Exposé - The evolution of modern tattoo culture.

How has the evolution of the field changed the way that the culture is perceived.

Tattooing has been around for thousands of years, from the age-old Egyptian's or the Māori cultural tattoo's using stick & poke techniques, through to more recent styles like the iconic sailor tattoos or other modern-day aesthetics, but how has the way we see tattoos changed in more recent years and the culture that surrounds it? I spoke to some Blackpool based Tattoo Artists and Enthusiasts about their perception of the change.

Some could say the culture has changed allot in these modern times, with the rise in the popularity of tattoo's, no longer is there such a huge stigma around getting or having them, something that in the past was linked to being a criminal or dangerous, is now being recognized as another art form and become more normalized within society.

In modern times what has caused such stigma around the industry to fall off? well, with the rise of shows such as Ink Masters, Tattoo Fixers and LA Ink, the popularity of tattoos has seen an exponential rise, and with the help of celebrities it has become much more common to see someone covered in this style of art form.

• An Old School Coil Gun - Credit: Ali Express

So what has changed in the industry? "Quite a bit yet not allot" says Tattooist Dean Riley, "The equipment has changed allot and I think that has allowed for new art forms to come in." The tattoo coil gun has been the industry standard up until a few years ago, due to a lack of many other machines, however in recent years, possibly due to its rise in popularity, the invention of new needle types and machines has started to allow for more diversity in style.

The popularity of styles of tattoos has changed allot, realism has become a major player in the industry with it gaining popularity, other styles such as patchwork and black and grey have made the traditional styles see a lack of interest. "Traditional styles never disappeared they have always been there" said Dean, "up until recently however we saw a major dip in its popularity".

What is to be said for the evolution of the industry to its modern perception and how it has got here? Connor Prue, Owner of Empire Tattoo Studio said: "The look of studio's has helped allot, they look allot more approachable now." this is a huge change from the old school traditional studio's that used to dominate the field, with black and white checker floors, the windows covered in artists flash sheets and full of old men with beards who would grumble when you walked in, "it used to very much be a boys club" Conner Added.

• Studio 81, Preston, with its mix of traditional & modern look - Credit: TheBestRated

The industry as a whole has changed allot in recent years and its more than just the style of tattoos people get, it has become allot more accepting of females within the industry that, for the longest time, was seen as a male dominated field, and with more apprentices coming into the industry being female, it has led to the emergence of female only shops.

"Being an apprentice has changed so much too" said Connor, "it used to be a do what your told or your out situation when I started." this change has helped to increase the number of people starting in the industry and trying to get positions in studio's, and with the increasing number of tattoo shops it has allowed for a wider selection for people when it comes to choices for tattoos, however this has its drawbacks.

The major downside of its increase in popularity, and greater acceptance within society, has led to a surge in people trying to get apprenticeships, this has caused the effect of an increase in people taking matters into their own hands, "Because so many people see this as an easy job, they try and do it from home to get an easy payday" says Conner, "They think they can just buy a machine and then go for it, that they can do it safely, but they cant."

• Traditional Tattoo Style - Credit: DeanRileyArt

"People nowadays see it as allot more acceptable to have tattoos." says Holly, a tattoo enthusiast. "up until recently i would have to cover my tattoo's at work." this has been one aspect of the culture that has had a positive change in recent years, Elliot, who works for an insurance company, explains how he has seen the change happen on how people in 'professional' roles view tattoos, he said: "when I first got tattoos I would have to wear thick shirts to cover them when I was at work, then when people would see me out of work they would be shocked, now it has become a lot more relaxed, I'm able to have them on show without the negative opinion I would have gotten in the past."

Opinion around the industry has been split however, tattooing culture can be said to have gone berserk, this has led some to say that it has taken away from the nature of what tattooing was originally about. Tattooing has started to become more of a fashion accessory, in many places tattoos are no longer the preserve of the rebels on society's fringes, it is seen as by some as an accessory and by others as a way of life, leading to the question, has the heart of the industry been lost?

While some may feel comfortable showing off their body or sacrificing skin for the art. in the UK it is still legal for companies to have a 'No Tattoo' policy in place, however with the current rate of change that is being seen, hopefully in a few years this will no longer be the case, allowing for the acceptance of tattoos to be fully integrated into normal society, and allowing for the true artistic basis of what the culture was founded on to really shine through.

What are your opinions? let us know in the comments below.