Anime, manga and comics allow us to experience stories and slip into the shoes of fictional characters. Many manga, comics and anime deal with timeless themes such as friendship, love, morality and the search for identity. These themes are accessible to people of different ages and backgrounds, and they feel a special connection to certain characters or stories. This is where comic, manga and anime tattoos come into play.

These tattoos are extraordinary in many ways. They are characterized by an enormous artistic diversity, ranging from manga drawings to meticulously recreated comic panels. But they are not just works of art on the skin – they can represent a deep personal expression. Often comics, manga and anime have a strong emotional connection with their fans, who want to express themselves by choosing a particular character or scene as a tattoo.

More than just body art: expression of passion and personality

Comic, manga and anime tattoos are more than just body decoration and the love for these stories often goes far beyond reading comics or watching anime. It often becomes a passion that many people carry in their hearts.

Whether you prefer a smaller tattoo or are considering a larger work of art – comic, manga and anime tattoos can reflect your personal style according to your taste. Ultimately, these types of tattoos offer remarkable flexibility and individuality.

Jens Feller: Your contact for comic, manga and anime tattoos

At Blade & Shade in Lucerne, Jens Feller is the specialist for comic, manga and anime tattoos. With years of experience and a deep understanding of styles, he has earned a great reputation in the industry. His own passion for anime and comics began at a young age when he became an avid fan of manga and anime. Over time, he perfected his skills and techniques to create the unique fusion of these art forms in the form of tattoos.

What sets Jens apart from other tattoo artists is his perfectionism and attention to detail. He works closely with his clients to understand their ideas and preferences and then transforms them into tattoos. Whether it’s iconic anime characters from Pokémon, Naruto or One Piece or comic heroes like Spider-Man and Deadpool – Jens Feller has mastered the art of bringing these characters to life.

Jens and his team are always available to help you choose the design and placement on your body and to give you expert advice. Book a free initial consultation with us and tell us about your project. Together we can create a tattoo that not only shows your passion for anime, manga and comics, but also emphasizes your uniqueness and individuality.

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A fascinating form of tattoo art has been practiced for centuries on many coasts and islands in the Pacific Ocean, particularly in the Polynesian archipelago.

Whether with the First Nation tribes of the Haida on the American coast, or in Polynesia, the Samoans, the Marquesans or the Maoris in New Zealand, the tattoos have a spiritual as well as an individual meaning and are deeply rooted in the culture of the individual people . The tattoos are named differently everywhere.

With the Maoris, for example, the tattoos are referred to as Ta Moko. The traditional tattoos like the Ta Moko are pierced into the skin with sharp tools made of bone, thorns or stone. This painful process was an important ritual that, among other things, symbolized the transition from youth to adulthood.

For the Maoris and all the other Pacific peoples, tattoos are not just body decorations, but tell stories about origin, social status and personality. In addition to the motifs, the placement of tattoos on the body can also reveal information about social status and tribal affiliation.

Every line, every pattern and every curve in a Maori tattoo carries a profound meaning. Each of these tattoos is customized and tells the unique story of each wearer. They can symbolize origin, family relationships, personal achievements or spiritual beliefs. The tattoos are a kind of visual diary that tells the wearer’s life on their skin.

Maori tattoo tradition in a modern context

Although Pacific and therefore Polynesian tattoos are deeply rooted in culture and history, they have nonetheless found their way into modern and Western tattoo art. People from different parts of the world are drawn to the fascinating symbolism and aesthetic appeal of these tattoos.

Since there is usually no family connection to a Pacific ethnic group, western tattoo artists create a reinterpretation that is as authentic as possible, inspired by traditional patterns, and transports this respectfully and innovatively into modern ornamental tattoos.

What do you have to consider when choosing a tattoo artist?

