mean it's copying
Flowers, birds, skulls, and all that have been done for a century and I'll bet just about every way has been done.
Rook Talma but that's not the only tattoos out there. Im sure they're referring to bigger and more unique designs. Look at tattoocopycat Instagram. There's a lot more tattoo designs out there then ur tiny brain can think of.
Rook Talma many celebrities have copied Rihanna’s tattoos... especially her “shh...” on her finger and her goddess Isis tattoo that she got in memory of her grandmother! That’s the fuckshit they’re talking about
@@loveharrydaily but who's to say the got the Isis tattoo because of rihanna? Suppose they got it for an entirely different reason. The goddess, Isis, isn't "original" so who's to say the person got out solely because rihanna got it
Emma Elisha because they got exact replicas, same size, in the exact location (sternum under breast) and certainly didn’t have it before her. If someone is gonna copy... at least change it up!
@@loveharrydaily soooooo if they had it before her you'd accuse her of stealing I highly doubt it. It's not an original artwork get over it
How come only a couple of them even MENTIONED the client. Its their piece too! If I had a custom piece made (something I'm going to get done within the next couple months) then I don't want none to just copy that, it was made for ME from MY vision and the tattoo artist was the tool to make it real. I think it says something about why this keeps happening when all the artists were so nonchalant about this and didn't think about the clients feelings.
Ollie phone this is supposed to be from a tattoo artist point of view... that's why
Bleuhaze purpleclouds I'm an aspiring tattoo artist but I'm also for the most part a client. All of these people are covered in ink, they're clients too and I am frankly disappointed that they don't think about this problem as clients as well. It shows that they don't truly respect the clients and their right to their own ink that they're going to have for the rest of their life. These are artists I look up to and want to learn from as well as get ink from, but now that I'm seeing their attitude on the issue I'm afraid. I'm afraid to go to them with MY ideas and have them do something in their style because they don't see tattoo theft as a big deal.
>Channel only talks on tattooers pov
> “Omg why don’t they about about the client?!”
Amy estrada-tello I don't know if you've noticed, but tattoo artists can't really be a tattoo artist...without a canvas...their job is literally to... Make art on people's skin... That they have to carry with them... Forever... Excuse me if I'm a bit upset that none of them seem to have respect for their clients who are paying them to give them unique and personal designs. Honestly, I'm getting more and more disappointed by the reactions you people seem to have and I'm starting to understand why tattoo theft is such a big problem. No respect.
I get what you're saying but like one of them said, if you don't want no one to copy your tattoo then simply don't post it on the internet, because I can almost guarantee you, once it's out there, someone will copy it.
Ryan gave one of the best answers.
It's usually the client's desire to have that art on them. I don't think all artists want to copy other artist's work, but when the client wants something and don't wanna hear otherwise the tattoo artist doesn't have much choice if they want to have their income.
I am a tattoo collector and have several tattoos that were copied and what Ryan said opened my eyes, so for the next tattoos I'm gonna work with my tattooer for the design I wanted.
This video is amazing and educational.
Thanks for that. 😊
if they're a good artist they usually have people waiting for months to be tattooed by them and they can and will deny anyone they want
There are millions of tattoos out there. NOTHING is original anymore. Especially in traditional circles. Japanese tattoos for example utilize the same dozen or so motifs (dragons, koi, fu-dogs, samurai, clouds, waves, flowers). I think Japanese is beautiful (planning to get a sleeve actually), but it's never that original and I don't mind.
That so sucks when someone steals your art. Make your own hustle.
Alien She what is your opinion if someone is getting something like a logo from a band or company though? To me itd totally be fine cause its just a logo
Blake M Hall I don’t thinks a very unique look to brand yourself like cattle but to each their own right. ex: Black flag logo has often been copied and it’s also a tattoo on the back on Henry Rollins neck. Look at the playboy bunny logo. Its no longer is a work of art made by one artist it’s consumed and enjoined by the public. You can look old art as well ex: Mona Lisa, how many times has it been recreated. Now if someone were to get one of my art logos tattoo on them that would be a different story. My art would be unique to me, basically if it’s not in mass consumption do not tattoo it and just design your own work.
@@taylorannedraws7585 originality is a myth in tattooing there's a million people walking around with nautical stars and sugar skull tattoos hell horn Beatles on their necks lol originality in tattoos is an illusion the media only gives you so much avenues
Leonardo Rodriguez I would disagree, True there is so many subjects to make and design but it’s how you do this that is the true art. How you create and make the subject your own is the “ unique” factor. If you sit copy the same shit over and over again of course than it’s not unique but also your aren’t a real artist either.
@@taylorannedraws7585 I define an artist as creating his or her own style plus creating original ideas you can only do so much with tattooing artisted are limited in creativity freedom its not like painting or sculpting
I don't know how the artists who have contributed to my piece would feel, but I would be disgusted to have someone copy my piece. It's so personal. I would not be flattered at all.
The real question is then, who truly owns a tattoo?
TomLifesTooShort if it's my artwork then I own the tattoo. I'm lucky because my artist signs an agreement that he can't put it on anyone else. That's integrity!
