Lettering Part 2 - Non english

The Language Barrier

 

       Consider this a more in depth extension of my previous article “What’s in a Name?”

 

            Names, words, phrases, quotes and entire psalms from the Bible…these are but a FEW examples of what we, the artists, simply refer to as “Lettering”. The only difference to artists when it comes to lettering is type of font and quantity of letters.

 

            As one would expect, English is the most common language chosen for tattooing (here in the US, of course). Foreign languages are at least as popular as English.

 

            There are any number of reasons why people choose foreign languages over English. For some, it can be cultural/ethnic identity or pride. Some worship different religions or certain philosophies based on other cultures. Sometimes, some just find the aesthetic of a foreign language appealing.

 

Popular languages the tattoo industry sees today:

 

·     Hebrew

·     Tibetan

·     Latin

·     Sanskrit

·     French & Italian

·     Arabic

 

 

            This list goes on, although some languages are just less common to do.

 

            You may have noticed that NOT added to that list is the MOST popular foreign language of ALL non-ENGLISH tattoos - Kanjis.

 

            Kanji is a Japanese word for Chinese characters, that they adapted into their own written language. When people generally ask for “Kanji”, they are expecting or end up getting Chinese Characters.

 

            Notice that I DID NOT say “Chinese letters” because there are NONE! NOT all languages have a standard alphabet. Most Asian cultures do not have an actual alphabet. Their system of writing consists of symbols/characters which are based on phonetics - the literal interpretation of what is heard.

 

            The Chinese language, being one of the world’s oldest written languages started off as actual pictures - pictograms. The pictures became simplified over time, and shifted from basic drawings into symbols. Each symbol could stand alone or be combined with other symbols to create new characters. Each character was NOT a letter, it was an entire word.

 

            For instance, to write out the word “sun” in Chinese would not end up being 3 characters, one for each letter. The symbol for sun is ONE character. And that’s where Chinese does have an advantage in that one character can mean less involvement dependent on the  English translation.

 

            Most people who get Kanji/Chinese do not speak or read the language itself, and that includes tattoo artists. Although the internet has become an invaluable resource for finding designs and reference material, a foreign language tattoo can present many challenges. Not everything you find on the internet is correct or accurate! Even if a customer brings in the kanji themselves, I will still try to cross reference the character on several different translator sights.

 

            Because of how the Chinese language evolved in written form, it continues to evolve today. Over the centuries, with the advent of new technology, social changes, education, the Chinese just created more characters to define new things. Worse yet, some characters can have MULTIPLE meanings dependent on the context of the what is being written.

 

            For example: The character for Strength can also mean Stone. If written incorrectly or having chosen the wrong character instead of a “Man with strength” you may end up with “a stoned man”.

 

            Unfortunately, many people want their OWN name translated and written in Chinese. Since there is no alphabet, the closest you can hope for will be a Phonetic interpretation of your name. This is where things can go horribly awry for some people. What may SOUND like the name “Jennifer”, broken down into 3 syllables - you will have 3 characters that will be the closest approximation to what sounds like  “Jenn-ef-fer”. And while it may sound like Jennifer, it may mean something random (if you’re lucky) or it may interpret into something less appealing. Unless you can READ Chinese - I highly advise against this.

 

            Another common mistake is the DIRECTION of a character. I have personally seen Kanjis done backwards and even upside down! Again, unless you or the tattoo artist is aware of which way to place your design..you may have to spend the rest of your life avoiding Chinese people.

 

            Chinese characters are not just random zig zag lines thrown together to make a word. They are a precise series of symbols and strokes written in a uniform fashion. Every character regardless of whether it’s made of just 1 stroke or upwards to 20+ is ALWAYS written the in same way and order. The directions of the stroke lines are most apparent in Chinese calligraphy. If you look carefully at painted calligraphy, you can see where the artist will have used more force on the brush tip and where he/she lifted and tapered the brush off the paper. These sweeps and tapered ends are always going in an outward or downward direction.

 

            If you get a foreign language, regardless of language, and you have it done in a visible spot be prepared to always be “read” or constant questions of what it means. Sometimes, you may happen upon the person of that ethnicity who can read your tattoo and appreciate the meaning and the design. It’s sort of a tattoo industry urban legend that you hear about someone who thought they got one thing but it turned out to be be completely inaccurate or worse, obscene or vulgar.

 

            Personally, if your knowledge of Chinese runs no deeper than a couple of dinners at PF Changs, you don’t need a kanji. While Angeline Jolie’s Thai tattoo is displayed prominently on her back, you know as well as I do, that she cannot actually read the writing, even if she’s completely sure of what it should say.

