TA_TÔ
From the childhood joy of drawing purple ink patterns on my desk mate’s hand to a heartfelt conversation with my mother about tattoos, I realized I wanted to do something greater for this unique art form - and perhaps that’s the most fitting way to describe how TA_TÔ came into being.
TA_TÔ is simply the blend of my casual passion for sketching and doodling on the skin of friends, paired with a burning desire to reshape societal perspectives on tattoos. I believe that no tattoo inherently represents negativity; rather, there are only tattoos that have yet to be infused with a special meaning or story.
TA_TÔ is simply the blend of my casual passion for sketching and doodling on the skin of friends, paired with a burning desire to reshape societal perspectives on tattoos. I believe that no tattoo inherently represents negativity; rather, there are only tattoos that have yet to be infused with a special meaning or story.
TA_TÔ - from the dark shade of old Vietnamese society to the pattern of bold identity
- OUR STORY
“Mom, next Nov I will turn 18.”
“Then, what?”
“Then I would dye my hair, pierce my ears and… get a tattoo on the left arm.”
With an astounding, standstill face - “WHAT? I would never let you do the last one. It was bỏn for the evils of society only.”
“Then, what?”
“Then I would dye my hair, pierce my ears and… get a tattoo on the left arm.”
With an astounding, standstill face - “WHAT? I would never let you do the last one. It was bỏn for the evils of society only.”
At that moment, I felt the weight of an orthodox conception that has long overshadowed the true meaning of tattoos. Tattoos, a vibrant and deeply personal art form, are often misunderstood in our culture—a dark label unfairly cast upon an act of self-expression. I realized that this perception needed to change.
This realization sparked the creation of TA_TO, a temporary tattoo shop dedicated to reshaping societal attitudes. TA_TO doesn’t just offer tattoos; it offers a story—a narrative that bridges cultural heritage and individuality. Every design is infused with cultural values, transforming tattoos into bold representations of identity, not stigmatized marks of rebellion.
Through TA_TO, I aim to reframe tattoos as an art form that celebrates personal and cultural identity. By popularizing temporary tattoos, I seek to introduce a fresh perspective to those hesitant to embrace the idea. TA_TO is not merely a business—it’s a movement to dismantle misconceptions, honor traditions, and celebrate self-expression in its most vivid and empowering form.
Through TA_TO, I aim to reframe tattoos as an art form that celebrates personal and cultural identity. By popularizing temporary tattoos, I seek to introduce a fresh perspective to those hesitant to embrace the idea. TA_TO is not merely a business—it’s a movement to dismantle misconceptions, honor traditions, and celebrate self-expression in its most vivid and empowering form.
- HOW WE ACTUALIZE IT
Phase 1:
We turn culture into art and art into identity. Our journey begins with the rich cultural resources of Hanoi’s inner city and the exotic Northern Delta. We collect patterns, symbols, and stories rooted in the region’s heritage, then reimagine them with the vibrant energy of today’s youth. These inspirations are transformed into one-of-a-kind illustrated designs, blending tradition with modernity. TA_TO brings culture to life, turning every tattoo into a bold representation of identity that bridges the past and the future.
Phase 2:
We firmly believe that tattoos are a visualized expression of personal stories. At this stage, we provide our customers with an online platform where they can share their unique narratives - be it cherished memories, meaningful moments, or aspects of their identity they wish to proudly showcase. From there, the TA_TÔ team collaborates with advisors to create a custom tattoo design, transforming fleeting words and rigid text into beautifully illustrated patterns that bring each story to life.
Phase 3:
In the final phase, TA_TÔ partners with a local Vietnamese artist whose talents and achievements deserve greater recognition. Together, we’ll create a unique collection of tattoo stickers inspired by the artist’s original works. Additionally, we’ll host a series of talk shows to explore diverse perspectives on traditional art, reimagined through the lens of the modern age.- OUR COLLECTIVE GALLERY
