The Sketchbook:
 80 Unique Designs by the World's Finest Tattoo Artists. The artistic versatility of tattoo artists has frequently been overshadowed by the negativity that surrounds tattooing in general.
 
 

 Tattoo Designs

 
 
Many tattoos are made by would-be artists who copy overused designs. A perfectly tattooed body requires the skills of a professional and talented artist, who creates a unique and personal design. These designs are often inspired by one or more of the various tattoo styles of Japanese, Maori or other tribal origin. "The Sketchbook" offers the reader a selection of 80 of these unique designs by well-known and less famous, but very promising, tattoo artists from around the world. Each artist was requested to create a sketch unrestrained by commercial demands and which reflects their own personal motivations. 
 

The book is divided into two sections: the first comprises an explanation of how this collection was brought together, along with a brief illustrated overview of the history and various styles of tattooing. The second section is devoted to the artists, each sketch being accompanied by a biography and favorite quote.

 

The concept of this book was developed by Marco Bratt, a tattoo artist from The Netherlands, and his partner, Germanborn lifestyle photographer Nancy Heimburger, who also wrote the introductory chapter.

 



About the Author
Marco Bratt specializes in Japanese tattoos. He opened his first studio in 1996, his second in 2001 after his return from a lengthy trip which included stops in Polynesia, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Borneo. He has travelled to Japan six times in pursuit of knowledge and inspiration, woodblock prints and hanging scrolls.

 

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