Watch Ed Hardy: Tattoo the World

Ed Hardy: Tattoo the World is a documentary film that chronicles the life and career of iconic tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy, who single-handedly changed the face of tattooing and transformed it into a mainstream art form. Directed by Emiko Omori, the film provides a fascinating insight into the world of tattooing, its history, and its cultural significance.

The film begins with the story of how Don Ed Hardy first became interested in tattoos, and how he began his career as a tattoo artist in the 1960s. It then follows his journey as he travels to Japan to study traditional Japanese tattooing, and how he combined these traditional elements with his own unique style to create a new and exciting form of tattooing that quickly gained popularity.

Throughout the film, we see interviews with Ed Hardy, his family, friends, and fellow artists, as well as footage of his artwork and tattoos that he created over the years. The film also provides insights into the tattooing culture, from the underground scene of the 1960s to the mainstream popularity it enjoys today.

The documentary also examines the commercialization of tattooing, and how Ed Hardy’s brand became one of the most recognized and profitable in the world. It showcases how his designs, which were previously only available as tattoos, became popular on clothing, accessories, and other merchandise that people could wear and display, making him a household name.

Aside from showcasing his immense artistic talent, the film also highlights Ed Hardy’s personal struggles, including his battles with alcoholism, depression, and his own sense of identity. Through interviews with his friends and family, we gain a better understanding of his motivations and the personal demons he faced throughout his life.

Overall, Ed Hardy: Tattoo the World is an engaging and insightful documentary that explores the life and career of one of the most influential tattoo artists of the 20th century. Through interviews, artwork, and rare footage, the film provides a unique insight into the world of tattooing and shows how Ed Hardy’s creative vision helped to transform it into an art form that is now appreciated and respected around the world.

Ed Hardy: Tattoo the World is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.