Hello awesome people!
How are you? If you can’t be bothered to read my waffle about tattoos, then skip this bit and get down to the bit in bold. Aren’t I helpful? I can see that you’re eager for this latest comp. All I did was post one tweet about tattoos and I had about 50 replies. Several were resplendent with pictures, what you were going to get next and some of you even volunteering to get an Awesome Merch tattoo. Although that last offer may have been a joke. When I first went up to Leeds to talk through some plans for all things social at AM, I drank a bottle of cider (3 litres of cheap, stomach-lining-melting, liquid chemicals) on the train. I vaguely remembering telling Luke (Awesome boss) I’d get an Awesome Merch tattoo. I haven’t yet but maybe I will. It wouldn’t look out of place with my Welsh microwave, a picture of my best friend’s head, me riding a horse, my Chinese tour manager, my friends’ band’s logo, the woman from Bewitched and a poo tank. In fact, I think it’d add a touch of class. That’s the thing about tattoos. They’re a very personal thing. Unless you’re pissed on a stag-do and you all get ‘smashed in Luton’ tattooed on your feet, but it’s still kind of unique and you’ll have a permanent reminder of that weekend.
So we’ve established tattoos are a personal and very subjective thing. One person’s rose would be another person’s anchor. The other good thing about tattoos is that you always know when someone has got one, even if they’re hidden. Why? Because within 5 minutes of meeting someone, you’re lifting up your shirt and showing them your fresh new ink. It’s the same with iPhones and veganism. You’ll know if someone has either of those things, because they’ll tell you immediately. I can prove this because I am both. I also have tattoos. I’ll post a picture later. Wink.
Tattoos are now more mainstream than ever. Although this is a terrible example, I was watching This Morning the other morning (don’t hate me) and Jodie Marsh (hate her) was on arguing for tattoos, whilst some right-wing upper-class lady said they were disgusting, and she’d shoot her children if they got them. I know Jodie Marsh and tattoos is like comparing Jedward with Mozart but these days even glamour models are jumping on the tattoo-wagon, and getting sleeves instead of losing bras. Another example, even the most refined of sportsmen – cricketers, are now sporting sleeves with players such as Jade Dernbach, Peter Trego and Michael Clarke all inked up to the max whilst still having the delicacy needed to bite into their cucumber sandwiches (no crusts).
Anyway, I have gone on about tattoos for ages now. I love the inky little buggers and can’t wait to get more, as I’m sure anyone else who has one will agree. As soon as you go home with the first one, you’re already planning where you’re going to get your second one. This is where we come in. This is what the Awesome Tattoos comp is all about. Well it’s in two parts actually. Here we go.
1) TATTOO SHOPS & TATTOOISTS.
You’ve all instantly won a sample pack. Mail me at jhon@awesomemerchandise.com with your address, shirt size and web link* – to prove you’re a tattooist.
To celebrate your needle skills, we’re going to give one of you a massive prize of 250 business cards, 25 A3 heavyweight art prints, 100 x 25mm badges, 250 x custom shaped vinyl stickers, and either 50 screen printed tote bags OR 50 white shirts, screen printed with one colour. You choose the last bit. The idea being that you promote your tattoo business in style!
One of you who e-mails us, will be picked at random to win the prize. I’ll add you all to a big list and then pick a number out of a hat. We don’t use your e-mails for spam purposes. Cool huh? You can return the favour by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter. It’s as simple as a candy skull on an elbow. Is that simple? I have no idea.
2) EVERYONE ELSE.
So by now, you’re thinking – ‘I’m not a tattooist, how can I be a winner too?’ Well at least I hope you are. Fear not, we have an AWESOME prize for all you tattoo fans. We have teamed up with top tattooist Craigy Lee to give you a free tattoo! Craigy is an English gent who has been travelling the world, working guest-spots in shops from Germany to Australia, Cornwall to Neptune (last one is a lie) whilst writing for Skin Deep and having one of those excellent twirly moustaches. If you win, Craigy is going to give you a three hour session FOR FREE. See below** for more details. So you could win an AWESOME tattoo by an AWESOME tattooist. We’ll also give you 250 x paper stickers of your design, so you can show off. Check out Craigy Lee and all his awesome art – RIGHT HERE!
All you have to do is to TWEET us your tattoo idea with the tag #awesometattoos and Craigy and I will choose our favourite one. Give a reason, explain why you want it. We’ll judge it on the idea, the sentiment and feel free to send a picture! The picture isn’t obligatory and you won’t be judged on art but what we think is AWESOME. You will then get that idea (redrawn by Craigy if needs be) tattooed as your prize! The winners from both parts will be announced on Monday July 23rd at noon.
One more rule – NO DISSING OTHER DESIGNS. Tattoos are subjective. You can diss my tattoo below. That’s fine.
That’s it. This took bloody ages to write. I’m off to colour in my knees with a biro. Keep it awesome!
Jhon x
Website, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest & Twitter.
* You will need to prove you are a tattooist by sending across a website, fan page or some other proof. We don’t really classify you as a tattooist if you’ve a gun made from gum and paperclips, and you tattoo beer glasses on your friends at the weekends. Although that is awesome. Our decision is final on both that and the winner! You must be based in the U.K or mainland Europe.
** His prize is a 3 hour session that must be claimed between September and October 2012 at Electric Vintage Tattoo in Bath. Or if you’re northern, the Tattoo Jam at Doncaster Racecourse 12th-14th October 2012 (entry ticket not included). The prize is for one three hour session, on one person, on one day. You’ll have to make your own way there and back. We’ve checked and the venues are insured, so you’re good to go. Craigy and I will choose the winner! Our decision is final. Enter as many times as you want! Use the #awesometattoos tag! You must get your idea tattoed.
***You have to be 18 years old to get a tattoo. You’re responsible for your own body and neither Awesome Merchandise or Craigy Lee take any responsibility if you don’t like your tattoo (you will though). Tattoos are for life and not just for dogs. Normal tattoo shop rules apply. If you don’t like tattoos, then enter one of our other comps!
Craigy hard at work!
One of his pin-ups!
This was my first ever tattoo (no, it’s not Gok Wan). It’s my Chinese tour manager and his catchphrase ’Try your best.’ Not by Craigy.
Tags: Art, awesome merchandise, Craigy Lee, Ink, tats, tattooists, tattoos