The person who commisioned the tattoo owns it. I think it's hilarious that these artists are claiming false ownership over someone property. When you commision art, the art is now legally yours copyright, brand, etc. It doesn't belong to the artist.
dani I don't know what laws you're reading, but you're incorrect
Laggy Potato it's the intellectual property of the artist, not the customer
In it's simplest form/concept, no one.
In a more complicated form, the artist's style, color, shading, composition, design, etc all put together can makes it original.
I like to think of art like words
All words are different, but they are all just combinations of 26 letters.
So sure the art peice may not be 100% original, but it's unique enough to come across that way
I think the issue arises as to whether or not the "tattoo artist" is actually being commissioned as an artist or "hired" to provide a service. Many clients are not looking for the tattooist's art, but just their ability to put the client's own idea to skin. At first I thought the topic of this video was just about stealing "original art", but after some of the artists discussed their opinions on stock images and photography, I felt like too wide a subject matter was being discussed that it distracted from the point. Copying someone else's original artwork is not cool, and I would wager there's probably a case for copyright infringement (although I'm not sure who actually owns a tattoo between the artist and the canvas). However, I don't think there's anything morally wrong with "unoriginal" tattoos - one of my local artists has a catalogue of designs and will give the same tattoo to as many people who request it, in addition to original work he does for the "more serious" fan.
I have three types of tattoo on my body: a stock-image on my shoulder; an original sleeve by my tattoo artist; and an original sleeve by a third party that I then asked my tattoo artist to put on me.
When they said tattoo copying I meant like copying from a picture of a tattoo because that's what the person wants but they deadass mean like copying designs and trying to act like they're yours
Agreed
My favorite thing to do is show the artist a picture and say I want that, but by you. Put your voice into it I want your art.
I appreciate the artists that understand how it feels for a client who's custom piece gets copied. My artist and i designed all of my work to be a certain style and mood that it's obvious to everyone and would be lost if just copied imo.
here's a fact, not all artists are tattooist, not all tattooist are are artists , end of story
Henry Labrake so how r tattoo artists suppose to atleast make a decent tattoo without having atleadt da littlest artistic talent dumb fuck
Lil Chino hey dumbass, I'm saying not all tattooist have the artistic talent to draw their own pieces, thus flash art you see in most parlors
Lil Chino wow i haven’t seen someone this dense on a TH-cam comment in a really long time lmfao
tattoo ARTIST, they have to have some artistic ability to be good at their job even if it's good shading or sharp line work
+Lil Penis
+Alexis DP
That's just skilled labor, friends. I actually do tattoo's, as does my licensed friend who taught me. I can trace and follow a stencil, no matter how complex. But even my stick figures are lopsided when I draw freehand lol... The quality of tattoos I produce is in no way related to my artistic ability, or lack thereof
This goes for all industries. You can’t take someone else’s painting, paint it and claim it as your own original. Same as photography. I don’t understand why some people think this doesn’t apply to tattoo. Be inspired, don’t copy.
Alex Wilmot So then do I just need a citation underneath my tattoo if it's a copy?
all of my tattoos have been inspired. ive had them way before drawing apps were available and im just glad me and my tattooer agreed on how to modify them
Kind of depends what the client wants isn’t it? Some clients want something very specific, others want a tattoo made from scratch because they like the tattooists art.
This. I have both; I have specific ones and ones that are pieces because I liked the tattooists art work. (More the latter than the former.)
I’m of the belief that I want my body to be a literal canvas. I always* tell my artists that I want my pieces to be uniquely theirs. I’ve been known to tell them, “Do what you want. Here’s what I can afford. Go to town.”
The only one who spoke facts was Nikki, jess, joice, Ben, and Megan massacre I feel personally because clients will come in with stuff they want and most tattoo artist will do it and like Ben said if you put it out there someone is gonna copy it regardless
Pfff copyrights hahaha if smone will do sm tatoo he find artist who do it.
Fck (R) xdxd
Joice is guilty of copying tattoos, everyone else is solid
When they start paying the photographers for the pictures they copy and tattoo, then they can talk
The two girls a little before the 10 minute mark make the most interesting comments, because many modern artists and animators could very well have had their pictures directly copied to tattoos before and some people want their tattoo to exactly resemble whatever drawing not done in a different style. Basically there's no way to know what has been turned into a tattoo before
I think copying isn't bad in reference to learning how it is being done and why. It's like trying to find your own style. However with originality many could argue that there is nothing new under the ☀. If I am looking for a tattoo artist I will always look at their portfolio.
I hate artists who straight up copy other people's work. I think its fine to use another art piece as a reference picture but as long as you either change the design into a different style or add stuff and remove stuff. Overall make it drastically different and unique. But straight up tracing and copying its unacceptable IMO. The whole point of an artist is to create unique and original work.
Why do they keep on showing the blond lady? I mean.
Tattoos are not even white people's culture. It's Ethiopian, African, Japanese, New Zealand(native), Australians (native), Amazonians, American south and north (native), pacific islanders (natives) .
