Halloween and Tattoos
At their very basic forms, both tattooing and Halloween draw on ancient traditions that have been handed down through the centuries outside of the mainstream information pathways. They inspire feelings of ancestral traditions while weaving themselves into the forefront of modern life.
Halloween is a fairly new holiday compared to the holidays it is based on. Samhain (SOW’ in) is a celebration of the time of the year when the veil between the living world and the afterlife is at it’s thinnest and communication between the worlds is easiest. Similarly, Dia de Los Muertos is a celebration of deceased loved ones and relatives and welcoming their spirits back. Tattoos are permanent representations of memories, loved ones, feelings, thoughts and beliefs that would otherwise be invisible and lost to time. Both are keeping a piece of the past fresh in the mind and not slipping away into the ether.
Halloween lovers have always enjoyed the eerie symbols that represent the spirit of the holiday. Often certain symbols will resonate with someone’s personal memories or experiences, such as a spider web representing the twisted turns their life took from childhood to adulthood or a favorite childhood witch costume. Tarot cards and sugar skulls could represent religious beliefs or a sneak peek into someone’s personal interests.
Getting a tattoo can be considered a ritual in itself. The artist sets up their workstation the way a high priestess sets up her altar. The pain of needles, the spiritual energy, the transformation of an idea into a permanent image are all aspects of the modern day clinging to the past through traditional activities and long established customs.
Both Halloween and tattooing have had their fair share of ridicule and ostracism. Practitioners of both spent decades, even centuries, hiding in the shadows and covering up evidence of their activity in these unpopular pursuits. People dress up in costumes to briefly escape their lives of mundane conformity while tattoo enthusiasts decorate their bodies to escape mundane uniformity. Both allow for individual expression and breaking away from societal boundaries.
Over the years, tattoos have been gaining acceptance by leaps and bounds and are becoming more and more common to see on men and women of all ages and demographics. Halloween has also been nipping on the heels of Christmas in the race to become the most favorite holiday. As more and more people develop and interest in both Halloween and tattoos, both will continue to change and adapt with the modern times causing a never ending story of self expression and enthusiasm for art in its many forms.
How to Pick the Best Artist
5 Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Artist For You
Ask friends or family members which local artist they use. If they had a good experience, chances are, you will too. It benefits the artist to have a good reputation, so those who are not highly recommended are probably not worth looking into.
Read online reviews and check out the artist’s social media. Know that they are posting their best work, so look for the artist that posts the most tattoos in the same genre you want for yours. Look for photos of healed tattoos, all tattoos look great when they are just done, but how long will the good looks last?
Book a free consultation and ask questions. How long has your artist been tattooing? What genre do they specialize in? They understand that tattoos are permanent, and good tattoo artists want you to get exactly what YOU want. They will make sure to discuss design ideas, size and body placement. Trust your gut. If you are unsure about the artist, find one you are comfortable with.
Pay attention to the shop at your consult. Is it clean? There are strict regulations for health and safety that they must adhere to. Is there a calming atmosphere? Tattoos hurt. You want a place where you feel comfortable while getting tattooed and while taking a break. Is the artist clean and professional looking? Those health regulations apply to personal hygiene as well.
Tattoos are expensive and while you get what you pay for, you also don’t want to get ripped off. Find a place with a set hourly or day rate. While most shops require a non-refundable deposit, they are happy to give an estimate and discuss pricing without trying to hard sell you on more than you want or can afford.
Flash Day Oct 30th & 31st
Every month, the artists at Radiant Energy Tattoo create new flash that we offer at a discounted price. What’s the catch? It has to be tattooed on Flash Day, arms or legs only.
Walk-ins are always welcome from 11:30 am until 7:00pm, on a first come first serve basis.
If you would like to book an appointment, call or text 732-503-8469. A $50 deposit will be taken to secure your spot.
Our new flash is advertised on the Radiant Energy Instagram and Facebook as well as the individual artists’ Instagram pages. Check out this month’s flash here… https://www.instagram.com/radiantenergytattoo
Welcome Koryn!
Koryn Donnelly
Koryn is a talented tattoo artist based in Brick, NJ, specializing in vibrant, anime-inspired designs. Growing up in Brick, she fell in love with tattoos at a young age and with her natural talent and self-taught techniques, she focused her practice on all styles of tattoos. The years of hard work paid off. Since launching her career in 2022, she has gained a dedicated following for her unique ability to blend intricate artistry with the worlds of video games and pop culture. Koryn’s passion for anime and gaming not only fuels her creativity, but also resonates with her diverse clientele, who appreciate her attention to detail and commitment to personalized tattoos. When she’s not in the studio, Koryn enjoys exploring new game releases and attending anime conventions, always looking for inspiration in the stories and characters she loves.
To book with Koryn, call/text the shop at 732-503-8469 or DM her on Instagram.
Her available days are Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri
Friday The 13th Flash!
Friday, September 13, 2024 is our Friday the 13th Flash Day! Shop will be open early at 11:30AM-8:00PM.
Arms and Legs only, sizing is 3” to 3.5” depending on piece
$113 + tax
Friday the 13th only!
To book, send a screenshot of the tattoo you want to the shop at 732-503-8469. $50 deposit required to book.
