In today’s world of self-expression, tattoos have surged in popularity, serving as a canvas for one’s individuality and personal story. However, the decision to get inked is far from simple—it requires careful thought and planning. From selecting the perfect design to considering the best time of year for optimal healing, each element contributes to the overall tattoo experience.

Understanding the Commitment

Tattoos are more than just decorations; they are lifelong commitments that necessitate introspection regarding their personal significance. Individuals often have various motivations behind getting a tattoo, including:

• Artistic Expression: A means to showcase personal style and creativity.
• Commemoration: Honoring loved ones or pivotal life events.
• Cultural Significance: Representing heritage and identity.

Read moreSan Diego's Tattoos of the Month - May

The impact of tattoos can be profound, offering a sense of belonging or increasing self-esteem. However, this brings forth essential considerations that must be addressed.

Planning Ahead

Before taking the plunge, it is crucial to plan ahead. Planning includes:

• Choosing the Right Placement: Some areas of the body may be more sensitive, and visibility can affect personal and professional aspects of life.
• Establishing a Skin Care Routine: Proper aftercare is vital for healing and maintaining the tattoo’s vibrancy over time.

Read moreSan Diego’s Tattoos of the Month – July

By taking the time to navigate these considerations, one can ensure that the tattooing journey is both enjoyable and fulfilling. As the following sections delve into the relationship between seasonality and tattoos, readers will discover insights that guide them on when and how to best care for their new art.

Considerations Before Getting a Tattoo

As individuals embark on their tattoo journey, thoughtful consideration is pivotal. A well-thought-out tattoo can serve not only as beautiful body art but also as a meaningful emblem of personal expression. Let’s explore two essential factors: tattoo placement and skin care routines.

Tattoo Placement

Choosing the perfect placement for your tattoo is a crucial decision. Consider how visible the tattoo will be and how it will affect your day-to-day life. To illustrate:

• Prominent Areas: Forearms, wrists, or neck offer high visibility, which can boost self-expression but may clash with professional settings.
• Discreet Locations: Areas like the upper thigh or back provide a more private canvas, allowing for personal art that is less visible to the outside world.
• Pain Tolerance: Sensitive areas, such as ribs or feet, may be more painful during the tattooing process than fleshier areas, like the upper arm.

Understanding the implications of placement can help you align your tattoo with your lifestyle and personal comfort.

Skin Care Routine

Post-tattoo skin care cannot be overlooked, as it plays a significant role in the healing process. A proper routine will not only ensure your tattoo heals correctly but also remains vibrant for years to come. Here are key steps for effective tattoo aftercare:

• Keep It Clean: Wash the tattoo gently with mild soap and water.
• Moisturization: Apply a tattoo-specific aftercare product or unscented lotion to keep the area hydrated.
• Sun Protection: Protect your tattoo from the sun with sunscreen once healed, as UV exposure can fade colors.

By considering these aspects, individuals can make informed choices that lead to successful tattoo experiences, setting the stage for the next exhilarating steps in their inking journey.

Spring: Ideal Season for a Tattoo

As winter fades and nature awakens, spring emerges as an ideal season for getting a tattoo. With the blossoming flowers and vibrant colors surrounding us, many find inspiration to express their style and personality through body art. Let’s explore the advantages of springtime tattooing and key aftercare tips to ensure a successful healing process.

Benefits of Getting a Tattoo in Spring

Spring presents several unique benefits for individuals considering a tattoo:

• Moderate Weather: The milder temperatures in spring ensure a comfortable tattooing experience. Unlike the sweltering heat of summer or the biting cold of winter, spring creates an inviting environment for both artist and client.
• Enhanced Hydration: People often engage in outdoor activities as the weather improves, increasing water consumption, which positively impacts skin elasticity. Hydrated skin is easier to work on, leading to cleaner, more vibrant tattoos.
• Increased Visibility: With warmer weather encouraging lighter clothing, freshly inked tattoos can be proudly showcased. This season allows individuals to show off their new body art and revel in compliments from friends and family.