 

“What’s that mean?”

“What’s that say?”

“What language is that?”

 

            Be prepared to hear these questions often when you get a non-English tattoo - unless you wisely choose a discrete location. Again, if it it not your native language YOU are responsible for the design and accuracy of meaning.

 

 

                                                            ~ Elli

Tattoo Charlie’s Lexington

Happy customer :)

rainhopkins:

My left nostril is officially punctured, wutwutttttt.

Special thanks to Tattoo Charlie’s, Preston Hwy.

Thanks for coming in, we appreciate it!
(Reblogged from rainhopkins-deactivated20111212)
Tattoo Safety Professional tattooing has come a long way since 1973 when my Dad started this business.  Over those many years he innovated many of the commonplace safety systems we use today.  This list is designed to help you pick a safe, clean studio to get a tattoo in.  Whether you get your tattoo here or some place else, I want you to get it as safely as possible.When you walk in, trust your instincts.  If it doesn’t look clean or smell clean then it probably isn’t.  Every studio looks different and has a personality all its own.  If you wouldn’t feel comfortable having food prepared there, you certainly shouldn’t trust your blood to be exposed there.Is the lobby well lighted and inviting?  The Kentucky Health department has specific requirements for the amount of lighting required in a studio.  If it is dim and dreary inside they are likely not meeting the requirements set by law.By this time someone should have greeted you and offered assistance if you need it.  Some people come in and have a design picked or drawn already and are ready to go.  Other times you need some direction, whether it be to a specific area of designs or with drawing something up from scratch.  If you don’t get this interaction does that studio deserve your hard earned money?Once you have your design and are ready to get tattooed it starts getting serious.    This is where you have to start paying attention to little details in order to assure your safety.  The artist is required by law to make a photocopy of your state or government issued ID.  If they do not do this they are breaking the law.When you sit down in the booth you should be sitting in a white or light colored chair.  Every studio in the state of Kentucky is required to have white or light colored chairs for the client and the artist in the booth.  If they do not do this they are breaking the law.Every workstation should also have white or light colored floors, walls, and counter tops.  If you see carpet in any workstation, leave! Everything the artist uses on you should be brand new and opened in front of you.  If you sit down and there is a tray of supplies ready to go for your tattoo how can you be sure they haven’t been used before?  Always ask to have the sterile packs opened in front of you for your safety.When your tattoo is finished it should always be bandaged with a nonstick, absorbent bandage.  Saran wrap is one of the worst things for a fresh tattoo!  Aftercare is also very important.  Your artist is required by law to give you written and verbal instructions to take care of your tattoo.  A well done, well taken care of tattoo will likely never need touch ups or fade over time.Most importantly, if you see items on this list and don’t think they are a big deal I disagree.  The Kentucky regulations for tattooing are in place for a reason, to keep you safe.  If an artist or studio is breaking these rules, what others are they breaking that you can’t see? It should go without saying that you should also look at an artists portfolio.  Anyone can buy a tattoo kit off of Ebay and print a certificate that says they are a tattoo artist.  I can print a certificate that says I am an astronaut from the planet Zebes but that doesn’t make it true.  Tattoos are for life.  Make sure you get the best one you can. Buddy Wheeler Owner - Tattoo Charlie’s View high resolution

Tattoo Safety

Professional tattooing has come a long way since 1973 when my Dad started this business.  Over those many years he innovated many of the commonplace safety systems we use today.  This list is designed to help you pick a safe, clean studio to get a tattoo in.  Whether you get your tattoo here or some place else, I want you to get it as safely as possible.

When you walk in, trust your instincts.  If it doesn’t look clean or smell clean then it probably isn’t.  Every studio looks different and has a personality all its own.  If you wouldn’t feel comfortable having food prepared there, you certainly shouldn’t trust your blood to be exposed there.

Is the lobby well lighted and inviting?  The Kentucky Health department has specific requirements for the amount of lighting required in a studio.  If it is dim and dreary inside they are likely not meeting the requirements set by law.

By this time someone should have greeted you and offered assistance if you need it.  Some people come in and have a design picked or drawn already and are ready to go.  Other times you need some direction, whether it be to a specific area of designs or with drawing something up from scratch.  If you don’t get this interaction does that studio deserve your hard earned money?