Has nothing to do with white people. So for fucks sakes! stop showing blonde bimbos whites in every single irrelevant shit spot. Whites never invented everything. But they made others believe that they did.
So it’s not okay to see an image and say, I like that. I want that image on my body
Jose Espinoza not if you don’t own the image, have permission to permanently put that image on your body, or plan to change the image so it isn’t and exact copy.
@@annamathree8455 Have fun not getting money or clients. If I want a tattoo to be exact, then I want it that way. I don't care about having an alternate version because of artistic pride. I'll straight up leave and find someone else who'll do the job right.
@@samlsd9711 did you miss history class on the days they covered Germanic Tribes of Ancient Rome or the Nordic Vikings???
There definitely a blurry line, with some very clear ends, coming from a client's point of view. Flash art and shit like that is obviously ok. Personally, if you're getting Johnny Depp's face on you, or lyrics, or a painting, you don't get to claim it as your own personal piece. On the other end, if I spend a bunch of time and money working with my artist to get my perfect, unique piece I'd be upset to see a bunch of other people walking around with it. I've certainly seen pieces that I wish I had thought of and gotten first, but it would feel wrong to rip it off. The blurry line comes around things that are border line basic, or are basic with a twist. Those I don't have any answers for.
not every tattoo has to be some deep meaningful personal thing. if you like something there's nothing wrong with getting it put on your body.
Word & it still can be meaningful , all these people on this planet. . .some are bound to love the same shit.
But what if somebody comes in and is like “this is what I want” and shows them a tattoo? If they didn’t copy most of its aspect then the customer wouldn’t be happy, right?
Customer isn’t always right. I have a friend that was tryna copy someone else’s tattoo. I (not a tattoo artist yet) told her to add a few different lines here and there. She did and she now loves her tattoo better than the original and she can say hers is different, not an exact copy
Anthony has such a soothing voice like I cant even 😌
Copying art is absolutely necessary. Only this way we learn how things work and develop our own style. In music the same thing.
As a client, it is often the exact image that you see which is what you want tattooed. If you take this to a tattoo artist who takes inspiration from this and makes even very minor changes, it detracts somewhat from why you liked the image in the first place and you may not be as happy with it as you thought you would. It is fine if you want something custom like this, but ultimately, you are hiring the tattoo artist for a service. If the artist refuses to copy, find someone who will because it is your body and you should be able to have whatever image you like tattooed on it. Who cares if someone halfway around the world has the same tattoo? As long as it is a good tattoo and you like it, that's all that should matter.
bazinga fuck yeah
Uh, who cares? The original client who requested something unique.
Cant believe you asked that question.
I personally think it just shouldn’t be posted so openly.. if u don’t want others to have ur tattoo then make sure the artist isn’t going to post it like I understand that it’s like “advertisement” for them but if a customer doesn’t want it out there, they should respect that right?
You will get a b series tattooist to work on your skin then.
Jess Yen has the wisest perspective on it. Even as a portrait artist, unless you’ve taken that photo yourself you are stealing someone else’s work. Copying another person’s tattoo isn’t the problem. It’s claiming it as your own. Give credit where it’s due and quite honestly it’s not that big of a deal.
I try to avoid copying. I like to use my own photography or art. Makes it feel more unique to me.
I’ve been slowly watching all these Inked eps over the last week or two. Have to say, they’re great for when you’re subscription list runs dry, and you’re completely up to date.
Other great filler videos are those Technique Critiques (especially the linguistics dude, he’s amazing). But I’m always looking for more channels with a heap of videos to slowly go through while I wait for other videos.
Totally behind Jess and Megans views, why make a big issue about copying. There are a lot of people, who do not want always something different. But exactly something of what they saw. A lot of people just like to have a simple star / pentagram tattoo of some image they liked or just a typical one. Noting special about that. Also I have runes tattoos, but so a lot of people, I bet someone has same combinations of letters tattooed or want to get. Whats wrong with that?
I think as a tattooer you should be professional before being an artist, whatever some one wants it is their choice. You should educated and make sure they really want it as a professional. If they are open to your art skills, then be the best artist you can be. If not, then it should not matter.
Only one thing would of course be an issue, if it is truly one of a kind specially design tattoo that may have nowhere same meaning for another person then that would be wrong to copy.
As an artist, I don't want people selling my stuff without paying me. musicians, movie producers, writers, software designers, inventors/ engineers, anyone who creates things should be payed for THEIR work.
I’ve been designing my own tattoo for 2 years now and it’s all inspiration from other tattoos and artists but I’ve drawn in all myself and had my own touches but never have I traced any other work. I’m getting it tattooed in 6 months and I’m pumped
"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery", as one of the guys (kinda) said.
Also, with tattoos becoming more and more mainstream (we're getting dangerously close to the point where by having no ink on you, you're actually more "unique" than those who do), more and more artists pop up. I might be wrong, but I highly doubt that there can be millions of different art styles. I firmly believe that even if you're going in legit (as in not copying others' work), you have a very high chance to have a very very very similar style than another artist does a few countries away or something.
