Tattooing is still a relatively new art form in mainstream American culture, although it has had an incredible evolution over the past few decades. Once found only on the skin of those thought of be on the "fringes" of society, tattoos were a sign that the wearer was tough or promiscuous. Today it is thought that at least 40% of Americans between the ages of 26 - 40 have at least one tattoo. With the stigma surrounding tattoos lifting, styles have changed drastically and a growing number of "seasonal" artworks are being created, instead of those pieces with cultural or career-based significance.
Christmas has become a major influence on tattoo decisions -- often tied to popular culture -- as seen in the examples below.
1. Christmas Mickey
Disney artwork has become a major force in the tattooing industry, and has spawned several highly popular Instagram accounts. California-based artist Mae La Roux has focused her business on characters inspired by the famous cartoon company, and has even created tattoos for Disney animators! This Mickey Mouse is just one of many festive images on her Instagram account:
2. Nightmare Before Christmas Tree
Florida-based Kurt Baldyga seems to be continuing the debate: Is Tim Burton's animated classic "The Nightmare Before Christmas" a Halloween or a Christmas movie?
This spooky tree incorporates elements from both holiday celebrations, so the answer to that eternal question may never be found.
3. Jim Carrey's Grinch
Raphael Barros specializes in human and animal portrait art from his studio in Boston. He has inked the life-like faces of several familiar movie characters, including Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman, Tim Curry's Pennywise, and Heath Ledger's Joker.
He has even created another likeness of Jim Carrey, as his character in "The Mask," but it is Carrey's live-action Grinch that steals the Christmas spirit here.
4. Classic Grinch
With a Grinch of a different style, Sarah Baldwin of Titusville, FL created this classic cartoon Grinch piece as a way to raise money for her local Toys for Tots.
Every piece of Christmas flash art she created this season was priced no higher than $100, with all proceeds from the tattoo going to the children's gift charity. Anyone's heart would grow 3 sizes with that kind of giving.
5. Shelf Elf
The idea of "Elf on a Shelf" may not be for everyone, but Lindsay Baker's interpretation of the modern holiday tradition creates a child-like innocence that nearly anyone can relate to this time of year. Her portfolio is filled with colorful, big-eyed creatures from both nature and pop culture which convey similar purity.
6. Traditional tree
Justin Walker tattoos in a very traditional style, so it is no surprise that he created this old-school Christmas tree, adorned with candles and simple ornaments instead of the garish lights and decor we tend to know these days.
7. Classic cartoon Rudolph
Based in Mississippi, Azha Sanders travels the country doing guest spots in tattoo studios in various cities as she goes. Thankfully, she stopped long enough to create this perfect rendering of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer from the classic Claymation cartoon.
8. Snowy droid
The team at Unity Studio in Valparaiso, IN created this holiday flash piece to coincide with the release of the latest Star Wars movie. A festively adorned BB-8 is the perfect way to end this list of tattoos to lift your Christmas spirit.
Would you get a Christmas tattoo? Do you already have one? Leave a comment below with all the details!
