Watercolor, watercolor everywhere-5 watercolor tattoos to inspire you

Watercolor tattoos are becoming more and more prominent in the tattoo industry since they hit the mainstream about six years ago.  As a matter of fact, some of the most beautiful pieces of art being placed on human canvases today are watercolor tattoos.

Still, there is some debate on whether or not they will stand the test of time.  Traditional tattoos that are outlined with black ink tend to need less touch-up over time because the black color holds longer and doesn't fade or blur as fast as a tattoo without black lined boundaries.  Eventually even traditional tattoos will need a touch-up.  Your aging body, the amount of sunlight that hits it, and weight loss or gain are just a few of the things that can change the look of a tattoo.  The question isn't whether it will hold up, it's whether or not you're willing to have a tattoo that might need a little more upkeep a little more often than a traditional tattoo.

Knowing what you're getting, how to care for it, and how long it should last are definitely questions to have with your tattoo artist.

Here are 5 watercolor tattoos to inspire your imagination:

This beautiful tattoo done by an
unknown source puts photography
in a whole new light.

Show your love for what you love to do-Are you a photographer?  A dancer?  A race car driver?  Put your passion into a piece of art that screams, "This is me!" by sitting down with your tattoo artist and coming up with a custom piece surrounding your favorite hobby.  If you're a writer, design a quill writing on a piece of parchment.  If your passion is soccer, create the most artistic soccer ball in the world.  Watercolor gives you the opportunity to turn even the most mundane looking piece of equipment into a stunning piece that everyone will look twice at.

This tattoo done by Klaim from France
makes you rethink traditional.

A new twist on an old theme-The dandelion blowing in the wind is something that has quickly jumped to one of the most popular tattoos of 2015.  Why not take a popular theme and give it a watercolor makeover?  You can change it so much that it barely resembles its original form, and instead has become a thing of incredible jaw dropping beauty.

 Favorite characters are getting tattooed on people every single day.  From Disney characters to horror characters, any of your favorite characters can be turned into watercolor tattoos.

You can keep them as real as you would like, or completely give them a watercolor makeover to change their appearance significantly.  There are no limits to what you can turn into a watercolor tattoo.  If you can see it in your mind's eye, you can create it on your canvas.

Harry Potter themed watercolor tattoo done by
Waldo, owner and artist at Mischievous Arts.

Fandoms are some of the most passionate groups of people in the entire world.  The art that comes from fans are some of the most beautiful and creative pieces of art in the world.  There are so many themes and symbols in each fandom that there is truly an endless supply of watercolor ideas, like this tattoo recently done by Waldo at Mischievous Arts Tattoo.  When the customer came in, she knew exactly what she wanted, and he delivered exactly what she wanted.

Make an appointment today to talk about your watercolor tattoo ideas today by calling (503) 492-5275.

Oh what a night!

Every year, sometimes more than once per year, people line up outside of tattoo shops looking for that $31 Friday the 13th Tattoo.  It's the tattoo world's Black Friday.

Here's how it usually goes.  A shop opens to an already formed line, you're forced to choose from the pre-determined Friday the 13th flash, and you wait.  The artists bust out as many tattoos as they can assembly line style during their open hours, and if you didn't get there early enough to get tattooed before closing time, you try again next Friday the 13th (Which is in January of 2017).

We don't like to be usual at Mischievous Arts.  We like to change things up a little bit.

This was no easy task.  As I wrote before, Mischievous Arts recently removed all negativity and cleaned up shop, which left Waldo as the only artist.  Most artists wouldn't take on such a daunting day solo, but to Waldo, Friday the 13th is not just a day of cheap tattoos, its a day of customer appreciation and meeting new friends while giving back to his community by deeply discounting tattoo time.  It's not about quantity to him, it's about enrichment.

As expected, there was a line forming before the shop opened.  The MA crew hit the ground running and started what would turn out to be a tattoo event lasting more than 12 hours (he's actually still tattooing as I type this).

Sure, not everyone who showed up got a tattoo today, but that didn't stop Waldo.  Remember when I said we don't do things the usual way at Mischievous Arts?  As a token of his appreciation, Waldo decided that if you paid for your Friday the 13th tattoo up front, he would honor the price and set an appointment to make sure you got your frightastic ink.  The other killer perk to becoming part of the Mischievous Arts family on Friday the 13th is that you're not bound to any pre-determined flash.  Sure, there is special flash designed for the event, but any simple tattoo that can be done in 30 minutes or less is fair game.  People brought in the coolest things to have tattooed on their bodies from sprigs of lilacs to a Quidditch snitch.

You see, when you enter Mischievous Arts, you're not just a customer in a tattoo factory, you're family.  From the genuine smile on the faces of Kylie and Des as they greet you when you walk in, to the integrity Waldo shows when he works hard to make sure you have the work you want, to the cushy couch in the waiting area, we want you to feel at home.

Thank you to everyone who came from all over to support the Mischievous Arts Tattoo family today.  It was great for Waldo to see familiar faces and to make new friends.  It's days like this, filled with laughter and the sounds of a tattoo gun that keep improving the service we provide.

