I like how quiet the audio is. No loud blasting rock or anything like that, it really makes me focus on Chris more and hear what he is actually all about. He also seems like a really humble guy that just wants to give the clients the best that he can give.
I have both my arms done by Chris, well finishing my second arm tomorrow. I always watch this video before I go see him, we started 5 years ago. He is honestly one of the nicest ppl I have ever met and so talented. If you’re thinking about Japanese tattoos, go to him you’ll have a great experience
It's kind of sad how so many go all: "it's not Tebori, thus not traditional" or "he's not Japanese" which makes it somehow invalid. It's the imagery and placement that makes it traditional. Much Irezumi shows visual stories of the heroes of the Suikoden and/or implement Yokai and deities. Many non-Japanese tattoo artists are incredibly knowledgeable on these intricate parts of Japanese culture. Since tattoos are a huge taboo in Japan itself (they can't get rid of the criminal stigma), Japanese artists highly value their non-Japanese peers and clients as they show a huge appreciation for their culture through their art and they actually learn from each other. Even Horiyoshi lll, who is largely considered the greatest living Japanese tattoo artist today, has learned from and borrowed techniques from the west. It's his imagery that makes it a 100% traditional Japanese. His senior apprentice is a German who is accepted into the Hori family and actually carries the Hori name: Horikitsune. Horikitsune is highly skilled in Tebori as well. I know for a fact that many Japanese tattoo masters interact with non-Japanese tattoo artists and there is great respect for each other.
@Boss T go sit down, command and conquer. Humans in general have been doing this too eachother since the dawn of time you just wanna blame white people for everything.
Reguardless of the title, I think this mans work is awesome. He has learned from many people, whether it be in person ,books or examples. And has enough of a conscious to feel bad for people letting new artists practice on them lol.
reward 4 chikani yeah man it always trips me out to think about shaving and spreading another dudes ass.. stretch that skin! I don't think I'm that passionate about anything.
Kekoa Kawakami let me dangle a good bag of cash in front of your face to do something you love, but just in a weird place that is usually just your own mind psyching yourself out... and it isn’t gay unless dicks touch duh
Timothy Hoyer has done both of my Japanese half sleeves. One is 10 years old the other is 5 years old. To this day I get complimented on them by random people just walking around. These guys are all extremely talented. It is an honor to get tattooed by such talented artists.
I love the Japanese style of tattoos. So bright and colourful. I actually have a Japanese Koi fish tattoo on my right bicep, it's in black and grey. Watching from London UK. 🇬🇧
I love eating Slim Jims, watching Polka Party on TV, sorting my recyclables and - when possible - incorporating the three into my love making. Now, let me show you my tattoos.
... that being said, vice should do a documentary about traditional japanese tattoo :) it would be interesting to see how they make the bamboo needles and do the outlines by hand without a machine, some even make their own inks, also the customers should still mainly be yakuza members and corporate bosses. also some artists intentionally incorporate scarring into the design, which i havent seen in western tattoos.
I never had a actural tattooer I really enjoyed. But after watching this video im a huge fan of his work now. By far my favorite. Great work. Amazing artist. Talks about tattooing how its supposed to be instead of talking about nonsense that has nothing to do with tattooing.
U can tell this guy is fallowing his heart, and when u do that with faith your dreams come true or "materialize" as he put it. And not all of us arw born to become famouse, just the smallest simple things can be fallowing your heart..
To everyone complaining about the title: Yes you are right. He is not a "traditional Japanese" Tattooer. Nor is that his style. Chris, himself, posted on his blog insisting that his style is NOT traditional. Rather, it is a "blend" influenced by many, many styles including traditional Japanese and Tibetan.
hahah wow! This is the first time i've seen this! Had the pleasure of being tattooed by Chris several times......12:54 is the line drawing and background of my backpiece.
I don't know where people are coming from when they say his work is sloppy and not good. His work is amazing and he does have talent! If you guys think his work sucks how about you try drawing the masterpieces he has tattooed on his clients.
It really sucks what's happened to tattoos and tattooing. It's great it's popular, but it has really destroyed the ability for regular people to get quality work. The majority of people that get tattoos are blue collar guys but they are being charged white collar prices. Just kind of sucks to see.
