The Sketchbook: 80 Unique Designs by the World's Finest Tattoo Artists (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Marco Bratt (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The Sketchbook is a large coffee-table compendium showcasing eighty unique desings by some of the world's finest body art tattoo experts. An introductory essay explores the history of body tattoos, and both Japanese and Western views of the art practice. The eighty diverse designs themselves are showcased largely in black-and-white, in their original drawn concept form rather than a photograph of the tatoo on human skin. With a photograph of its artist along with a paragraph by the artist abou hhis or her background and philosophy. The Sketchbook is a very different kind of artbook, in which East truly meets West."--Library Bookwatch

Product Description

The artistic versatility of tattoo artists has frequently been overshadowed by the negativity that surrounds tattooing in general. Many tattoos are made by would-be artists who copy overused designs. A perfectly tattooed body requires the skills of a professional and talented artist, who creates a unique and personal design. These designs are often inspired by one or more of the various tattoo styles of Japanese, Maori or other tribal origin. "The Sketchbook" offers the reader a selection of 80 of these unique designs by well-known and less famous, but very promising, tattoo artists from around the world. Each artist was requested to create a sketch unrestrained by commercial demands and which reflects their own personal motivations.

The book is divided into two sections: the first comprises an explanation of how this collection was brought together, along with a brief illustrated overview of the history and various styles of tattooing. The second section is devoted to the artists, each sketch being accompanied by a biography and favorite quote.

The concept of this book was developed by Marco Bratt, a tattoo artist from The Netherlands, and his partner, Germanborn lifestyle photographer Nancy Heimburger, who also wrote the introductory chapter.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 184 pages
• Publisher: Hotei Publishing (December 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9074822622
• ISBN-13: 978-9074822626
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #147,695 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #37 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Design & Decorative Arts > Decorative Arts
  #92 in	Books > Arts & Photography > History & Criticism > Regional > Asian
  #94 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Design & Decorative Arts > Textile & Costume

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Ever feel like you've been swindled?, December 21, 2005

By	D. Rumsfelcher (Calgary, Alberta Can) - See all my reviews

I'm not an artist, but I do have a few tattoos. Just over 100 hours of custom work all done at the Smilin' Buddha in Calgary, Alberta. I've even managed to get 3 pictures of my work (one full page) in Paul Jefferies' vanity press book celebrating his 25 years in the industry.

In the course of getting my work done, I've bought more than my share of tattoo books and have looked through dozens of books at the Buddha including the owner's private library and I'm sad to say that this book is tied for last place with one other book.

The previous reviewer, the one who's an artist with 35 years experience says it best.

The work in this book for the most part is sub-par. Except for a few, the work in this book looks like it was done by scratchers not artists. There's no way in the world I'd leave this book on my coffee table, let alone wear anything done by most of these "artists".

BTW, I'm pretty sure one reviewer here must have ties to this book. My guess is the publisher.

Save your money. I wish I had.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not as Expected, very disappointed!, August 31, 2006

By	File9 "zod7of9" (planet earth) - See all my reviews

Sadly I purchased this volume based upon other reader reviews. Although I have given it 3 stars- as the book production itself was very nice- oversize square small coffee table book, printed on high quality thick stock, with well printed art work- makes this volume attractive on the outside. The contents and sketchbook is rather a let down. 60% of the sketches are very crude and unattractive (even considering them just sketches from a sketchbook) and the remaining art being just okay, maybe there is 10-12 eye opening pieces. If your looking for inspiration or eye candy this is not your book

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Crappy Bar napkin sketches, November 23, 2005

By	M. S. Miller (Plains, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The following is an opinion for which we are all entitled: Although this book does tell you something about each artist and shows one sketch from each artist, it is more like a "Collection of bar napkin sketches". Most are of poor quality as if the artist could care less when he/she had drawn them and a very few are of some quality. As an award winning artist of over 35 years experience, I felt it was a complete waste of money as far as being helpful to further my talents or to "just plain enjoy". I would never show such "doodles" in a book to represent what I can do. For something to glance through to kill time, I would say fine, go nuts. Overall....I AM NOT IMPRESSED!