5 simple yet meaningful tattoo ideas for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is just around the corner!  What better gift to give your favorite mom than a tattoo session!  More and more moms are coming up with simple yet meaningful tattoos that will make their heart melt for a lifetime.  Here are 5 awesome tattoo ideas for moms:

Footprints-One of the first mementos we get from our babies are their tiny little footprints.  Those inky blots on their birth certificate are perfect for re-sizing and placing anywhere you like, whether it's your wrist, your heart, or up and down any place on your body.  Their little toes will forever be leaving footprints on your soul. Make sure to talk to your tattoo artist about your placement so you don't lose any of that precious detail.

Infinity Signs-One of the most popular tattoos to celebrate the love you have for another person is the infinity sign.  There are more variations of the infinity sign than you can imagine.  Some people put quotes in them, others put names, and some even put symbols of their lives like birds or arrows.  If you're a mom who wants a tattoo to celebrate the life of your child, why not consider getting an infinity sign in the colors of your children's birth stones?

Your child's name in their own child-like handwriting-There's something magical about the first time the scribbles of a child begin to resemble their name.  Getting something written in your child's handwriting or even a picture that they drew for you that melted your heart is a perfect way to memorialize the magic of their childhood.

Fingerprints-Like footprints, your child's fingerprints signify the singular identity of your child.  If you have multiple children, a good tattoo artist can shape them into something beautiful and distinctively yours.  No one else in the world has the same fingerprints as your child unless you have them tattooed on your body.

Unity symbols-Our children were once a part of our body, and even though they are born and removed from us, a part of them will always remain connected.  Mother-child unity symbols remind us that no matter how far apart you are, the connection between you and your child remains.

Favorite childhood book quotes-When my children were small, I always read 'I'll Love You Forever' by Roger Knapp.  As they grew, it became how we told each other 'I love you'. When my oldest daughter, Kylie grew up, we tattooed it on our wrists.  She now works at Mischievous Arts Tattoo and creates one-of-a-kind art for others to put permanently on their bodies.  She would be glad to help you discuss the perfect Mother's Day tattoo with you.


No matter what tattoo you choose to celebrate your children, the staff at Mischievous Arts Tattoo in Gresham are happy to help make it the most memorable and heartfelt tattoo on your body. Mischievous Arts is located at 11 NE 10th Drive in Gresham.  Email them at matattoos@gmail.com or call 503.492.5275.

Out with the old and in with the new

Think for a moment of spring.  Birds chirp in the trees that are exploding with flowers, and the crisp

air is filled with the smell of freshness.  People begin opening their windows and sweeping out the dark dust filled corners of their homes.

Spring cleaning isn't just a term for purging things you don't need and wiping down counters.  It's also a ritual used to rid negativity and for a fresh start. 

Mischievous Arts Tattoo in Gresham has done just that.  From top to bottom, inside and out, they have purged all negativity and have replaced it with serenity.  Waldo McClanahan has taken his studio back to basics.

"I still want it to be fun, but when you come in, I want you to feel like you're walking into your grandparents living room." McClanahan explains as he talked about the new vibe of Mischievous Arts Tattoo.  He goes on to say that when you walk in, he wants you to feel like family, because you are indeed part of the Mischievous Arts family.

Waldo wants to celebrate the jump to a more positive atmosphere, and this weekend he is doing just that.  He's inviting everyone to come and see for themselves how incredibly wonderful it is to go to Mischievous Arts.  From a whole array of psychic readings and charged stones for sale by Misty Denson, local Metaphysical Specialist to a guest spot by tattoo artist and brother to McClanahan, Drew  McClanahan, there will be no shortage of talent at Mischievous Arts this weekend.

To top it off, anyone who comes in for a tattoo before May 1 will be entered in a raffle to win a FREE tattoo by Drew himself. 

If you've been looking for a different type of tattoo experience, make sure to stop in to Mischievous Arts Tattoo at 11 NE 10th Drive in Gresham of give them a call at 503.492.5275.

5 reasons you NEED a Tim Burton tattoo

Tim Burton's creations have long been inspiring tattoos, from Jack Skellington balloon heads being held by Sally to portraits of Edward Scissorhands.  Burton's work digs deeply into our imaginations and ties itself to our hearts in a way we can't understand.  All the better to memorialize your favorite character on your body in ink.

Here are 5 reasons you need a Tim Burton tattoo.

1. They are incredibly easy to personalize.  
   
2. There are so many characters, there is sure to be one you love.
3. You can share your love of all things Burton with the world.
4. Want a dog that will live as long as you will?  Frankenweenie is the perfect pet!
5. Mischievous Arts is offering up a deal for all Tim Burton themed tattoos!!!  It's a deal you can't pass up.  If you love Tim Burton, get your own Burton themed tattoo through the month of April for just $80 per hour!  

The reasons are endless for a Tim Burton themed tattoo, but the best one is at Mischievous Arts in Gresham.  Call to make an appointment today!

503.492.5275