I think the main problem is that people who get stolen tattoos don't see the artistry the same way as you [and I] do. They see an artist as a printer, not a painter. They can ask a printer to recreate something exactly. What they don't realize or appreciate is that tattooing is a form of art.
yes exactly, what I also seem to hear a lot is "yeahh I get that the artist made it and stuff, but it's MY BODY and I can decide what I put on it" I just don't know what to say everytime I hear that TnT
I've had an artist take a custom piece we created together, tweak it slightly and put it on a 50 year old man two months later who was a walk-in for a coverup. The fact that my "artist" could rave about how much he loved my tattoo and how it was one of his favourite pieces he had done, then go forward and put it on someone else.... really stung. It seriously sucks.
Brittany Nope i had a similar experience, paid for a custom design and saw my tattoo artist do practically the same tattoo on someone else but she obviously put in more effort. I'm still in the process of getting her shaky linework fixed, years later 🙄
That sucks so much! Thankfully he did amazing with his line work and all the colour/shading.. But that also made it difficult, because I was so proud to show off this piece and recommend him to all my friends, then this happened. Good luck with fixing the line work, I'm sure it'll look great once it's all fixed up :)
If you’re artist loved drawing something why are you surprised they wanted to draw it again. I don’t get this argument. I get like “plagiarism”. But why should only one person experience a great piece of art? Only one person can hear a song. Only one person can see a movie. Only one person can appreciate a Van Gogh piece. No!
I would be SO immensely hurt if someone took my tattoo. Inspiration and copying are super different. It's such a personal experience, it's too much for me, lol
Toni Jane I think the thing is that painters/artists mostly make their work to show it to the public but if you have your own tattoo, it's just for you. It's part of you and it really means something to you and if you see it on other people it's kind of annoying. It's a little bit like if somebody would have the exact same face as you and you wouldn't have anything special to you anymore...just what I think
Willing to bet anyone snapping back against the incredibly basic concept of not ripping off people's original tattoos: A) Don't have tattoos B) Don't have original tattoos C) Have ripped off tattoos
When someone has exact Flash tattoos on them kinda kills it for me when they get upset about someone taking a tattoo of theirs. The flash tattoo you have is probably on many other people and they are ok with that but not someone adjusting their design or copying it. Maybe if that person has all original work I can see them getting upset but otherwise I don’t get it.
40 Roll Here’s why the two are different: when you agree to a flash tattoo, you go into it knowing you are going to be sharing that tattoo with lots of other people. You don’t get a flash tattoo to commemorate your vacation in Paris (unless you’re getting a flash tattoo in Paris), your marriage, your lost child, childhood memories, parent memorials, etc. That’s the point of flash art- it’s to be cool, inexpensive, done quickly, and have you in and out of the shop in a flash. When you get an original piece done, it means something to you, you expect to be the only one to have that particular piece of art. When you had an artist tailor it exactly to fit your wants and expectations, spend all this time and money on it, and wear it with pride just to find out someone else is walking around with something that’s supposed to be just for you, it probably sucks. It’s never happened to me and probably won’t, but that’s really gotta suck.
I don't have any tattoos yet, but I've learned so much from this show. before watching I didn't understand why copying was bad. I now know a lot more empathy on the subject, especially about the respect on art, and I can't wait until I have my first tattoo. Love and appreciate this!!
wearesibz Yeah. It's been a little while for me, but same here. I only have one so far. I commented elsewhere on here, but Qcknd and another UA-camr were invaluable in helping prepare (and continue to help me navigate the pitfalls). Those in the tattoo lifestyle may forget what it's like for us newbies. There IS a difference between the uncaring stupidity she talks about and those of us that unintentionally offend ppl with our ignorance. Qcknd is awesome for helping out those of us in the 2nd catergory.
Yeah, and that's a shame. I've watched so many videos on "what not to say to artists" and I'm so glad. I would have asked so many dumb as things just like them.
She still repeats a lot of what she says like 10 times lol. Not because she's the only youtuber but damn it's annoying after you've heard x sentence 20 times. It's like ok this video could've been 5 minutes shorter if you edited out all the repeating stuff.
This one girl on youtube and she had her palms tattooed and her daughter's name like, on the fingers, and someone copied the full thing, even the name. And she was saying that she hopes that the person has someone close to them with the same name, like otherwise they have a tattoo of her daughter's name.
People with stolen tattoos are like people walking around with a cheap knock off handbag. Like they can copy it, but they'll never have the real deal and usually the copy is of much lower quality than the original.
I get what you are saying, but a bag just dont compared to a tattoo ,a bag it a just fashion item that can be change easily but a tattoo even if it for fashion only in some case, it is literally INK in you ,you cannot always cover up just because an asshole copy it ...
well not all copy are bad quality most of the time ,it just cheaper for the bag (you dont pay for the name,it still the same material normally ) but that not the case of the tattoo ,it will surely cost about the same amount of money to copy someone else exact tattoo or you will end up with something crappy and tacky but at the end that person is an ass not knowing what they are really getting . The client and the artist work the whole concept that is not ok.I will be wierd out a little ( a be mad and disturbed for a while )if somebody get the same lettering design that i have ,i made it for my father who past away that was a promise i made him 1 week before he die and he dont have a tomb (i feel like guardian) .It will look out of the place for me seeing a stranger with something i made for him in his memories O.0 But a copy of a bag or whatever i really could care less...You can dress up just like me if you want ;D
yup that's what I did. I have it on my fb with friends I know but not my IG. I only put them if i feel not a huge thing like my owls, rose, and octpus. However there one tattoo I haven't put on IG which is my building bc i taken pictures of flat iorn building and had my artist do a mix and it's my own original tattoo. so i feel it.
To me some tattoos shouldn't be stole espeically if it's something you rarely see on people. I feel it takes hard work to come up with an idea you love and put it on you and someone steals it in every inch. Be inspire but don't make it 100% like mine. It might not be hurting no one however people who are creative and who want different don't want people taking their work or the criedit. Like I said there are some I don't find a big deal like you know animals or flowers however try to make a change in a idea you like. I would love to get a bio shock sleeve, but I don't want the same idea as everyone else. Every sleeve of the game I seen it's the same theme. That's why i went played the game again and even took pictures while playing so i can have a sleeve with the same cartoons, but not the same way. I agree with +Taylor Manning in what she said.
The clients shouldn´t take credit for the tattoo since they are not the one designing them (even though if they come up with the concept) You can´t really use this Mona Lisa anology, since Leonardo painted Mona Lisa, but you or te client in most cases didn´t do the tattoo yourself/himself/herself. unless you/him/her are really good at drawing and are the the one that did the drawing. To compare your tatto that someone else designed for you as your work is like comparing a painting that would be made by Leonardo by a request of some patron, lets say a painting of this patron in his yard with his dog and his three daugters in some special enviroment that the patron would ask to be paint in, as the the patrons work. Btw, hundreds or thousands of artist have copied Mona Lisa, which is a artwork by an artist like you know called Leonardo. Nobody blinks an eye when tattoo artist steal from him or copy. But when a tatto artist dears to use the same tatoo that he himself designed for a client every looses it.
Why not? You should be confident in sharing your tattoo. If someone takes that art, don't be mad because you are not the first person with that tattoo and you have a specific meaning to it. They're meaning might be different than yours, that's what matters.
Last year I got a piece by Alex Strangler and she posted it on her IG. One of the first comments was a girl tagging her regular artist and asking him if he could do that design for cheap. Like you said, I get that not everybody is going to be able to get an Alex Strangler tattoo, but how rude is that???
I once had a woman at a wedding (who I had never met) take a photo of my cameo tattoo that my artist drew specifically for me because she thought a cameo was a cool idea and wanted something similar. She then went to my artist, showed him the photo she took and told him she wanted that exact tattoo. He obviously recognized the tattoo and told her she couldn't have that tattoo because "that's Kelly's tattoo" but he would draw up something for her. She got annoyed and never ended up getting a tattoo from him. I was so embarrassed when he told me, thankfully he had already assumed that I didn't really know the woman. I don't let strangers take photos of my tattoos anymore, unless it's some taking a photo of my Vincent Price tattoos at a horror convention since I know they aren't taking the photos to get a tattoo.
When I saw your love letter tattoo I thought it was so awesome! So I went to my guy and said I wanted a neo-traditional love letter. Your tattoo made me fall in love with the love letter concept and because I brought my guy a concept and not just an image I have a totally original piece that I adore! So thank you Qcknd for introducing me to that concept!
RebeccaRandoms I love the love letter tattoo too! I think if I ever got one it would have to say "hopeless romantic" around it too since that's exactly what I am. Also I would just say "love letter" and give zero reference pictures
Deanna Tingwald I thought about putting text in mine but I couldn't really think of anything I wanted. I think "hopeless romantic" is such a good idea! When people ask me questions about my love letter tattoo they always ask "whose the love letter for?" And the answer is always "myself."
I am tattoo artist..and I never post my work.I do private by word of clients only. I show my books and do pieces around ideas ,sometimes I do two variations of same idea just because it's fun. I don't find it flattering when my art is copied.but I can't waist my day on it. I can only limit who see it. and be conscious of the clients I service. I will not service everyone. I do love to listen to "the other side of tattooing." I like to listen to you. sending love.💛✨🌟
Melanie Springman I am also very particular and who I pick as a client I understand exactly where you're coming from nobody wants to have their work oversaturated or devalued or demonetized in any shape or form. I'm With you 100% on that note . But I do post regularly because I want the world to see my work but that doesn't mean that I will tattoo every body who likes the tattoo I did just because they like it . For me I have to meet with the person first before I even decide to take them on as a canvas . I'd like to know what they have in mind and see if I can even get along with my subject.. some subjects are just a pain in the ass naturally to me I could give a fuck about the money I don't really care I have enough money of my own I do not tattoo for money LOL. I Get enough money from my paintings alone anyhow so it's Allmost second nature for me to turn you down if I'm not viben with you or if our chemistry isn't up to par. I loose nothing at the end of the day and I'm not desperate or thirsty for canvas eathier so it's a lot easier for me to say no 😂😂😂😂😂😂👍🏿👍🏿
love love LOVE your shirt, and how it subtly showcases your back piece ! You've also been glowing in your past few videos, & I can definitely see an increase in your confidence since you've moved out:) loving your content even more
qcknd, you should do a Tattoo Talk Tuesday about the language/vocabulary/lingo of the tattoo world for us newbies who are just getting into it. Also, wow I can't believe you got hate for telling someone who asked to copy you no. Isn't part of asking for consent being prepared to hear "No, you may not." I mean I could be totally wrong, and the definition for asking for consent might have changed to "I asked so it man's an automatic yes, and anything other than that will make me pissy and offended." I don't think there's anything wrong with saying "I appreciate you asking permission, but I'm going to have so say no, and here's my reasoning as to why..."
Just so you know, you've helped this little future tattoo newbie learn the importance of not coping tattoos, as well as taking inspiration vs. taking the actual tattoo. 😁
I had my first tattoo at 23. I work as a model and another model not only stole my actual tattoo, she also stole the placement and the actual photoshoot shot she likely found the tattoo from. I was so hurt and offended that something that meant so much to me was blatantly ripped off on so many levels. It's not flattering. AT ALL.