Tips for Spring Tattoo Aftercare

Proper aftercare is crucial for a successful healing process, especially in the spring, when pollen and other allergens can be prevalent. Here are some essential tips for aftercare during this season:

• Avoid Outdoor Allergens: Minimize exposure to pollen and other allergens, particularly during peak times. This will help prevent irritation around the tattooed area.
• Stay Hydrated: Continue drinking plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated, ensuring that the healing process is smooth.
• Gentle Cleansing: Use a gentle, fragrance-free soap to clean the tattoo, preventing irritation from harsh chemicals.

By leveraging the unique advantages of spring and adhering to these aftercare tips, individuals can enjoy their new tattoos while embracing the joys of the season. Transitioning smoothly from the revelry of spring, the journey into summer presents another exciting chapter for ink enthusiasts.

Summer: Popular Time for Getting Tattoos

As spring transitions into summer, many individuals feel inspired to express their creativity and passion through tattoos. The warm sun, relaxed atmosphere, and vibrant social settings contribute to the popularity of tattoo artistry during this season. Let’s dive into why summer is a favored time for tattoos and explore essential maintenance tips to keep your ink looking fresh.

Why Summer is a Popular Season for Tattoos

Summer’s allure draws many to obtain tattoos for various compelling reasons:

• Vacation Vibes: Summer often brings vacations and gatherings, encouraging individuals to make lasting memories with new tattoos that reflect their adventures.
• Increased Social Engagement: Longer days and outdoor activities lead to more social interactions. New ink can serve as a conversation starter, allowing individuals to share their stories and artistic choices.
• Aesthetic Opportunities: The lively colors associated with summer compliment many designs, making this season an ideal backdrop for showcasing vibrant artwork against sun-kissed skin.

These elements create an environment ripe for self-expression, inspiring countless individuals to get inked.

Summer Tattoo Maintenance Tips

While summer presents fantastic opportunities to enjoy new tattoos, it also necessitates diligent maintenance to protect and preserve the artwork. Here are some key tips:

• Stay Sun Safe: Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen on your tattooed areas to prevent fading and skin damage. Aim for at least SPF 30.
• Keep It Clean and Moisturized: Clean the tattoo gently with mild soap and water, followed by a light application of a fragrance-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.
• Avoid Pools and Hot Tubs: During the initial healing phase, steer clear of chlorinated water to minimize irritation and infection risks.

By prioritizing maintenance in the sunny days of summer, individuals can enjoy their tattoos not only as stunning art pieces but also as personal symbols of their unique journeys. As summer days begin to fade, the transition into fall brings its own set of healing advantages and design trends worth exploring.

Fall: Great Season for Tattoo Healing

As summer gives way to the crisp air and vibrant colors of fall, this season emerges as an excellent period for tattoo healing. With cooler temperatures and less sun exposure, individuals can focus on nurturing their new ink while also diving into fresh design inspirations. Let’s explore the healing process for fall tattoos and the emerging design trends that resonate with the season.

Healing Process for Fall Tattoos

The fall season offers a conducive environment for tattoos to heal properly. Here are some factors that contribute to a successful healing process:

• Optimal Weather Conditions: The cooler, more stable temperatures reduce the chance of overheating and sweating, minimizing irritation to the fresh ink.
• Consistent Moisture Levels: Autumn often brings humidity, which can benefit healing skin. Maintaining proper moisture helps keep the tattoo hydrated and prevents dryness.
• Less Sun Exposure: With fewer days of intense sunlight, there’s a reduced risk of fading, allowing the tattoo to retain its vibrancy as it heals.

Following aftercare guidance—keeping the tattoo clean, moisturizing regularly, and avoiding unnecessary sun exposure—will further enhance the healing process.

Design Trends for Fall Tattoos

This vibrant season influences tattoo choices, giving rise to popular design trends that reflect the rich colors and themes of autumn. Some trending ideas include:

• Nature-Inspired Designs: Leaves, trees, and acorns symbolize the transition of seasons, echoing the beauty of fall’s foliage.
• Warm Color Palettes: Rich oranges, deep reds, and earthy tones mirror the colors of changing leaves, adding warmth to body art.
• Seasonal Symbols: Pumpkins, harvest motifs, and even cozy elements like sweaters can capture the essence of fall in tattoo form.