I like Megan’s response. There are artists that I know I probably will never be tattooed by and I would love to have their specific designs
Here's my thing with copying tattoos. Does it actually effect the original creator, or the person who got the first one? How often do you run into someone who copied a tattoo from say Instagram? Or have someone say "oh, yeah i've seen that tattoo a lot." Sure, there are some examples that are just way overused like barb wire, or the forest rising out of a solid band on the forearm, but that's just one of those tattoos that everyone's seen and should know to avoid at this point. I don't care if someone see's a tattoo I got and posted online, and even if I run into them i'm not going to be upset, because that means some random person thinks my design is awesome. As for this whole giving credit thing, how? There aren't a lot of ways to do that. EDIT. I'd also like to add that just because another tattoo artist sold that tattoo to someone else, odd's are the original artist never would've gotten that sale, since the copy is probably being done in another state.
But what about that first person who got a forest rising out of a band? How do you think they feel seeing their idea everywhere online? Not good
@@noshititskrae but that's on them, they chose to willingly put it out on the internet where nothing I'd original. And based on your comment, one could easily say all modern tattoos were ripped off of tribal tattoos done centuries ago,
If anything it negativity affects the tattoo artist more often than not, but if someone gets an extremely personal piece and that gets copied it can be a pretty big problem. That's why I don't share my tattoos online despite how much I love them.
Honestly, it's down to how much of an asshole you are if you care or not.
If you copy someone else's tattoo it just shows that you have 0 integrity and shouldn't even call yourself an artist. There are actually plenty of ain't pages who track down copied tattoos and expose these "artists". Even if it doesn't directly affect the original artist/client your work shouldn't be built upon copying others.
I totally agree with Anthony and Megan Massacre. I feel the same way. I love the image of the child that she used. Once I told someone that my creations were like my children but he laughed at me. People don't understand the importance of not copying but getting inspired. Lots of people are not aware of the importance of the creative process and what steeling does to the artist. Stealing a piece of art is stealing a part of the artist soul.
Copying is not a problem as long as you don't get credit for it, you don't publish it and keep it for you, you mention the artist and you use it to forge your own tools of creativity. It's an exercise to improve your skills.
I have one tattoo that is a copy of another tattoo. My artist wanted to draw something original but I wanted the exact one that I saw. Usually I am not like that, but the tattoo and the meaning behind it were from a person who I truly admire and had a huge impact on my life. They are definitely not the same tattoo but close enough that you can tell what it is based of off. Long story short I think there are exceptions to this rule.
12:07-12:18 YES! THANK YOU! I'm so glad someone said this because for me that's really why tattoo copying is so bad. Like, someone got that piece for a reason, maybe it means a lot to them, and stealing that uniqueness and that personal meaning is abhorrant.
This all comes from the point of view of the artist, but what about the client? Not everybody has the privilege of getting the tattoo they want from the artist they'd like to get it from. They can't afford it, or it would mean travelling across the world... it's impossible for them to get it any other way than that.
Many people (probably these artists too) have a print of a famous painting or photo on their wall because they love the work and respect the artist, but could never afford the original. They still hang it on their wall.
...
I get the point most of these people here are making (all of whom have done unoriginal work themselves, don't kid yourselves) but it's just not one that represents the reality of art. To put it into perspective... Leonardo Da Vinci copied a lot of his work.
sure, but if you REALLY like something, you can also tweak it to make it your own. if you love a design that much, but can't afford to get it done by the original artist, then i understand that. But the issue with that is that is that a lot of "artists" will take someone else's design, and say it was theirs. I feel like if a client comes in and says, i love design this other artist did, can you replicate it, and the second artist does, that can be ok too, as long as the second artist, when showing off that work or talking about it or whatever, acknowledges that they REPLICATED someone else's work. its when they try to pass it off as their own work that it becomes really messed up and shady
Meagan makes this point.
Steal what you can't afford?
Prints are going to be sold by the owner, copyright owner, or is fair use, otherwise is copyright infringement. Did da vinci sell copied works? I feel like that would be super obvious back then, ill probbably look it up. But there it's a difference between copying to learn (art studies), and copying for for commercial purposes.
And most tattoo artists around her charge the same. There is like, 2 tiers. There's really bad to really good tier, and than there is the amazing tier who will generally charge double
The tattoo artist I will be going too here in a few months has a policy that says that she will do whatever your idea is but that she reserves the right to include a little detail of her own to it, so that every single tattoo she makes is unique.
My thing is though, as a consumer, if I see a picture online of a tattoo that I love and I go into a shop and want that on my body, then that's that. I don't want an artist's interpretation of it, I want the picture I fell in love with. Doesn't make the artist shitty.
That's the same way I feel. When I got my first tattoo, I was so disappointed because details I loved were changed and I wasn't even aware until after it was finished. I guess I'll just get add-ons until I like it but until then I'm pretty much going to have to keep my wrists covered
Colin Deal no it’s not plagiarism because you are not an essay you are a person so if someone asks you where the design came from you can say the internet
No it makes you shitty because that's someones skin you're getting tattooed on you. That's someone's work depending on how big and how much emotion comes with it. It's not just drawing.. I work in a tattoo shop and I see how hard these people work to put their own spin on their work. If you like the picture so much, maybe contact the artist and ask for permission or go to THAT artist
then go to the original artist?