Having a tattoo stolen is definitely the worst. Some imagery and symbols are inherently difficult to have individuality attached to it, i.e. paper airplanes, sunflowers, certain script tattoos etc., but having your skin basically copied is a punch in the gut. My first tattoo was copied by someone really close to me and even though some aspects were changed (which I appreciated) it still sucked.
What I've done with my upcoming tattoo's is show my artist the inspiration of the style/look of the tattoo and basically let my artist take that idea and come up with a concept for me. I would prefer giving the artist inspiration for what I want than an exact copy. Then it's truly from that specific, talented artist.
Atom Cat exactly. but I then think that you did right and you are not responsible if your artist then chose an image that was someone elses work and you didn't know what she presented wasnt her own! there has to be a level of trust xxxx
Tattoo artists are ARTISTS. Copying a tatoo (thats not something like a logo of course, as mentioned) is just as, if not more, bad as copying a drawing or painting and passing it off as your own work (and charging people for it!) At least art on paper you can return and refund because its a fake, tattoos are much harder to get rid of.
pete parker I would consider that flash it's from a show and it has a large fandom so it's fine. Just like pokemon tattoos like you can either take the pokeball itself or create an original concept based on the show. Qcknd has a video based on fandom tattoos as well so you can always check that out
agreed there is a difference between a flash tattoo. like supernatural symbol or mickey mouse. compared to a personalized piece made specifically for you.
that wouldn't be considered as stealing a tattoo. cause even the very first person who ever got that tattooed, didn't come up with the idea by themselves.
I agree. Now I'm having a Pokémon tattoo myself in, well, a few days but I feel like the difference would be: you can't ask someone to not get the specific Pokémon but you can demand that the specific details around it and such to not be copied since that's when the tattoo becomes personal. I did just like In the video and found some different stuff I liked from different art and other tattoos and told my tattoo artist: i want this Pokémon and these elements. Basically told him three things I wanted to be there but otherwise let him do his thing.
Well like those above said, it's more of a flash tattoo. It's not an original piece that someone created with their artist specifically for their body.
I just feel need to let you know how much I appreciate and respect you! This topic is one i was very sheltered from for a long time but Im glad i didn't start collecting tattoos until I first heard you talk about this topic! Before I started watching you Tattoo Talk Tuesday videos, everyone i knew copied tattoos and very rarely would i see someone with an original idea or speak about it. Since i started to think about tattoo copying i have so much more compassion and feel strongly about it. My first two tattoos have been completely original so far, and i couldn't be happier! Feels so good to have original work from my tattoo artist but i couldn't imagine how it would feel if someone copied my pieces! Anyway i want to thank you, as this show has taught me a lot and i have a deep respect for you!
I got inspired by your burning bra tattoo. And I didnt show any images to my artist I just told her "hey I want a burning bra tattoo, do you wanna do it?" And she said "Hell yes!!!" and so she did some research and took her complete own take on it and I love it. But as a person who has severeal tattoos I'm conscious about the issue as it is. I was aware that I won't show her your exact Image to keep the influence complete away - and off course I know she is a professional she would never ever copy it. I just wanted to keep the initial influence that brought this idea to life in my head - to be out of the way. At the appointment she freehanded it with pictures of bullet bras and I'm so happy how it all turned out. And I'm glad that I found you.
I just discovered you, and I love you already. Thank you for educating everyone. I have four tattoos, and all of them fairly traditional with my own twist, which I love. You've already taught me how to plan better for my next ones, and how to craft new original ones. You're great!
I'm so glad I watched this video because I never knew that tattoo copying was such a huge issue in the industry. I am new to tattooing and I am planning to get my first tattoo at the end of the summer and honestly before this video I was totally comfortable with copying tattoos from the internet infact that was my exact plan I found an image that an artist has drawn and I was gonna copy it exactly because I thought that's just what I wanted but now I know that it's not okay to just copy tattoos
There are at least 20-30 people in just my town, that have tried to copy my back piece that took nearly 100 hrs... At first, I was HORRIFIED & felt very upset & even like someone stole something from me... Fast forward to now, 10 yrs later, & I feel completely different about it. I feel honored that someone was so inspired by my artwork & by who I am as a person by some, that it makes me feel even MORE unique. I will ALWAYS be the OG, and it is flattering to know that I there are others out there who believe in my image so much they want to have a part of that light as well. Do I wish they would ask how I feel about it? Yes, I would... Do I hold it against them? No, I don't... Do I want them to at least give credit for it? Not for myself but for the artist that created it. I am just the canvas, but SHE designed it. Just wanted to throw my experience in, just take it with a grain of salt. My opinion is this. We have ALL been inspired by someone & copied something at some point. It just so happens that this is more permanent. If you have something unique and meaningful to you, explain that to the artist who is doing it, have them either return or throw away the sketch & by all means don't put the picture on social media!!! Thanks & much 💜💘❤️
At my mums tattoo place they have a sign that says "we do not recreate or copy others tattoos" you can use inspiration and stuff. One of my mums tattoo is inspired by you even
It blows my mind that people and artists still think it's acceptable to copy another person's tattoo, it's a slap in the face to both the artist and the client has the original piece.
Okay I'm about to pay you a very strange compliment lol. With the lighting and the makeup and the hair and the light colored, drapey shirt, you look like a beautiful Edwardian lady. It could literally be portrait. I sound like a giant creeper, but I'm really just feeling this aesthetic haha *laughs nervously and sinks into the bushes Homer Simpson style*
I always thought that if somebody stole my tattoo (particularly the one on my left foot which is common enough (treble clef/base clef heart) the person who stole the tattoo might have the image, but they will never ever have all the feelings that I associate with it. We will always have the stories behind our tattoos, if not just the image itself.
Christine Carter I totally also have this tattoo (or a very similar one) but i didn't get it from another tattooed person I got it because it was an image I had been drawn to since I was 14.
I agree with you completely. I would be very annoyed seeing someone else copy my tattoos. My creativity and my artists work is for us not for random people who can't be creative. I love having my artist create their own art so it's original to me and I can wear it with pride.
Hi Qcknd girl. Do you realise how adorable are you being right now? I have seen a lot of people just freaking out for the stolen tattoos and you are teaching how people can use tattoos as pieces of inspiration. This is really awesome. Educate is much more effective than freaking out on camera, for sure. Congrats and cheers from Brazil. =)
My brother in law once told a friend an idea of a tattoo he was going to get and some time later this so called friend showed up with the tattoo... It is basically stealing! I've worked with artists that same way, you pitch an idea you have and they create something unique. I agree! Great videos :) hi from Costa Rica
I honestly love that this video actually shows ideas on how you can easily create your own design, rather than most of the other videos on this topic I have seen who just rant about how it's bad
I am so glad you made this video I always wanted to know this exactly cause I want a tattoo that is similar to someone elses but I didn´t know how to ask for it
I followed a tattoo artist simply because I liked his work. Then I realised that I was seeing tattos that I already saw on other social media! He was copying work from others! I was really disapointed so I unfollowed. I kinda wanted to tell him that he should at least write something like "drawing by [...]" but I didn't know how say it wright. What's making me mad is that other people are falling in love with "his" work but he partly stole from other artists! That's unacceptable to me.
Dania This makes me soooo sad 🙁 I've seen accounts like this and it's hard bc if you comment something drawing attention to their copying, they can just delete the comment.. You feel so powerless..
Dania I was following an artist on fb and I realized he was copying ideas from Pinterest. He was also taking them off other artists fb pages. I unfollowed him and never got tattooed by him either.
I feel really bad because I recently got my first tattoo and sent the artist a picture of another tattoo for inspo and I thought that they would run with the idea and they did tweak it a little bit but I feel like it looks to much like a copy and was too shy and embarrassed to say anything. Then I started watching tattoo videos and realized how much I suck for not making sure that it was not a direct copy.
I'm in a similar situation... I chose a design with my artist and it turns out it's an image from Pinterest! He's done three of my tattoos, luckily I reverse searched the other two he did and they don't return any results but I feel like such an idiot. So now I am walking around with a copied owl on my forearm 🤦😠 he listed it on FB as an "available design" and didn't want to ask where it came from as I ASSUMED he'd designed it (never assume 🤦) so I guess I've learnt my lesson, do your research. It was a bit of an impulse luckily the tattoo has no particular meaning but hopefully will be able to find a proper tattooist to change it enough so it's not as similar... Moral of the story is always ask! Never assume anything :(
It’s not a big deal how many other people got cardinal tattoos? She’s not the only one. And don’t post ur personal tattoo if u don’t want people to be inspired by ur tat 😒
I found your channel when I watched the other video you have about copying tattoos. I was a totally newbie and knew nothing about the tattoo world. I live in a small town and the largest city is 8 hours away. The tattoo artists that are near me are extremely rude and/or judgemental from experiences I've seen with my friends and I had no desire to get a tattoo from them. I didn't have much tattoo culture around me. I went to Thailand with a friend (who lives in a city) who has several large tattoos (full chest and sleeve tattoos, etc) and decided I wanted to get my 1st tattoo with her around as I was there when she got her 1st tattoo 5 years ago. She gave me advice about getting a tattoo and picking a shop but nothing about the design I had chosen. I had this Mandela design that I loved and had found on Instagram and asked a very popular tattoo shop in Bangkok to tattoo this Mandela. I got the tattoo and went back home. I was very excited to have my 1st tattoo. When I got home from my trip I started to get into the youtube tattoo community and that's when I found your original video and I had no idea how bad it is to copy a tattoo at all. I was uneducated about the issue and tattoos in general. I love that you and others make videos so hopefully people like me won't make the same mistakes. I have plans to get my tattoo altered so it is not a copy of another artist's work. Since learning more about the tattoo community and watching a lot of tattoo talk Tuesday I have many plans to travel (within Canada) to get tattoo with an artist's original and unique design.
ive had my first tattoo stolen a few months after i got it by a girl in my cosmo class who was always rude to me. at least she went to a bad artist and it ended up looking like shit, but i was still in such disbelief when i saw it, like you fucking forreal right now?
I'm getting tattooed tomorrow actually, and my tattoo artist is super strict about this topic. He HATES, absolutely HATES when people copy other artists work/tattoos. And I am so extremely happy about that.
The way I see it is that the artist that did your tattoo has the "ownership" of an original design no matter whether you paid them or how much you paid them. So they should have the right to tattoo the same design or modified design as much as they want because it's their property in a sense.
I am planning to get a very specific piece in memory of a dead friend. It is very unique to me and my friend. The ideas came from ME and ME only. The tattoo artist will add their own touch, they will put my thoughts onto paper (and skin eventually), but I don't think it would be fair to say that the tattoo artist is the sole owner of the tattoo even though a lot of input came from me. A tattoo is a collaborative piece of art. Without me, the artist would never have had the idea and created it. Without the artist, the tattoo would have never been made in that special unique way. It would not have been possible without both of us, so I think it's fair to say that BOTH of us are the rightful owners of the tattoo.