With the fall season providing a nourishing backdrop for healing and a surge of creative inspiration, individuals can embrace their fresh ink as an extended celebration of this transformative time. Transitioning from the cozy embrace of fall, winter presents its own challenges and unique opportunities for tattoo enthusiasts to consider.

Winter: Unique Challenges for Getting a Tattoo

As the crisp winter air settles in and the days grow colder, tattoo enthusiasts face unique challenges when seeking new ink. While winter can be a reflective and cozy time for self-expression, the harsh elements require careful consideration to ensure tattoos heal properly. Let’s delve into the challenges of getting a tattoo in winter and explore how to protect and care for new artwork during this frosty season.

Ways to Protect Your Tattoo in Winter

Winter presents a few specific threats to fresh tattoos, but with informed precautions, you can safeguard your new artwork effectively. Consider these protective measures:

• Layer Up: Wear loose, comfortable clothing over your tattoo to shield it from friction and irritation. Avoid tight clothing that can rub against the skin.
• Limit Exposure to Cold Elements: Avoid exposing your tattoo to icy winds or snow, which can dry out your skin and hinder healing.
• Keep Your Skin Hydrated: Indoor heating can lead to dry air, so use a humidifier in your home to maintain moisture levels in the air, benefiting both your skin and your tattoo.

By taking these steps, individuals can create a nurturing environment that aids in the healing process.

Winter Tattoo Aftercare Tips

Effective aftercare during winter is essential for maintaining the quality of your tattoo. Here are some vital tips:

• Gentle Cleansing: Wash your tattoo gently with a mild soap, and avoid hot water, as it can dry out the skin further.
• Moisturize Regularly: Use a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer or a specialized tattoo aftercare balm to combat dryness and keep the area smooth.
• Sun Protection: Even in winter, UV rays can harm your tattoo. Be vigilant about applying sunscreen on healing tattoos if you plan to spend time outdoors.

Navigating the winter months as a tattoo enthusiast involves a commitment to protection and care. By implementing these strategies, individuals can ensure their tattoos remain a source of pride throughout the chilly season. With every season presenting its unique attributes, the tattoo journey ultimately reflects personal growth and creativity, regardless of the time of year.

Every artist has gone on a journey to get to this moment in time. Can you briefly walk us through yours?

I was an apprentice at a shop in LA under the Japanese tattooer name “HIRO” back in 2010. I apprenticed there for awhile and then eventually came back to San Diego and found an opportunity at Funhouse Tattoo. I apprenticed here for awhile and am stoked to have my chair now. Everything fell into place and call SD my home. 

What tattoo styles are you specialized in? What attracted to them in the first place?

Read moreJapans Rich Imagery and Meanings of Tattoos

I specialize in Japanese Tattoo. Plain and simple. Growing up in Japan I was exposed to all types of Japanese designs, styles, cultural ideals, and concepts. This was the driving force for my specialization in this culturally rich and iconic style.

What anime or manga series has had the biggest influence on your work? 

‘Fist of the North Star’ and ‘Golgo13’.

How do you think social media platforms such as Pinterest and Reddit have affected the direction of the tattoo industry? Do you think people use them too much or could use them more? 

Read moreSan Diego's Tattoos of the Month - May

We see Pinterest as the new flash sheets of the 2010’s. People bring their favorite design on their phones and we use it as a basis for a design. With Pinterest and other platforms on their phones, people can have a better idea of the tattoo they are looking for.

Growing from an apprentice at Funhouse Tattoo to a coveted resident artist, what do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of working in this community opposed to other shops you have worked at?

I feel accomplished of course! This is what I had been wanting to do when I was an apprentice for awhile. And now I am doing it as my career at an awesome shop. Sometimes I look back and feel proud and happy about what I have been through and achieved. Funhouse Tattoo is where I started, so everything has come full circle for me. Other shops I worked at do things slightly different, which is not right or wrong, but I feel more comfortable being back here to sick pieces.

