AP Quickie: 'Color Outside The Lines' Doc To Showcase Black Tattoo Artists - PREVIEW

'Color Outside The Lines', a film by Artemus Jenkins and Miya Bailey, will put the spotlight on Black tattoo artists, including AP members such as Zulu and Afro-punk movie director James Spooner. It was brought to our attention by AP member D1V1NE. Watch a preview below, with footage they shot when they traveled to Los Angeles! (film to be released in early 2012)
The project description explains: "The film is the brainchild of one of the world's most widely recognized black tattoo artists; Miya Bailey. For over 5 years the idea has always been in his head to create a film that not only sheds light on the artform, but also allows the artform to be represented in the right way. There are a lot of stigmas attached to black tattoo artists and their side of the culture; ranging from a lack of creativity to overall poor quality of work. This in turn has lead to artists from other backgrounds and those in the black community choosing to take their business elsewhere in search of quality work. (...) The film highlights the history of black tattoo culture and how it began in the south despite a heavily segregated climate for black artists seeking entry. We cover signature styles and how those styles have developed and influenced newer artists over the years. Tattooing in the media is another important aspect, as it is the biggest factor of how the cultures influence has spread. It is no secret that entertainers and athletes dictate the trends younger generations pick up on and tattooing is no different. What is surprising is despite the money these cultural icons have, some of their work is no better than the kid who got his in a basement down the street from his house. This further deludes the public as to what great artwork looks like and what is available to everyday people."
There's a Kickstarter campaign to fund the project. They've already reached their initial goal, but you can still help them out if you'd like to.

Tags: Artists, Black, Color, Documentary, Lines, Outside, Tattoo, The

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Comment by Hitch on December 24, 2011 at 2:56am: Dopeness. Come to Chicago

Comment by Miko on December 22, 2011 at 5:14pm: OMG Miya Bailey, City of Ink, ATL, GA, I can't wait until i get my tat done by him. I love Miya's work. I became a fan of his since myspace. he is the first african american artist that I have seen do work like this and I'm sick and tired of this ugly tats that have no meaning and the artist just trace over pictures. his work have soul to it! I love his movement and what he stands for. God Bless you Miya

Comment by Marsha Davison on December 19, 2011 at 7:33pm: I have not kept up with Tattoo culture. I kid of lost interest when it became mainstream, but I do hope that this documentary or series makes mention of the fact that counter-culture blacks in the U.S. were getting tattooed before entertainment and sports figures and that mainstream black folks were mocking us for being weird. I got my first "home-made" tat in '89 and professional tat in '91 and I actually had some black kids jokingly ask me if I had been in jail because "black folks don't have tattoos unless they are criminals. It's funny now, but I was pissed as hell at the time. Being alternative and having a tattoo in Michigan at that time made certain black people treat me like I had two heads.

Comment by Chanae Brown on December 19, 2011 at 7:08pm: Sounds exciting, I'm ready to see it!

Comment by HeartOfAMetalhead on November 17, 2011 at 10:29pm: I know Zulu cause he does Janet Jackson's tattoos and I'm a huge fan of Janet

Comment by Angelic on November 16, 2011 at 4:01pm: cool

Comment by Roni Zulu on June 27, 2011 at 7:56pm: It is an honor to be a part of this film and to humbly serve the community. I’m so proud of the younger artists who are rising up and I will continue to do all I can to ensure they will accomplish even greater things than I have. Keep on keepin’ on brothas and sistas!!!

Comment by Mista Masaai on June 24, 2011 at 10:34am: Dope. Looking forward to my copy of this

Comment by MIDAS TOUCH on June 23, 2011 at 6:23pm: Need to add Twig Sparks (Orlando, FL). One of the stars of the TV sereies "Inked"

www.afterinked.com

http://www.facebook.com/twig.sparks

twig@afterinked.com

Comment by kala on June 23, 2011 at 5:44pm: im so excited to see this! :D
its a goal of mine to get some ink by a Black artist. show me where theyre at!