I originally commented on the title of the video; saying that it shouldn't be called traditional japanese tattooing because it isn't. Probably my biggest issue esthetically about Japanese style western tattoos is the fact that the wind bars, water and clouds are generally far too compressed and dark. There's also a bit of an issue with the shading of the wind bars. They seem to almost always be very dark with very little shading into the light part. Things end up looking a little too harsh imo.
Its funny actually, I am from RVA and am about to possibly start an apprenticeship at the Absolute Art that hes talking about. Tattooing for one year, since I was 17, dreaming of one day doing art for a living and being as esteemed as Chris. You're an inspiration to me man.
Yes, I also mentioned in my first comment that even the visual isn't really traditional. For some reason, almost all tattoo artists in Japan use the same style of clouds, water and wind bars. Americans and European artists usually have more swept and thinner waves, darker, thinner wind bars and condensed, smaller, darker clouds. This is why I stated that a Japanese artist would know that these tattoos weren't Japanese because you can see that from the style. Doesn't mean it's not great work.
definitly agree with you... the title is extremely misleading. I also thought they way he tattooed was different than the normal machinery way... the title should've been traditional japanese tattoo.
there is no arguement because you do not tattoo. Its called Traditional because of the style.(images, stories, the WAY things are drawn and how the tattoo LOOKS).. All the real tattooists at my shop just told me to not even argue with the unaware public and let you be right...so I will end it at that.
14.43!!! What an honour!! I'm probably one of the only Ed Hardy T shirt wearers. / owners who already knew who he was before I bought the T shirt!! 2000 Dragons!!!
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
I like how quiet the audio is. No loud blasting rock or anything like that, it really makes me focus on Chris more and hear what he is actually all about. He also seems like a really humble guy that just wants to give the clients the best that he can give.
"I literally try harder every time.", and that my friend, is the key to success.
Please bring this series back! I've watched all the episodes 20 times and need more
I have both my arms done by Chris, well finishing my second arm tomorrow. I always watch this video before I go see him, we started 5 years ago. He is honestly one of the nicest ppl I have ever met and so talented. If you’re thinking about Japanese tattoos, go to him you’ll have a great experience
This guy is the epitome of an artist. I can relate to him on so many levels. Love how real he is also. You don’t see that type of honesty every day.
I live in Asia and I know people here who are going to America to get Japanese tattoos from Chris O'Donnell. Dude is legit.
It's kind of sad how so many go all: "it's not Tebori, thus not traditional" or "he's not Japanese" which makes it somehow invalid. It's the imagery and placement that makes it traditional. Much Irezumi shows visual stories of the heroes of the Suikoden and/or implement Yokai and deities. Many non-Japanese tattoo artists are incredibly knowledgeable on these intricate parts of Japanese culture. Since tattoos are a huge taboo in Japan itself (they can't get rid of the criminal stigma), Japanese artists highly value their non-Japanese peers and clients as they show a huge appreciation for their culture through their art and they actually learn from each other. Even Horiyoshi lll, who is largely considered the greatest living Japanese tattoo artist today, has learned from and borrowed techniques from the west. It's his imagery that makes it a 100% traditional Japanese. His senior apprentice is a German who is accepted into the Hori family and actually carries the Hori name: Horikitsune. Horikitsune is highly skilled in Tebori as well. I know for a fact that many Japanese tattoo masters interact with non-Japanese tattoo artists and there is great respect for each other.
@Mr. Holliday a response to an asshole from another asshole
And a plus, the Japanese actually like foreigners embracing their culture.
@Boss T go sit down, command and conquer. Humans in general have been doing this too eachother since the dawn of time you just wanna blame white people for everything.
The rest of the world is suffering from the stigma as well not just Japan parents in the western world hate it too
What a nice, genuine dude!
Reguardless of the title, I think this mans work is awesome. He has learned from many people, whether it be in person ,books or examples. And has enough of a conscious to feel bad for people letting new artists practice on them lol.
