With today’s Midjourney prompt we are going to create some awesome images of inked people.
Tattoos
The history of tattoos dates back thousands of years and spans across various cultures around the world. While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact origins of tattoos, archaeological evidence suggests that tattooing has been practiced since ancient times.
Ancient Times: Tattoos have been found on mummified human remains dating back to around 5,000 years ago in Egypt. These tattoos were typically simple designs and often depicted abstract symbols or patterns.
Polynesia and Pacific Islands: Polynesia is often considered the birthplace of traditional tattooing. The art of tattooing held significant cultural and spiritual meaning in Polynesian societies. Intricate designs called "tatau" were created using combs with sharpened points, which were tapped into the skin. These tattoos often represented social status, genealogy, and other aspects of a person's identity.
Ancient China and Japan: Tattooing was prevalent in ancient China and Japan, but it carried a social stigma. Tattoos were primarily associated with criminality and were used as a form of punishment for prisoners. In Japan, during the Edo period (1603-1868), decorative tattoos called "irezumi" emerged as a form of body art among the working class, mainly firefighters and laborers.
Europe: Tattooing in Europe can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was associated with slavery and the marking of prisoners. However, during the 18th and 19th centuries, tattoos gained popularity among sailors and seafarers, as they often got tattoos to commemorate their travels and experiences. Tattoos became more mainstream in the late 19th century when European royals, such as Britain's Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), got tattoos, which helped to remove some of the social stigma.
Modern Era: In the late 19th century, Samuel O'Reilly patented the electric tattoo machine, which revolutionized the art of tattooing. This invention made the process faster and less painful, leading to a rise in tattoo culture. Tattoos gained popularity among various subcultures and countercultural movements, such as bikers, punks, and rockers, in the 20th century.
Today: Tattoos have become widely accepted as a form of self-expression and art in many parts of the world. They can carry personal meanings, commemorate loved ones, or simply be appreciated for their aesthetic value. Tattoo techniques and styles have evolved significantly, ranging from traditional designs to realistic portraits, watercolor effects, and geometric patterns.
Example Images
Here is what we are going to create….