As a consumer and an artist myself (not a tattoo artist) I don't agree to anyone ever copying someone elses work. You should never expect a tattoo artist to ever completely copy a tattoo from someone else to you. Always expect that there are going to be changes that need to be done. Talk to your artist in a consultation about what you like about the tattoo and how alike you want it, it's rare for them to actually copy things ever especially since they wouldn't want people to copy their own work. You don't have to do large changes if your artist agrees to it just at least a little change.
I have a tattoo that was posted on my artists blog when it was done 8 or so years ago and I’ve since seen pictures of 3 copies of it online. It’s based on a logo for a band so it’s something that fans of the band google and my tattoo is one of the more unique takes which is probably why it is often copied. I find it frustrating because I went to the artist with a unique idea that was mine and the artist spent hours sketching it up and even longer tattooing it. I know mine is the original though and that it’s was done by an artist who I respect and who has unbelievable talent. Proud to have his piece on me.
Be inspired by a tattoo and maybe get something along those lines but don't copy it!
I think what Megan says about not being able to actually go see the artist who has the tattoo style you're wanting is so true. With social media, it's so easy to see designs from all over the world and get inspired, but how then do you get the money or time to go personally see that tattooist? Is it okay to ask your own tattooist to do something for you that is in line with someone else's style, or is that called copying too?
Personally liked Paul Booth’s explanation the best my self.
Jess Yen spoke the most facts Here. Exactly the dilemma and how to fix it.
Megan Massacre ‘s opinion was the most well put and honest. True artist.
Some of these artists are so full of themselves. I really appreciate the ones who are okay with people copying their work.
It depends what customers want, if I want something great from other people, or I want a original work..
Megan Massacre seems like such a great person all around. I've watched a few of her videos on TH-cam and I love what she always has to say. She's very inspirational.
I understand all artists want to add their artistic flare in to designs; that is what partly separates some tattoo artists in to the elite category. Also you wouldn't want some jackoff stealing your design. But what about flash tattoos like sailor jerry designs? Aren't those meant to be copied exactly?
7:00 thanks megan lol she answered it for me
But where does it become YOUR art or the consumers PRODUCT? Tattooing is art sure but if someone wants something on their body that we would assume will be on their body forever they should be entitled to what they want. Tattooing is hard with this because compared to other art forms it will be on them forever unless they get it laser removed or get is covered up but lets someone who draws illustrations was asked to copy someone's art than yeah they will be a problem.
Thank you, Megan Massacre....
I don't know how many times I told someone a tattoo idea, or showed them a design and had it copied. It is infuriating and frustrating. I even posted a picture of a mock tattoo in sharpie just to try it out and see how it moved with my body and that was copied as well. Now, I only have one tattoo, and I don't show it to anyone for fear that someone will take that personal design and put it on their body without knowing the meaning behind it.
Anthony is such a peaceful soul. He’s handsome, intelligent, well spoken, AND talented. His parents must be such wonderful people to have created such a well rounded man.
Thank you Adrian Cier for saying something about the client!
All these guys hating on coping, but how many people out there are running around with Superman, Spiderman, or other copyrighted materials on their customers? Bet these same artists don't have a problem.
I think sometimes the clients just don't understand that you don't wanna tattoo another person's work. They sometimes just have a picture and that is what they want tattooed. And sometimes get angry when you try to make changes
Unpopular opinion: Tattoo copying isn't a bad thing. I think Megan really hit the nail on it, not everyone can go to a certain artist. I don't know, I personally want all my tattoos to be original, but at the same time hypothetically, if I want an exact tattoo on online, it's my body and I'm paying for that. You may be an artist, but this is going on someone's body permanently. Skin is not a piece of paper.
But taking someone elses tattoo that was personal to them is p disrespectful
You can put whatever you want on your body, but people also have a right to call you out if you blatantly steal somebody's work. Artists work bloody hard and the least you can do is come up with something original. Even if you aren't an artist, bring reference photos of a subject or sketch out a really quick design and bring it to your artist, ask them what they can do to create an original piece. Stealing is lazy and so disrespectful.
I agree, what's the chances of someone recognizing the tattoo.
@@nydiamorales9203 with social media? Chances are huge. Reverse image search. Just don't be lazy, come up with your own twist on it.
@@biksit4095 Thats what I do but like if someone wants some basic ass shit they saw on instagram or something specific like thats their body
The two people I get tattooed by definitely prefer references that aren’t tattoos, period. Like they’re cool with seeing the work of other tattooists to get an idea of the style you like, but they’re all about doing custom pieces for every single client and specifically request references that aren’t already tattooed on someone else for when they go to draw it up. Got a lot of love and respect for both of them. ❤️
Paul Booth is such a sweet and genuine yet somber and creepy guy.
