What Is a White Tattoo, and Should I Get One?

White Tattoo

What Is a White Tattoo, and Should I Get One?

After a lifetime of consideration, today is the day that you’re finally making a tattoo appointment at Skin Factory Tatoo! You’ve got a massive design in mind, and you know exactly where you want it – somewhere everyone will be able to see it. You are ready for a lifetime of bold self-expression featuring the most incredible artwork!

But wait. Before you commit to a whole lifetime, have you considered a white tattoo?

After all, what about the dress code at work? What about that period drama you were planning to audition for at the community theatre? And, now that you think about it, that full-color back piece you’ve been dreaming about seems like it might take a really long time.

White ink tattoos are the compromise between going big and going home. They allow you to cover your skin with large, intricate, ultraviolet reactive artwork that still allows room for delicate subtlety.

If you’re curious about whether a white ink tattoo might be right for you, keep reading to learn how to make a striking but subtle statement by trying this unique body art trend!

What Are White Ink Tattoos?

If you have investigated more traditional tattoos, you’ve probably come across a few options. These will range from full-color pieces to black and white pieces to simple black contour art. While white ink can incorporated into any of these traditional styles, a white tattoo is something unique.

White tattoos aren’t simply what’s left behind when you outline negative space. Your artist might create the outline of your tattoo using white pigment, which will leave behind a subtle, dimensional image. Designs can range from the most understated contour designs to filled-in icons.

On darker skin, white ink creates a striking visual contrast that will draw the eye. On lighter skin, your design might “camouflage,” creating a piece of personal art that’s easy to hide in plain sight. In both cases, the piece will be closer to “neutral” than other options and is unlikely to clash with clothing or other tattoos.

Your tattoo artist can use white ink in other ways, too. For example, you might choose art with a simple black contour and choose to fill it in with white.

A white halo around a traditional tattoo adds an additional visual and tactile dimension that can help it “pop.” White accents on a full-color tattoo can add stunning detail to a more complex piece.

The Benefits of White Ink Tattoos

If you’re interested in getting a white tattoo because you think they look cool, that’s reason enough! If you still need convincing, however, there are a few specific reasons why white tattoos might be the right choice for your next piece of body art.

They Are Ultraviolet Reactive

Think about what happens when you’re wearing a non-descript white t-shirt and you accidentally walk into a room that’s flooded with ultraviolet light. Suddenly, you’re glowing like a god, and everyone’s eye is immediately drawn to you!

The same thing happens to white ink tattoos. While some of these tattoos will be nearly invisible from a distance, they are all UV reactive. Under ultraviolet light, they glow faintly neon and come to life!

This is a great way for those with a rich nightlife to transition from day to night! You’ll be able to wear your tattoos proudly in a professional environment without attracting any negative attention. As soon as you’re under club lights, you’ll become a walking, glowing work of eye-catching art!

Until someone manages to invent a long-lasting glow-in-the-dark body pigment, white ink is the next best thing.

They Are Subtle

Even if you’ve always wanted a tattoo, you might not want to show it off to the entire world. Often, clients use tattoos for memorial purposes. Some pieces have special, secret meanings.

If you want a permanent piece of art but still want to keep it to yourself, white ink means you don’t need to hide it away.

On lighter skin, white ink might only be visible in certain light. Even if you have a large piece, they tend to blend in with your flesh tone. They look more like a shimmer on the surface of the skin and don’t attract visual attention in the same way as traditional tattoos.

Think about looking at a photograph with a camouflaging animal in it. At first, you might not even realize there’s an animal in the picture. Once it’s pointed out to you, however, your eye will go straight to the animal every time.

That’s the experience that many individuals with white ink tattoos have. They manage to hide their body art in plain sight, but let those they love in on their “secret.”

Normally, those looking to “hide” a tattoo might have it done in a spot that’s hidden under clothing or hard to see without a mirror. White ink opens up the option to have tattoos in more accessible locations.

If you want to honor someone you’ve lost, carry your childrens’ names with you, or etch a meaningful affirmation into your skin, consider white ink. A small, white ink tattoo on the wrist or finger makes for a gorgeous permanent reminder just for you.

They Are Unique

Some people get white ink tattoos for the subtlety – others like them because they’re looking for a way to stand out! If you’re already a body art fan with traditional tattoos, a white ink piece can add some interesting stylistic contrast to your extant collection.

White ink tattoos can be just as intricate as traditional tattoos and have a sense of lightness and airiness that more substantial tattoos lack. They also tend to have more tactile dimension than black ink tattoos, which is a great way to add some texture to your body art.

