Photos by Artemus Jenkins (stills from the film) sneak preview
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The Struggles of Professional Black Tattoo Artists "The FILM"
Yall know I'm working a film project...its been an idea of mine for years now..but I wanted to partner up with a person with vision...I hooked up with film maker, Artemus Jenkins..we call him "AJ"...I met Artemus when he interviewed me for Vimby.com, and after I saw it I KNEW this brother had an eye for detail...these photos are stills from the film we are working on based on the pain, struggles, and lifestyles of black tattoo artists all across America...we were up in DC, and it was really emotional...I interviewed tattoo artists and asked them about their fears, personal relationships, and their family lives...I want the people to UNDERSTAND when you don't support "Professional" trained tattoo artists and go to the non-trained tattooist (scratchers) based off their cheap prices, you are doing more than hurting yourself but you slapping the artist who really deserves that business in the face..our mission with this film is to destory what the black community THINK is "tattooing" and rebuild this side of the industry by giving praises to the black artists who DID pay their dues to because "Tattoo Artists" I know Scratchers will HATE me after this film but I don't give a fuck, I don't believe in excuses..if you want to become a tattoo artist follow the same step these other black artists did.do your 2-3 year training and make a name for yourself outside the hood..many artist did it and so can YOU...after this film a lot of scracthers will no longer be getting business from people who didn't know any better...its time to break all stereotypes of tattooing in the black community...its time to LEARN the history of the black tattoo scene and give props to the artists who opened the doors for us all...I hope to also get the help and vision of tattoo artist, Corey Davis...he is now directing music videos, and creating his own film projects...I have yet to title this film...but when its released, this will change A LOT of things in tattooing.
Photos by Artemus Jenkins (stills from the film) sneak preview
Photos by Artemus Jenkins (stills from the film) sneak preview
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13 comments:
I am waiting patiently for this film. Yea...the ones who will be mad are precisely the ones who shouldn't be inking in the first place. So what? This shyt needs to be seen, said, and heard.
I can't understand why anyone would support an untrained tattooist. A tattoo is pretty permanent and should be done by a professional. Looking forward to seeing this film...
There is a guy name Ted Leonsis. He owns a site called Snagflims.com. He allows the public to see documentaries for free by providing virtual theaters. You get a percentage and he gets a percentage. I'm not sure what the numbers are. This could be another way to get your message out, plus made your loot. It may not be want you want to do, but it's an option. To watch him speak more on the business, you can google him...he was on the show Q&A with Brian Lamb. The interview was motivational. Best wishes on the film. Peace.
Oh, f.y.i...Leonsis is the owner of the Wizard, Mystics and the Captials.
I know this film will be everything you are hoping for it to be. I look forward to it's completion as I anxiously await to view it. You are a very talented and inspiring being and I am sure many will learn and gain a better outlook toward tattoo artist and their struggle. There is no such
thing as too much knowledge or being too informed; when I think about it we all learn something new or are more informed on a subject everyday. It is what we do with this information and or knowledge that counts the most. I hope this film does indeed help tattoo artist gain more support and respect.
Much support to you on this one, Mr. B. You're absolutely correct--there will be those that are mad and they should be. But it truly speaks to your passion about what you do and who you re that you are man enough to take a stand. I researched long and hard before I came to you for my first tat (with Doniele)a few years back and I'm so glad that what I saw then has proven to be so true a hundred-fold. Keep up the excellent work! See you soon for the next round!!
(p.s. Much appreciation from a single mom for the Mother's Day post! Insightful, honest and truly touching!!)
i LOVE these photos and the story you're telling. i'm amazed at the power that you have to influence and inform people and i'm so glad you're doing it to better the community. God Bless
i am so excited about this video/documentary. like you said every culture has a history of real tattooing as an artform and now we can as well. once i saw what true tattooing should be i have never wanted to get another tattoo other than the art shouwn here. i have a question though i have frineds who are amazing artists but need more training with tattooing. like their artwork id grade "a" but it does not reflect in their tattoo work. how can someone go about getting work as an apprentice to become better?
when is it coming out?
I am the owner of Tattooed 4 Life Studio in San Tan Valley Arizona. I came across this blog, because I was looking to see what other afro-american (black) tattoo artists there were in the United States and abroad. I figured I might find some articles or magazine spreads, not much luck. Only located Zulu Tattoo, this blog and recently O.G. Poppy on youtube.com. Some folks don't seem to understand why it is important to find other artists like myself... well I tell them that it is hard to explain. I am a black tattoo artist and I am definitely looking forward to this video... maybe its a factor of looking for someone of my similar ethnicity to look-up to and learn from. The everyday tattoo mags really dont cover... well I should say we rarely see a brown face on the cover or in the mag, except for Urban Ink Mag, which happens to be the only mag I know about that covers Tattoos on the darker shade of flesh! Well just patiently waiting for a video like this one to come out. I want to know whos out there and deserves props for their commitment to the tattoo industry. ~J.A. Von Zombie
Oh yeah if anyone has any comments or suggestions on black tattoo artists that I could look up.. that would be great...Thanks
-J.A. Von Zombie
Check out my tattoo work. Joe joes tattoos on Facebook
We Wold Like To Collab With You & Other Black Artist... We Started The World's First Tattoo Foundation... Called Tatt'd Role Model And We Attend And Also Throw Events And Fundraisers.... 702-690-6827... TattdRoleModel@Gmail.Com - Facebook.Com/TattdRoleModel
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