That may be so, but only the tattoo artist can reproduce that idea, and there are no real "rules" or "laws" that prohibit a tattoo artist from doing so. Your ownership of the tattoo is physical more than anything, because you have it on your body. Yes you had the idea, but you can't patent or copyright an idea without a physical image or design (one that the tattoo artist brought to life). It's up to the tattoo artist at the end of the day.
I agree with you. While at work I had some flaky young women keep staring at my tattoos and talk about how they wanted one just like mine. They didn't even talk to me and tell me they like my tattoo they just talked about my tattoo like it was something they could have. But my Galaxy hearts tattoo on my arm was custom-made for me by my tattoo artist and lots of thought was put into it, making it unique. So I know what you mean and agree with you. Thanks Paige
It's so cool you talked about SadBoyKurt! I have about 10 tattoos from him, whenever I make an appointment with him it's usually from his own flash but when I get a custom tattoo, I send him a picture of someone else's tattoo just to get a concept of what I want; he ends up turning it into his own little thing and it's truly amazing. Definitely a good example of a tattoo artist using his skills rather than copying.
Where I live, the only tattoos people get are ones they found online or their grandma's handwriting. People don't realize that they can find and commission art for the source instead of stamping a Pinterest board on their bodies. I personally find it hard to love art that you know isn't your's.
Watching videos like this and doing my own independent research helped me be so much better prepared for when I started getting tattooed. I now know to never get a copy of somebody else's tattoo. On the flip, If I ever see a piece of artwork that I like online that isn't tattooed on someone, I trace it back to the original artist and e-mail them. I tell them that I saw their art and was thinking of getting it tattooed, ask their permission if they're ok with it and am always prepared for them to tell me no. It's their art, and they get to decide if I put it on my body or not.
I agree with you completely. As a person who started getting tattoos this year it still scares me when people tell me they love my tattoos and then follow up with where I went and what I told the artist to get the image they created. Although my images don't necessarily have much meaning, they are so special to me and even thinking that someone else would get it crushes me, so im sorry that you would have to deal with this. When it came to me getting my umbrella tattoo, I sent my artist a picture and said I wanted this image but I wanted his complete 100% original artistry to make it my/his own. It was a way for me to take an idea I had and make it special for me and let my tattoo artists ability shine through. Again, I'm sorry this would happen to you and I'm glad that you unapologetically stand up for yourself, your artist, and your body! I adore you and your videos!
btw- I 100% agree with your thoughts on this subject I've had 3 of my tattoos stolen, only one asked permission, I declined the same way you did in your last video. Be Creative People.
Rachel 16H88 I'm so sorry that you've had to go through this, and three times that's crazy!! I definitely can understand your frustration, it's not flattering at all, it's just unoriginal and it takes the love away that you hold for them.
Thank you for your input. I think a TON of people get these commercial, Mainstream tattoos as their first pieces (infinity signs, birds, feathers, cages...) and stick to that way of looking up images. I myself chose a pigeon outline tattoo as my first one and basically every fifth girl on the street has it too, i was nineteen back then. Now however I learned my lession and do it like you do, show references and ask artists to translate it into their style OR just give a description of what I want without any pictures. It's always something unique and individual that way. I would recommend it to everyone else too.
One of my friends took an idea that I had been talking to a tattoo artist about a personal piece for on top of my foot and got almost the same one on her arm, after I had booked the appointment and had it all planned. I feel like she forced a "friendship" tattoo on me without my permission
Oh, don't be silly. When you create a piece and enlist an artist to bring an original idea to life, it sucks when it gets stolen. Stealing art is stealing art regardless of the medium
As someone who is getting their first tattoo done this summer. I spent alot of time looking online for reference materials and to give myself (and the artist) a visual aid. I can safely say that doing my research and understanding that tattoos are pieces of art is one of the most important things im glad I learnt. You are essentially getting a piece of art on your skin. If you were van gogh, you wouldnt want someone stealing your sunflowers right? That's what kinda got me really into wanting to get a tattoo. Planning out, creating, and customizing a piece of art for myself that I get to wear. Yes i took reference images to show my artist that I want this style (american traditional), to show what font i want, the angle that i wanted the person to be looking at and how I wanted the border to look. But I didnt just take a picture and went "i want this exactly done like this". Thats just stealing artwork. Great video Qcknd and great points, I cant comprehend, even outside tattoo culture, why stealing artwork should ever be okay. Inspiration isnt the same as Imitation.
I always go to the same artist, I usually just give him an idea and he always comes up with great art. I think if anyone copied one of my tattoo I'd be upset more for him then for me. I know he works hard for his craft and it wouldnt be fair to him.
My first tattoo is freehand and it's a band. My tattoo artist and I just started with my initial sketch, then added/ removed ideas whilst he was tattooing. So somehow that makes me feel safe to take pictures of it without worrying someone might copy it. I cannot imagine how it'd feel like to be victimised by tat copying especially if your tattoos mean so much. I'm so glad I've found a reputable tattooist as well.
My first tattoo was a full on copy. I got it from google images and found the first guy who would do it. i was 17 and now ten years later after being wiser and more involved in the culture of tattooing i try not to display that tattoo and am working with an artist now with a cover up. Its the right thing to do! if you stole it than cover it up or do not display that tattoo proudly...
Christa Williams honestly, that's how i thought it works too! i love how we can have an open discussion and encourage tattoo lovers and artists alike! i found an amazing artist and she created an image for me, it's amazing! all the best for your cover up!
Christa Williams I did the same thing when I was younger (almost 10 yrs ago) and didn't know any better, and had no knowledge about tattoos I did copy a tattoo which I'm so ashamed of now and will be cover up this summer but yeah you live you learn
I really believe the artist should possess the integrity -not just for their own art but others- to not plagiarize. Some of us just getting into tattoo culture as i was years ago dont know better. Im glad videos like this exist now!
I completely agree with your approach to getting a tattoo that is specific to you. it takes me years to decide on an idea that is ideal for ME and not something that is straight off the internet, ETC. letting the artist complete something that works with their style is the best way to get something original. you and I think the exact same way. So smart girlie! you know whats up.
Claire Marshall is another UA-camr/makeup artist who has spoken about this. She did a video about copying and she spoke about another woman who was copying her tattoos and placement exactly. Claire spoke about how intrusive and creepy it was to be copied. Her channel is Hey Claire.
People can't copy what you don't share or tell. That's why I always wince a little when I see or hear people share really cool and original tattoo ideas...because copies happen all the time. Excellent advice on how to avoid copying.
I adore this video. This is actually the reason that I don't have any tattoos. When/if I get one, I want my tattoo(s) to be unique and have a special meaning for ME. I appreciate your perspective as a tattoo collector 💖
I'm so blessed that my tattoo artist hand draws every single one of my tattoos. I give him ideas or examples and he creates my own piece. Don't copy tattoos!!! It disrespectful to the artist and the person who has it.
This video actually made me look differently at a picture i wanted to get tattooed for years now. It made me reconsider it and i decided to take your approach to it. So thank you a lot
I totally agree.But I do use different images to represent a certain style or angle that im looking for. I even draw out my ideas, curated by different pieces ive been inspired by in order to make my own. It sucks ppl have to 100%rip off others art, it just shows they have absolute no imagination or faith in their artist.
Thank you for taking the time to talk about this in a way that makes it easy for everyone to understand, and thank you for sharing the tips on how to get a unique tattoo. That's some great advice that I will definitely take in the future if I see something I would like tattooed on myself.
I never understood the flattery because when people copy tattoos they're not complimenting the person who got it nor the tattoo artist. It's things like this that ruin the fun of just enjoying art. When we see art we don't have to take a picture or get a copy of it to enjoy it. We just enjoy it as it is in the original form and move on. That's the whole point of galleries and art shows is to show amazing artwork that is unique and one of a kind and today people post their tattoos as their little galleries for others to look at and enjoy and move on. NOT to be replicated or copied
Qcknd, Thank you so much for this series and all your tattoo related series!! I'm 17 turning 18 and plan to get a tattoo on my 18th bday. The tattoo videos are so helpful and have so much insight. With the help of your channel I know I'll get a great piece. Thank you!!!!!
This discussion is so interesting! A recent trend I've noticed in my town (Melbourne, Aus) is tattoo artists asking not to be shown any other tattoos or other people's art even as inspiration! The guy I've gotten tattooed by recently asks this of clients and im super into it! That said I think I'm pretty lucky that the town I live in is full of super amazing artists many of whom only do custom work, I dunno! Loved the video :)
Just to pay devil's advocate (I don't condone copying) how's copying different from getting a licensed tattoo? Like a pikachu or Jack Skellington exactly as the original artist created them. It's stealing art either way.
I loooove this video. The idea of using only words is great. I have had all these tattoo ideas and struggled to get them into a solid idea without emulating existing design ideas. I would never copy but I am one of those people that wanted something as unique as possible and was struggling. I think I'm going to go to my favourite artist and just describe my ideas in a few words & trust her creative process now. Thanks so much Qcknd!
A few months ago i had to block a girl i thought was an online friend. (she lived a few hours (3) from me and i have had her online since i was 14, i'm now 20. ) Shes called me her twin for forever which is part of why i think she 'copied' two of my tattoos secretly but not secretly. I have a butterfly in a certain style on my leg and also have a dagger on the same leg that i got as a cancer benefit flash. 3 weeks after i had gotten the butterfly she had taken the placement of the butterfly, the style, and took the dagger idea and put it in the middle. I was so upset to see she had basically taken the idea from me because she isn't just a random person online and i should have know something was up because she had made it a complete secret, what she was getting, but would post about it and hype it up. She got it the date she hyped and then posted it right away, i even seen sneak peeks on snapchat! ugh i was FURIOUS. She has ridiculous impulse tattoos so i should have expected something like this from her but TATTOO STEALING SUCKS. Regardless if it is 100% the same, just the idea being stolen is a bummer. People lack creativity.
I hope you explained to her why it fucking sucks before you blocked her. I really hope she learned the lesson & will never again repeat the mistake, even if it's still shitty for you.
Lol, we weren't 'real' friends or friends really at that. I never met this girl in my entire life. She doesn't need an explanation from me as to why i blocked her and why it fucking sucks, i'm sure she took the hint without me having to say anything. She did it right after i got tattooed... i'd put the two together considering she was ALL over my page saying she loved it when i got the ink. Also, i have the right to block practically strangers from my social media accounts if i find it necessary. Shes 'too much' anyway and her profile was nothing but partying and her shaking her ass on film. Big whoop she was blocked lmao.
all he said was he hoped you explained why. he never said it was a "big whoop" or a big deal that you blocked her. way to make a mountain out of a mole hill bud.
