The tattoo community is full of horror enthusiasts – the genre captures the imagination of tattoo artists and clients alike. From gruesome characters from films and books – what could be more freaky than Chuckie covered in blood? – to figures like something from your worst nightmares. Our writer Emily Fletcher tracked down some horror tattoos collectors and the tattooists bringing these designs to life – settle in for a wild ride…
Tattoo artist Aleksandr Morozov – @alexmorotattoo
“My inspiration is horror movies, so I like to do tattoos with this theme. The shots from these movies are always contrasting and with well placed light. This I consider the main thing for my realistic tattoos. I achieve depth and volume in my work. Thus, mesmerise my clients and achieve positive emotions.”
Tattoo artist George Roberts – @gtattoos666
“I’ve been a tattoo artist in London for 13 years. I grew up watching horror movies, probably too young, and also had some wild paranormal experiences – this world has been in my blood from day one. I really enjoy tattooing classic horror movie characters, such as Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, Ghostface etc… I could tattoo these everyday for the rest of my life. I specifically love meeting clients who want to have these characters on them for life and so they are probably just as big a fan as I am. I’ll even pop one of the classic movies on while they are being tattooed for the full experience – that can be quite fun.”
“The last one is one of my custom designs. I’d love to do more of these. These ideas usually come from my research into demons and anything on the darker side. I love the beauty of 1920s models and faces that are quite vintage but of course with a demonic twist, the contrast of those two elements can be striking. The one I’ve shared is my own interpretation of the demon Lilith. I specifically work in black work and black & grey. I feel this works best for these style designs.”
Artist Žana – @varshakot.flash
“I enjoy creating horror designs because I grew up watching horror movies, they’re very comforting for me. It’s also good for me mentally, it helps me to cope with anger. Horror movie killers also often just have a really badass look, which I love to draw.”
Tattoo collector Melissa Slater – @acslater27
“I started collecting these tattoos because I enjoy these horror films. I didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about it. It was kind of a ‘just do it!’ thing! Beetlejuice, Shorty from Killer Klowns from Outer Space, Black Phillip from The Witch and Scream. All top films for me. My tattoos are all done by Alex at Muse in Palmyra NJ.”
Tattoo collector Jaimee – @jtilb
“I’ve always been a big horror movie fan, and as I got older I knew I wanted horror inspired tattoos. These pieces are a lot more detailed than a lot of my other work, and I just love how they turned out. I get loads of compliments on them, especially the Goosebumps tattoo as it’s very nostalgic for a lot of people. All tattoos done by @emmajeantattoos“
Tattoo collector Georgie – @georgie_kfilm
“From the moment I first started getting tattoos I knew I wanted mainly horror related ones – I love the genre, but I’m also a horror film writer and director. First up is one I designed myself, from IT Chapter Two. I love taking less used imagery from horror films and translating it into art for my body, it makes the piece feel super unique!”
“Then we have my favourite slasher icon Ghostface, this is probably my favourite tattoo that I have. Finally my cat baby Pennywise, I’ve always loved tattooist Barbie’s cat babies but knew I wanted a horror twist for mine, and what was better to get than Pennywise, especially since my name is Georgie. All my tattoos are done by the wonderful @barbielongfox“
Tattoo artist Olivia – @cowgurl_bebop
“I love doing horror-related tattoos because a lot of horror is creating the narrative potential of something scary that could happen. A lot of people who come in to get these tattoos have sort of created a vague backstory around what makes the tattoo they’re getting feel spooky to them and I’m really into hearing these stories!”
Tattoo artist Marissa Gray – @grxy.tattoo
“I do black and grey horror realism and Illustrative tattoos, normally with splashes of red. I have always wanted to do horror and spooky tattoos and am so lucky to finally do so at this point in my career. I feel that unintentionally my favourite film and musical Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street influenced my work with it’s beautiful desaturated colour palette and bold red blood. Despite most of my pieces being solely black and grey, the use of red truly compliments the subject matter so well and I am grateful to be tattooing a genre that goes hand in hand with my artistic vision.”
Into horror tattoos… tag us in yours @thingsandink
We love getting the stuff we’re obsessed with tattooed on our bodies… check out our recent post on foodies tattoos.
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