CUSTOM CELTIC AND NORSE TATTOOS

There’s probably a reason you keep seeing the repetitive combination of the same four knotwork designs on every arm in every city, and the answer is not that they are the good ones. But they may be the only ones that are easily available. Celtic work is rare because it’s difficult, and because there’s no original to work from. What exists are interpretations, built over decades by a handful of studios, mostly in the UK, who developed their own recognizable Celtic style. Everyone else copies them, most of the time, poorly. And the Celtic work you’ve seen in films and TV series is about as authentic as an American actor playing a Russian character and doing the accent. Drawing a comprehensive Celtic design from scratch is one of the hardest things you can ask of a tattoo artist, and most of them aren’t up for the challenge. Mike finds it therapeutic, which probably says something about him and his work.

CELTIC OR NORSE?

People ask for both, and for the most part they mean the same thing. The names get used interchangeably, and what someone pictures when they say Norse is usually what someone else means by Celtic. Mike works in it either way, so the label matters less than what you’re actually after, which is ornamental work with a more contemporary spin on it.

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WHAT MAKES A CUSTOM CELTIC TATTOO WORK

The purpose of a great custom Celtic design is to look cohesive, visually appealing, and complete, while also staying readable. Like a custom-tailored suit, it has to be designed to fit the body it will be tattooed on and that body’s physique in order to be able to enhance it, rather than just looking great flat on paper. It must have a nice flow instead of making the eye get lost in the labyrinth. Usually, the trouble an inexperienced tattoo artist attempting to design a Celtic tattoo gets themselves into occurs when the start and the finish do not match and there is no way to connect them, so the elements get lost in the process.

Mike doesn’t borrow from Celtic designs that are already out there. Each piece gets drawn for the person it’s going on, and that’s a large part of why his work is recognizable the moment you see it. The other part is color. He brings his signature colors into the design, which separates his work from the rest in a very unique way.

OUR APPROACH

ArtHouse is old school, and that applies to the design process more than anything else. There is no AI involved in creating your Celtic design here. Every piece is created once, for one person. The design you get is uniquely yours, and you won’t see anyone else wearing it.
The other monumental requirement is that it has to age well. A Celtic tattoo is going to live on a moving body for the next twenty or thirty years (or longer), and the design must account for that from the beginning. Looking good on the day it’s finished isn’t the goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the age requirements for getting a Celtic Tattoo in Austin, Texas?

The legal age for getting a Celtic Tattoo in Austin, Texas, is 18 years of age.

How should I prepare for my Celtic Tattoo appointment?

Before your Celtic Tattoo appointment, ensure you are well-rested and have eaten a good meal. Avoid alcohol or blood thinners before your appointment, as they can increase bleeding. It’s also recommended to wear comfortable clothing that provides easy access to the area being tattooed.

What aftercare is needed for a Celtic Tattoo?

Aftercare is crucial for a new tattoo. Keep the tattoo clean and moisturized. Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist, which typically include gently washing the tattoo with mild soap, applying a light layer of aftercare ointment or lotion, and avoiding sun exposure. Avoid swimming or soaking in water for the first few weeks. Contact your tattoo artist or healthcare provider for any signs of infection or other concerns.