JENAI CHIN BLOG

March Movie Month: Tattoos in Film

2012-03-01T10:34:00.007-08:00

Not only do I love the movies, I am obsessed with films that feature tattoos.

March Movie Month will be dedicated to Tattoos in Film in which I will discuss tattoo moments in cinema.

For decades several different cultures have featured tattoos in many genres. Most of the tattoos in movies are temporary and painted with makeup which evolved into the creation of tattoo transfers. When an actor is required to wear one or several tattoos it can amplify the mood and energy of the character in the film.

A perfect example is Robert De Niro in the iconic remake Cape Fear. Robert De Niro plays the pyschopathic ex-con Max Cady, a convicted rapist seeking vengeance on Sam Bowden, the public defender who locked him away for 14 years. De Niro was covered in gritty, jailhouse style tattoos with Biblical phrases of betrayal and vengeance created by Temptu.

Check back for the next movie installment!

"Bombs Away"

2012-02-21T17:40:00.000-08:00

For a fun February giveaway, I have 10 ORIGINAL LIMITED EDITION HANDMADE trading cards available!

This is a First-Come-First-Serve free giveaway...the first 10 NEW followers on Twitter or fans on Facebook will receive a free trading card!

Please follow the directions and qualifications below to receive your free trading card:

1. Become a follower on my Twitter (@JenaiChin) or Facebook Fan (Jenai Chin)
2. Mention on Twitter or Facebook post on my page: "You da bomb"
3. Immediately email your Name & Mailing Address to thetattoogirlnyc@gmail.com

~Must be a NEW follower
~Must send the Tweet/Facebook requested
~Must email me include all mailing information

The first 10 will get one of my ORIGINAL LIMITED EDITION HANDMADE trading cards in the mail! Failure to meet ALL guidelines will be disqualified.

*Trading card image is seen above. Size: 2.5" x 3.5" Ink on Paper.

Lady TaTa

2012-02-17T09:15:00.000-08:00

Inspired by the hypnotic elegance from the women of the 1920's, I created this fancy lady for a client looking to start a vintage tattoo sleeve. After spending a quiet weekend completing the drawing and receiving her final approval I gave her the crowning title Lady TaTa.

Fashionable Tattoos

2012-01-28T10:33:00.000-08:00

The evolution of the tattoo culture has allowed a new acceptance in advertising with a variety of products and models. The arrival of tattoos in the fashion industry have brought a new found edginess and sex appeal for the market. Fashion designers from all over the world have used tattoos to promote their clothing, underwear, perfume and shoes making tattoo art one of the most fashionable accessories.

"No Other Like It"

2012-01-18T14:22:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite ways of combining art is the union of tattoos and comic characters. Kleenex had the same idea by presenting Little LuLu and a tattooed sailor in one of their advertisments. In the comic strip style ad, Little LuLu grabs an unattended tattoo machine and turns the unaware sailor into a permanent walking advertisement . Featuring a cute comic character and the playfulness of the tattooed product placement makes this ad very clever and charming. Now there is "No other like it" for both Kleenex and the tattooed sailor!

Tattoo Trading Cards

2012-01-11T08:47:00.000-08:00

Trading artwork is a great way of staying in touch with artists around the globe! I made these mini paintings to trade with fellow tattoo artists but they are also available for sale.

These are 100% Original Hand Painted Ink on Paper. 2.5" x 3.5"
(smaller than a playing card)
~Comes with plastic sleeve.
~Price is available on request.

*Trading original tattoo art only with fellow tattoo artists.

Hurry before they are all gone! Several paintings are already being requested!

Please contact thetattoogirlnyc@gmail.com to trade your original tattoo art or interested in purchasing my original mini paintings.

Visit thetattoogirl.com or follow me on Twitter!

Resurrection of Chester the Owl

2012-01-09T16:10:00.000-08:00

A little over a year ago I was asked to design a traditional owl tattoo. The owl above was one of two options that I drew. Eventually the other owl was chosen leaving this little bird behind. I kept him stored away in my folder of unfinished designs. While on the search for reference material, I came across my old friend and decided to finish him up offering this as a tattoo. The sketch is now complete and on it's way to being painted and hopefully inked.

"Kia Ora!" (Have a Coke!)

2012-01-08T09:46:00.000-08:00

One of the largest companies using tattoos to advertise their product was the Coca~Cola Company. Known for their wholesome print ads, Coca~Cola wanted to take an edgy turn to bank on the marketable tattoo culture in the 1940's.

As depicted above, the Army Sergeant proudly shows off his large chest tattoo to the Maori native covered in traditional tribal tattoos while they both enjoy a cool bottle of Coke. The ad gives the viewer a glimpse into the exotic world of extensive tattoos. In those days tattoos were usually seen on men in the military or in the Circus Sideshows. Stories of "tattooed savages" have circulated since the turn of the century but were now being shown in a friendly light unifying the two worlds in the love for tattoos and Coca~Cola.

Tattoo History: Smoking Ink

2012-01-04T10:01:00.000-08:00

Within the entire month of January I will be sharing a brief history dedicated to Tattoos in Advertising. Being a tattoo and makeup artist I have a professional relationship with this topic as I have worked in both fields from Dereon clothing to PlayStation games. I will be writing about tattoos throughout the history that have been used in ad campaigns to promote several products.

