Celebrity tattoos are arguably are the entire reason why tattooing is so widely accepted and so popular today. It has been several decades since, with only a few exceptions, tattooing was a firm part of the mobster underworld.
Back then, a tattoo was seen as evidence of someone who has something of a spicy past, and an indication of a person who isn’t quite respectable. There are exceptions that might be made for someone who had spent time as a sailor, for example, but for the most part tattoos, especially on women, have always been a bit controversial. However, when celebrities began getting tattoos, that all changed.
When celebrities began showing their tattoos off publicly, it helped the public’s perception of tattooing considerably. Since celebrities are the closest thing we have to royalty they tend to function as role models for the rest of us, whether we like it or not.
When the art of tattooing was first introduced to the Europeans by the explorers in the 17th century, tattoos were expensive and difficult to get and therefore only a few lucky members of the upper classes had them. When tattooing later became more accessible, it became worth much less in value.
After celebrity tattoos became public knowledge, it seemed to give the rest of us permission to explore the ancient art of tattoos ourselves. As a result, the image of the tattoo improved, and incorporated more classy and classic styles.
Johnny Depp’s tattoos express his sense of humor and his quirky personality. He has a tattoo that is located on his upper arm which used to read “Winona forever”, that was applied there to honor the actress Winona Ryder. This was edited or altered after his breakup with Ryder and has since been changed to read: “Wino forever”.
Depp has additional tattoos which include a skull on his ankle under which the words “Death is certain” are located, a tribute to his daughter and his mother, and the one that is most puzzling, a number 3 between his index finger and thumb.
These and other celebrity tattoos are great examples of how the art of tattooing may be adapted to express personality and individual taste. Tattoos on celebrities have long been very important in the resurrection of this ancient art, making it attractive and acceptable for the rest of us.
