Shameless Self-Promotion: They Live Tattoo

"They Live" Tattoo

And here is the original image...

As a joking shout-out to a friend, Joel, I did up a caricature of of him as an alien from "They Live".  Then Joel no doubt had some sort of break with reality and decided it would be a good idea to have that image tattooed on his leg.  It was the end of 2019 when he did it, so who can blame him, I guess?  And, believe it or don't, it isn't the first time I've had someone put my art on their body as a tattoo.

I am always conflicted when it comes to something like this...  On the one hand (or leg, in this case), it **IS** really cool to have one's art represented as part of a "Permanent Collection", if you will.  On the other hand (er, leg), it is a mostly permanent part of someone's body, so having my art be a part of that seems like a terrible idea--bordering on irresponsible!  Then again, Joel has said he is a fan of my work, so his decision-making ability is already sketchy at best, so what did we all expect?  Tsk, tsk!

Seriously, it is an honor to have someone consider my art as a tattoo.  I will also admit it is somewhat strange and baffling (as well as a boost to the ol' ego) that someone would like my art enough to get it permanently placed on their own body.  So, that's kinda weird and surreal to think about, too.

In closing, if anyone else has a tattoo, or has used my art someplace, lemme know.  I'm enough of an egomaniac to want to see it--and maybe even show it off on my meager Blog!  :-)

THANKS for the pic, Joel!

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Shameless Self-Promotion: Man-Thing Tattoo

Man-Thing Tattoo

While this doesn't quite fit into my usual shameless self-promotion, I will sorta lump it in with self-promotion nonetheless.

Like most vaguely interesting things in my life, it started with an e-mail out of the blue.  I received an e-mail from someone who stops by my Blog semi-regularly, claiming to be a fan of my work (the name has been withheld to protect the guilty).  I was already suspicious, questioning his judgement.  Then he said he was going to get a tattoo of my Man-Thing Unwanted Valentine and wanted my blessing, so it was pretty much confirmed he had lost his mind.

I was sort of put into an awkward position... on the one hand, a tattoo is (mostly) permanent and my responsible side wanted to say "No way!  Don't do it!"  Then again, seeing a tattoo of my art is really cool.  An angel and devil fighting on my shoulder--which side would win?  Since he claimed to be a fan of my art, he already demonstrated a disturbing lack of perspicacity, so he had my blessing as long as I got to show off his tattoo on my Blog when it was finished and mock him mercilessly for doing so.

And here we are.  Tsk, tsk.  I weep for the future.  :-P

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Here's the first step/black ink for the tattoo.

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And, a couple weeks later, here's the finished tattoo with the color added.

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I keep a folder of my art which has turned up on strange places; this certainly takes the cake in that regard (so far).  Still, I am simultaneously thrilled and horrified to see my art as a tattoo.  Surreal, man.  Surreal.

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