Once you have your design and are ready to get tattooed it starts getting serious.    This is where you have to start paying attention to little details in order to assure your safety.  The artist is required by law to make a photocopy of your state or government issued ID.  If they do not do this they are breaking the law.

When you sit down in the booth you should be sitting in a white or light colored chair.  Every studio in the state of Kentucky is required to have white or light colored chairs for the client and the artist in the booth.  If they do not do this they are breaking the law.

Every workstation should also have white or light colored floors, walls, and counter tops.  If you see carpet in any workstation, leave!

Everything the artist uses on you should be brand new and opened in front of you.  If you sit down and there is a tray of supplies ready to go for your tattoo how can you be sure they haven’t been used before?  Always ask to have the sterile packs opened in front of you for your safety.

When your tattoo is finished it should always be bandaged with a nonstick, absorbent bandage.  Saran wrap is one of the worst things for a fresh tattoo! 

Aftercare is also very important.  Your artist is required by law to give you written and verbal instructions to take care of your tattoo.  A well done, well taken care of tattoo will likely never need touch ups or fade over time.
Most importantly, if you see items on this list and don’t think they are a big deal I disagree.  The Kentucky regulations for tattooing are in place for a reason, to keep you safe.  If an artist or studio is breaking these rules, what others are they breaking that you can’t see?


It should go without saying that you should also look at an artists portfolio.  Anyone can buy a tattoo kit off of Ebay and print a certificate that says they are a tattoo artist.  I can print a certificate that says I am an astronaut from the planet Zebes but that doesn’t make it true.  Tattoos are for life.  Make sure you get the best one you can.

Buddy Wheeler

Owner - Tattoo Charlie’s

What’s in a Name?             Hopefully a whole lot of meaning! Love, respect, pain and loss, everlasting friendship…Here are some pointers for those of you who are thinking about getting a name tattooed on yourself and for those who DON’T want it anymore:   ~ It’s no joke within the Tattoo Industry that a tattoo will often times last longer than Love will. Sad, but true.   Love is the most obvious reason that compels people to get a name permanently tattooed on themselves. While some may have the perfect marriage/relationship and the happily ever-after, the reality is that no one can foresee how long love will last.   ~ Spell CHECK! It is up to YOU to make sure the name(s) is spelled correctly! The artist doesn’t know if it’s spelled with a “v” or a “ph” unless you tell them! Every professional artist has seen a misspelled name or word tattooed. You’d be surprised at how often children’s names and initials are misspelled. An experienced artist will check and re-check spelling with the client throughout the design process. The last opportunity you’ll have to make your changes will be after the stencil is applied. Try not to be over excited or intimidated about the process and really take the time to check and re-check the spelling. Once a name is applied misspelled, it can be very difficult to make changes to correct the spelling without it looking like a correction attempt - thus making the tattoo look less than professional.   ~ Family will ALWAYS be family! Tattoos of children’s names and those of grand-parents are very popular, and rightfully so. Names of family members can always be worn with pride because your relationship (and DNA) will never change with them.   ~ If you still feel the need to get a non-family related name tattoo, please choose font style and location of tattoo carefully.   Leave yourself an “out” - if the possibility is there that you won’t always be together, go CONSERVATIVE! Keep the lettering simple, small, and discreet! IF you find yourself having to get the name covered-up OR removed, the expense will be less.   ~ A name tattoo in a highly visible area will attract a lot of attention! If you have to get a cover-up done over it, it WILL become a LARGER tattoo. Keep that in mind before choosing areas like your neck or anywhere below the elbows.   * This applies to women who want lettering in general, especially on the inner wrist.   What started off as a “cute” little word has now become an eye sore or even an embarrassment 10 yrs later. If you don’t want that name or word anymore or you’re just tired of always having to wear something to cover it, the tattoo artist will be severely limited in technical space to work with in order to do a cover-up. Wrists are small to begin with, add placement of tattoos close to the palm of the hand and we really have no choice but to go UP the wrist…so now your ex-boyfriend’s name has turned into a fore arm piece!   ~ Sorry - no white-out or erasers here! You regret the name so now you have 3 options:   a) Just live with it. Maybe you’re cheap or maybe it’s in a discreet enough location that no one will ever see it, but YOU’ll always know it’s there!   b) Tattoo Removal - today, the method most commonly used is Laser removal. It is the most definitive and absolute method of removal. Unfortunately, it is costly and must be done by a Doctor or Dermatologist. Cosmetic surgeons also offer laser services, as do some spas.   Do your homework and research! Most clinics/offices offer FREE consultations. They will be able to determine the success, time and cost of your removal.   c) Get it covered-up with another tattoo.   ANY cover-up tattoo means having to go larger, but it doesn’t always have to be darker. If you’re lucky, the tattoo maybe faded enough to cover up with colors!   The most difficult name cover-ups are those that are within a banner or incorporated into an image. If you and the artist cannot agree about design choice as the cover-up in this situation, you may opt to combine both b) and c)! More and more artist’s are now recommending partial laser removal, so the tattoo can be lightened up enough to provide the customer with more cover-up options.     As with ANY tattoo, make sure you are absolutely certain you are aware of the consequences and are willing to commit to them.   It’s better to have NO tattoos than to have ONE you regret!                                                                 Elli                                                               Tattoo Charlie’s of Lexington View high resolution