I was surprised to find out that up until the mid 1950's Marlboro used to be considered a woman's cigarette! Once sales began to fall the company decided to change the image of the typical female smoker to feature rugged tattooed men posing confidently smoking their Marlboro smokes. This was a huge success and changed the history of the company which I only knew of being a "manly" cigarette.

The tattoos were often painted onto the models and I find it interesting that in almost every ad the painted tattoos were always on the hand. Since the composition rarely differentiated from one style I assume this was the best place to feature the tattoo art next to the cigarette.

Check back soon for my next installment: Coca-Cola

The Early Bird Catches the Worm

2012-01-03T08:47:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! It's time to bring in 2012 with more art, tattoos, behind-the-scene photos and fun facts!

Throughout the new year, I will be promoting specials and free giveaways to both my new and loyal fans. This is the first giveaway for 2012!

Not following me on Twitter yet? The first 20 NEW followers on Twitter will receive a free postcard giveaway!

Please follow the directions and qualifications below to receive your free postcard:

1. Become a follower on my Twitter (@JenaiChin)
2. Mention me and tweet "Love, Skulls & Tattoos"
3. Immediately email your Name & Mailing Address to thetattoogirlnyc@gmail.com

~Must be a NEW follower
~Residents of the US ONLY
~Must include all information

The first 20 will get one of my postcards in the mail! Anyone not following all guidelines will be disqualified.

Tweet Tweet!

*Image of postcard not seen here.

Blondie

2011-12-13T12:21:00.000-08:00

My phone rang. I received one of the most important request of my career. I was asked to the makeup for a legendary musical icon...Debbie Harry. I almost pass out.

Not only am I a fan of Debbie Harry and Blondie they have also been one of the biggest inspirations for my art and personal fashion. Throughout my career I have worked with many celebrities but this one was an awe inspiring moment. Debbie did not disappoint...she is smart, funny, sweet, easy going and fun. We talked about movies and fashion while I did her makeup for two separate shoots.

Featured above is the video is the German/French channel ARTE documentary "Queens of Pop". Take a glimpse of my makeup for Debbie Harry.

If anyone speaks German or French...I would love a translation!

Blue Ganesha

2011-11-03T20:33:00.000-07:00

Very often custom tattoos are needed in film and television to complete the look for an actors character. I received a request to design a few tattoo designs for a very special episode of Nurse Jackie in the new season airing March 2012. Utilizing a new technique that I recently learned, I completed the process of the sketch to my first all blue mono-toned painting. The designs are then turned into a professional tattoo transfer to recreate the look of an authentic tattoo. Stay tuned for more details about the tattoos on Nurse Jackie!

Skin Signals

2011-10-10T18:49:00.000-07:00

As a kid, drawing on your hand was a simple as two eyes and lips so you had your classic hand puppet. In the November issue of O Magazine, I created a much more complex version of the traditional hand puppet in the article "Skin Signals". After 2 days of preparation, 6 hours of hours of painting and a lot of patience...this pretty little lady was born. This was a lot of fun and one of my biggest artistic challenges.

Tattoo Fashion From Legs To Toes

2011-10-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

The double page spread of "Pump It Up" in the October Issue of Interview Magazine features some of my new Japanese inspired tattoo designs. With the majority of the tattoos drawn by hand and lots of Dura Ink, it took several hours for the fully covered tattooed legs to be ready for some sexy shoes! Fully tattooed legs and high heel patterned pumps...a hot combination for the cool fall season!

Hail Hydra!

2011-09-28T22:46:00.000-07:00

Much to my parents disdain, my fascination of skulls and it's representation has been with me since an early age. I have a sincere obsession with skull art, toys, tattoos, books and jewelry with my steady collection on a constant rapid growth.

Continuing on my venture of merging comic characters with tattoo influence into a series of paintings, it should come as no surprise that I would choose one of the most iconic villains...The Red Skull.

A branch off of my Captain America interpretation for Comics Gone Rogue, I revisited Marvels skeleton-esque bad guy and one of the leading members of HYDRA, Johann Schmidt a.k.a The True Red Skull.

Pursuing my love for skulls, villains, tattoos...I have decided to throw them all into one for my new version of the HYDRA symbol.

Tattoo Gallery Show In Mexico

2011-09-12T17:21:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to have been invited to be apart of the show "DEL TATUAJE A LA ILUSTRACION"- Illustrations of Tattoos in Mexico! The piece that I have entered into this fantastic tattoo homage is seen in my last blog entry, Prayer to Our Zombie Lady of Guadalupe. I have a great love for Mexican art and have used this as an influence in my tattoo designs. This will be my first show in Mexico and hopefully not the last.

*Illustration by German Orozco

Prayer to Our Zombie Lady of Guadalupe

2011-09-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

Our Zombie Lady of Guadalupe, Mystic Zombie Rose, who eats those that implore on to you in their hour of need. You that are Mother of the true Zombies, intercede before your son the grace I need to guard my brains, sweet hope among the bitterness of being eaten, warm blood and precious organs of final perseverance (ask for the desired axe, gun, or shovel and pray a Holy Zombie Mary.) Amen.