This video is beautiful, I love that your sensitive to the feelings of those that others might demonize. I love it, I hope you get more positive feedback because you truly deserve it for really dedicating time.
your bumble bee inspired my moth tattoo! Well you, and this girl on my instagram who has giant traditional style moth on her stomach. I liked both of your concepts for difference reasons, and took your advice and created like a "mood board" brainstorming my stomach moth and collaborated with an artist I worked with previously and I'm proud to say that although my piece was inspired from many different places, it is truly an original piece. It matches a tiny moth I have on a blackwork skull thigh piece I have, so it looks like my stomach and my thigh piece match. It's an incredibly detailed super blackwork moth just above my belly button and anyone from my area can tell who the artist is immediately, because it's so his style. My body is also covered in flowers and leaves and stuff so I've always been interested in getting a bug tattoo, particularly another moth and I'm so happy I did. sorry for the brain vomit but I just wanted to say thanks for your tattoo brainstorming video! while I never would have stolen a tattoo, I've always had a hard time conceptualising inspiration and bringing those ideas to an artist to get an original piece and now I have a piece that looks so at home on my body and it was definitely partly due to that video! so thanks, qcknd. Also, the artist's name is Nate Silverii, instagram.com/hungryhearttattoos if anyone is curious!!
Jessica C SHUT UP as soon as you said "detailed black work moth" I was like hey I know a guy that does detailed black work moths... I'm dead I love Nate, his work is amazing and he's the nicest guy. I'm so glad you went through that process, I think that's so organic and part of the whole experience 😊
Libby Good hahaha omg!!! I love that! His work is just so his own, I love that you were able to guess who it was just by my description. I'm glad I did too, I can't imagine how people who steal tattoos feel about their pieces. I wouldn't feel proud, that's for sure.
Jessica C Oh for sure, I think it would leave a bad taste in your mouth you know? You'd always know in your heart what you did and I don't think you could be proud of or feel the love for your piece the same way. Honestly the process is everything to me! I could get a perfectly average tattoo but if I had a great time working it out with the artist and having that back and forth during the process I think you see it differently afterwards.
I love how much I learnt from all of your videos and I already feel like I have gained "theoretical" experience about the tattoo wolrd. Whenever I watch other tattoo related videos I already know this stuff. I think its so cool to have all these plattforms nowadays that I can learn so much before I get tattooed
I wholeheartedly agree that inspiration vs mirroring is different. However, I don't think you can say "Oh, copying an exact painting is fine, but don't copy an exact tattoo." without being hypocritical. Either keep that standard to "formal" art, as well (I don't know if you do), or rethink the difference if you're saying in other videos that you want tattoos to be seen and respected as formal art. I get if it's copying just a cartoon, but even those are in a unique pose, or a logo, but even then it gets blurry if you aren't making it your own, or working it into your own sleeve.
I love how honest and open you were in this video! I have quite a few tattoos. But I also post them on my instagram which probably is the greatest idea. Im naive in the fact that my tattoos are so personal to me I just assume no one will steal them. I hope I'm right but I highly doubt it. It hasn't happened to me yet but my feelings are strong on this topic. I go to a great artist and like you I usually give him no reference photos. I give him total artistic control with colors as well. I don't want anyone stealing his work or a piece of my skin.
once while at work, I had a customer ask if she could take a picture of one of my tattoos, because she wanted to get the same thing. she already had her phone out and ready to go when she asked. There was a huge line of customers behind her, and I was so suprised that I said yes. as soon as she snapped the picture, I really regretted it because NO, I didn't want her to take a picture. I didn't want her to copy my tattoo, but she sort of ambushed me about it. it really upset me, and none of my friends understood why I was so upset. so I really appreciate this video because it helped me realize it was okay for me to be angry with the girl, and that my tattoo had a lot of meaning, so thank you ❤❤
Devil's advocate: So, it isn't right to replicate another person's tattoo because it was unique art drawn for them, often to represent something special or unique to that person, and was commissioned for sometimes a substantial amount of money... ...but it's okay to get a band's logo tattooed on your body as a sign of respect or devotion to their music? Even though the band's logo probably cost substantial money to create, likely has deep meaning to it for the band members, and is certainly special and unique to that specific band only? Hmm... I mean, did the band say it was okay to take their album cover and copy it onto your body in all situations? Why is that seen as positive and complimentary? Because it isn't one single person? What about other traditional artists? You know the two hands shaking tattoo is replicated art, right? I mean, it's a famous piece. The original artist is long-gone so consent couldn't have been made but does that mean when you have no life in your body then your tattoos are open to be copied? Other things are art too: Song lyrics Famous quotes Sheet music (I have this on my thigh -- a few bars of a famous piece...) When is that too far? When are you "stealing" versus complimenting the creator?
Starstrid I would say the difference is if I took for example one of Amanda's tattoos and copied it. People who see it may not know it was her tattoo. And her and her artist don't get credit for it. But if I had a band's logo or symbol on me, people will know it belongs to that band. And in a way you're 'supporting' that group by wearing something designed by them. I'm not supporting the tattoo artist who did Amanda's tattoo by having it done elsewhere and all the compliments goes to my artist and not hers. People know the band's logo was not designed by your artist. But they won't know if a tattoo wasn't designed by your artist. Hope that helps. (And no I'm not trying to argue. I'm just trying to show another point of view)
Well, as a tattooed musician I think I've got a pretty decent answer for this :P Yes, a band's logo, album art, lyrics etc.etc. is / are, in most cases, very personal to the individual(s) that created it, but they are outwardly presented, shown off, given, essentially, to their fans. Bands *want* people to have t shirts, posters, tattoos, with their logos. At higher levels of success logos and artwork are also brand images. There's a reason that every artist from the small-time local band to the chart-topping pop star sell T-shirts with their logos / artwork / slogans at their shows...it's one of the links between them and their fans! Now, of course, tattoos are also presented and shown off, but they are, first and foremost, not meant for anybody else. They are all about *your* personality, and to have somebody copy your tattoo can devalue the personal meaning of that tattoo in some people's eyes. I guess the generalised way to say it would be this: When a band shows off their logo, they are saying "This is who we are, and if you love our music you can show it off with this symbol!" When an individual shows off their tattoo, they are saying "This is who I am on a personal level, and this is one of the things that makes me unique!"
I was also wondering Amanda's opinion specifically on traditional art pieces being copied. The most recent example I can think of is many fans I have seen that get exact copies of the actor Matthew Gray Gubler's art tattooed and I wonder if people feel that is appropriate with no credit and copied exactly
Dori Jacobs / Matthew reposts photos of the tattoos so I believe he supports it, but I'd hope the first few people to do so asked him! I've seen artists who have publicly stated they don't like it though.
I respect my artist so much. His work is always so original and infused with his personal style. Even when he posts a tattoo he did from a clients reference (which is like 1 out of 100 tattoos) there's always something so "him" about it
I feel as though anyone who is involved in any form of artistry should know not to steal others people's work. Be it a photo or a tattoo. Someone somewhere put time into that and now that person is like haha jokes that's mine now. That's just shitty and indecent. Something happened like this with a photo of mine once ad the person pretended even when I called then out on it that it was theirs
I'm glad you put the mini disclaimer about commercialized tattoos. I want a yin-yang and I want it like stock image because that's the only way it's true to me, but all the other tattoos I want I just have inspiration or personal sketches for. There are tattoos if I saw them as flash I would get, but I'd never get otherwise. I love your recommendations for guaranteeing an original tattoo too!
you are the most gorgeous girl I have ever seen! I really inspire myself on you (not with the tattoos hahaha but on your adorable way of being) -- sorry about my english--
I honestly hadn't thought about how the original owner of the tattoo design would feel if someone copied it and it made me think, it's pretty much the same of any kind of art. I would hate it if someone copied a drawing I did, line for line, and then claimed it as their own. Thanks for doing this video, really got me thinking more about tattoos that I would like.
Your followers are now attacking that guy on Instagram, do you condone that? I mean, what's done is done, I don't see why this man who seems to be from a different country should be yelled at over and over on his picture
Qcknd I know you don't condone witch hunting, I was more or less asking if you were aware of it at this point. It makes me sad you have subs like that because it's something you've always said you didn't condone. Sorry to disturb you or if I made you feel uncomfortable. I just know you're a great person and I honestly wouldn't want it reflecting yourself when it's something you state you don't tolerate.
I got my first (and at the moment only professional) tattoo about a week after my 18th birthday and i was SO KEEN to get an image i had seen, which was someone else's tattoo... I had not done any research and it had never occurred to me that it would be stealing, because i had seen loads of different images with the same tattoo, and i had mixed it up a little. I think stumbling on qcknd, has made me rethink the way tattoos exist, which i'm pretty thankful for, just wish i had stumbled on your channel earlier
I took an art class once and my teacher told me in order for something to be an original, if you need references (that aren't your own), use at least 3 different photo references of the same thing- I think this is a good rule of thumb, and goes off of what you said about the mood boards. If you can take elements of at least 3 different images, you can work with your tattoo artist to create an art piece that's just for you
I think the main problem is that people who get stolen tattoos don't see the artistry the same way as you [and I] do. They see an artist as a printer, not a painter. They can ask a printer to recreate something exactly. What they don't realize or appreciate is that tattooing is a form of art.
blake Well said! It's too bad bc it really takes the joy out of it for those that love and respect the process and the artistry.
blake printer vs painter argument is awesome, well said
blake i think you summed it up perfectly!
That's a very good way to put this, well said indeed.
yes exactly, what I also seem to hear a lot is "yeahh I get that the artist made it and stuff, but it's MY BODY and I can decide what I put on it" I just don't know what to say everytime I hear that TnT
Why would you ask for permission if you aren't ready to hear "no"? It makes no sense for people to be mad at you.
I've had an artist take a custom piece we created together, tweak it slightly and put it on a 50 year old man two months later who was a walk-in for a coverup. The fact that my "artist" could rave about how much he loved my tattoo and how it was one of his favourite pieces he had done, then go forward and put it on someone else.... really stung. It seriously sucks.
happened to me too, i'm so bitter about it.
Brittany Nope jeez, that is not cool
Brittany Nope i had a similar experience, paid for a custom design and saw my tattoo artist do practically the same tattoo on someone else but she obviously put in more effort. I'm still in the process of getting her shaky linework fixed, years later 🙄
That sucks so much! Thankfully he did amazing with his line work and all the colour/shading.. But that also made it difficult, because I was so proud to show off this piece and recommend him to all my friends, then this happened. Good luck with fixing the line work, I'm sure it'll look great once it's all fixed up :)
If you’re artist loved drawing something why are you surprised they wanted to draw it again. I don’t get this argument. I get like “plagiarism”. But why should only one person experience a great piece of art? Only one person can hear a song. Only one person can see a movie. Only one person can appreciate a Van Gogh piece. No!
I would be SO immensely hurt if someone took my tattoo. Inspiration and copying are super different. It's such a personal experience, it's too much for me, lol
is it ok to get a drawing of an artist like keith haring as a tattoo?
i love keith haring! n i'm pretty sure that would b fine but i don't have any tattoos so
Toni Jane I think the thing is that painters/artists mostly make their work to show it to the public but if you have your own tattoo, it's just for you. It's part of you and it really means something to you and if you see it on other people it's kind of annoying. It's a little bit like if somebody would have the exact same face as you and you wouldn't have anything special to you anymore...just what I think
lots of people have keith haring tattoos though? i wouldnt be coppying them, its just something i would like bc his art means a lot to me?
