Rough Lil Snaps of the Results!!!

Here are a couple of quick unedited snaps from my shoots:

Delon in his test shoot as my runway model

Delon was an obvious choice for a model. As a large, toned, black male with a face for the runway, he worked amazingly. His dark skin tone meant that the make up worked extremely well. 

As his brows were so dark, I didn't add the black definition which was shown on the face chart, but that was the only real modification I made to the design once in the studio.

The pattern I designed on his chest was made with a topless walk in mind. The stripes continued up his neck to behind his ears so that some design would be showing if he had had to wear anything on his torso. 

Delon's hair was cut so short that I left it free of design. I had contemplated combing out his hair so it was a little larger, but decided it would look too messy. The cut he had was already a little rough around the edges and if it was any less refined, I think it would have made the entire look too messy. 

I think it came out really well as it was.

Though my shoot with Delon would be for the runway, I think he would have looked amazing next to Emma, my editorial model. The contrast of their skin tones next to each other, with their complimentary make ups could have looked exceptional in one image together.

Rough shot of Emma, my pale tribal Princess

I chose Emma for her pale skin and dark hair. The 'Snow White' quality to her played in excellent contrast to the tribal aspect of the design and kept it from looking too 'Wild' in my opinion. I think this contrast of culture and race is common in high fashion, as it is so intriguing.
The only modification I made to the design I had planned once in the studio, was to not add the black defining line to the eye socked. Emma's eye shape meant that the addition of this would have closed in her eyes, and made the viewer focus too much on the upper part of her face. Without it, I think the design is a lot more balanced.
If I was to shoot this again, I think I would create a hair piece to add more interest.

"Skin Shows III"

Some photos from "Skin Shows III", a tattoo archive of sorts, by Chris Wroblewski.

Flicking through I took poor photos on my phone (sorry about that) of all the tattoos that had a "Tribal" quality to them! Some of them are amazing! 

I love the use of bold black in all of them! The solidity and intensity is gorgeous! I love that in this one there is a face etched with the twisting shapes!

Looking at it at first, I thought that it looked almost oriental with the curves it used, but now really brings to mind a maori warrior like the one I showed here :).

I don't know if this one can count as 'Tribal' really. For some reason, I feel that the Native American history that has clearly inspired this woman's tattoo is more of a culture of a people rather than lone tribes people.

I don't know if thats a fair comment. I need to look further into it!

Now this one, is most definitely not a tribal tattoo in its design. However, its ETHOS to me is what makes it tribal. The idea that one can cover oneself with a bold pattern and clear display of self like this, is what links this man to the hundreds of thousands of tribesmen who have decorated themselves over the centuries!

It's simplicity lends to that! 

Tattooing In the Tribal World

It's hard to know where to start looking for inspiration on "Tribal" tattooing, without becoming overwhelmed at the seemingly infinite number of designs. Thousands of different clans of people use them to show thousands of different messages.

 For religion, to respect the dead, to show age, for protection against evil, to take power from animals, and many more reasons, people have permanently decorated their bodies with unique patterns and shapes.

The Kayapo

Looking at the Kayapo/Kaiapo people again, I saw it mentioned that "After an attack on an enemy village, the chest of the warriors must be tattooed and scraped with the purpose of eliminating the superfluous ‘bad’ and thus dangerous blood".

HOW INTERESTING!!!!! They tattooed themselves while scraping the skin to rid themselves of bad blood from battle!!

That said, I did find this image (admittedly from Tumblr) which showed a young male tattooed...

A Young Kaiapo male, tattoed on his face and torso, from www.tumblr.com

I think it's interesting that he has markings in the same place as the male in the other post... wait... I'll just show you again:

 There must be a significant meaning to painting on the cheeks, shaving the centre of the head, and the red paint used on the eyes and forehead. All three share one or more of these characteristics. The Kayapo are a large group of tribes. I can't see anything to say that all three are form the same tribe. Perhaps it is that they have "trends" as we do... that these stylings are in fashion?!?! Hmmm...

The Moari

A Maori Warrior, taken from EnvironmentalGraffiti.com

The Ta Moko tattooing methods used by Maori tribes in New Zealand are STUNNING! Because of the way that the ink is carved rather than punctured into their sun-darkened skin, the tattoos give the effect of embossing on leather. As though their skin was formed that way. IT'S ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!! Imagine the feel of that under your fingers.

The description from EnvironmentalGraffiti that accompanied this image (->) 

says that "Persons of high social status would receive moko in a prominent place like the face so that their special status was immediately recognisable". So it's almost their uniform!!

Also, it explains that the tattoos are also used as part of the transition to adulthood as they are with so many other tribes around the world. 

Vogue Germany July 2010

Jacquelyn Jablonski by Sebastian Kim for Vogue Germany

America's Next Top Model

What a place to find inspiration. They always do such stunning photo shoot themes and put a lot of detail into the designs for their models. Just look at these from Cycle 12:

They are all stunning images. I love the combination of thick strokes of colour and the dusting of powder. The over all look reminds me of the Hindu Holi Festival with the bright explosion of colour!

I also LOVE the simple, subtle work done on the hair. While the looks aren't dedicated to being tribal, you can see the influences of tribalism in the weaving of wool and crepe hair though the looks. The braids are DELISH!

This image HAS to be my favourite for the Make Up itself! The colour of the yellow against the models skin is breathtaking and I love that that the focus is on the inner eyes and the frame of her face! GORGEOUS!!

WOW!!! Jean-Luc Moerman!!

Jean-Luc Moerman and Marilyn Monroe

Restyling a classic portrait

Retouching a Pin-Up

Improving a beauty shot!

Jean-Luc is a Belgian born painter, who modifies old works and collaborates with contemporary artists, to create new images and objects, all emblazoned with his iconic and intricate 'tattoos'. It is amazing to behold and so well done!!! Its hard to tell if his drawings are additions in post or pre-production. Common sense says definitely the former!!!

I wish I had that skilful penmanship! Going to have to give it a go!

SWEET NIBLETS!!!
HE DID A COLLABORATION WITH LONGCHAMP!!! Oh God... if only I had that 600.00 Euros!!!

Jean-Luc's bag for Longchamp, taken from his website

PLEASE LOOK AT HIS FLICKR!

You'll get sucked in!!!