Having a fusion of Japanese and American cultural influences in your life, how would you say you use them to your advantage to make meaningful tattoos for your clients?

Most of Japanese tattoos have specific cultural themes, meaning, and message behind it. The majority of people don’t know about them. So I explain to my clients what each tattoo means and try to fit it to their needs. People like when they find out the symbolism and meaning about their tattoo designs. I make sure to consult with my clients on the unique iconography of Japanese tattoos to make sure my clients and I ended up with an awesome tattoo with a story behind it.

What is your favorite spot to get food at in San Diego and what do you get?

Depends on what kinda food you are talking about. I have too many to list.

What is your favorite about working with new clients and collaborating with them?

That I can do something new with clients and challenge myself a bit to the next level. Each client is an opportunity to create something new and better than I ever have before.

Being a professional artist comes with a fair amount of challenges. How do you balance your career as a tattoo artist and all the other aspects of your life?

I’m trying to stay healthy. I eat good food, sleep a healthy amount, and try to exercise frequently. I go to the gym about 3 times per week and Jiu Jitsu 3 times per week as well. Exercising is refreshing and clears my mind. I do that, so I can keep working and keep challenging myself.

Where can people learn more about your artwork and what is the best way to get in touch with you?

Instagram has my up-dated tattoo work as well as my portfolio page on the Fun. @ei_horimiyatattoo and https://www.funhousetattoosd.com/artists/ei-omiya/

Every artist has gone on a journey to get to this moment in time. Can you briefly walk us through yours?

The early memories I have of tattoos are of my uncle. I remember that he had a very poorly done heart with an arrow through it done with a sewing needle and ink from a ballpoint pen. It was terribly executed, but as a kid it was awesome and something about it stuck with me. Since then I always wanted to have a tattoo. It was not until many years later when I became friends with a tattoo artist and I got my first tattoo. Coincidentally, he was the one who taught me how to tattoo. This was while I was still living in Brazil, which was twenty years ago. I moved to the US in 1998 and started tattooing at Funhouse in 2002 after meeting the Owner, Seth who became my best friend. And the rest is history.

How did you first discover Japanese tattoos and what has the journey been like for you to become a master of the style?

Read moreJapans Rich Imagery and Meanings of Tattoos

I came in contact with Japanese style tattooing in 1998 when I met a Hungarian artist named Ivan Sazi. He had just moved to Sao Paulo and his Japanese designs and tattoos are amazing. We became friends and I learned a lot from him and I had the chance to get a few pieces from him. He was a big influence on my style.

A lot of artists use certain tattoo styles to categorize their work. Do you find that your able to do the same thing or that you work between the definitions of the styles?

I certainly don’t let the definition of a certain style of tattoo, and in my case is Japanese tattoos, define what I do artistically. I like to bring influences from other styles into my own style of Japanese tattoos, which comes natural to me and it allows me to create my own unique brand of tattooing.

Besides tattooing, is there another medium you use as a creative outlet?

Read moreSan Diego's Tattoos of the Month - May

Lately ive been using digital painting in my daily work, it has helped in cutting creation time down and it is a lot of fun. Then that oil and watercolor painting are my other mediums.

What is your favorite spot to eat at in San Diego and what do you get?

That’s a tough one, there are so many great places to eat in San Diego! There is an Italian little gem in Pacific Beach named Mama Mia. It’s an authentic Italian restaurant that I would definitely recommend. If you decide to give it a shot, try the gnocchi gratinati.

As a veteran artist at Funhouse Tattoo San Diego, what do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of working in this community opposed to other places you have worked with in the past?

Certainly the clients. They have a better understanding of what makes a good tattoo and they give me the freedom to be artistic and in return, I give them my best work.

When a new client approaches you about their tattoo idea, what are some of the first things you do to get to the core of their concept?

The main thing for me is to understand what are they trying to express through the image in the tattoo. I ask myself things like, “what is the history behind it?” or “what kind of emotions and memories it will bring to them when they look at the tattoo ten years from now?” To me, that’s what really matters.

