Making Art, Not a Copy
Why making a tattoo directly from a design found on the internet — without permission — does not differ much from breaking copyrights.
The internet provides an unlimited source of inspiration, and that in itself is a good thing. We can access paintings, sculptures, music, movies, and ideas from all over the world in seconds. From a time-management perspective, this seems incredibly efficient.
But here lies the first trap.
Is consuming art through a screen the same as experiencing it in real life? How much more powerful is standing in front of an original painting in a museum? How different does music feel when heard live, compared to listening to the same song on YouTube? Do we really want to lose a large part of our human sensitivity by disconnecting from real experiences while being connected 24/7?
I hope not. Otherwise, we slowly turn into data.
Why Humans Need Art
We need art, beauty, and thoughtfully designed spaces to feel good — even if we do not consciously notice it every day. Art is not only about aesthetics. It affects how creative, calm, and productive we are.
Let’s take architecture as an example. I studied architecture, and I often discuss its role in everyday life with Simon — especially during long walks in beautiful places, like the canals of Amsterdam’s old town. Compare that to neighborhoods designed purely for efficiency and housing density, where the human experience is often overlooked.
Now, try a small thought experiment.
Imagine a cozy town square with a fountain, trees, flowers, cafés, and the smell of fresh espresso. Around you, there are old buildings, churches, or houses with character. You probably know this feeling already.
Most people feel inspired, relaxed, and at ease in such places. That is not accidental. These spaces were designed for humans, not machines.
The same logic applies to tattooing.
From Inspiration to Original Art
As tattoo artists, we also use the internet — responsibly.
I use it to research real flowers for my projects, follow industry developments, discover new tools, and observe the work of great artists. Inspiration is healthy. Even the Beatles listened to the Rolling Stones.
But inspiration is not copying.
When I create a tattoo design, I draw it myself — today using tools like the Apple Pencil, which allow me to work digitally while still drawing everything by hand. No AI, no auto-correction software. Just a modern tool replacing paper and pencil. Every design is original. All rights reserved.
Many of these designs are shared on our website and social platforms as an online gallery — so clients can understand our style and philosophy before booking a session at Vadelma Tattoo.
You can explore our work and approach here:
https://vadelma.eu/
Why Copying Tattoo Designs Is Wrong
Unfortunately, some so-called tattoo artists copy designs created by professionals and present them as their own. This is not only unethical — it is stealing.
Imagine this situation in the real world:
Someone walks into an art gallery, photographs a painting, and later tries to sell a copy while claiming authorship. Most people would immediately recognize this as theft.
With tattoos, the situation is often even worse. A copied design does not guarantee the copied skills. The client ends up with a tattoo that looks nothing like the original — and disappointment that stays for life.
That is why choosing the right tattoo artist matters.
How to Choose the Right Tattoo Artist
A passionate and ethical tattoo artist is easy to recognize if you know what to look for:
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A consistent, recognizable style
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Original artwork, not copied images
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Clear communication and transparency
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Professional presence online and in person
If you are unsure about the process, placement rules, or our philosophy, please read our FAQ:
https://vadelma.eu/faq-vadelma-tattoo/
You can also explore available designs here:
https://vadelma.eu/available-projects
And if you want to start a conversation about your own idea:
https://vadelma.eu/contact
For more articles like this, visit our blog:
https://vadelma.eu/blog
And for art beyond skin, you can explore our print store:
https://vadelmaprints.com/
Final Thoughts
Original tattooing is about respect — for art, for the artist, and for the client. A tattoo is not just an image. It is a permanent collaboration between skin and soul.
Choose wisely.
Much love,
Natalie
“Tattoos that matter – for people who care”
FAQ – Original Tattoo Art & Copyrights
Is it illegal to copy tattoo designs from the internet?
In many cases, yes. Tattoo designs are protected by copyright, just like paintings or illustrations.
Can I bring reference images to a tattoo artist?
Yes. References are helpful, but they should inspire an original design — not be copied directly.
How can I tell if a tattoo artist creates original work?
Look for consistency in style, original sketches, and transparency about their process.
Why do copied tattoos often look worse than originals?
Because copying an image does not transfer the skill, experience, or understanding behind it.
