Is it ever ok to ‘copy’ a tattoo?

[3luckystars]

I have been eyeing up a tattoo artist for a few years, I love his work, it’s very unusual.
He is abroad and I have tried to make an appointment twice but he has given up tattooing now and is just an artist now (for museums etc)

Anyway, I absolutely love one of his tattoos, it’s a bird but very obviously his work, isn’t it ok to ask a tattoo artist to recreate it (in a different colour) for me?

I don’t know if this is frowned upon, should I write to him and ask permission or is it ok to use his work as a template if the end result is slightly different?

I would love any advice or opinions. Thanks a million.

Do not do this, its massively frowned upon and any decent artist would refuse to copy someone else's work anyway.

No, not acceptable. You could find an artist with a similar style and show them the picture as an example of what you like. Create your own piece.

Thanks I have been reading up since posting this thread and came to the same conclusion.
(it’s probably ok to use a well known painting but never ever to copy another tattoo.)

I wrote to the artist again and asked him if I could use one of his drawings on me as he is no longer tattooing himself and I will gladly pay, I also apologized for asking and hope he takes my praises for all his art, I really love it.

Anyway I will bring his drawings and some other peoples work that I like to the tattoo artist here in Ireland and ask if she can recreate something of s similar style (it’s kind of sketchy) and see what she says.

Thanks again.

Sounds like a reasonable approach...best of luck!

Unless it is copyrighted then I don’t see the problem whatsoever.

The thing is, I bet if you asked for the Mona Lisa or some Van Gogh sunflowers no one would say a word.

I'd talk to a tattoo artist and see what they say. They may prefer to redesign it a little or incorporate it within another design.

@greendale copyright law does apply to tattoo art but it's very complicated

Unless it is copyrighted then I don’t see the problem whatsoever.
All original works are automatically copyrighted until seventy years after the creator's death.

Well @MongerTruffle after all my reading, I did not know that!

That's amazing, does that go for all original art works or just tattoos?

I'm learning a lot. I'm hoping the artist replies to me. Thanks for all the advice.

That's amazing, does that go for all original art works or just tattoos?
All original works - not just art. Photos, music, books, essays, drawings, etc are all copyrighted.

Wow. You are joking!

That's absolutely amazing, I never knew that.

This is a good guide:
www.gov.uk/copyright

Any reputable tattoo artist will refuse to copy another's work. Even if it a different colour. :)