Love this guy. A real artist is never happy with his own work. Always pushing to be better.
i don't know what is more nerve racking for the artist ? messing up the tattoo or having a big harry butt in front of his face ?
reward 4 chikani yeah man it always trips me out to think about shaving and spreading another dudes ass.. stretch that skin! I don't think I'm that passionate about anything.
Kekoa Kawakami let me dangle a good bag of cash in front of your face to do something you love, but just in a weird place that is usually just your own mind psyching yourself out... and it isn’t gay unless dicks touch duh
Call Jesus blood needs pray
Chris did my half sleeve koi bamboo and waves back in 2004. Still looks great, colorful still. He also introduced me to the band the shins. Great guy.
i like this guy a lot. seems very humble and genuine. i saw thomas hooper in a couple of shots... vice should do one on him. his style is epic.
Primal Urge!!! Some of the best SF tattoo artists came out of that shop.
This guy seems so humble
Funny how these youtube ''experts'' are trying to downplay Chris O Donnell lol Awesome video Vice!
amazingly self aware and humble. best of luck
all of you who are complaining about a master like chris O'Donnell are what's wrong with the tattoo industry
Timothy Hoyer has done both of my Japanese half sleeves. One is 10 years old the other is 5 years old. To this day I get complimented on them by random people just walking around. These guys are all extremely talented. It is an honor to get tattooed by such talented artists.
I love the Japanese style of tattoos. So bright and colourful. I actually have a Japanese Koi fish tattoo on my right bicep, it's in black and grey. Watching from London UK. 🇬🇧
this guy seems like a old soul in a new world, a true artist, a true perfectionist
This guy seems so chill and grounded.
so anyone notice how he looks like kevin love?
chris odonnel in a boss man tymothy hoyer is fucking amazing his work is killer
Wow, he's a really good guy. Shifted my views on tattoo artists and tattooing in general.
These are really gorgeous pieces! Wish I still lived on the East Coast, I would totally get my back done.
he is so humble. and i really like his style. thnks vice for another interestingly good documentary.
I love eating Slim Jims, watching Polka Party on TV, sorting my recyclables and - when possible - incorporating the three into my love making. Now, let me show you my tattoos.
Chris...you're on the way of becoming a tattoo legend. Great art, but even more a great attitude.
Chris I can tell you are a sweet gentle man and I aspire to be like you
He's brilliant in an attractive way. I don't know. Something about him just gives of a calm and caring vibe.
Cool relatable chad this guy. Very humble and doesn’t even reAlize how badass he is.
Wow, what a great guy. Seems seriously down to Earth and grounded about everything. Just keep trying harder. Just awesome.
3:25 Marcus Pacheco is one of the guys who started SHARP. He was on a lot talk shows in the 80's talking about skinheads.
Loved you in Batman and robin bro
... that being said, vice should do a documentary about traditional japanese tattoo :)
it would be interesting to see how they make the bamboo needles and do the outlines by hand without a machine, some even make their own inks, also the customers should still mainly be yakuza members and corporate bosses. also some artists intentionally incorporate scarring into the design, which i havent seen in western tattoos.
I never had a actural tattooer I really enjoyed. But after watching this video im a huge fan of his work now. By far my favorite. Great work. Amazing artist. Talks about tattooing how its supposed to be instead of talking about nonsense that has nothing to do with tattooing.
I LOVE these tattoo videos! MOAR vice!
U can tell this guy is fallowing his heart, and when u do that with faith your dreams come true or "materialize" as he put it. And not all of us arw born to become famouse, just the smallest simple things can be fallowing your heart..
This dude is def a perfectionist.. Always thinking hes not doing it completely right. I have to say man... You def are doing it right.
To everyone complaining about the title: Yes you are right. He is not a "traditional Japanese" Tattooer. Nor is that his style. Chris, himself, posted on his blog insisting that his style is NOT traditional. Rather, it is a "blend" influenced by many, many styles including traditional Japanese and Tibetan.
God I love his art style so so so much, I need to get a piece from him at least once in my life
hahah wow! This is the first time i've seen this! Had the pleasure of being tattooed by Chris several times......12:54 is the line drawing and background of my backpiece.
Looks amazing!
Impressed by his positive attitude and self sufficient decision to make it on his own without his parents help.
