Common Sense Media Review
By Melissa Camacho
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fairly tame reality show approaches inking as art.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Following in the footsteps of other popular tattoo-centric reality shows, TATTOO WARS pays homage to the creative process of converting the human body into a complex, painted work of art. In each episode, two internationally renowned tattoo artists agree to simultaneously sketch and ink a specific image onto a willing recipient in less than four hours during a crowded tattoo convention. The image -- which is agreed upon before the competition -- must showcase each tattooist's own unique style. Convention attendees vote for the one they like the most.
Is It Any Good?
The series approaches contemporary tattoo work as the modern form of an art that dates back to ancient times. Viewers get to see how tattooists research their designs, create rough sketches, and work with the shape of the human body to create their tattoos. Works ranging from ancient Japanese paintings to Picasso's Cubist pieces inspire them.
While not the most stimulating of shows, Tattoo Wars does offer some interesting details about tattooing as both an art form and as an industry. Tattoo artists describe some of the practices that are traditional to the industry and detail some of less-than-glamorous experiences they had as apprentices. They also showcase some of the complex body art for which they're famous.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about tattoos. What are some of the reasons that people get tattoos? What are they trying to communicate with their body art? Are all tattooists really artists? What are parents' and kids' opinions on tattoos? If they differ, why? Do people's opinions about body art tend to change as they get older? Why? Why is getting a piece of body art a big decision? What are some of the health issues associated with getting them? What happens if you change your mind later?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 11, 2007
- Cast : Nicole Alvarez
- Network : TLC
- Genre : Reality TV
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 19, 2019
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate