PROCESS: How To Make a Tattoo Machine by NORM
The ageless craft of body art aids in paving the way for many of its modern day practitioners to expand their creative mind and explore various art forms. Although some may take to tattooing as a means to fund their struggling art career, once establish their search for a new form of expression continues. Early on Cali-bred creative NORM found solace in the Bay Area streets tagging vacant walls with his signature style and love for urban culture. Aided through the support of the AWR/ MSK crew and a growing network of colleagues from his emerging tattoo vocation, NORM raised through the ranks of notable graffiti artists turning his eye once again to the world of fine art. With a dedicated and passionate work ethic rarely seen, his trademark street art, precise calligraphy and analytical portrayal of the female form have been praised in galleries around the globe earning him worldwide acclaim. In his latest undertaking, NORM has entered the realm of machine artistry crafting his own line of intricate, signature tattoo machines. Advancing our introspecting PROCESS series, the multifaceted craftsman allows us to document the evolution behind fabricating one of these renowned tools in his Los Angeles studio and tattoo shop, Will Rise.
The ageless craft of body art aids in paving the way for many of its modern day practitioners to expand their creative mind and explore various art forms. Although some may take to tattooing as a means to fund their struggling art career, many also use it as a way of continuing the search for creativity. Early on Cali-bred creative NORM found solace in the Bay Area streets tagging vacant walls with his signature style and love for urban culture. Aided through the support of the AWR/MSK crew and a growing network of colleagues from his emerging tattoo vocation, NORM raised through the ranks of notable graffiti artists turning his eye once again to the world of fine art. With a dedicated and passionate work ethic rarely seen, his trademark street art, precise calligraphy and analytical portrayal of the female form have been praised in galleries around the globe earning him worldwide acclaim. In his latest undertaking, NORM has entered the realm of machine artistry crafting his own line of intricate, signature tattoo machines. Advancing our introspecting PROCESS series, the multifaceted craftsman allows us to document the evolution behind fabricating one of these renowned tools in his Los Angeles studio and tattoo shop, Will Rise.
Photography: Brandon Shigeta/HYPEBEAST
- 01 Materials
- 02 The First Cut
- 03 Measurement
- 04 Braising
- 05 Grinding
- 06 Polishing
- 07 Machine Blueing
- 08 Drying
- 09 Trade Secrets
- 10 Fitting
- 11 The Details
- 12 Assembly
- 13 Assembly Pt. 2
- 14 The Spring
- 15 Clearance
- 16 Engraving
- 17 Almost Finished
- 18 Tuning
- 19 Prep For Testing
- 20 Testing
- 21 Results
