Hello Speakeasy Readers,
We’ve got a cool and sunny week ahead of us, it’s the perfect weather to get out and make fun outdoor plans. Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Today’s topic is regarding the Los Angeles Fire Department asking the public to give their opinion on whether firefighters should have to continue covering their tattoos or not.
In 2008 the LAFP’s current policy was established and set strict guidelines of the display of tattoos.
“All sworn members, while on-duty, shall not display any tattoos, scarifications, and/or brandings,” the policy states. “Sworn uniformed members shall cover any visible tattoos, scarifications, and/or brandings by wearing a Department approved uniform or by wearing a skin patch that covers the tattoos, scarifications, and/or brandings. When impractical, (i.e. showering) members are not required to cover any tattoos, scarifications, and/or brandings.”
Since the policy went into effect LA firefighters have been prohibited from getting any tattoos that cannot be covered by an approved uniform or skin patch.
Today, the LAFD is finally revisiting this policy and they are asking the community’s input to help make their decision. In a 2023 study by the Pew Research Center, 32% of U.S. adults have a tattoo and 22% have more than one tattoo. With body art becoming more common and accepted, the LAFD is thinking it’s time for a change.
Currently, any applicants who have tattoos that can’t be “covered properly” are not hired based on this policy. The department says firefighters have relayed negative impacts from the policy such as operational and response challenges, lack of acceptance and inclusion as well as heat--related issues.
In order to change this policy the LAFD is asking the Los Angeles public for their help. The department has sent out a survey and the deadline to respond is Friday, Oct. By getting the community’s consent, the LAFD can confidently switch their policy allowing them more freedom to get tattoos.
Personally I am super glad to see more and more communities growing their acceptance of this art form that I love dearly. I am also the son of a firefighter and I plan to tattoo him in the future. It would be an honor for him to display my art and I feel he should have that right to.
Until next time my fellow apes,
Peter Hernandez
Good Morning Speakeasy Readers,
We’ve got a cool and cloudy weekend ahead of us, so don’t forget your sweaters when you make your weekend plans. And if you’re looking to do something tattoo related, this weekend is the Golden State Tattoo Expo in Pasadena.
Today’s topic is going to be on the portrait tattoo style. Portrait tattoos are a style within realism and are used to represent something or someone that is extremely meaningful to the person getting tattooed. Oftentimes these tattoos are used to pay tribute to a loved one who passed away, or to wear the image of someone who is extremely meaningful to you or has been iconic to your life.
When it comes to creating a portrait tattoo, there are no black outlines like most other styles. These tattoos can be done in color or black and grey. This style goes beyond fine detail in shading, but rather you must have a deep consideration of all aspects of lighting of a subject to create that life-like look. If you choose to get a portrait of someone, it is very important that you come in with a high res image of the photo you want on your skin so that the artist can truly replicate the details of that person's face onto your skin.
If you are thinking of getting a portrait tattoo, I cannot stress enough the importance of finding an artist who specializes in this style. Even if an artist's work is top notch, you’ll want to see examples of other portraits they have done. Your research will pay off big time in the end and can prevent you from getting a poorly executed portrait which happens way too often.
Whether it’s a character you love, a person you love, someone you look up to, or a lost loved one, portraits are a beautiful way to pay tribute. With such an important subject on your body, you’ll want to get it done right so again please find the right artist, and have a high res image so that you can set yourself up for a beautiful outcome.
Until next time my fellow apes,
Peter Hernandez
Hello Speakeasy Readers,
The weather got crazy there for a sec with a hurricane in Los Angeles! But now we’re back on track to our bright and sunny summer. Make sure to get out and have a great weekend.
Today’s topic is surrealism tattoos. This tattoo style often blends elements of realism tattoos and transforms the subject into unusual, hyperrealistic, and paradoxical images with abstract subjects.
Surrealist tattoos often incorporate popular imagery and symbols. Among the common motifs are animals with symbolic significance, distorted versions of the human form, and symbols like clocks and keys. The imagery and symbols used in a surrealist tattoo are usually highly personal to the person getting it and is a great way to express experiences or perspectives though body art. This style also can include vivid, eye-catching colors to emphasize the dreamlike quality of the images. All of these elements create an otherworldly quality, giving the impression that the tattoo is a portal to a different dimension or reality.
The surrealist tattoo style came from the Surrealism art movement in the early 20th century. The surrealist art movement emerged in France and was led by artists like Salvador Dali, Max Ernst, and René Magritte. Surrealism rejected traditional notions of beauty and reality, instead embracing the subconscious and the irrational. The movement profoundly influenced the art world and spawned numerous sub-genres, including surrealist tattooing. For tattoos Surrealism began to gain popularity in the 1970s and 80s as tattoo artists sought to push the boundaries of traditional designs.
Today, surrealist tattoos continue to evolve and artists are constantly incorporating new techniques to create these mesmerizing images. Surrealism tattooing remains an ever-evolving art form. Each artist chooses his or her own method of depicting their idea completely free from stereotypes and norms.
Surrealism tattooing requires a range of techniques to create the intricate and often complex imagery associated with the style. A tattoo artist will need to excel at a combination of skills to make a great surrealism piece. Some of the most important techniques are shading for depth and dimensionality, line work for a precise detailed image, and the use of color for creating a bold vibrant design. Other techniques like dotting and stippling are also necessary for creating textures in the design. This style can take years to perfect and truly takes a high degree of skill.
Surrealism tattooing is a powerful form of self-expression and this tattoo style continues to captivate artists and enthusiasts with its unique blend of symbolism, abstraction, and imagination. This style truly pushes the boundaries of what is possible with the tattoo medium.
Until next time my fellow apes,
Peter Hernandez