What’s in a Name?

 

          Hopefully a whole lot of meaning! Love, respect, pain and loss, everlasting friendship…Here are some pointers for those of you who are thinking about getting a name tattooed on yourself and for those who DON’T want it anymore:

 

~ It’s no joke within the Tattoo Industry that a tattoo will often times last longer than Love will. Sad, but true.

 

Love is the most obvious reason that compels people to get a name permanently tattooed on themselves. While some may have the perfect marriage/relationship and the happily ever-after, the reality is that no one can foresee how long love will last.

 

~ Spell CHECK! It is up to YOU to make sure the name(s) is spelled correctly! The artist doesn’t know if it’s spelled with a “v” or a “ph” unless you tell them! Every professional artist has seen a misspelled name or word tattooed. You’d be surprised at how often children’s names and initials are misspelled. An experienced artist will check and re-check spelling with the client throughout the design process. The last opportunity you’ll have to make your changes will be after the stencil is applied. Try not to be over excited or intimidated about the process and really take the time to check and re-check the spelling. Once a name is applied misspelled, it can be very difficult to make changes to correct the spelling without it looking like a correction attempt - thus making the tattoo look less than professional.

 

~ Family will ALWAYS be family! Tattoos of children’s names and those of grand-parents are very popular, and rightfully so. Names of family members can always be worn with pride because your relationship (and DNA) will never change with them.

 

~ If you still feel the need to get a non-family related name tattoo, please choose font style and location of tattoo carefully.

 

Leave yourself an “out” - if the possibility is there that you won’t always be together, go CONSERVATIVE! Keep the lettering simple, small, and discreet! IF you find yourself having to get the name covered-up OR removed, the expense will be less.

 

~ A name tattoo in a highly visible area will attract a lot of attention! If you have to get a cover-up done over it, it WILL become a LARGER tattoo. Keep that in mind before choosing areas like your neck or anywhere below the elbows.

 

* This applies to women who want lettering in general, especially on the inner wrist.

 

What started off as a “cute” little word has now become an eye sore or even an embarrassment 10 yrs later. If you don’t want that name or word anymore or you’re just tired of always having to wear something to cover it, the tattoo artist will be severely limited in technical space to work with in order to do a cover-up. Wrists are small to begin with, add placement of tattoos close to the palm of the hand and we really have no choice but to go UP the wrist…so now your ex-boyfriend’s name has turned into a fore arm piece!

 

~ Sorry - no white-out or erasers here! You regret the name so now you have 3 options:

 

a) Just live with it. Maybe you’re cheap or maybe it’s in a discreet enough location that no one will ever see it, but YOU’ll always know it’s there!

 

b) Tattoo Removal - today, the method most commonly used is Laser removal. It is the most definitive and absolute method of removal. Unfortunately, it is costly and must be done by a Doctor or Dermatologist. Cosmetic surgeons also offer laser services, as do some spas.

 

Do your homework and research! Most clinics/offices offer FREE consultations. They will be able to determine the success, time and cost of your removal.

 

c) Get it covered-up with another tattoo.

 

ANY cover-up tattoo means having to go larger, but it doesn’t always have to be darker. If you’re lucky, the tattoo maybe faded enough to cover up with colors!

 

The most difficult name cover-ups are those that are within a banner or incorporated into an image. If you and the artist cannot agree about design choice as the cover-up in this situation, you may opt to combine both b) and c)! More and more artist’s are now recommending partial laser removal, so the tattoo can be lightened up enough to provide the customer with more cover-up options.

 

 

As with ANY tattoo, make sure you are absolutely certain you are aware of the consequences and are willing to commit to them.

 

It’s better to have NO tattoos than to have ONE you regret!

 

                                                              Elli

                                                              Tattoo Charlie’s of Lexington