Did You Know . . .Tattoo Marketing
By: DEAN R. KARAU
January 2008
A new trend is surfacing where companies not only incorporate tattoo art into their brand names, but do it in a way to appeal to folks who love tattoos.
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For instance, 7-Eleven is attempting to make an entrance into the energy drink category with Inked, a drink line targeting what it believes to be a growing niche market -- young, tattooed Americans. According to 7-Eleven,
“[m]ost other energy drinks on the market target a male audience through extreme sports sponsorships, alternative rock music and ‘darker’ macho graphics. The tattoo culture crosses all those interests, and with Inked, we hope to reach the male extreme sports and alt-rock fan base without forgetting about the females. Instead of an emblem of patriotism or mark of rebellion, today’s tattoos have become status symbols, first among celebrities like athletes and performing artists, and now with the young and hip.”
7-Eleven is not alone. Captain Morgan has a new rum called “Tattoo.”
For years, Dunlop has offered free tires to anyone who will get their “Flying D” tattooed to their body:
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Christian Dior, Tag Heur, Aussiebum, Bling, Benefit Cosmetics are all looking into creating “tattoo logos” in India, because tattoos are a big part of Indian culture.
Even General Mills is selling fruit roll-ups that allow kids to create “temporary tongue tattoos:”
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There are websites offering to help you “lease your body” for advertising:
Amazing.