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The Joker: Origins and Meanings
Every few years, interest in DC’s iconic character ‘Joker’ resurfaces.
Sometimes it’s a new movie or comic that finds its way into the public sphere, shedding new light upon the twisted psyche of a character that has terrified Gotham and fans alike. Most recently, Joaquin Phoenix’s take on the role has gotten people talking — a lot!
Other times, it might just be a guy in a clown suit terrorizing local towns, causing media outlets to run wild with theories on whether The Joker is a bad influence on the youth.
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But there’s more to this archetype than just one character. In fact, the idea of ‘The Joker’ has been around for much longer — centuries, to be more precise!
The earliest versions of jokers are found in medieval times in various settings, from court jesters to playing cards. Jesters were hired to bring laughter and music as entertainment for royals and high-ranking officials. The image of a jester features on playing cards as you guessed it, The Joker card, and even in Tarot card decks as The Fool.
In all cases, jokers were thought of as comical and free-spirited, involving themselves in merrymaking and fantasizing. They were popularized by writers like Shakespeare, who exaggerated the character for comical effect. This exaggeration has continued over time making the jester go from free-spirited to increasingly risk-taking — and in some cases, like the modern Joker, maniacal.
The Joker has also historically been depicted as witty, highly intelligent, and all too aware of their own trauma and shortcomings as well as the world and its failings. This makes the character an extremely troubled, unpredictable, and often violent person. This version of The Joker has been adapted into many tales, including the Comedian in the Watchmen.
Jesters were always depicted wearing bright-colored outfits with eccentric hats. This look has since been popularized by another DC character and a constant victim of The Joker’s violence, Harley Quinn, who was herself based on another popular medieval comedic character — The Harlequin.
Whether your inspiration is a jester or fool, Harley Quinn or The Joker, one thing’s for sure — you probably really like the idea of total freedom and occasionally lend yourself to reckless abandon!
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Check more Joker Tattoos on Jhaiho.com
Joker Tattoo Designs
Joker tattoos have been popular among DC comic fans for a while, but with The Dark Knight and Heath Ledger’s legendary performance, The Joker became one of the most sought-after tattoos among ink lovers all over the world.
Though everyone tends to have a favorite Joker, no one can deny Ledger’s impact on the character. He’s a tough act to follow! Which is probably why he remains one of the most tattooed versions of The Joker. This Joker hand tattoo features one of the most iconic scenes from The Dark Knight that also gave us one of its best quotes — “I’m an agent of chaos.”
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But let’s not forget to pay homage to the other versions of the character — from the original comic version all the way to the ones that redefined The Joker in some rather controversial ways!
But let’s not forget to pay homage to the other versions of the character — from the original comic version all the way to the ones that redefined The Joker in some rather controversial ways!
This absolutely brilliant Joker tattoo inspired by the original comic design is part of an ongoing sleeve — which also happens to be one of the best ways to get comic characters inked!
This Jack Nicholson Joker tattoo is a work in progress, but we couldn’t help but include it — it’s an absolute beauty!
Love to hate him or hate to love him, Jared Leto’s Joker definitely left an impression! The character himself sports a whole host of tattoos, the most popular — and controversial! — of which happens to be the ‘damaged’ tattoo he has on his forehead.
Other popular joker tattoo designs include the popular ‘HA HA HA!’ featuring his infamous laugh and a phrase immortalized by Heath Ledger — “Why So Serious?”
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How to Get a Tattoo
Now that you’ve found the inspiration you need, you’re probably ready to run out and get inked! But before you do, we have a few tips for you:
- Get consulted: Meet with your artist at least once before getting inked to discuss your tattoo design, cost, and get some tips about preparing for your session.
- Speak freely: Tell your artist about yourself! The more they know about you, the more uniquely they can customize your tattoo so it suits you perfectly.
- Stay sober: Refrain from drinking or ingesting any drugs for up to 48 hours before your appointment, as these substances can affect how the tattoo sits in your skin and how well you heal.
- Keep your artist informed: Inform your artist if you are on any medication, especially blood thinners. Also inform them of any health issues you deal with, especially ones like diabetes.
- Be on time: Try not to schedule too many other appointments around your tattoo session as it can often take longer than estimated, especially for larger tattoos or placements that are a little more difficult to ink on — like the shoulder. And never rush your artist — unless you want to get a bad tattoo!
- Dress appropriately: Wear loose-fitting clothing in black so your artist can access the area to be tattooed easily and the ink won’t end up staining and ruining your clothes.
- Don’t bargain: Discuss any price-related concerns in your consultation. After that, don’t bargain! Artists invest a lot of time and money into their craft and all art must be properly compensated. And if you like what you get, be sure to tip your artist! A standard tip in the tattoo industry is 15–20% of your total bill.
- Follow proper tattoo care: Tattoo care begins right after you book your appointment. Keep the area to be tattooed clean and moisturized, stay sober and limit your caffeine intake, and follow the aftercare tips recommended by your artist.
Ready to get inked? Head on over to jhaiho.com to book your tattoo appointment today!
How to Care for a Tattoo
Now that you’ve found the inspiration you need, you’re probably ready to run out and get inked! But before you do, we have a few tips for you:
- Get consulted: Meet with your artist at least once before getting inked to discuss your tattoo design, cost, and get some tips about preparing for your session.
- Speak freely: Tell your artist about yourself! The more they know about you, the more uniquely they can customize your tattoo so it suits you perfectly.
- Stay sober: Refrain from drinking or ingesting any drugs for up to 48 hours before your appointment, as these substances can affect how the tattoo sits in your skin and how well you heal.
- Keep your artist informed: Inform your artist if you are on any medication, especially blood thinners. Also inform them of any health issues you deal with, especially ones like diabetes.
- Be on time: Try not to schedule too many other appointments around your tattoo session as it can often take longer than estimated, especially for larger tattoos or placements that are a little more difficult to ink on — like the shoulder. And never rush your artist — unless you want to get a bad tattoo!
- Dress appropriately: Wear loose-fitting clothing in black so your artist can access the area to be tattooed easily and the ink won’t end up staining and ruining your clothes.
- Don’t bargain: Discuss any price-related concerns in your consultation. After that, don’t bargain! Artists invest a lot of time and money into their craft and all art must be properly compensated. And if you like what you get, be sure to tip your artist! A standard tip in the tattoo industry is 15–20% of your total bill.
- Follow proper tattoo care: Tattoo care begins right after you book your appointment. Keep the area to be tattooed clean and moisturized, stay sober and limit your caffeine intake, and follow the aftercare tips recommended by your artist.
Liked this post? Check out our other ones!
- Tattoo Artists In Bangalore: Finding The Best Artists In Town!
- Keep Calm and Get Inked: Making It Through A Tattoo Session
- Animal Tattoos and their Meanings
- 20 Tattoo Ideas for the Dark Soul
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