TATTOO TALES

With a master’s degree in History and Library Science, Amelia Klem Osterud is recognized as a leading scholar in tattoo history and 19th-century sideshow performers. Author of The Tattooed Lady: A History and contributor to The World Atlas of Tattoo and Tattoo Histories, Amelia just published a new book: The 388 Tattoos of Captain George and the 389 Tales of How He Got Them.

 

Her new book is fun, pretty and informative. Beside entertaining with the stories we all like - pirates, circus at the turn of the century, crazy self-proclaimed adventures - it paints the picture of how tattooing came to be what it is today, and how people like Captain George helped shape it. 

Sit down, relax, and enjoy the tales of a a world of wonders from 100+ years ago. 

 

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Get the book

 

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Escoda is a third-generation family business and an industry icon, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a testament to true craftsmanship, community, and, above all, a profound love for the craft. Backed by some of the world's finest watercolor artists - such as Joseph Zbukvic and Alvaro Castagnet - the Escoda family continues to strive for excellence and innovation, keeping the people who make it all possible at the very heart of what they do.

On a lovely Spanish morning, I sat down with Giovanna and Josep to discuss how every single brush is crafted by hand, how the company was born from one man’s dream, and how innovation thrives within simplicity.

 

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Eckel’s name speaks for itself. Over the years he inspired countless artists with his drawings, tattoos, and paintings, establishing himself as a main reference in the neotraditional style. 

In this fun, honest and inspiring talk we discussed the importance of the artistic journey, the evolution of style, and some details on his personal approach to process, reference and inspiration. 

 

 

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Today we sit down with Jason Kundell, a veteran tattoo artist with an inspiring 30-year career. We trace his journey from his roots in Southern California’s skateboarding and graffiti scenes to his foundational years in the Bay Area, with the influence of artists of the caliber of Eddie Deutsche, Marcus Pacheco, Grime and many more. 

 

Jason breaks down the philosophy behind his work, drawing fascinating parallels between his decades of training in judo and jiu-jitsu and his approach to tattooing—focusing on movement, composition, and the discipline required to achieve true mastery.

 

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Welcome into a captivating journey through the hidden and historical world of Japanese tattooing with journalist, author, and cultural expert, Manami Okazaki.

 

In this episode, we explore the dramatic evolution of tattoo media, tracing the shift from the expertly curated pages of traditional magazines to the fast-paced landscape of social media. Manami eloquently explains how the profound, artisanal essence of this craft is often distorted by modern online trends, where popularity rarely reflects true skill and young artists frequently copy designs without understanding their culturally deep source material.

Drawing from over two decades of experience, she shares her incredible stories of documenting Japan's vibrant tattoo boom, navigating a complex underworld of shifting characters.

 

Our conversation delves into the deeply rooted philosophy of downtown Tokyo’s artisans. We discuss the intense atmosphere of local celebrations like the Torigoe Matsuri and the vital, living connections between traditional Wabori, religious practices, and seasonal folklore. Manami also offers a refreshing and fascinating perspective on cultural exchange.

 

Finally, we explore the rich historical context of her work, including her books "Tattoo in Japan" and her newest "Fights and Fires of the Flowers of Edo." She unpacks the transient, high-spirited nature of Edo-period firefighters, carpenters, and Yakuza, highlighting a culture historically intertwined with the constant consciousness of death.

 

This conversation is a vital and humbling reflection on what it takes to truly preserve the heritage, depth, and community spirit of Japanese artisanal tattooing well beyond mere visual appeal.

 

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Manami’s new book ‘The Japanese Tattoo’

 

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