Choosing the right tattoo artist for a Polynesian inspired tattoo is vital to achieve a high quality result. Here are some important points to keep in mind:

• Make sure the tattoo artist has experience with Polynesian-inspired tattoos, such as Maori tattoos, and understands the meaning of the symbols and patterns. This is important to ensure that the traditional symbolism is interpreted correctly and can serve as a source of inspiration for new tattoos.
• Check out the tattoo artist’s portfolio to make sure their style is what you want. Pay attention to the precision of the lines, the symmetry and the artistic composition.
• A responsible tattoo artist will be familiar with the traditions and values and will respect the cultural meaning and sensibility of Polynesian tattoos and educate you that the traditional form is for inspiration only.
• A good tattoo artist will be ready to answer your questions, discuss your ideas, and advise you throughout the process. Open communication is key to ensure your vision and expectations are met.
• Compliance with strict hygiene standards is of the utmost importance. Make sure the tattoo artist works in a clean and professional studio and uses disposable supplies.

Choosing a tattoo artist is a step that you should take with care, as the result will stay with you for life. The tattoo artist Stoeph has been working in our tattoo studio for several years. He not only creates impressive tattoos inspired by Polynesian tattoos on the skin, but also creates ornamental works of art that are individually adapted to the body in every project. Take a look at his portfolio and see his talent for yourself.

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Cover up tattoos are tattoos that are inked over existing tattoos to cover up or modify them.

It requires careful planning and working with an experienced tattoo artist to achieve a successful result. Through skillful design, shading techniques, and strategic placement, old tattoos can be transformed into beautiful works of art.

Which cover-up motifs are suitable?

When covering up a tattoo, it is important that the new motif covers both the shape and the color of the old tattoo. In order to make the old motif disappear, the artist integrates it into the new motif and usually requires more space. This means that the new tattoo will be noticeably larger than the original.

To cover the colors of the old tattoo and achieve a harmonious integration, multiple layers of color are often necessary. In some cases it may even be necessary to overlay certain color pigments with black ink. As a result, the new tattoo not only becomes larger but also darker than the original.

If you already have a very dark tattoo, there are alternative options. You could have the tattoo lightened or removed with a laser treatment and then get the desired motif inked. The smaller and lighter the tattoo, the easier it is to cover up.

The world of cover up tattoos offers a multitude of creative possibilities. Here are some themes that are currently popular:

• Nature motifs: Flowers, plants, leaves or vines are popular motifs that work well for  covering up old tattoos. With clever placement and detailed execution, they can seamlessly integrate the old motif and create a new, aesthetic appearance.
• Animal motifs: Animals offer a variety of options for cover-up tattoos. From majestic lions to elegant birds, animal themed tattoos can effectively cover old tattoos while adding new meaning.
• Geometric patterns: Geometric patterns such as triangles, circles or lines are modern and minimalist. They can be used to discreetly cover up old tattoos to create a stylish, abstract design.
• Traditional Symbols: Symbols such as anchors, hearts, crosses or mandalas can be used to cover up old tattoos while representing a deeper meaning or personal connection.
• Portraits: Portraits of loved ones or inspiring personalities can serve as cover-up motifs. Through skillful design, they can cover up the old tattoo and create a new meaningful artwork. 
• Abstract art: Abstract motifs offer a wide range of creative possibilities for covering up old tattoos. With colors, shapes, and lines, unique and individual cover-up designs can be created.

It’s important that you work with an experienced tattoo artist to find the best cover up design for your specific needs and preferences. At Blade & Shade we work with cover up specialists who have many years of experience in this field. We can assist you in selecting a design, simply book a non-binding initial appointment with us online.

The Limits of Cover Up Tattoos

Although cover up tattoos are a fantastic option to cover up unwanted tattoos, there are certain limitations that should be kept in mind. Here are some important aspects to consider:

• Size and Darkness: Large, dark tattoos often require more effort to cover them up. The larger and darker the original tattoo, the more limited the options for a cover up. Light or small tattoos, on the other hand, are easier to cover up.
• Artistic Skills: The skill and experience of the tattoo artist plays a crucial role in creating a successful cover up tattoo. An experienced tattoo artist analyzes the old tattoo to choose the best techniques and the most appropriate design for a successful result.
• Realistic Expectations: It is important to have realistic expectations. A cover up tattoo cannot always cover up every detail of the old tattoo. It may be necessary to modify the design or add elements to achieve the ideal result.