My best friend at the time her dad didn't want her to have a tattoo unless it was matching with her mom. She was set on a particular design (ended up not getting it). She wanted me to go watch but it was a school night. When I finally got to see it it broke my heart. Me and my mom were going to get song lyrics from our favorite song when I was little that we sang together. It was a representation of how much we went through together but we always had each other. She got the same lyrics, flowers, and when they were together the tattoo came together like ours was going to have . She could tell i was upset and said, "I forgot you and your mom was going to get it until after we got it." So this topic is a touchy one for me.
What happens if a client comes in with a picture of a tattoo and wants that exact tattoo done and aren’t necessarily looking for a custom piece? Is that a no-no?
Depends on the artist. Most artists won't fully copy a design though out of fear of being sued
alex Debroux Sued for a tattoo lmfao how would anyone know where it came from
A good artist will not copy another persons art exactly. If you find an artist who is willing to cut and paste another persons art, it probably wont be a well done tattoo. That's the general consensus.
I think it's fair when the one guy said that you should at least give credit. Because I do understand that lots of people like the same kind of artwork. How many people have a reproduction painting in their homes? Or a print? Or have some type of copy done to look similar? It's something that is going to happen. But as with any work, people should give credit where it's due. Especially with big personal pieces. I get why people are bothered by it. But at the same time, the people who get the tattoos are sometimes bothered by it, who is to say if the artist has the right to reuse their designs on multiple people.... or should that individual have sole rights to that image?
I think it's fine as long as you change it enough to make it unique
Art itself is an imitation, whether it captures a physical thing, or an emotion as in abstract, it still cannot create in itself.
I get frustrated when the artist is in another country and I can’t travel to get it done by them ):
I'm not a artist but I'm young and getting more tattoos soon I'm 17 and this channel helps alot
Half the tattoos out there are copied off the flash on the wall or google images anyway. Stop taking yourselves so seriously. I tattooed for over 20 years, trust me this is too much. These people think that they and everything they do is so fucking important, but guess what- they aren't. Notice that the down-to-earth artists aren't super bothered, but the "more tattoo than you" types are.
i agree, I want to be a tattoo artist and I've seen many people have the same tattoos. Back in the days people had the same tattoos but now since tattoos are a "trend" they get butthurt when they see people with the same tattoos.
They're butthurt because they have zero originality within themselves so they have to portray it outwardly to fool others, thinking that if they can make others think of them in a certain way then maybe that will give them the courage to believe in themselves. The lack of originality of people's thinking bothered me more as a tattoo artist than having to just tattoo #37-C once in a while. Most people really don't have much original going on. I can usually pinpoint a tribal armband to the year, usually between 1996 and 1999. The summer of 199....6 or 7 was the Summer of the Ankle Dolphins. Those with unicorns are from the early 80's, Tazmanian devils mid-80s to very early 90's. In the 2000's girls with stars on their hip near their puss were showing up like locusts. From 80s to 90s I probably did a few hundred "smile now cry later"-s, maybe a thousand butterflies. Later in the decade I was seeing a lot of "cult" tattoos such as wiccan symbols and owls. When some rogue cops formed a gang and all got the same tattoo of a skull wearing a cowboy hat and smoking guns, one of them came to our shop to get it. I still tattoo for friends or the occasional client from way back, but I'm not very into it. I DEFINITELY will never want to go back to shops. I could take their bad music when I was making money hand over fist, but it just ain't like that anymore so no thank you.
+So Cal Bee Guy 👌👌👏👏 we need more people like you in this world. I fucking agree with you
It’s because everyone thinks they’re soooo “special” and “unique”
Well they are, but mistaken as to what makes them so. The main station everyone listens to is "alternative rock", people get tattoos to stand out from the crowd only to end up part of a genre. The rebel today is playing their own music and has no tattoos.
I agree with Joice Wang. I understand the complexity of the issue and that a lot of people find it problematic, usually for good reason. I agree that you shouldn't directly steal an existing piece, but then again: nothing is truly original at this point. It's not possible to create something that has never been done before. You can customize the piece and make it a bit more personal, add details that didn't exist in the original and whatnot. That way you'll get something slightly new and different from the original. What matters is that you should try to avoid directly copying something but it's ok if it happens, as long as you understand the complexity of the issue. It's important not to take it lightly.
There's a difference between copying someone else's tattoo design and copying works of art such as the Mona Lisa, yes they were both original ideas from someone but one has worldwide recognition and the other is a design created for 1 person so in that respect, you shouldn't copy someone else's Tattoo outright but replication of works of art is somewhat open to individual judgment. IDK it's just my opinion on design in general because I've yet to get a tattoo myself 😅
Also anyone with the original rights to the Mona Lisa is dead.
It also hurts the people who have those tattoos. I remember seeing a video of a woman who had her custom chest piece her artist had tattooed on her copied by someone who saw it. It was basically a straigjt copy and didn’t look nearly as good on the other person because it was drawn to fit her body. It’s kinda sad when someone completely rips off something custom made for a persons body.
Imagine Da Vinci saying no one can draw the Mona Lisa because it's custom to him.
Your logic is flawed and the only valid argument is that you're selfish.
