Beyond The Needle
Despite the rise in digital media, magazines have been a primary source of information and entertainment, reflecting the infinite interests of people worldwide. My interest and affinity for tattoos drove the creation of this magazine. I wanted to create a magazine catering to the tattoo world’s more informative and historical side.
In this project, I aimed to design a magazine with various articles and images and a definitive design system that could be reflected across multiple editions.
The magazine’s development required extensive research into historical information regarding American Traditional tattooing, key figures in this community, and how the style has developed through the years. I utilized information provided on the internet, as well as resources and examples I received from my personal tattoo artists. I spent considerable time choosing appropriate typefaces and sizes that reflect the magazine’s content while maintaining readability and sophistication. I also curated the content to span a wide range of topics encompassed by the overarching style of American Traditional tattooing.
The final production of the magazine features the primary magazine cover and three additional covers for potential sequential editions featuring other styles of tattooing. The magazine ultimately held four distinct articles spanning 40 pages covering four different American Traditional tattooing areas.
This project elevated my skill in managing large projects with many distinct elements working together to create a cohesive final product. I am now more confident in developing a functional design system and unique style reflective of the unique goals of a project.
First Edition
The first edition of Beyond The Needle features the American Traditional style of tattooing. I chose to begin the series with this style because it is one of the most well known and easily recognizable tattoo styles today.
Hyperrealism
Further Editions
New School
Fine Line
I chose these three styles for potential consecutive volumes of Beyond The Needle because I felt as though they showed the diversity of tattoo styles. Additionally, those who are more unfamiliar with tattooing might recognize these styles more easily than others.
The first article introduces the reader to the American Traditional style. This creates a foundation of understanding that supports the consecutive articles in this magazine.
The second article dives into the story and impact of one of tattoo history’s most influential artists. Sailor Jerry was a uniquely impactful artist whose artwork is easily recognized. This article allows the reader to better understand certain elements of tattoo history that are special to the style and era of Sailor Jerry.
The third article explains the transition from classic American Traditional tattoos to modern Neo-trad tattoos. This distinction is critical to recognize as both styles have many similarities but retain their own unique characteristics, meaning, and context.
The final article introduces the reader to several American Traditional figureheads and their work. Some examples of these artists’ work innclude sketches, stencils, flash sheets, and traditional artwork such as paintings. This article also provides insight into the network and careers of these artists in and out of the tattoo world.