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Popular designs for fine line tattoos include geometric shapes like triangles, circles, and line patterns, which offer a clear and precise aesthetic. Flowers, animals, and other symbols or finely executed words or quotes are also commonly chosen to convey personal meaning.

This tattoo style creates minimalist designs that can have an impressive impact, and it provides many opportunities to expand the tattoo at a later time. Fineline tattoos are often combined with black and grey, realistic, or dotwork styles.

Unlike other tattoos, fineline tattoos are often done in black only to achieve the minimalist and elegant design. Despite their simplicity, these types of tattoos require technical skill and a lot of experience.

Fineline Art Tattoo and what you should consider in advance

Due to various aspects, fineline tattoos are very demanding for the tattoo artist. However, through skillful craftsmanship, an experienced tattoo artist can create an impressive fineline tattoo that will retain its color and shape over the years.

In order to ensure that a fineline tattoo retains its charm over the long term, a number of points, such as the technical limitations of tattooing, must be taken into account. The delicacy of the lines can make it difficult to create complex designs with lots of detail. For this reason, it is important to collaborate with your tattoo artist to choose a design that remains durable over the years.

When it comes to fineline tattoos, tattoo artists typically use thinner needles compared to other tattoo styles to achieve precise lines and details. Over time, the color pigments in the skin can fade or shift, resulting in a blurred and unclean appearance. It is therefore to be expected that the motif will have to be re-engraved in order to maintain the intensity of the dark color in the long term.

Another important factor in fineline tattoos is placement. Because the lines are very fine, they may fade faster on some parts of the body than others. Therefore, it is important to be careful when placing the tattoo and ensure that it is placed in an appropriate spot.

Body parts that are flat and wide enough to place fine designs and at the same time bring out the details of the tattoo are particularly suitable for fineline tattoos. Areas of the body that are less suitable for fineline tattoos are those that have too much movement, wrinkles or curves that make it difficult to create precise and clear lines, or that cause the tattoo to fade or run more easily through everyday use.

Fineline Tattoo Artists at Blade & Shade

When planning a tattoo, it is important to seek advice from a specialist Fineline Tattoo Artist who can help you develop a design up front that takes into account both your aesthetic desires and the technical challenges and limitations. With the right technique and design, fineline tattoos can last for years.

Various tattoo artists work at Blade & Shade who specialize in fineline tattoos and have already gained many years of experience in this field. Take a look at our Fineline Tattoo Artists here and be inspired by their work. We are always available for a free initial consultation and look forward to hearing from you. Simply book a non-binding appointment with us online.

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During tattooing, a needle is repeatedly inserted into the skin, depositing tiny pigment particles into the upper layers of the skin, where they remain in the fibroblasts of the middle layer. Since a tattoo is a wound caused by multiple needle pricks, it’s not surprising that it causes pain. The needles can be uncomfortable, but generally, the pain is tolerable for several hours.

The distribution of nerve endings in the body varies from person to person, which is why not all tattoos are perceived as equally painful. Different pain experiences are made that cannot be clearly classified.

Pain scale tattoos: which spots hurt the most?

Parts of the body with a lot of fat, tendons and muscles are often less sensitive to pain when tattooed. These include, among others:

• Shoulder: Hardly painful, only slightly more painful towards the neck and chest.
• Upper arm: Perfect for the first tattoo. Only the inside can be a bit painful.
• Forearm: Similar to the upper arm, only the inside is a little more painful.
• Shoulder blade: Quite tolerable.
• Shin: Opinions differ, but generally, a tattoo here is bearable.
• Thigh: Less sensitive, hence relatively pain-free.

Particularly painful places for tattoos are bony parts of the body where there is little fat, such as:

• Armpit: This area is very sensitive and tattooing can be unbearable.
• Back: The back is perceived by some as a painful area, especially near the spine.
• Hip: It can be uncomfortable, especially in the kidney area.
• Chest: Stinging on the sternum can be very painful.
• Calf: Tattooing the calf can be very painful.
• Joints: The crook of the arm and the back of the knee are particularly sensitive, so tattooing here is very painful.
• Foot: Due to the many bones close to the surface of the skin, tattooing the foot can be quite painful.

