close menu

Inked Wednesday #30 – Pop Culture-Inspired Tattoos by Josh Bodwell

If you’ve watched A&E’s Epic Ink, you’ll recognize the name Josh Bodwell. The tattoo artist creates vivid and detailed pieces inspired by darn near every corner of pop culture. Star Wars, Legend of Zelda, Doctor Who, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles–his portfolio is overflowing with tattoos from these franchises and many others. I talked with Bodwell about his work, and he said he’s been tattooing for 13 years.

“I knew I always wanted to be an artist, from childhood ambitions of doing comic book illustration to my first art job as a graphic designer,” he told me. “When I got the opportunity to begin a tattoo apprenticeship, I knew it was my perfect fit.”

As mentioned, Bodwell seemingly specializes in geeky tattoos and it just sort of worked out that way. He said, “I think we all attract a clientele that share our similar interests and my niche was slowly build on having clients that were nerds like me allowing me to create pop culture tattoos on them. In the last 5-6 years as my portfolio of nerdy pieces grew coupled with my appearance on A&E’s reality tattoo show Epic Ink, I’d say about 75% of my clients request geeky tattoos these days!”

He, of course, has his own ink in the nerdy category. “I have portraits of Darth Vader and Yoda as well as some smaller tribute pieces to Star Wars and Jurassic Park. One of my very first tattoos was a Rebel Alliance symbol but that along with some 90’s tribal are getting laser removed for more room. I still have many plans for more!”

Yoda tattoo

While he plans more tattoos for himself, he keeps busy adding permanent art to others. See many more examples of Bodwell’s work in the below gallery and be sure to follow him on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the beautiful ink.

Gallery

What is Wrong with MAD MAX’s War Boys?

What is Wrong with MAD MAX’s War Boys?

article
The Mysterious Medical Condition That Gives People Dragon Faces

The Mysterious Medical Condition That Gives People Dragon Faces

article
Daniel Radcliffe's Penis Saves the Day in SWISS ARMY MAN Red Band Trailer

Daniel Radcliffe's Penis Saves the Day in SWISS ARMY MAN Red Band Trailer

article