Being a professional artist comes with a fair amount of challenges. How do you balance your career as a tattoo artist and all the other aspects of your life?

The best I can! (laughs) I am an extremely busy and I have a lot going on in my life outside the studio, and to be honest it can be chaotic. But I do my best to put my clients first and deliver my best to them on time.

Where can people learn more about your artwork and what is the best way to get in touch with you?

The best and fastest way is through our website on my artist page, which has all my latest work, and some old ones too. There you can find all of my contact information as well.

Compass Arm Piece

Japanese Hanya Mask on Hand

Cross and Stars on Forearm

Cross and Roses

Featured Tattoos by Janice Komar

Celtic Tattoo Arm Piece

Koi Fish and Lotus on Chest (In Progress)

California Tattoo on Back

African Buffalo on Chest

Penguin and Anchor on Forearm

Featured Tattoos by Skott Kautman

Tiger on Side Torso

Lion Tattoo on Upper Arm

Those are our featured tattoos of the month!  Book an appointment with San Diego’s Best Artists, Funhouse Tattoo! Call today: 858.483.7828

Giant Ship Side Piece by Hunter Scum

Check out this massive ship side piece done by the amazing Hunter Scum. This black and grey ship started out with only some grey lining and blocking in. This was done for a Marine who has been training in between target practice. So far this has been three sessions deep and orchestrating the healing time in between practice has been a very important task. Remember to get the best results take good care of your tattoo while healing! Hunter thoroughly enjoys working on some groovy textures and organic and geometric forms. To check out more of Hunters work click the link below:

https://www.funhousetattoosd.com/hunter-knolmayer/

Cat In The Hat by Alec Baurer

Read morePolynesian Maori Tattoos in San Diego

Our new school artist Alec tattooed this piece. The color in the background allows the cat in the hat to really pop. It’s a bright, colorful and fun tattoo. Alec loves tattooing things like this so if you are interested in contacting him or want to view his work click on the link below:

https://www.funhousetattoosd.com/alec-bauer/

Polynesian Tattoo by Seth Reynolds

Read moreJapans Rich Imagery and Meanings of Tattoos

The owner of the shop, Seth Reynolds tattooed this gem on his client’s upper arm. Seth has an abundant amount of knowledge about the Polynesian art. He has clients from all over the world who come to him for this specific style. To view his portfolio click the link below:

https://www.funhousetattoosd.com/artists/seth-reynolds/

Black and Gray Dragon by Leo Cadenazzi

This black and gray tattoo  was done by Leo, he specializes in black and gray along with traditional Japanese tattoos. The shading is very smooth and the lines are sharp. Leo has a gentle hand which made it possible for his client to sit for a long period of time without taking a lot of breaks. To check out more of Leo’s work click on the link below:

https://www.funhousetattoosd.com/artists/leo-cadenazzi/

Darth Vader with Cherry Blossoms by Paulie Oliver

May the force be with you! This is a Star Wars tattoo on the foot still in progress done by Paulie. He is going to add two more character from Star Wars going up the leg surrounded by cherry blossoms. Paulie specializes in traditional tattoos but ventured out and produced this fun and creative piece. To view more of Paulie’s work click on the link below:

https://www.funhousetattoosd.com/artists/paulie-oliver/

Sunflower on Shin by Janice Komar

Janice was the artist behind this master piece. It’s filled with a ton of bright colors, great texture and detail.

To view her portfolio or to schedule an appointment with Janice go to:

https://www.funhousetattoosd.com/artists/janice-komar/

Skull and Roses Tattoo by Alec Bauer

Skull and roses in progress by Alec Bauer. Tattooed at the comfortable and clean Funhouse Tattoos in Pacific Beach, San Diego. The words “We Know” with a black hand print. A stylish chest piece in black and grey that will lighten up a bit once healed. Keep in touch to see the finished product.

To view other completed works by Alec:

https://www.funhousetattoosd.com/alec-bauer/