A black-and-white photo of a person mid-air in a Superman-style body suspension pose, supported by multiple hooks in their back and legs, smiling joyfully toward the camera. They are suspended horizontally in a large indoor space with high ceilings and visible rigging. A group of onlookers—some seated, some standing—watch with expressions of admiration, amusement, and support. The atmosphere is lively and communal, capturing a moment of shared experience and transformation.

Tattoo Hollywood, Day Three: The Search For Curly’s Gold


And here we are, folks—photos from the the third and final day of Tattoo Hollywood. Forthcoming will be our final thoughts on the event and interviews, but until then, enjoy the pictures (and my charming pithy commentary, of course). Buy the ticket, take the ride—after the jump.

This is so realistic, it just told me it just got out of a serious relationship and isn’t ready to date anyone yet.

This is Gene from Tattoo Culture in Brooklyn, New York. He came to the convention with Martin, currently guesting at the shop by way of Austria. When we found out there was going to be a Bar Mitzvah happening on Saturday night in the hotel, your editor suggested bringing over Martin to offer to tattoo their son (“Vas is his birthday? Ve vill tattoo ze number on his arm”), but this was roundly rejected on account of being offensive on every possible level. Then we realized it was actually a Bat Mitzvah, not a Bar Mitzvah. All in all, a good showing for your editor. We should not be allowed out in public.

“Do I look like a man who’s got time to just sit around and get one tattoo at a time? Come on. Gimme the deuce.”

One of our award winners!

New rule: Tattoos inspired by The Warriors get featured on ModBlog, no matter what. Hopefully, all future entries will be as ridiculously good as this one.

More tattooers should wear smocks/aprons, we think. That, combined, with the lighting, makes this seem like it was done in a 1950s machine shop. We like that.

Homina homina.

Photos by Phil Barbosa, Thaddeus Brown and Jen Savage.

Comments

60 responses to “Tattoo Hollywood, Day Three: The Search For Curly’s Gold”

  1. hairy.beast Avatar
    hairy.beast

    the skull is the most bitchin thing I have ever seen

  2. hairy.beast Avatar
    hairy.beast

    the skull is the most bitchin thing I have ever seen

  3. Bill Carlson Avatar

    The huge skull backpiece was done by an artist named Bill Carlson who works out of Big Bear Tattoo in Big Bear Lake California. Also see Big Bear Tattoo.com. Call (909) 866-8014 if you are interested in getting some of his amazing work for yourself.

  4. Bill Carlson Avatar

    The huge skull backpiece was done by an artist named Bill Carlson who works out of Big Bear Tattoo in Big Bear Lake California. Also see Big Bear Tattoo.com. Call (909) 866-8014 if you are interested in getting some of his amazing work for yourself.

  5. Big Mike Avatar

    My name is Mike, the large skull backpiece belongs to me. The tattoo was done by Bill Carlson at Big Bear Tattoo in Big Bear Lake, CA. We did it in one sitting in 10 Hrs. I would like to Thank Bill for the badest fucking skull backpiece on the planet!!!!!!

  6. Big Mike Avatar

    My name is Mike, the large skull backpiece belongs to me. The tattoo was done by Bill Carlson at Big Bear Tattoo in Big Bear Lake, CA. We did it in one sitting in 10 Hrs. I would like to Thank Bill for the badest fucking skull backpiece on the planet!!!!!!

  7. Julie Avatar

    it’s cool to see so many people giving props to BILL CARLSON for his amazing black and grey skull back piece. I have some of his work too and I LOVE it! Check out his work at bigbeartattoo.com

  8. Julie Avatar

    it’s cool to see so many people giving props to BILL CARLSON for his amazing black and grey skull back piece. I have some of his work too and I LOVE it! Check out his work at bigbeartattoo.com

  9. Inkerei Avatar

    Of course all tattoos here are absolutely awesome. But I also like the last one. The skull is perfect!

  10. Inkerei Avatar

    Of course all tattoos here are absolutely awesome. But I also like the last one. The skull is perfect!

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