Jesus samurai the Mona Lisa wasn’t made specifically to one persons body like a big chest of back piece that’s literally designed to fit that persons body.
@@iljaxox526 So that makes the art Monopolized?
You said it's not okay to straight copy. So that means if I get a wolf that fits my chest perfectly then no one else is allowed to get my creative wolf?
Ripping of someones artwork is bad, ripping of someones custom body art is worse imo. Taking inspiration is fine! Heavily inspired even. Changing the colors can really change a piece.
@@iljaxox526 You didn't really answer my question.
You keep saying ripping off is bad but yet people run around with star wars tattoos, Marvel, and various other art that was created by someone else. It's bad rhetoric to say copying art is bad.
You didn't answer the modification art either. So if I get a cool wolf chest piece does that mean I have a monopoly on it and no one else is allowed to do it because it fits my body perfectly?
I'd appreciate some feedbacks on this scenario:
What if a customer wanted to copy a tattoo which is not an original artwork but instead was transposed from a cartoon poster/screenshot?
Does that count as copying?
Also, aside from copying the tattoo, if a customer asks for a cartoon poster/screenshot to be tattooed as is, can that request fall into the case of not allowing a tattoo artist to express him/herself?
I had someone take a screenshot of a tattoo that I drew myself for MYSELF and it is on my forearm. They took it into a shop and got the same exact thing except for the leafs that's all they took out. I was so pissed I even called them out. But in the long run ink is permanent so there isnt much you can do at that point. But YOU'LL always know that it's yours.
I got a tattoo ,then I moved out of town, i came back years later, a friend of mine has almost the same design,but even worse it's in the same place I put it.didnt really want to have my shirt off at the same time.so lame
rexxx cooters What's wrong with it?
James Downs Some tattoos are personal; if someone else copies something that has meaning for you just because they thought it was cool, it makes people feel jilted. Especially if you paid good money for a custom tat just to have it stolen.
Drunken Whaler How does someone else getting the same tattoo cause someone else to feel jilted?
Why does it matter that someone else has it? Just because they feel a certain way doesn't mean that people should behave differently because of it.
James Downs So someone pays for a tattoo that is unique and personal. After being copied, it no longer has the uniqueness they paid for and it's not really personal anymore, is it? Of course if you wanted something unoriginal tattooed you don't exactly have a right to complain but people generally expect their custom tattoos to stay that way. That sentiment is why copyright and other such laws exist.
Matter? To who? It could matter to the person who commissioned the original because to them you're stealing something personal from them. It matters to the artist because someone else is making bank off their work. It clearly doesn't matter to you because to be completely candid it seems you have problems understanding the emotions and reactions of normal folk. In the end, it doesn't really matter, and nobody cares until somebody recognises it's a copy. But be careful with that devil-may-care attitude, because take it far enough and you're just a cunt who can't be bothered to learn how a society works.
Drunken Whaler What does the uniqueness serve? Rarity has meaning if you're planning to resell something. Are people going to resell their tattoos?
How is anything being stolen from the wearer? They still have their tattoo unless you're talking about someone cutting someone else's skin off but I'm talking about copying.
What don't I understand about the reactions of normal folks? How do I not know how society works? What does it even matter?
My one and only (current) tattoo is an image I took from Google. The tattoo artist I got to do my tattoo added his own flair to the tattoo but I still look at it and feel a sense of guilt for getting something that is a copy of another artists piece of work, even though it was simply a drawing and not originally a tattoo.
8:44 I loved what she said and I agree with it. But I also agree with the other artists saying that it’s wrong. It’s a double edged sword. Like I loved Sasha Unisex’s work but she lives in Russia and I know I wouldn’t have the funds to get a tattoo from her but I want one so what can I do? Then it goes back to the fact that it would be wrong for another tattoo artist to copy her work. It will end up going around and around. I think you just have to be open and go to the tattoo artist with source material and trust that they’ll come up with something inspired by it or in the same aesthetic as the original. I feel like it helps to go to a tattoo artist that does the same style as well, rather than go to a tattoo shop and try to just have anybody do it because it won’t be the persons style and it won’t turn out the way you want it to.
If you’re an artist, you’ll understand how everyone in the video is maybe struggling with the answer (because it can be hard to put it into words why it’s wrong, etc.), but I always think about the people coming into the shop who aren’t into that scene and won’t understand why the tattoo artist won’t do a carbon copy of the tattoo that you saw on Pinterest and won’t get the integrity that real artists have. I think that people forget that tattoo artists are ARTISTS, just like any illustrator, painter, sculptor, etc.
Everyone saying they hate other artists copying their work just reeks of insecurity in this video. When I see Joice Wang and Ben Kaye say they don't care about their work being copied it really shows how confident they are in their work. I would love to get a tattoo from them
Two Things -- Flash Tattoos, and Neo traditional tattoos
Flash tattoos are, well, flash
And Neo Traditional tattoos -- its all literally the same. How many ships or panther heads have you seen. When I discovered that art style I just quit worrying about unique tattoos or artwork period.
