(disclaimer I can't spell)

Introduction

Tattoos have been around for centuries, with different styles, designs, and meanings. From tribal tattoos to portrait tattoos, the options are endless. But, have you heard of ignorant style tattoos? If not, you are in for a treat. In this article, we will delve into what ignorant style tattoos are, their history, and why they are taking the body art world by storm.

What is an Ignorant Style Tattoo?

Ignorant style tattoos, also known as "naive style" tattoos or as the trad daddy likes to call them, "shit tattoos", are a type of tattoo that is intentionally made to look rough and unrefined. Unlike traditional tattoos, which are typically precise and clean, ignorant style tattoos are created with a DIY or amateurish feel, often with thick black lines, and little intention to shading or detail. The name "ignorant style" comes from the idea that these tattoos are created by someone who is ignorant of traditional tattooing techniques, leaning into the way others mock it. Ironically the style is normally most lost on ignorant minds.

A good analogy to explain the energy of them would be this: 

Picture yourself at your friends house, their 5 year old child rushes over to you. Pure and honest Joy all over their face, they say "[insert name here] I drew this picture for you!". They hand you the paper and you turn it over to see a shitty drawn stick man holding hands with what is depicted as you. 

Now unless you're a heartless twat, this drawing brings joy and happiness to you too. Not because of the skill, but the intention. The kid doesn't yet understand ego, or creation for the external validation of others, the kid just knows "this is from my heart and that makes it good". This is ignorant style tattoos. 

Remember kids, art is perspective, you're allowed to dislike something. Just be aware that what is ugly to you, may be beautiful to another. Be constructive with your criticism to avoid looking like a angry lost boomer. 

History of Ignorant Style Tattoos

Ignorant style tattoos have a long and rich history that dates back to the late 1990s and early 2000s. This style of tattooing initially hit mainstream popularised in 2012 when French tattoo artist Fuzi Uvtpk tattooed the words "lucky you" on the famous actress Scarlett Johansson.

Although this wasn't Fuzi's first rodeo. Fuzi claims to be the originator of the title "Ignorant style". Fuzi started tattooing in 2006, he states to be heavily influenced by the 70's naive graffiti scene. 

By no surprise the gatekeeping world of traditional tattoos started to tarnish his work, calling him ignorant. Fuzi says "Everybody was telling me "Oh, you don't know how to draw" I say... "Okay you think I'm ignorant?" "Fine, I'm ignorant. Fuck you." ever so elegantly put, he leant into the jank. So the "Ignorant style" title is just Fuzi's tongue and cheek interpretation of the already established art styles know as "naive style" and "outsider art".

These DIY tattoos would often be done on friends or themselves, and the rough and unrefined style was embraced as a symbol of their anti-establishment, punk rock lifestyle.

Since then, the style has evolved and spread to become a popular form of tattooing, embraced by artists and clients alike. Today, ignorant style tattoos are a sought-after style, often created by professional tattoo artists who specialise in this unique form of body art.

Why are Ignorant Style Tattoos So Popular?

There are several reasons why ignorant style tattoos have become so popular in recent years. First, the rough and unrefined look of these tattoos sets them apart from traditional tattoos, making them a unique and eye-catching form of body art. The DIY feel of these tattoos also appeals to those who want to embrace their individuality and reject the conventions of traditional rat race mediocracy.

Social media has a huge hand to play in this. One of my first tattoo's was done in Southampton, an incubation centre of toxic masculinity. A friends mum's friend tattooed out of his house after his wife divorced him, resulting him in having to sell his studio. I turn up to this side garage, greeted by a classic male British bold white football fan, but this one had a thumb missing (i'm not joking). I asked to use his toilet which resulted in him threatening to break my nose (if only daddy told him he loved him once or twice). From that short exchange I understood why his wife left him, but also never wanted to get a tattoo again. No shops had the style I was looking for, and I didn't feel comfortable taking my ideas to assholes who will ridicule them, but then something magical happened, INSTAGRAM!

(P.s to artist about to read this, plz stop winging about the algo and instead study it. There was a day where nearly all of us wouldn't of been accepted into apprenticeships and there was no Instagram to get our work out there. Consider instagram as a good problem to have and adapt to it. It comes across very woah is me when you cry about algorithms, rather than learning them and beating them.)

A hub for artist who tattoo their friends in whatever style they want arises. Making it easier than ever to start (probably why the trad daddies are so angry). You could now find a whole other side of the industry, a peer taught creative hub. You could also get a vibe of the artist before visiting, enabling a safe place for people to explore their creativity with trusting clients. 

With this new decentralised way of tattooing we no longer had masters (as they like to call them selfs....) teaching us one style through a labour abusive apprenticeship. You had bored unsatisfied kids learning to tattoo by tattooing their own thighs and asking other DIY artist for help. Resulting in a blossoming of new  styles. Ignorant style being one of them. 

Another reason why ignorant style tattoos are so popular is their versatility. This style of tattooing can be used to create a wide range of designs, from simple text to complex illustrations. The DIY approach of ignorant style tattoos also allows for greater creative freedom, allowing the artist to explore new and unique designs that may not be possible with traditional tattooing techniques. This new way of tattooing encourages artist to push them selfs to be more and more creative, through the means of friendly competition.  

Conclusion

In conclusion, ignorant style tattoos are a unique and eye-catching form of body art that has gained popularity in recent years. With a rich history dating back to the late 1990s, these tattoos are now a sought-after style, created by both amateur and professional tattoo artists. The rough and unrefined look, versatility, and creative freedom of ignorant style tattoos make them a popular option for those who want to embrace their individuality and reject traditional tattooing conventions. So, if you're looking for something different, consider getting an ignorant style tattoo! (pllz pic me lol)

Thanks for reading and stay ignorant.