Book Review: Tattoo Mystique – Angelique Houtkamp

As another small review, I thought I’d put in a mention for this colourful little book, a collection of works by Dutch tattooist Angelique Houtkamp. I first read about this in Skin Deep but (once again) have only just gotten around to checking it out.


Tattoo Mystique is second in a line of books by this incredibly recognizable artist. The first, Tattoo Darling, is still on my to-buy list, as is her newest collection, a book of black and white linedrawings for the creative enthusiast to use as he/she pleases. This I love, as it’s similar to a project I am working on.

Angelique is a master in her interpretation of vintage tattoo designs and pin-up girls, and her fashionably freaky little ladies are plastered all over this book. They are her specialty, and one of the many reasons people go to her is that (for a fee) she will design you a unique tattoo all of your own.

The book is jam-packed with her drawings, and they are stunning. She paints in watercolours, sticking to the theme of old-school sailor designs and often a limited colour palette, yet her work is fresh and inspiring.

The only downside to this book is its shortness. Whilst it opens, like Kat Von D’s "High Voltage Tattoo", with an introduction by a friend, and includes an interview with the artist herself, there is very little written about her. I would have loved to have read a piece from her point of view, although she does tell us a lot in her interview. Her love for Holland, where she lives, and how she describes waking up and starting her day around noon, riding her bicycle by the river and hanging out with her friends… it was a beautiful vision that left me longing for the kind of freedom that comes with being a well-established artist.

But until then, I’ll stick with longing to be tattooed by the Madame herself. This book is well worth the pennies.

You can see some of Angelique’s work on her official website, Salon Serpent, where you can also sign up to her monthly newsletter! Also, take a glimpse at her "Projects" page and see what you think of the "Babyskulls". Then take a look at these painted Ballerina arms (thanks to Tattoosday UK)... they are basically what I was trying to achieve with my "Bookjacket" brief last year, only a thousand times better. Perhaps I will try again one day, as I think these tattooed plaster body parts make gorgeous ornaments for lovers of the macabre and bizarre.

Until next time, keep your hands dirty!

Grand Entrance

This is the unofficial opening of my Tattoo blog, the aptly named "Pins and Needles". Here I will be posting my musings about the body-mod world, some of my own designs, and I will also be taking on commissions by request, in order to polish my portfolio in my long-term attempt to gain an apprenticeship at a real Tattoo and Piercing studio.

I will also be collaborating with friends and networking in order to get myself out and about in the world more, starting with this years Liverpool Tattoo Convention on the 19th and 20th of June. I'm really looking forward to it and it should be a great eye-opener.

My interest in tattoos and piercings goes back as far as I can remember. I had my ears pierced when I was seven, and I thought I was the bees knees. I would bug my Dad and Granddad about their many tattoos, and my Dad would tell me I was never having one.

Then in high school I got into Rock music and Goth culture. I found that getting pierced was a safer alternative to self-harm (cliche, I know) and it also looked friggin cool. I also started designing my own tats when I was fourteen. I currently have eleven piercings including my lip, nipple, tragus and anti-tragus. I have many more planned for this year.

Then I hit eighteen and it was time to get a tattoo... but being an artist myself I became very fussy about what I wanted where, and who I wanted to do it. Money was also an issue. Now I'm a bit older, and I have two designs ready for the gun, and another in the making.

I guess it's not a surprise, but it was definitely Kat Von D and LA Ink that got me back into Tattoos. About a year ago I was at my boyfriend's house, sitting with his mum and watching Discovery Real Time. I thought the show was great, really gave you an insight into this fascinating world of body-mod. I love the passion that each of the artists have for their work and the way they heal people with their fantastic tattoos, and I remember when I used to feel that way, but I lost it. Now I have something to work hard for again.

I've been researching and reading up about tattoos and piercings, the processes, artists, downfalls, pros and cons for a good solid few months now. I penned three essays about the subject in University, one that got a B+, and a documentary that recieved the highest mark, an A+.

But of course, research doesn't stop at watching LA and Miami Ink, and reading Skindeep and High Voltage. There are plenty of websites and tattoo blogs out there that give great insight into this weird world, but the best "education" I had was watching Sean of Independent Tattoos doing my boyfriend's mum's tattoo. That was the moment I thought "I could do this". And I'm not the kind of person who has a lot of faith in myself, so this surprised me.

I know more than anyone that I have a lot of work and improving to do. Unlike most tattooists, I haven't been doing it since my teens. I have been drawing, but mostly cartoons, and I need to improve my life-drawing, animal and colour skills. I also need to build up a shit-hot portfolio.

So this is the blog I will be keeping in order to help me do that. Here are some of the great sources I've come across so far:

+Tattoosday UK - Fantastic blog/website that gives details of UK tattoo events, advice on getting tats and general news and links from around the world. Really cool stuff.
+London Tattoo Convention (24th-26th Sept) - Another convention that sounds bigger and nastier. I would love to go to this, but Liverpool is closer and cheaper. However, keeping it in mind. Check it out.
+Aces High Tattoo Studio - Unfortunately it looks like their official website is down, but I've been oggling the work at this place for some time. The artists are amazing, and I've seen some of their work on my mates. So I'm hoping they will be able to do my first tattoo for me.
+How to become a Successful Tattoo Artist - Not the best place on the web to go look for advice, but the tips they give are pretty handy. This is the first website I came across when I was pondering the idea of being a tattooist.
+The Tattoo Sourcebook - I got this for my birthday last year. Great value for money, it's a fantastic collection of tattoo designs for practicing artists, or just someone who wants a design. It also includes a brief history of tattoos and teaches you how to combine some of your favourite designs into something original for yourself.
+Tattoo Jam - Yet another huge convention in Doncaster. Sounds sweet, might give it a whirl this year, if I can afford it!

There are many other sources I've come across, so keep an eye on my links and reading list sections. And please, wish me luck!