Emy Anderson i dont get why it matters tbh
Willing to bet anyone snapping back against the incredibly basic concept of not ripping off people's original tattoos:
A) Don't have tattoos
B) Don't have original tattoos
C) Have ripped off tattoos
When someone has exact Flash tattoos on them kinda kills it for me when they get upset about someone taking a tattoo of theirs. The flash tattoo you have is probably on many other people and they are ok with that but not someone adjusting their design or copying it.
Maybe if that person has all original work I can see them getting upset but otherwise I don’t get it.
40 Roll Here’s why the two are different: when you agree to a flash tattoo, you go into it knowing you are going to be sharing that tattoo with lots of other people. You don’t get a flash tattoo to commemorate your vacation in Paris (unless you’re getting a flash tattoo in Paris), your marriage, your lost child, childhood memories, parent memorials, etc. That’s the point of flash art- it’s to be cool, inexpensive, done quickly, and have you in and out of the shop in a flash. When you get an original piece done, it means something to you, you expect to be the only one to have that particular piece of art. When you had an artist tailor it exactly to fit your wants and expectations, spend all this time and money on it, and wear it with pride just to find out someone else is walking around with something that’s supposed to be just for you, it probably sucks. It’s never happened to me and probably won’t, but that’s really gotta suck.
I don't have any tattoos yet, but I've learned so much from this show. before watching I didn't understand why copying was bad. I now know a lot more empathy on the subject, especially about the respect on art, and I can't wait until I have my first tattoo. Love and appreciate this!!
!!! i feel exactly the same and i couldnt have said it better myself
wearesibz Yeah. It's been a little while for me, but same here. I only have one so far. I commented elsewhere on here, but Qcknd and another UA-camr were invaluable in helping prepare (and continue to help me navigate the pitfalls). Those in the tattoo lifestyle may forget what it's like for us newbies. There IS a difference between the uncaring stupidity she talks about and those of us that unintentionally offend ppl with our ignorance. Qcknd is awesome for helping out those of us in the 2nd catergory.
I know the feeling. I have so many friends who see no issues with copying tattoos. I wish they'd all watch qcknd's videos.
Most people dont give a shit anyway^
Yeah, and that's a shame. I've watched so many videos on "what not to say to artists" and I'm so glad. I would have asked so many dumb as things just like them.
I love how fluent your videos are now (:
you used to hesitate while talking alot, but now you seem so confident. its great!
Nat I noticed this too! So so great.
Yes! So proud :') her personality is really coming through more as well
She still repeats a lot of what she says like 10 times lol. Not because she's the only youtuber but damn it's annoying after you've heard x sentence 20 times. It's like ok this video could've been 5 minutes shorter if you edited out all the repeating stuff.
This one girl on youtube and she had her palms tattooed and her daughter's name like, on the fingers, and someone copied the full thing, even the name. And she was saying that she hopes that the person has someone close to them with the same name, like otherwise they have a tattoo of her daughter's name.
Astarte Marsh was it monami frost??
Astarte Marsh yeah monami!
Wtaf
Monami is flawless! and such a badass awesome person
People with stolen tattoos are like people walking around with a cheap knock off handbag. Like they can copy it, but they'll never have the real deal and usually the copy is of much lower quality than the original.
Exactly.
I get what you are saying, but a bag just dont compared to a tattoo ,a bag it a just fashion item that can be change easily but a tattoo even if it for fashion only in some case, it is literally INK in you ,you cannot always cover up just because an asshole copy it ...
What I'm saying is it's tacky and usually looks crappy. I'm not referring to the permanence.
I see copies all the time. If you look at a lot of tattoos online, you'll often see bad copies of ones done by well known artists.
well not all copy are bad quality most of the time ,it just cheaper for the bag (you dont pay for the name,it still the same material normally ) but that not the case of the tattoo ,it will surely cost about the same amount of money to copy someone else exact tattoo or you will end up with something crappy and tacky but at the end that person is an ass not knowing what they are really getting .
The client and the artist work the whole concept that is not ok.I will be wierd out a little ( a be mad and disturbed for a while )if somebody get the same lettering design that i have ,i made it for my father who past away that was a promise i made him 1 week before he die and he dont have a tomb (i feel like guardian) .It will look out of the place for me seeing a stranger with something i made for him in his memories O.0 But a copy of a bag or whatever i really could care less...You can dress up just like me if you want ;D
I honestly wouldn't even post pictures of my tattoos, if I had any, because of this..
yup that's what I did. I have it on my fb with friends I know but not my IG. I only put them if i feel not a huge thing like my owls, rose, and octpus. However there one tattoo I haven't put on IG which is my building bc i taken pictures of flat iorn building and had my artist do a mix and it's my own original tattoo. so i feel it.
To me some tattoos shouldn't be stole espeically if it's something you rarely see on people. I feel it takes hard work to come up with an idea you love and put it on you and someone steals it in every inch. Be inspire but don't make it 100% like mine. It might not be hurting no one however people who are creative and who want different don't want people taking their work or the criedit. Like I said there are some I don't find a big deal like you know animals or flowers however try to make a change in a idea you like. I would love to get a bio shock sleeve, but I don't want the same idea as everyone else. Every sleeve of the game I seen it's the same theme. That's why i went played the game again and even took pictures while playing so i can have a sleeve with the same cartoons, but not the same way. I agree with +Taylor Manning in what she said.
The clients shouldn´t take credit for the tattoo since they are not the one designing them (even though if they come up with the concept)
You can´t really use this Mona Lisa anology, since Leonardo painted Mona Lisa, but you or te client in most cases didn´t do the tattoo yourself/himself/herself. unless you/him/her are really good at drawing and are the the one that did the drawing. To compare your tatto that someone else designed for you as your work is like comparing a painting that would be made by Leonardo by a request of some patron, lets say a painting of this patron in his yard with his dog and his three daugters in some special enviroment that the patron would ask to be paint in, as the the patrons work.
Btw, hundreds or thousands of artist have copied Mona Lisa, which is a artwork by an artist like you know called Leonardo. Nobody blinks an eye when tattoo artist steal from him or copy. But when a tatto artist dears to use the same tatoo that he himself designed for a client every looses it.
Its so sad that I totally agree :/
Why not? You should be confident in sharing your tattoo. If someone takes that art, don't be mad because you are not the first person with that tattoo and you have a specific meaning to it. They're meaning might be different than yours, that's what matters.
Last year I got a piece by Alex Strangler and she posted it on her IG. One of the first comments was a girl tagging her regular artist and asking him if he could do that design for cheap. Like you said, I get that not everybody is going to be able to get an Alex Strangler tattoo, but how rude is that???
I would answer " Sorry honey, this is custom piece. If you do, you are stealing"
I once had a woman at a wedding (who I had never met) take a photo of my cameo tattoo that my artist drew specifically for me because she thought a cameo was a cool idea and wanted something similar. She then went to my artist, showed him the photo she took and told him she wanted that exact tattoo. He obviously recognized the tattoo and told her she couldn't have that tattoo because "that's Kelly's tattoo" but he would draw up something for her. She got annoyed and never ended up getting a tattoo from him. I was so embarrassed when he told me, thankfully he had already assumed that I didn't really know the woman. I don't let strangers take photos of my tattoos anymore, unless it's some taking a photo of my Vincent Price tattoos at a horror convention since I know they aren't taking the photos to get a tattoo.
When I saw your love letter tattoo I thought it was so awesome! So I went to my guy and said I wanted a neo-traditional love letter. Your tattoo made me fall in love with the love letter concept and because I brought my guy a concept and not just an image I have a totally original piece that I adore! So thank you Qcknd for introducing me to that concept!
RebeccaRandoms I love the love letter tattoo too! I think if I ever got one it would have to say "hopeless romantic" around it too since that's exactly what I am. Also I would just say "love letter" and give zero reference pictures
Deanna Tingwald I thought about putting text in mine but I couldn't really think of anything I wanted. I think "hopeless romantic" is such a good idea! When people ask me questions about my love letter tattoo they always ask "whose the love letter for?" And the answer is always "myself."
I am tattoo artist..and I never post my work.I do private by word of clients only. I show my books and do pieces around ideas ,sometimes I do two variations of same idea just because it's fun.
I don't find it flattering when my art is copied.but I can't waist my day on it. I can only limit who see it. and be conscious of the clients I service.
I will not service everyone.
I do love to listen to "the other side of tattooing."
I like to listen to you. sending love.💛✨🌟
Melanie Springman I am also very particular and who I pick as a client I understand exactly where you're coming from nobody wants to have their work oversaturated or devalued or demonetized in any shape or form. I'm With you 100% on that note . But I do post regularly because I want the world to see my work but that doesn't mean that I will tattoo every body who likes the tattoo I did just because they like it . For me I have to meet with the person first before I even decide to take them on as a canvas . I'd like to know what they have in mind and see if I can even get along with my subject.. some subjects are just a pain in the ass naturally to me I could give a fuck about the money I don't really care I have enough money of my own I do not tattoo for money LOL. I Get enough money from my paintings alone anyhow so it's Allmost second nature for me to turn you down if I'm not viben with you or if our chemistry isn't up to par. I loose nothing at the end of the day and I'm not desperate or thirsty for canvas eathier so it's a lot easier for me to say no 😂😂😂😂😂😂👍🏿👍🏿
sterling joseph nothing screams you dont care by making a paragraph how you dont care.
Don't include me in your fuckin' sassafrass 2k17
Katie Hatfield I need it on a shirt lol
love love LOVE your shirt, and how it subtly showcases your back piece ! You've also been glowing in your past few videos, & I can definitely see an increase in your confidence since you've moved out:) loving your content even more
qcknd, you should do a Tattoo Talk Tuesday about the language/vocabulary/lingo of the tattoo world for us newbies who are just getting into it.
Also, wow I can't believe you got hate for telling someone who asked to copy you no. Isn't part of asking for consent being prepared to hear "No, you may not." I mean I could be totally wrong, and the definition for asking for consent might have changed to "I asked so it man's an automatic yes, and anything other than that will make me pissy and offended."
I don't think there's anything wrong with saying "I appreciate you asking permission, but I'm going to have so say no, and here's my reasoning as to why..."
Jessica Walling that's a good idea for a TTT!! Also, I agree. If you're asking for consent they should 10000% be prepared for a "no."
this is a super important topic tbh. glad you do these vides theyre super informative and i also just enjoy your online presence in general
Just so you know, you've helped this little future tattoo newbie learn the importance of not coping tattoos, as well as taking inspiration vs. taking the actual tattoo. 😁
I had my first tattoo at 23. I work as a model and another model not only stole my actual tattoo, she also stole the placement and the actual photoshoot shot she likely found the tattoo from. I was so hurt and offended that something that meant so much to me was blatantly ripped off on so many levels. It's not flattering. AT ALL.