I don't think you know what neo-traditional is
A big problem with so many artists that copy is they usually have no artistic integrity so the work they’re doing ends up a lesser quality, and usually they’re preying on people who aren’t as cultured about tattoos as an art form. It’s a really rampant problem in my city and I see so much sloppy work walking around that are obviously just taken off of google or Pinterest.
Honestly if u don’t want someone to copy an original piece u got ur tattoo artist to do then don’t post it on social media and complain. Come to an agreement with ur artist to make sure they don’t post it or use that design again. Not everyone is able to give credit to artists who draw the designs and how would u even do that if u see something on google or Pinterest that isn’t from the artist or person who got it? Copying a tattoo is fine as long as whoever is using the design acknowledges it’s someone else’s work and informs the person getting the tattoo or the person getting the tattoo tells their tattoo artist that they got the design elsewhere.
If I go into a tattoo shop and want a specific design then that’s me. I don’t want it tweaked or anything and I might not be able to give credit to the artist who created the design. Unfortunately the time and effort that goes into the designs isn’t acknowledged but if u put ur image out there u do so with the knowledge that anyone can see it and use it. Don’t be ignorant and upset when it’s used again when a client requests the image because the reality is that most tattoo artists will not turn you away with a design u want on your body and when your paying for it.
While originality and creativity is applauded the simple fact is with the rise of tattoo popularity a lot of people have the same tattoos as someone they don’t even know miles away.
Im going overseas next year and Im designing a piece with two specific artists that Ive researched and I believe they will be they best choices for doing this piece of art. It reflects my unique faith, as well as the uniqueness of the artist helping create the piece. To see my design online would be awesome, seeing people appreciate our work. I would not like to see something I put in time, effort, money into being used as a quickie piece a bunch of people have. They wont understand its depth and meaning it has for me.
But if you like a certain style of tattoo why can't I get that cause "artists shouldn't copy". As a customer as you saying that if I want a certain style I'm to track down and travel to that artist? A person who could be in my town or some remote place half way around the world. No. That's stupid.
I completely understand the artist perspective , they’re artist & only want to create their own original pieces. Now from a customer point of view of I see someone I like that fire in my opinion , I’m gonna get it regardless of who had it first. It still very well can mean a lot to you and less stress knowing for sure you’re gonna love what you get because you already seen it done. This seemslike something people will always disagree on. I can 7 tattoos and only one I thought of on my own which was cover art from my favorite Kayne album. Other than that I found all my ideas searching Pinterest topics that I like.
Find it interesting that these high brow artists typically forget that in the end, they are choosing to put permanent art on SOMEONE ELSE'S BODY. They always act like this art springs into being thanks to them, but it is almost always the client approaching them to let them know what they want done. If they want a particular thing done it isnt right to change what they want too much
Ive seen this comment a lot, about how the tattoo artists should have minimal input because it's the clients body and they're going.to pay them. But it doesn't really make sense to me. If you want a fine line tattoo, are you going to go to a traditional tattoo artist? If you do, that guys going to tell you to get it done by someone else. Either that, or try to cater to you and give you some messed up tattoo.
You're generally going to do some research and go to an artist who's previous work fits what you're looking to get (because it's your body and you want the best tattoo you can get). So we've established that you respect this person's work, so why not their opinions on what would work best?
I feel horrible that my first small tattoo was taken from the internet. I still feel guilty about it..
Nothing wrong with that tbh
Don't ....there's enough to worry about these days..... mistakes are how we learn to be better....reframe how you think about mistakes... in that you are a better person today and humanity needs people who grow and learn! This coming from a stranger...but I felt your comment...and I'm passing along something someone taught me!
love these videos and how insightful these answers are, i hope to be a tattoo artist one day
I've always understood that you cant ask an artist to make the same thing that's been done before, my favorite advice when looking at tattoos, is looking at an artist's specific style and creating a new piece with your reference material and their own unique style
With my tattoos I put about 2 hrs of coming up with my leg tat so for me I don’t want someone to rip it off if they went and said I want something like that and the artist changes things to make it there own I wouldn’t have a problem like I found this anklet tat I really want and even though I like it the way it was I would just show my artist and say make something like this because it’s not only disrespectful to the person who has it but also the artist who created the piece
Shy Babe the makeup addict how old are you 👀
Vadaski 19
I agree with you completely. The other thing too...is that people often stealing from other cultures in their work in the form of hamsas and dreamcatchers, etc, that’s another issue not discussed. But I don’t post my tats online because eh I want mine to be orginal
Nikki Simpson describes it perfectly! little symbols and simple pieces are done when someone wants exactly what’s in a picture. However, if you have a piece/larger idea create your own. Take an idea or picture your client is thinking about, and follow a similar thought but make it your own.
4:30 joice Wang i think is pretty accurate
She got busted copying not long ago
Apparently customer is wrong. if i want a certain tattoo i will find someone that gonna give me what i want and they will get paid simple transactions not these pre madonna's talking about stealing from art cuz they all copy simple nothing original they're delusional
@@inertia210 so you really don't make art then, do you?
I feel like once an art piece reaches a certain amount of fame, it becomes like public domain and people who like it will want it imitated