UK artist takes on challenge to tattoo all 151 1st Gen Pokémon on fans for charity
By Bryan Ke
A British tattoo artist has challenged himself to tattoo all 151 1st Generation Pokémon on fans to raise money for Blue Cross, a U.K.-registered animal welfare charity.
William Langford, a 30-year-old tattoo artist from Suffolk, England, became inspired after hearing that long-time “Pokémon” protagonist Ash Ketchum will be hanging his cap after 25 years of entertaining fans from around the world.
Speaking to BBC, Langford said he aims to “spend the year doing something good for people/animals,” especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s been a strange time for everyone since Covid and now the cost of living has gone up,” the artist, who has been in the tattoo business for around 12 years, said. “I’m aware many animals got rehomed or given away during the lockdowns and it always happens around Christmas time too, so I chose to raise money for the Blue Cross.”
The charity’s goal is to “improve the welfare and quality of life for all pets” and to find them homes when needed.
Langford, who works at Zen Tattoo Art in Suffolk, is hoping to use the proceeds from his customers to raise around 4,000 British pounds (approximately $4,795) before the year ends, which will also be around the time when Ash Ketchum officially passes the torch to Roy and Liko, who will be the new protagonists of the “Pokémon” TV series.
While explaining why he chose the 1st Generation Pokémon for his fundraiser, Lanford pointed to nostalgia for the franchise’s original fan favorites, such as Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Eevee and Mew, to name a few.
“They were very popular when I was little so they’ve always been an interest of mine.” Langford told BBC.
Since starting the project, Langford has already inked eight of the 151 1st Generation Pokémon with 10 more already lined up.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Langford expressed his appreciation for everyone who has been supporting his cause, writing, “Thank you everyone who’s spreading the word about the fundraiser, I really appreciate it and thank you to everyone messaging me about booking in.”
In his latest Instagram post on Thursday, Langford shared that he has recently launched a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe for Blue Cross as several people overseas have been asking him how they can donate to his cause.
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