Eye See Awesome Ink – Optical Tattoos

Eye See Awesome Ink – Optical Tattoos

I appreciate art. Probably more than many. When I schedule a trip to Vision Expo East or SILMO, 100% Optical, or MIDO, I always build in time to visit an art museum to stroll and admire, to gaze in awe, to become inspired.

I also appreciate the art of tattoos. Where I can change a frame to fit my mood or complement my wardrobe, a tattoo doesn’t readily change so easy, or really at all. So most of us are very careful when considering what we want to be embedded into our skin for eternity. While I have only one tattoo (for now) I admire those who have chosen to artfully decorate their skin. Ink fits some of us and not others. I don’t think I could ever pull off the full sleeve look or consider anything above the collar line, but that’s just me. Some can carry it off wonderfully.

Many opticians and optometrists are very quick to show off their optical ink, especially to peers. Let’s be honest though. Most optical tattoos are pretty timid and boring. We’ve all seen more than our fair share of Wayfarer silhouettes as tattoos. While one can admire the dedication to our industry, many of these tattoos lack the imagination that is so prevalent in the eyewear these same people wear and sell.

We’ve also seen some of the Darwin Award contenders who have paid to have a pair of eyeglasses tattooed around their eyes, on their face, as if they were wearing a pair of eyeglasses. First of all, I can only imagine the pain of tatttoing so close to the eyes and scalp where little fat protects the skin. Secondly, what the h#ll are they thinking? Then again there was a trend not long ago where people were actually tattooing their eyes, and of course many lost their eyesight doing so. Like anything else, some people get a little carried away at times.

While I like most of the optical ink I’ve seen shared in Facebook forums, most pale in comparison to really good tattoo art. The following are some terrific optical tattoos that really take things to the next level. These works of art showcase not only the artist’s incredible skills but showcase the art of optical in ways so many ads never do.

Do you have an awesome optical tattoo you want to share with us? Send us a picture. We may award a prize for something incredible.