Tips on how to reduce pain while tattooing

To make the pain as bearable as possible, good preparation is important. Regularly moisturize your skin several days before the appointment, but not on the day of the appointment. Additionally, make sure to get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and have a nourishing meal. An empty stomach can amplify the pain, while a well-rested body can help you stay calm and composed.

Avoid coffee, alcohol and drugs before the appointment and do not go to the solarium. Customers under the influence of alcohol or drugs are generally not tattooed. Due to its blood-thinning effect, alcohol causes excessive wound water production and promotes bleeding.

When getting a tattoo, the pain can quickly become overwhelming and put you in a so-called pain spiral. However, there are ways to counteract the pain effectively. It’s important to remain relaxed, as tensing up will only intensify the pain. The tattoo artist can help you better manage the pain.

Breathe slowly, deeply, and calmly to calm yourself, lower your heart rate, and relax your muscles. Contracting and relaxing your muscles can also help reduce pain during the tattooing process. If the pain becomes unbearable, you can always communicate with your tattoo artist and take a break or divide the tattoo into multiple sessions to avoid overwhelm.

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What tattoo styles are there?

Many tattoo styles have a long history, many of which have been around for decades or even centuries. Some are more traditional than others and correspond to the original tattoo designs, others are more modern in nature and reflect today’s advances in technology.

Here is a list of the most popular tattoo styles that we offer at our tattoo studio in Lucerne:

• Realistic Tattoo
• Neo-traditional Tattoos
• Graphic and Geometric Tattoos
• Lettering and Fineline Tattoos
• Polynesian Tattoo
• Cover up Tattoos

Realistic Tattoos

Realistic tattoos depict people, animals, or other figures in great detail. Thanks to advances in color pigments, needles and tattooing techniques, realistic portraits can now be applied to the skin that appear true to life.

This style requires tremendous artistry and years of experience, as it requires good shading and line work to create the desired effect. Realistic tattoos can take several sessions to complete due to the high level of detail, so you should allow a little more time for this type of tattoo.

Neo Traditional Tattoos

Neo Traditional tattoos are a modern classic and an evolution of the traditional tattoo style. The designs are often influenced by old and new school tattoos. They use clean lines, saturated colors, and clean shades.

Flowers and animals are among the most common neo-traditional motifs, and there are no limits to the choice of motif. The result is a unique design that is both traditional and contemporary. Neo Traditional tattoos are for people who prefer a nostalgic look and want something modern at the same time.

Graphic and Geometric Tattoos

Graphic tattoos are often very abstract and usually consist of different patterns or geometric figures. With graphic and geometric tattoos, it is especially important that the tattoo artist works cleanly. A graphic or geometric tattoo can only achieve the desired effect with exact, straight lines.

There is a wide range within this style. Most of the time it is a matter of form and color reduced tattoos.

Lettering and Fineline Tattoos

The demand for lettering and fineline tattoos has been increasing for several years, and more and more tattoo artists are specializing in these tattoo styles. Fineline tattoos represent a design in its simplest form. This creates filigree, delicate tattoos with thin outlines. The tattoos have a very understated look compared to other tattoo styles.

Lettering tattoos often contain only single words or short texts to express a message. The text can be anything from quotes to names.

Polynesian Tattoo

Polynesian tattoos have also become a big trend worldwide. They are also known as Maori tattoos. These are complex designs that have their origins in the culture of the Polynesian islanders and have a history that goes back thousands of years.

Each tattoo design has its own meaning, often representing important aspects of life. It is important that you are well informed about the motifs and work with a tattoo artist who is familiar with the meanings of the tattoos.

Cover up Tattoos

Cover up tattoos are a great way to hide old or badly done tattoos. In order to cover the old tattoo, the tattoo must be integrated into the new design. In most cases, this requires more space. Therefore, the tattoos are often slightly larger than the original tattoo. Strong colors and detailed designs are often used in order to cover it completely.

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Tattoo Inks – a brief Introduction

Tattoo colors are solutions with a high proportion of color pigments that are worked into the skin. The colors are inserted into the dermis (epidermis) with the help of a needle and then migrate minimally over time.

The ingredients of tattoo inks influence both the color in the skin and the durability of the tattoo. The composition of the colors is relatively simple. In addition to various pigments, preservatives, carriers such as alcohol and water, it also contains substances that soothe the skin during the tattooing process.

The main components of tattoo inks are pigments. These are solid or liquid substances that absorb or reflect light to create color. Tattoo colors consist of inorganic pigments as they are more durable than organic pigments. 

The durability of a tattoo depends not only on the pigments used, but also on the carriers. These are used to keep the pigment particles in a liquid consistency and ensure that the color pigments are evenly distributed.

Preservatives are added in very small amounts to extend the life of the ink and prevent bacterial or fungal infection. Some preservatives are not safe for use on the skin and can cause allergic reactions. It is therefore important to buy tattoo inks from reputable manufacturers who use high quality ingredients. We buy our tattoo inks exclusively from a Swiss supplier to ensure compliance at all times.

What impact does the REACH regulation have on tattoos?

REACH stands for “Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals”. It is a European regulation that came into effect on January 5, 2022. The regulation was issued by the European Chemicals Agency ECHA and is not limited to the tattoo or permanent make up industry but also applies to other chemicals used in everyday applications.

Since January 2022, only tattoo inks that meet the requirements of the REACH regulation may be used. This means that certain ingredients will have to be avoided or limited during production, and mandatory information will have to be included on labels.

Tattoo inks have often been criticized in recent years for their ingredients, which have been linked to skin allergies and genetic mutations. The new regulation aims to ensure that chemicals are produced and used safely in Europe. From now on, tattoo inks will have to meet certain specifications in order to avoid health risks.

Manufacturers of tattoo inks must demonstrate that their products are free of these chemicals. These include certain azo dyes, carcinogenic aromatic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, metals and methanol. There are also banned preservatives, stabilizers and plasticisers. 

Even before the regulation came into force, REACH-compliant paints with harmless ingredients were available, but only from a few manufacturers. Now most tattoo ink manufacturers are following.

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How long do you have to wait for a tattoo appointment?

The wait time for a tattoo appointment can depend on several factors, including tattoo style, artist popularity, and demand. Some artists get so many requests that they have to plan several months in advance. If you are very flexible with the date and time, you may be able to shorten your wait time for a tattoo.

 One of the reasons for the long wait is that tattoos take a lot of time and tattoo artists want to please their customers and provide the best service possible. For this reason, only a limited number of appointments can be accepted so that each customer really gets the time they need to work carefully with their tattoo artist to get their tattoo done.

Another reason for the long wait is that some clients prefer special styles and large, complex designs. Sometimes this requires multiple sessions and appointments must be found at the right intervals.

In our tattoo studio we have 17 different tattoo artists who specialize in different tattoo styles. Depending on the style you are interested in, we can suggest different tattoo artists. Because we work with so many artists, our waiting time is usually not as long as in other studios. Simply book a free and no-obligation initial consultation with us and we will be happy to advise you on different tattoo styles and our tattoo artists.

How do I prepare for my tattoo?

Although long waits can be frustrating, you can use the time to create the design. Remember, your tattoo will last forever, so it’s worth thinking about every aspect!

If you do some research online, you will find a lot of inspiration. Some of the most popular sources include Tumblr, Pinterest, Instagram, and Google Images. Browse through galleries or play with different colors, sizes, and designs. You can also try different tools and programs to sketch your tattoo design. In this blog article we have described how to find your perfect tattoo design.

To make sure your tattoo looks exactly how you want it, it is important to discuss your design in detail with your tattoo artist. You may already have a clear idea of what you want or even have pictures to bring with you. This can help us understand what you want and how to approach your tattoo. 

We also recommend that you think about where on your body you want your tattoo to be. Size and placement can play a big role in durability. Of course, you can also discuss this in detail with your tattoo artist and get good advice on the best placement.

You can schedule a free initial consultation with us here.

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