Having a tattoo stolen is definitely the worst. Some imagery and symbols are inherently difficult to have individuality attached to it, i.e. paper airplanes, sunflowers, certain script tattoos etc., but having your skin basically copied is a punch in the gut. My first tattoo was copied by someone really close to me and even though some aspects were changed (which I appreciated) it still sucked.
Oh my god I LOVE the sad handcuffs. that's how I want all my tattoos to be... simple concepts that are taken and rolled with by the artist
What I've done with my upcoming tattoo's is show my artist the inspiration of the style/look of the tattoo and basically let my artist take that idea and come up with a concept for me. I would prefer giving the artist inspiration for what I want than an exact copy. Then it's truly from that specific, talented artist.
that is exactly what I do to and so far it's worked out beautifully =)
Atom Cat exactly. but I then think that you did right and you are not responsible if your artist then chose an image that was someone elses work and you didn't know what she presented wasnt her own! there has to be a level of trust xxxx
I know I personally have chosen artists that have a good reputation who wouldn't do that. Definitely a level of trust, in that regard.
Tattoo artists are ARTISTS. Copying a tatoo (thats not something like a logo of course, as mentioned) is just as, if not more, bad as copying a drawing or painting and passing it off as your own work (and charging people for it!) At least art on paper you can return and refund because its a fake, tattoos are much harder to get rid of.
i think it totally depends on the tattoo i mean how many people have supernatural demon trap tattoos on their chest.
pete parker I would consider that flash it's from a show and it has a large fandom so it's fine. Just like pokemon tattoos like you can either take the pokeball itself or create an original concept based on the show. Qcknd has a video based on fandom tattoos as well so you can always check that out
agreed there is a difference between a flash tattoo. like supernatural symbol or mickey mouse. compared to a personalized piece made specifically for you.
that wouldn't be considered as stealing a tattoo. cause even the very first person who ever got that tattooed, didn't come up with the idea by themselves.
I agree. Now I'm having a Pokémon tattoo myself in, well, a few days but I feel like the difference would be: you can't ask someone to not get the specific Pokémon but you can demand that the specific details around it and such to not be copied since that's when the tattoo becomes personal.
I did just like In the video and found some different stuff I liked from different art and other tattoos and told my tattoo artist: i want this Pokémon and these elements. Basically told him three things I wanted to be there but otherwise let him do his thing.
Well like those above said, it's more of a flash tattoo. It's not an original piece that someone created with their artist specifically for their body.
I just feel need to let you know how much I appreciate and respect you! This topic is one i was very sheltered from for a long time but Im glad i didn't start collecting tattoos until I first heard you talk about this topic! Before I started watching you Tattoo Talk Tuesday videos, everyone i knew copied tattoos and very rarely would i see someone with an original idea or speak about it. Since i started to think about tattoo copying i have so much more compassion and feel strongly about it. My first two tattoos have been completely original so far, and i couldn't be happier! Feels so good to have original work from my tattoo artist but i couldn't imagine how it would feel if someone copied my pieces! Anyway i want to thank you, as this show has taught me a lot and i have a deep respect for you!
I got inspired by your burning bra tattoo. And I didnt show any images to my artist I just told her "hey I want a burning bra tattoo, do you wanna do it?" And she said "Hell yes!!!" and so she did some research and took her complete own take on it and I love it. But as a person who has severeal tattoos I'm conscious about the issue as it is. I was aware that I won't show her your exact Image to keep the influence complete away - and off course I know she is a professional she would never ever copy it. I just wanted to keep the initial influence that brought this idea to life in my head - to be out of the way. At the appointment she freehanded it with pictures of bullet bras and I'm so happy how it all turned out. And I'm glad that I found you.
I just discovered you, and I love you already. Thank you for educating everyone. I have four tattoos, and all of them fairly traditional with my own twist, which I love. You've already taught me how to plan better for my next ones, and how to craft new original ones. You're great!
I'm so glad I watched this video because I never knew that tattoo copying was such a huge issue in the industry. I am new to tattooing and I am planning to get my first tattoo at the end of the summer and honestly before this video I was totally comfortable with copying tattoos from the internet infact that was my exact plan I found an image that an artist has drawn and I was gonna copy it exactly because I thought that's just what I wanted but now I know that it's not okay to just copy tattoos
There are at least 20-30 people in just my town, that have tried to copy my back piece that took nearly 100 hrs...
At first, I was HORRIFIED & felt very upset & even like someone stole something from me... Fast forward to now, 10 yrs later, & I feel completely different about it. I feel honored that someone was so inspired by my artwork & by who I am as a person by some, that it makes me feel even MORE unique. I will ALWAYS be the OG, and it is flattering to know that I there are others out there who believe in my image so much they want to have a part of that light as well. Do I wish they would ask how I feel about it? Yes, I would... Do I hold it against them? No, I don't... Do I want them to at least give credit for it? Not for myself but for the artist that created it. I am just the canvas, but SHE designed it. Just wanted to throw my experience in, just take it with a grain of salt. My opinion is this. We have ALL been inspired by someone & copied something at some point. It just so happens that this is more permanent. If you have something unique and meaningful to you, explain that to the artist who is doing it, have them either return or throw away the sketch & by all means don't put the picture on social media!!! Thanks & much 💜💘❤️
At my mums tattoo place they have a sign that says "we do not recreate or copy others tattoos" you can use inspiration and stuff. One of my mums tattoo is inspired by you even
It blows my mind that people and artists still think it's acceptable to copy another person's tattoo, it's a slap in the face to both the artist and the client has the original piece.
Okay I'm about to pay you a very strange compliment lol. With the lighting and the makeup and the hair and the light colored, drapey shirt, you look like a beautiful Edwardian lady. It could literally be portrait.
I sound like a giant creeper, but I'm really just feeling this aesthetic haha *laughs nervously and sinks into the bushes Homer Simpson style*
I always thought that if somebody stole my tattoo (particularly the one on my left foot which is common enough (treble clef/base clef heart) the person who stole the tattoo might have the image, but they will never ever have all the feelings that I associate with it. We will always have the stories behind our tattoos, if not just the image itself.
Christine Carter I totally also have this tattoo (or a very similar one) but i didn't get it from another tattooed person I got it because it was an image I had been drawn to since I was 14.
I agree with you completely. I would be very annoyed seeing someone else copy my tattoos. My creativity and my artists work is for us not for random people who can't be creative. I love having my artist create their own art so it's original to me and I can wear it with pride.
Hi Qcknd girl. Do you realise how adorable are you being right now?
I have seen a lot of people just freaking out for the stolen tattoos and you are teaching how people can use tattoos as pieces of inspiration. This is really awesome.
Educate is much more effective than freaking out on camera, for sure.
Congrats and cheers from Brazil. =)
My brother in law once told a friend an idea of a tattoo he was going to get and some time later this so called friend showed up with the tattoo... It is basically stealing!
I've worked with artists that same way, you pitch an idea you have and they create something unique. I agree!
Great videos :) hi from Costa Rica
I honestly love that this video actually shows ideas on how you can easily create your own design, rather than most of the other videos on this topic I have seen who just rant about how it's bad
I am so glad you made this video I always wanted to know this exactly cause I want a tattoo that is similar to someone elses but I didn´t know how to ask for it
I followed a tattoo artist simply because I liked his work. Then I realised that I was seeing tattos that I already saw on other social media! He was copying work from others! I was really disapointed so I unfollowed. I kinda wanted to tell him that he should at least write something like "drawing by [...]" but I didn't know how say it wright. What's making me mad is that other people are falling in love with "his" work but he partly stole from other artists! That's unacceptable to me.
Dania This makes me soooo sad 🙁 I've seen accounts like this and it's hard bc if you comment something drawing attention to their copying, they can just delete the comment.. You feel so powerless..
Dania I was following an artist on fb and I realized he was copying ideas from Pinterest. He was also taking them off other artists fb pages. I unfollowed him and never got tattooed by him either.
I feel really bad because I recently got my first tattoo and sent the artist a picture of another tattoo for inspo and I thought that they would run with the idea and they did tweak it a little bit but I feel like it looks to much like a copy and was too shy and embarrassed to say anything. Then I started watching tattoo videos and realized how much I suck for not making sure that it was not a direct copy.
I'm in a similar situation... I chose a design with my artist and it turns out it's an image from Pinterest! He's done three of my tattoos, luckily I reverse searched the other two he did and they don't return any results but I feel like such an idiot. So now I am walking around with a copied owl on my forearm 🤦😠 he listed it on FB as an "available design" and didn't want to ask where it came from as I ASSUMED he'd designed it (never assume 🤦) so I guess I've learnt my lesson, do your research. It was a bit of an impulse luckily the tattoo has no particular meaning but hopefully will be able to find a proper tattooist to change it enough so it's not as similar... Moral of the story is always ask! Never assume anything :(
It’s not a big deal how many other people got cardinal tattoos? She’s not the only one. And don’t post ur personal tattoo if u don’t want people to be inspired by ur tat 😒
you're one of my favourite youtubers,everything you do is so genuine and I feel a kinship every time I watch your content.have a great day!!
I found your channel when I watched the other video you have about copying tattoos. I was a totally newbie and knew nothing about the tattoo world. I live in a small town and the largest city is 8 hours away. The tattoo artists that are near me are extremely rude and/or judgemental from experiences I've seen with my friends and I had no desire to get a tattoo from them. I didn't have much tattoo culture around me.
I went to Thailand with a friend (who lives in a city) who has several large tattoos (full chest and sleeve tattoos, etc) and decided I wanted to get my 1st tattoo with her around as I was there when she got her 1st tattoo 5 years ago. She gave me advice about getting a tattoo and picking a shop but nothing about the design I had chosen. I had this Mandela design that I loved and had found on Instagram and asked a very popular tattoo shop in Bangkok to tattoo this Mandela. I got the tattoo and went back home. I was very excited to have my 1st tattoo. When I got home from my trip I started to get into the youtube tattoo community and that's when I found your original video and I had no idea how bad it is to copy a tattoo at all. I was uneducated about the issue and tattoos in general. I love that you and others make videos so hopefully people like me won't make the same mistakes. I have plans to get my tattoo altered so it is not a copy of another artist's work.
Since learning more about the tattoo community and watching a lot of tattoo talk Tuesday I have many plans to travel (within Canada) to get tattoo with an artist's original and unique design.
I didn't understand why copying tats were looked down upon, but now I see why! I've learned so much from your channel.
ive had my first tattoo stolen a few months after i got it by a girl in my cosmo class who was always rude to me. at least she went to a bad artist and it ended up looking like shit, but i was still in such disbelief when i saw it, like you fucking forreal right now?
Meggi Rose Haha, that terrible but that's the best at the same time. Stop stealing people's ideas!!! People are so unoriginal.
I'm getting tattooed tomorrow actually, and my tattoo artist is super strict about this topic. He HATES, absolutely HATES when people copy other artists work/tattoos. And I am so extremely happy about that.
The way I see it is that the artist that did your tattoo has the "ownership" of an original design no matter whether you paid them or how much you paid them. So they should have the right to tattoo the same design or modified design as much as they want because it's their property in a sense.