Timothy hoyers art is amazing 2 great artists
I love this man!
Chris odonnel ftw. My biggest inspiration!
Richmond, Virginia? 1994?! where and when I was born... awesome.
He manifested his own destiny, amazing.
Uploading 480p in 1080p doesn't make it any better this video looks like it's from a VHS.
You poor little thing, did you manage to get through the video? Do you need a letter of complaint?
You could argue that 'Traditional' is more about the visual style rather than the process.
I don't know where people are coming from when they say his work is sloppy and not good. His work is amazing and he does have talent! If you guys think his work sucks how about you try drawing the masterpieces he has tattooed on his clients.
this was the tattoo age I've been waiting for
I like his approach on knowing when its done
I miss this vice
How modest you are Chris O'donnell.
Does anybody know what that Staff-weilding monkey at 12:53 is? it looks very intriguing to me!
Love this guys style.
I can't believe some people are still saying that tatoo is not an art...
It really sucks what's happened to tattoos and tattooing. It's great it's popular, but it has really destroyed the ability for regular people to get quality work. The majority of people that get tattoos are blue collar guys but they are being charged white collar prices. Just kind of sucks to see.
i like your arts and your art best so we can't think about this is arts i wish you all the best
Nice to see an artist without tattoos up to his nostrils.
I originally commented on the title of the video; saying that it shouldn't be called traditional japanese tattooing because it isn't. Probably my biggest issue esthetically about Japanese style western tattoos is the fact that the wind bars, water and clouds are generally far too compressed and dark. There's also a bit of an issue with the shading of the wind bars. They seem to almost always be very dark with very little shading into the light part. Things end up looking a little too harsh imo.
his work is amazing wow
Great work
Pretty dope artist
Very inspiring and humble guy , much respect.
When i saw the title of the video i thought it was how Chris O Donell from NCIS: LA learned how to make traditional japanese tattoes XD
Its funny actually, I am from RVA and am about to possibly start an apprenticeship at the Absolute Art that hes talking about. Tattooing for one year, since I was 17, dreaming of one day doing art for a living and being as esteemed as Chris. You're an inspiration to me man.
Chris o donnel seems like a really cool laid back guy
he looks this young and has been tatooing this long crazy
Nice Grime piece at 1:47
Very nice. I love how the colour 'pops'!
Chris O'Donnell you are one cool dude. The kind of guy you'd feel comfortable under a needle with
Not the Chris O'Donnell I was expecting...
vice is awesome.
Dude is SICK!
Easy to say that from the safety of your computer, isn't it? He might not have phrased it well, but he had a point.
Awesome perspective on tattooing.
Yes, I also mentioned in my first comment that even the visual isn't really traditional. For some reason, almost all tattoo artists in Japan use the same style of clouds, water and wind bars. Americans and European artists usually have more swept and thinner waves, darker, thinner wind bars and condensed, smaller, darker clouds. This is why I stated that a Japanese artist would know that these tattoos weren't Japanese because you can see that from the style. Doesn't mean it's not great work.
We need one on Thomas hooper!!!!!
1;45 what a cute dog
Great interview!
Lol what if he farted
He gotta hold that shit in or he getting the shit smacked out of him
I don't like tattoos for the most part but that dude is chill
Richmond Virginia ❤️
Beautyfull story. Beautyfull Talent.
Badass!! I want a tattoo by Chris O Donnell
I love shisei!
definitly agree with you... the title is extremely misleading. I also thought they way he tattooed was different than the normal machinery way...
the title should've been traditional japanese tattoo.
Beautiful!
Beautiful work
Those few Tengu Tatoo's looked sick xD
I love tatto from Indonesia ❤️
I think his mom thought that he would mess up with people's tattoos💀
there is no arguement because you do not tattoo. Its called Traditional because of the style.(images, stories, the WAY things are drawn and how the tattoo LOOKS).. All the real tattooists at my shop just told me to not even argue with the unaware public and let you be right...so I will end it at that.
Amazing artist
humble dude.
14.43!!! What an honour!! I'm probably one of the only Ed Hardy T shirt wearers. / owners who already knew who he was before I bought the T shirt!! 2000 Dragons!!!
Absolute gent