Inspiration? copy? design theft? - The tattoo blog

This is a very controversial topic that is constantly flying around on the internet. Everybody has a different opinion on this matter, however you will today here how all of this looks like out of my perspective. I am in no means to offend anybody or slander people or anything like that, so bare with me! Disclaimer done. Let's get to it:

Many people stretch the term "inspiration" very, VERY far. I agree, it can be interpreted in a wide spectrum. But, people, straight up copying is NOT inspiration. Today I am here here to let you know what I think about tattoo inspiration, copy and design theft. Here we go:

1) Getting inspired by existing tattoos and designs

I not only think it's a good thing bur I even recommend finding inspiration-images online. Most tattoo artists would tell you to do so. This way the artist exactly knows what you like and if it suits their design. The artist will design a custom tattoo for you with these inspiration images in mind.

2) Design theft

However, there are clients that want EXACTLY the tattoo they found online and the tattoo artist agrees to tattoo it, I myself am not a fan of that. That is COPYING a tattoo. I am mostly sorry for the client that got a custom tattoo for themselves and now it's not unique anymore. Design theft happens though, when the mentioned artist claims the design as their own (Funny enough, most tattoo artists that do that aren't really good).

Exactly this happened to Julian Siebert, an absolutely awesome artist located in Germany.

Check out his shop: Corpsepainter Tattoo, www.corpsepainter.com/

– More no-go's when booking for a tattoo here!

There are some in-between cases though. If it is a logo of a band or a brand ect. Then it is not about copying the design, it is about putting the band on you permanently and with that you give them credit, an artist is not possible to claim that design and therefore I think it is okay to let it tattooed.

Then there are artists out there that are not tattooists. Most of them have fans and some of them want their favourite artists artwork on them as a tattoo. This for me is a grey-zone. The best way is, to commission the artist to design you an artwork specifically as a tattoo, that way you are save. You could also get the permission of the artist to get an existing design tattooed. I personally think, it is okay to get an artists work tattooed, as long as you give them credit publicly.

Something I also want to mention since I have seen it a lot in the past few months is from the other perspective. There are people that are asking tattooists for permission to use their copies and get publicly slandered by these artists that they look up to. I do not think that is okay! Be thankful that they ask and you realise that there is a respectful way to say no? A lot of artists are a little bit too full of themselves these days. This just has to be said.

There you go. My thoughts about this. I hope, this helps you form your own opinion.

Shoot us an email if you have any questions or you are interested in getting tattooed by me!