While scores of youngsters are hooked to quirky designs when it comes to getting inked, a few opt for religious symbols and zodiac signs. However, all clients dedicate tattoos to their loved ones
Himanshu Guru
The practice of inking body parts, permanently or temporarily with a hot needle, is prevalent among rural women in Orissa and the trend has lately arrived in the fashion world in the form of ‘tattoo’. The traditional process of getting the body inked is known as ‘chita kuteiba’ in the vernacular. Even today the practice is witnessed in remote villages.
But the tattoo owes its origin to prevailing trends – basically an import from the western world in a sophisticated and stylish form. Youngsters are big fans of tattoos. Orissa Post visits tattoo studios in Bhubaneswar to catch up on the trend.
“A permanent tattoo lasts a lifetime. Hence people should think closely before getting inked. They should check the portfolio of the tattoo artiste,” says Rocky, owner of Rocky Tattos at Sahid Nagar.
Rocky says around 40 per cent of the clients prefer religious symbols and figures of idols, while the rest go for fashion icons or get parts of their arms inked in dedication of a loved one.
“I do portraits. It is one segment of tattoo making that talented artistes specialise in. I have done portraits of Narendra Modi, Mother Teresa, mythical characters like Parsuram and gods and goddesses like Lord Ganesh. Tattoos of Lord Shiva and objects related to Him like the trident, drum and ‘om’ and ‘lingam’ signs are what many clients prefer. Clients ask us to draw portraits of their parents or design simple messages in their arms or other body parts like ‘I love you Maa’. Some want the portraits of their girlfriends tattooed in their arms,” Rocky says.
Tattoo pigments are either jet black or of different shades. The former is more in demand. “Colourful tattoos suit only those who have a fair complexion. Black ink is suited for the average Indian skin tone,” the tattoo artiste explains.
Rocky’s X factor is he keeps everything hygienic. “From the tablecloth to the needle and the chemicals used, I change them every time I work on a new client,” he says.
A native of Aska in Ganjam district, Rocky, after his diploma in electrical, moved Mumbai in 2013. He was a good painter that helped him grasp the art of tattoo making in no time. He says: “I worked at Inkholics in Navi Mumbai for a year and returned to Orissa to launch my studio.”
Rocky charges Rs 500 for a square inch of design. Students prefer tattoos ranging between Rs 2000 and Rs 3000. While they have a limited budget professionals don’t mind shelling out Rs 10,000 to 15,000 for an eye-catching design.
Aftercare is an important aspect, says Rocky. “I wrap the tattoo with polythene that I ask the client to open not before two hours by which time some plasma comes out. After that it is essential to keep the tattooed area dry and avoid contact with water, sunlight or sweat. It is also vital to clean the tattooed area once a day and the ointment I prescribe for application on the area is A&D.”
To the question as to what are the body parts that client usually want to get inked, Rocky replies: “Boys mainly prefer their biceps, triceps and forearms while girls prefer the neck region, ankles and shins as well as the back of the waist. We don’t serve clients below 18 years of age and make sure we verify their age proof before catering to them.”
How comfortable are his female customers with Rocky? The artiste says: “I take the skin as a canvas and concentrate on work without distractions of any kind.”
At Rocky’s studio we find Ramakant Jena who has visited the shop for the first time. He says: “I am a production assistant with a company and Saturday is my holiday. I want to dedicate my tattoo to my mother Jharana Jena who I love dearly. I will ask the artiste to inscribe the words ‘Love You Maa’ in Hindi in my arm. I prefer a colourful tattoo.”
Ramakant says he has checked Rocky’s designs on the internet and was hooked. His family members don’t know about him getting inked. “I have not intimated them because there’s nobody at home,” he says.
The young professional doesn’t care much about what his friends would say. “I am doing it for my satisfaction and not according to others’ choices,” he adds.
Bishnuprasad Ojha is the owner of the four-month-old Dark Age studio at BMC Bhawani Mall in the capital city. He has four years of experience in the field and has undertaken a one-year course which touched upon aspects like skin diseases resulting from tattoos, client handling and other techniques of tattoo making.
“We deal in temporary tattoos, body piercing, permanent tattoos and customisation of tattoos. A newly-made tattoo should be protected from water, sunlight and dust and the client should also stop visiting the gym for a few days. Also, diabetics should not go for tattoos. We provide clients either Ayurvedic ointment or A&D and some vitamins with petroleum jelly and antibiotics as aftercare.”
Neel who has recently joined Ojha’s parlour is a professional tattoo maker trained from KDZ Tattoos international studio in Delhi. He specialises in portraits of Lords Shiva and Krishna besides conceptual designs. Neel says: “Many of our clients prefer portraits (pencil sketches) of their family members.”
“Youngsters prefer to get inked in their wrists, biceps, triceps and back neck. Girls prefer tattoos in their ankles, feet and back neck and a few want their back waists to attract attention. Some clients need ask for their names to be inscribed while a few others dedicate the designs to their loved ones. A few clients have a fascination for the zodiac symbols,” says Neel.
At Dark Age OP meets Chittaranjan Behera from Junagarh in Kalahandi district. Neel rushes to attend him. “This is not the first time that I am visiting a studio. I want my name and designs of three birds inked on my forearm,” he says.