The Last Laugh

2011-08-31T11:34:00.000-07:00

Two Ace's and 2 Eight's with a Joker-Dead Man's Hand...but for Batman or The Joker?

The vigilante Batman and his archenemies, The Joker have been at war for over 70 years and no where ready to give up the fight.

From his original appearance as a goofy, mischievous criminal with a sadistic sense of humor, The Joker is a highly intelligent psychopath who murders people for his own amusement and with no other reason than to introduce anarchy into Batman's world. Batman wants nothing more than to put the Joker away and will stop at nothing to interrupt the Joker's plans for mayhem.

Growing up, I have always loved the stories and villains from the Batman comics but none intrigued me more than his rival, the Joker. In coming up with the concept for this piece, I retraced my steps back to gambling tattoos and I remembered the deadly poker hand. It was fitting considering the relationship between Batman and the Joker always seemed to be like a never ending game.

In this on going battle for good and evil and control over the dark city of Gotham, The Joker reminds Batman during their encounters that they are nothing without each other.

"I've been thinking lately. About you and me. About what's going to happen to us, in the end. We're going to kill each other, aren't we?" -Batman "The Killing Joke"

So who will have The Last Laugh?

Tattoo for the Today Show

2011-08-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

When The Today Show called me and said they needed a temporary tattoo for a gag as part of the tattoo story, I was immediately intrigued.

NBC's Co-Anchor Jenna Wolfe was featuring a story about more women getting tattooed much later in life. After visiting a NY local tattoo shop to get the scoop on these tattooed grannies, Jenna hits the chair to receive her own permanent ink and is ready to reveal her very own "I Love Matt"(as in Matt Lauer) traditional anchor. Of course, I would design and apply the temporary tattoo using Temptu Pro Dura Inks just for the fun of the story since Jenna explained she is not quite ready for the real ink yet. Waiting to get your tattoo until you are older is one option, but you can always try out a temporary tattoo before hitting the needle!

Check out the Monday morning tattoo story on The Today Show.

A Woman of Wonder

2011-08-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

Wonder Woman has become the perfect symbol of a strong, independent woman with the best indestructible accessories. Since the 1940's, this Amazon princess has been striving to bring the ideals of love, peace, and sexual equality to a world torn apart by war and hatred while wearing a tiara. Created in WWII when the world needed hope and heroes, the country received a heroine. Considered one of the first female superheroes created, Wonder Woman continues to be feminist icon after 70 years and inspires women and men all over the world.

This Glamazon princess has always been my personal favorite comic heroine and already have her inked onto my leg. In reading the recent reissued Wonder Woman comics, I felt compelled to honor her with a portrait with my own tattoo twist. I had so much fun with this piece, I will continue to produce my favorite comic heroes and villains.

Limited Edition prints with be available for purchase soon....

Wonder Woman
Ink and Paper
6"x7.5"

Comix Gone Rogue "Captain America" Edition

2011-08-03T22:50:00.000-07:00

The new all white, blank Marvel Variant covers present many opportunities for a creative outlet. Some purchase the covers to bring to Comic Cons and have their favorite artist do a quick sketch or autograph while others decide to keep the crisp white cover untainted. On the other hand, Edwin Vazquez saw the opportunity to get his friends and favorite artists together to create their own covers. When presented with the invitation from Edwin to submit for an Unofficial Marvel Comics cover show (still in progress) I couldn't resist the chance to combine my love for comics and tattoos. The original idea came to me at lunch and I scribbled the idea down on the chalkboard table where we ate. The idea finally grew and developed into the full colored cover that will be in the 'Comix Gone Rogue' show....more details to come!

Rebellious Beauties

2011-07-31T17:12:00.000-07:00

Always an admirer of strong, independent women who are not afraid to make waves in the common pool of society, I started looking at the women of the 1920's-The Flappers.

Stepping out of their traditional roles in society with their short skirts, bobbed hair, wearing heavy makeup, public drinking, and even having casual sex, they set out to break the rules and create a few of their own. These rebellious women where the first of many to advocate voting and women's rights as well as working outside of the home all while listening to jazz and dancing the 'Chareleston'.

This is the beginning of a painted tattoo flash series that I will be developing over the next few months. Stayed tuned for the next piece!

'Flapper Girl'
ink & paper
5.5" x 6"

$100 Butterfly Tattoos

2011-06-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

Heat up the summer with some bare skin and a hot new tattoo. These pretty little butterflies will flutter right onto your shoulder, back or even your ankle for only $100! The bright, beautiful and bold wings are unique and completely custom original art. Perfect for any butterfly collector or for your very first tattoo. Make your tattoo appointment today! Limited time only!

(*$100 per tattoo as is. Each butterfly size varies between 2-3 inches. Size and color may be altered for additional cost)

2011-05-18T11:56:00.001-07:00

Welcome! This is my first entry to my new blog which will feature updates & news involving my career in Fashion, Makeup, Tattoo & Design, shows and events. Check back regularly and I will see you soon!