I am planning to get a very specific piece in memory of a dead friend. It is very unique to me and my friend. The ideas came from ME and ME only. The tattoo artist will add their own touch, they will put my thoughts onto paper (and skin eventually), but I don't think it would be fair to say that the tattoo artist is the sole owner of the tattoo even though a lot of input came from me.
A tattoo is a collaborative piece of art. Without me, the artist would never have had the idea and created it. Without the artist, the tattoo would have never been made in that special unique way. It would not have been possible without both of us, so I think it's fair to say that BOTH of us are the rightful owners of the tattoo.
That may be so, but only the tattoo artist can reproduce that idea, and there are no real "rules" or "laws" that prohibit a tattoo artist from doing so. Your ownership of the tattoo is physical more than anything, because you have it on your body. Yes you had the idea, but you can't patent or copyright an idea without a physical image or design (one that the tattoo artist brought to life). It's up to the tattoo artist at the end of the day.
Awesome video!💜 I 100% agree with you! There is a huuuge difference between getting inspired by a tattoo and flat out copying it!
I agree with you. While at work I had some flaky young women keep staring at my tattoos and talk about how they wanted one just like mine. They didn't even talk to me and tell me they like my tattoo they just talked about my tattoo like it was something they could have. But my Galaxy hearts tattoo on my arm was custom-made for me by my tattoo artist and lots of thought was put into it, making it unique. So I know what you mean and agree with you. Thanks
Paige
It's so cool you talked about SadBoyKurt! I have about 10 tattoos from him, whenever I make an appointment with him it's usually from his own flash but when I get a custom tattoo, I send him a picture of someone else's tattoo just to get a concept of what I want; he ends up turning it into his own little thing and it's truly amazing. Definitely a good example of a tattoo artist using his skills rather than copying.
Where I live, the only tattoos people get are ones they found online or their grandma's handwriting. People don't realize that they can find and commission art for the source instead of stamping a Pinterest board on their bodies. I personally find it hard to love art that you know isn't your's.
Watching videos like this and doing my own independent research helped me be so much better prepared for when I started getting tattooed. I now know to never get a copy of somebody else's tattoo. On the flip, If I ever see a piece of artwork that I like online that isn't tattooed on someone, I trace it back to the original artist and e-mail them. I tell them that I saw their art and was thinking of getting it tattooed, ask their permission if they're ok with it and am always prepared for them to tell me no. It's their art, and they get to decide if I put it on my body or not.
i was asked before if someone could copy my tattoo straight to my face?????
Omg a teacher cloning a kid is such a wild but very good way to make that point!
I agree with you completely. As a person who started getting tattoos this year it still scares me when people tell me they love my tattoos and then follow up with where I went and what I told the artist to get the image they created. Although my images don't necessarily have much meaning, they are so special to me and even thinking that someone else would get it crushes me, so im sorry that you would have to deal with this. When it came to me getting my umbrella tattoo, I sent my artist a picture and said I wanted this image but I wanted his complete 100% original artistry to make it my/his own. It was a way for me to take an idea I had and make it special for me and let my tattoo artists ability shine through. Again, I'm sorry this would happen to you and I'm glad that you unapologetically stand up for yourself, your artist, and your body! I adore you and your videos!
btw- I 100% agree with your thoughts on this subject I've had 3 of my tattoos stolen, only one asked permission, I declined the same way you did in your last video. Be Creative People.
Rachel 16H88 I'm so sorry that you've had to go through this, and three times that's crazy!! I definitely can understand your frustration, it's not flattering at all, it's just unoriginal and it takes the love away that you hold for them.
Libby Good exactly, like it's not hard to tell your artist to change it a bit, even a change in colors would help.
Thank you for your input. I think a TON of people get these commercial, Mainstream tattoos as their first pieces (infinity signs, birds, feathers, cages...) and stick to that way of looking up images. I myself chose a pigeon outline tattoo as my first one and basically every fifth girl on the street has it too, i was nineteen back then. Now however I learned my lession and do it like you do, show references and ask artists to translate it into their style OR just give a description of what I want without any pictures. It's always something unique and individual that way. I would recommend it to everyone else too.
One of my friends took an idea that I had been talking to a tattoo artist about a personal piece for on top of my foot and got almost the same one on her arm, after I had booked the appointment and had it all planned.
I feel like she forced a "friendship" tattoo on me without my permission
my sister had a tattoo copied and she was happy about it, she took it as a way of them liking her original concept. she was flattered
Where did you get your poster in the background?
Kat Tran it's from ball n chain co!!! they have lots of cool tapestries
Alright, I did some research haha It looks like this is art done by Johnny Gloom and if you look up "johnny gloom tapestry" you can find it!
Kat Tran this can also be bout through alien outfitters :)
Kat Tran, don't "bit" her room decor she'll make a video about it lol
Oh, don't be silly. When you create a piece and enlist an artist to bring an original idea to life, it sucks when it gets stolen. Stealing art is stealing art regardless of the medium
As someone who is getting their first tattoo done this summer. I spent alot of time looking online for reference materials and to give myself (and the artist) a visual aid. I can safely say that doing my research and understanding that tattoos are pieces of art is one of the most important things im glad I learnt. You are essentially getting a piece of art on your skin. If you were van gogh, you wouldnt want someone stealing your sunflowers right? That's what kinda got me really into wanting to get a tattoo. Planning out, creating, and customizing a piece of art for myself that I get to wear. Yes i took reference images to show my artist that I want this style (american traditional), to show what font i want, the angle that i wanted the person to be looking at and how I wanted the border to look. But I didnt just take a picture and went "i want this exactly done like this". Thats just stealing artwork.
Great video Qcknd and great points, I cant comprehend, even outside tattoo culture, why stealing artwork should ever be okay. Inspiration isnt the same as Imitation.
I always go to the same artist, I usually just give him an idea and he always comes up with great art. I think if anyone copied one of my tattoo I'd be upset more for him then for me. I know he works hard for his craft and it wouldnt be fair to him.
My first tattoo is freehand and it's a band. My tattoo artist and I just started with my initial sketch, then added/ removed ideas whilst he was tattooing. So somehow that makes me feel safe to take pictures of it without worrying someone might copy it. I cannot imagine how it'd feel like to be victimised by tat copying especially if your tattoos mean so much. I'm so glad I've found a reputable tattooist as well.
My first tattoo was a full on copy. I got it from google images and found the first guy who would do it. i was 17 and now ten years later after being wiser and more involved in the culture of tattooing i try not to display that tattoo and am working with an artist now with a cover up. Its the right thing to do! if you stole it than cover it up or do not display that tattoo proudly...
Christa Williams honestly, that's how i thought it works too! i love how we can have an open discussion and encourage tattoo lovers and artists alike! i found an amazing artist and she created an image for me, it's amazing! all the best for your cover up!
Christa Williams I did the same thing when I was younger (almost 10 yrs ago) and didn't know any better, and had no knowledge about tattoos I did copy a tattoo which I'm so ashamed of now and will be cover up this summer but yeah you live you learn
I really believe the artist should possess the integrity -not just for their own art but others- to not plagiarize. Some of us just getting into tattoo culture as i was years ago dont know better. Im glad videos like this exist now!
I completely agree with your approach to getting a tattoo that is specific to you. it takes me years to decide on an idea that is ideal for ME and not something that is straight off the internet, ETC. letting the artist complete something that works with their style is the best way to get something original. you and I think the exact same way. So smart girlie! you know whats up.
Claire Marshall is another UA-camr/makeup artist who has spoken about this. She did a video about copying and she spoke about another woman who was copying her tattoos and placement exactly. Claire spoke about how intrusive and creepy it was to be copied. Her channel is Hey Claire.
People can't copy what you don't share or tell. That's why I always wince a little when I see or hear people share really cool and original tattoo ideas...because copies happen all the time.
Excellent advice on how to avoid copying.
what is with your makeup lately??? it's so perfect! 😍
I agree SHE LOOKS SO ETHEREAL
Reminds me of korean makeup! So fresh :)
Yeah, suuuure lol
I adore this video. This is actually the reason that I don't have any tattoos. When/if I get one, I want my tattoo(s) to be unique and have a special meaning for ME. I appreciate your perspective as a tattoo collector 💖
I'm so blessed that my tattoo artist hand draws every single one of my tattoos. I give him ideas or examples and he creates my own piece. Don't copy tattoos!!! It disrespectful to the artist and the person who has it.
This video actually made me look differently at a picture i wanted to get tattooed for years now. It made me reconsider it and i decided to take your approach to it. So thank you a lot
I totally agree.But I do use different images to represent a certain style or angle that im looking for. I even draw out my ideas, curated by different pieces ive been inspired by in order to make my own. It sucks ppl have to 100%rip off others art, it just shows they have absolute no imagination or faith in their artist.
Your nail polish shade is giving me life!!
That's shirt is giving me life, where can I get one?
Rachel 16H88 same
Same same same
Rachel 16H88 www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/project-social-t-kim-mesh-tee?
Thank you for taking the time to talk about this in a way that makes it easy for everyone to understand, and thank you for sharing the tips on how to get a unique tattoo. That's some great advice that I will definitely take in the future if I see something I would like tattooed on myself.
I never understood the flattery because when people copy tattoos they're not complimenting the person who got it nor the tattoo artist. It's things like this that ruin the fun of just enjoying art. When we see art we don't have to take a picture or get a copy of it to enjoy it. We just enjoy it as it is in the original form and move on. That's the whole point of galleries and art shows is to show amazing artwork that is unique and one of a kind and today people post their tattoos as their little galleries for others to look at and enjoy and move on. NOT to be replicated or copied
Qcknd,
Thank you so much for this series and all your tattoo related series!! I'm 17 turning 18 and plan to get a tattoo on my 18th bday. The tattoo videos are so helpful and have so much insight. With the help of your channel I know I'll get a great piece. Thank you!!!!!
I found a tattoo online that I love, I want to keep most of it but change some minor things , is this considered copying?
This discussion is so interesting! A recent trend I've noticed in my town (Melbourne, Aus) is tattoo artists asking not to be shown any other tattoos or other people's art even as inspiration! The guy I've gotten tattooed by recently asks this of clients and im super into it! That said I think I'm pretty lucky that the town I live in is full of super amazing artists many of whom only do custom work, I dunno! Loved the video :)
Just to pay devil's advocate (I don't condone copying) how's copying different from getting a licensed tattoo? Like a pikachu or Jack Skellington exactly as the original artist created them. It's stealing art either way.
I loooove this video. The idea of using only words is great. I have had all these tattoo ideas and struggled to get them into a solid idea without emulating existing design ideas. I would never copy but I am one of those people that wanted something as unique as possible and was struggling. I think I'm going to go to my favourite artist and just describe my ideas in a few words & trust her creative process now. Thanks so much Qcknd!
