V A D E L M A

Changing Standards of Quality

 

 

Hello Everyone! In today’s blog, we will discuss the topic of “Changing Standards of Quality.” Sounds like a book title? Indeed, I could probably write 300 pages about it and still not cover all the nuances. For this writing, I will focus only on tattooing and my understanding of the term “quality.” Let’s go!

 

A Short Historical Perspective

 

From ancient times, being an artist in any specific field required true expertise. It was relatively easy to distinguish between artists. If someone painted a portrait that looked nothing like the subject, that “artist” wouldn’t find more customers until they improved. Pricing lower didn’t help either, as people tend to seek beauty and harmony, which go hand in hand with professionalism and commitment to the craft. Up until around the mid-20th century, it was hard to find art that didn’t initially appear wonderful. Nowadays, sometimes you really need to search for beauty or use your imagination to appreciate a piece—holding your fingers crossed to find something meaningful. While I recognize this is a simplification, and progress is essential, my point is that it is perfectly fine to explore new and even avant-garde art, but a true artist always creates with awareness.

 

What Does “Awareness” Mean?

 

In simple terms, it means knowing what you are doing. You’re not waiting for a muse or the influence of external substances to create—that’s the path of an amateur. To break the rules, you first need to understand them. Anyone can throw paint on a canvas like Pollock and claim it’s art. However, Jackson Pollock had traditional skills in painting and drawing before he became famous for his abstract expressionism. He studied at the Art Students League in New York, mastering classical techniques. Early in his career, he experimented with figurative art and landscapes, showcasing his understanding of traditional forms.

 

Pollock’s background influenced his later work, even as he developed his signature drip painting style. His ability to manipulate paint and grasp composition stemmed from this foundational training. While he is best known for his abstract art, he certainly had genuine traditional skills as well.

 

Do you see the difference? That’s why true artists create with awareness. It’s great to try new things, but it should be based on something substantial. That’s our approach at Vadelma Tattoo. Natalie has been drawing for 25 years (yes, she started super early), with a drawing school and architecture studies along the way. I (Simon here) chose tattooing, which is rooted in my technical background and my understanding of precision, as well as my passion for books and fonts. Calligraphy, beautiful handwriting, and typography are more important than most people realize. I will write more about this topic soon.

 

The Importance of a Conscious Choice

 

To operate at a professional level, a strong foundation is always necessary. Like a doctor who spends years studying anatomy, biology, and chemistry before choosing a specialization, no one would visit a doctor who doesn’t understand the human body. The same applies to tattoos, but there is no formal path of education for becoming a tattoo artist. So how can we know for sure that the tattooer is a pro? We need to rely on a portfolio, which speaks louder than anything, if it’s not manipulated. This has its pros and cons—another topic for a future blog.

 

A deeper understanding of the profession is crucial to becoming an exceptional tattoo artist. I often wonder how many tattooists who create “childlike-funny” tattoos or oversimplified designs chose that style like Pollock—out of an inner calling for that particular form of art. Or did they select that path to cover a lack of skills or unwillingness to invest years in development? Probably, we’ll never find out. We can only feel it.

 

Thank you for your time!

 

Simon


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