A few months ago i had to block a girl i thought was an online friend. (she lived a few hours (3) from me and i have had her online since i was 14, i'm now 20. ) Shes called me her twin for forever which is part of why i think she 'copied' two of my tattoos secretly but not secretly. I have a butterfly in a certain style on my leg and also have a dagger on the same leg that i got as a cancer benefit flash. 3 weeks after i had gotten the butterfly she had taken the placement of the butterfly, the style, and took the dagger idea and put it in the middle. I was so upset to see she had basically taken the idea from me because she isn't just a random person online and i should have know something was up because she had made it a complete secret, what she was getting, but would post about it and hype it up. She got it the date she hyped and then posted it right away, i even seen sneak peeks on snapchat! ugh i was FURIOUS. She has ridiculous impulse tattoos so i should have expected something like this from her but TATTOO STEALING SUCKS. Regardless if it is 100% the same, just the idea being stolen is a bummer. People lack creativity.
I hope you explained to her why it fucking sucks before you blocked her. I really hope she learned the lesson & will never again repeat the mistake, even if it's still shitty for you.
Lol, we weren't 'real' friends or friends really at that. I never met this girl in my entire life. She doesn't need an explanation from me as to why i blocked her and why it fucking sucks, i'm sure she took the hint without me having to say anything. She did it right after i got tattooed... i'd put the two together considering she was ALL over my page saying she loved it when i got the ink. Also, i have the right to block practically strangers from my social media accounts if i find it necessary. Shes 'too much' anyway and her profile was nothing but partying and her shaking her ass on film. Big whoop she was blocked lmao.
all he said was he hoped you explained why. he never said it was a "big whoop" or a big deal that you blocked her. way to make a mountain out of a mole hill bud.
This video is beautiful, I love that your sensitive to the feelings of those that others might demonize. I love it, I hope you get more positive feedback because you truly deserve it for really dedicating time.
your bumble bee inspired my moth tattoo! Well you, and this girl on my instagram who has giant traditional style moth on her stomach. I liked both of your concepts for difference reasons, and took your advice and created like a "mood board" brainstorming my stomach moth and collaborated with an artist I worked with previously and I'm proud to say that although my piece was inspired from many different places, it is truly an original piece. It matches a tiny moth I have on a blackwork skull thigh piece I have, so it looks like my stomach and my thigh piece match. It's an incredibly detailed super blackwork moth just above my belly button and anyone from my area can tell who the artist is immediately, because it's so his style. My body is also covered in flowers and leaves and stuff so I've always been interested in getting a bug tattoo, particularly another moth and I'm so happy I did.
sorry for the brain vomit but I just wanted to say thanks for your tattoo brainstorming video! while I never would have stolen a tattoo, I've always had a hard time conceptualising inspiration and bringing those ideas to an artist to get an original piece and now I have a piece that looks so at home on my body and it was definitely partly due to that video! so thanks, qcknd.
Also, the artist's name is Nate Silverii, instagram.com/hungryhearttattoos if anyone is curious!!
Jessica C SHUT UP as soon as you said "detailed black work moth" I was like hey I know a guy that does detailed black work moths... I'm dead I love Nate, his work is amazing and he's the nicest guy. I'm so glad you went through that process, I think that's so organic and part of the whole experience 😊
Libby Good hahaha omg!!! I love that! His work is just so his own, I love that you were able to guess who it was just by my description. I'm glad I did too, I can't imagine how people who steal tattoos feel about their pieces. I wouldn't feel proud, that's for sure.
Jessica C Oh for sure, I think it would leave a bad taste in your mouth you know? You'd always know in your heart what you did and I don't think you could be proud of or feel the love for your piece the same way. Honestly the process is everything to me! I could get a perfectly average tattoo but if I had a great time working it out with the artist and having that back and forth during the process I think you see it differently afterwards.
D
I love how much I learnt from all of your videos and I already feel like I have gained "theoretical" experience about the tattoo wolrd. Whenever I watch other tattoo related videos I already know this stuff. I think its so cool to have all these plattforms nowadays that I can learn so much before I get tattooed
I wholeheartedly agree that inspiration vs mirroring is different. However, I don't think you can say "Oh, copying an exact painting is fine, but don't copy an exact tattoo." without being hypocritical. Either keep that standard to "formal" art, as well (I don't know if you do), or rethink the difference if you're saying in other videos that you want tattoos to be seen and respected as formal art. I get if it's copying just a cartoon, but even those are in a unique pose, or a logo, but even then it gets blurry if you aren't making it your own, or working it into your own sleeve.
I love how honest and open you were in this video! I have quite a few tattoos. But I also post them on my instagram which probably is the greatest idea. Im naive in the fact that my tattoos are so personal to me I just assume no one will steal them. I hope I'm right but I highly doubt it. It hasn't happened to me yet but my feelings are strong on this topic. I go to a great artist and like you I usually give him no reference photos. I give him total artistic control with colors as well. I don't want anyone stealing his work or a piece of my skin.
Isn't the greatest idea****
When Qcknd uploads a video :)))))))
Same goes for Ryan Little :D
once while at work, I had a customer ask if she could take a picture of one of my tattoos, because she wanted to get the same thing. she already had her phone out and ready to go when she asked. There was a huge line of customers behind her, and I was so suprised that I said yes. as soon as she snapped the picture, I really regretted it because NO, I didn't want her to take a picture. I didn't want her to copy my tattoo, but she sort of ambushed me about it. it really upset me, and none of my friends understood why I was so upset. so I really appreciate this video because it helped me realize it was okay for me to be angry with the girl, and that my tattoo had a lot of meaning, so thank you ❤❤
Devil's advocate:
So, it isn't right to replicate another person's tattoo because it was unique art drawn for them, often to represent something special or unique to that person, and was commissioned for sometimes a substantial amount of money...
...but it's okay to get a band's logo tattooed on your body as a sign of respect or devotion to their music? Even though the band's logo probably cost substantial money to create, likely has deep meaning to it for the band members, and is certainly special and unique to that specific band only?
Hmm...
I mean, did the band say it was okay to take their album cover and copy it onto your body in all situations? Why is that seen as positive and complimentary? Because it isn't one single person?
What about other traditional artists? You know the two hands shaking tattoo is replicated art, right? I mean, it's a famous piece. The original artist is long-gone so consent couldn't have been made but does that mean when you have no life in your body then your tattoos are open to be copied?
Other things are art too:
Song lyrics
Famous quotes
Sheet music (I have this on my thigh -- a few bars of a famous piece...)
When is that too far? When are you "stealing" versus complimenting the creator?
Starstrid I would say the difference is if I took for example one of Amanda's tattoos and copied it. People who see it may not know it was her tattoo. And her and her artist don't get credit for it. But if I had a band's logo or symbol on me, people will know it belongs to that band. And in a way you're 'supporting' that group by wearing something designed by them. I'm not supporting the tattoo artist who did Amanda's tattoo by having it done elsewhere and all the compliments goes to my artist and not hers. People know the band's logo was not designed by your artist. But they won't know if a tattoo wasn't designed by your artist. Hope that helps. (And no I'm not trying to argue. I'm just trying to show another point of view)
Well, as a tattooed musician I think I've got a pretty decent answer for this :P
Yes, a band's logo, album art, lyrics etc.etc. is / are, in most cases, very personal to the individual(s) that created it, but they are outwardly presented, shown off, given, essentially, to their fans. Bands *want* people to have t shirts, posters, tattoos, with their logos. At higher levels of success logos and artwork are also brand images. There's a reason that every artist from the small-time local band to the chart-topping pop star sell T-shirts with their logos / artwork / slogans at their shows...it's one of the links between them and their fans!
Now, of course, tattoos are also presented and shown off, but they are, first and foremost, not meant for anybody else. They are all about *your* personality, and to have somebody copy your tattoo can devalue the personal meaning of that tattoo in some people's eyes.
I guess the generalised way to say it would be this:
When a band shows off their logo, they are saying "This is who we are, and if you love our music you can show it off with this symbol!"
When an individual shows off their tattoo, they are saying "This is who I am on a personal level, and this is one of the things that makes me unique!"
I was also wondering Amanda's opinion specifically on traditional art pieces being copied. The most recent example I can think of is many fans I have seen that get exact copies of the actor Matthew Gray Gubler's art tattooed and I wonder if people feel that is appropriate with no credit and copied exactly
I think that falls under flash not an original design.
Dori Jacobs / Matthew reposts photos of the tattoos so I believe he supports it, but I'd hope the first few people to do so asked him! I've seen artists who have publicly stated they don't like it though.
I respect my artist so much. His work is always so original and infused with his personal style. Even when he posts a tattoo he did from a clients reference (which is like 1 out of 100 tattoos) there's always something so "him" about it
I feel as though anyone who is involved in any form of artistry should know not to steal others people's work. Be it a photo or a tattoo. Someone somewhere put time into that and now that person is like haha jokes that's mine now. That's just shitty and indecent. Something happened like this with a photo of mine once ad the person pretended even when I called then out on it that it was theirs
I'm glad you put the mini disclaimer about commercialized tattoos. I want a yin-yang and I want it like stock image because that's the only way it's true to me, but all the other tattoos I want I just have inspiration or personal sketches for. There are tattoos if I saw them as flash I would get, but I'd never get otherwise. I love your recommendations for guaranteeing an original tattoo too!
I got my cry baby tattoo 27 years ago hers is exactly like mine. Ever heard of flash thousands of people wearing same tattoos.
i love making mood boards for tattoos, different concepts and styles from a ton of different tattoos and talking through it with the artist
you are the most gorgeous girl I have ever seen! I really inspire myself on you (not with the tattoos hahaha but on your adorable way of being)
-- sorry about my english--
Letícia Purri your English was perfect.
I honestly hadn't thought about how the original owner of the tattoo design would feel if someone copied it and it made me think, it's pretty much the same of any kind of art. I would hate it if someone copied a drawing I did, line for line, and then claimed it as their own. Thanks for doing this video, really got me thinking more about tattoos that I would like.
Your followers are now attacking that guy on Instagram, do you condone that? I mean, what's done is done, I don't see why this man who seems to be from a different country should be yelled at over and over on his picture
We have both privately apologized to each other about the situation. It wasn't my intention for him to be witch hunted.
Qcknd I know you don't condone witch hunting, I was more or less asking if you were aware of it at this point. It makes me sad you have subs like that because it's something you've always said you didn't condone. Sorry to disturb you or if I made you feel uncomfortable. I just know you're a great person and I honestly wouldn't want it reflecting yourself when it's something you state you don't tolerate.
I got my first (and at the moment only professional) tattoo about a week after my 18th birthday and i was SO KEEN to get an image i had seen, which was someone else's tattoo...
I had not done any research and it had never occurred to me that it would be stealing, because i had seen loads of different images with the same tattoo, and i had mixed it up a little.
I think stumbling on qcknd, has made me rethink the way tattoos exist, which i'm pretty thankful for, just wish i had stumbled on your channel earlier
I love the idea of not showing any pictures, I like when the artist makes most of the decisions and just goes off of my one little idea (^:
C. Renee Yeah! You get the most authentic art that way 😊
I took an art class once and my teacher told me in order for something to be an original, if you need references (that aren't your own), use at least 3 different photo references of the same thing- I think this is a good rule of thumb, and goes off of what you said about the mood boards. If you can take elements of at least 3 different images, you can work with your tattoo artist to create an art piece that's just for you