Some body art aficionados like using white ink in the negative space between their other pieces. They allow you to have one set of tattoos during the day, and a second set under blacklight.

Other Things to Consider

White tattoos are an excellent compromise for someone who is reticent about showing off body art, or who might be more interested in a subtle tribute. A white ink tattoo is still a commitment, however. There are some special considerations when it comes to the care and maintenance of these pieces that you should keep in mind before you commit.

They Tend to Fade

White ink was not initially created to be a stand-alone pigment. Tattoo artists use white to change the tone of their other pigments to allow for shading and variation in color.

As a result, white ink tattoos tend to fade faster than traditional tattoos. You may experience a transition period during which the white tones look somewhat uneven. Most tattoos end up settling into a light, subtle scar-like appearance, which many people love.

You can care for your white ink tattoo by avoiding direct sun exposure and wearing sunscreen daily. Even so, your tattoo probably won’t have the same level of brightness and contrast after a few months or years. It will always be there, but you might have to look harder to find it.

This is a feature for many people, who may not want to commit to a piece for their entire life. Knowing that their white ink tattoo will fade over time means they don’t have to worry about the effects of aging on the art. The tattoo will age along with them in a pleasant and unobtrusive way.

They Require More Healing Time

White ink is unique and requires special expertise to apply correctly. The ink itself is thicker than black or colored pigment, but it’s less pigmented than other inks overall. It’s supposed to be somewhat transparent by design.

The light color means your artist will have to apply the ink more aggressively than other inks to make sure that it takes. As a result, white tattoos may require more healing time than traditional tattoos. You may experience more pain and swelling with a white ink tattoo than you would with a more traditional tattoo, even if the piece is small.

After you receive your white tattoo, you’ll want to carefully heed the aftercare instructions given to you by your tattoo artist. As with all tattoos, there will be some scabbing and flaking. Great aftercare is key to keeping your white ink tattoos looking crisp and clean.

They Can Distort

The thickness of the white ink means that it takes a very talented tattoo artist to create thin, delicate designs. If you’re looking to get a tiny piece, or you want something specific like a mandala, white ink can be tricky. As these pieces heal, they occasionally distort as they settle into your skin.

A white ink tattoo will never look as crisp and clean as it does on the first day. They look different on different skin types, and it’s hard to predict how well they’ll take to your skin. For that reason, most artists suggest that you don’t get a white ink piece as a first tattoo.

White Tattoo Ideas

If you are willing to take a risk on a truly unique tattoo, a white ink piece is a great place to start. All you need is the perfect design to get you started!

Consider the special qualities of white ink when choosing a design. What would look incredible glowing under black light? What design would still look great once it has faded enough to become part of the fabric of your skin?

Many creative clients have already taken these things into consideration. Here are a few popular options that might inspire your meaningful white ink tattoo.

Look to the Stars

With their incredible blacklight glow, it’s no wonder that so many clients have used white ink to depict images from astronomy. One of the most popular images is constellations, with their clean lines and specificity.

Solid astronomical icons also make great white ink tattoos. They’re perfect for tiny half-moons, brilliant stars, or even little planet designs. These saturated images glow brighter under blacklight when compared to thinner contour designs.

Grow and Glow

Fans of the white ink tattoo are also overwhelmingly fans of floral designs. One of the most popular white ink images is a white daisy. Whether you choose a subtle daisy silhouette or choose to fill in the petals, these look gorgeous and maintain their integrity as they fade.

Those who are fond of the delicate nature of white ink tend to go for art featuring greenery. Botanical plants are a popular subject. A fern, palm leaf, or other tropical design can add a secret hint of summertime all year long.

Keep It Light

As discussed, white ink is a popular option for memorial tattoos. It allows you to permanently wear a reminder on your skin without broadcasting it to the world. Many of our white ink tattoos feature personal images with special meaning to the client.

Some of our most striking white tattoos have been images of feathers, ghostly animal silhouettes, and snowflakes. A light image deserves gentle treatment. White ink is a great medium for these airy subjects.

Schedule a Consult at Skin Factory Tattoo

If you’re looking for a more understated piece of body art that will never clash or go out of style, a white tattoo might be your perfect match. You’ll love the near camouflage effect of having artwork big or small hiding right in plain sight! Under ultraviolet light, your tattoo’s iridescent glow will elevate your self-expression to the next level.

Ready to glow for it? Skilled artists at Skin Factory Tattoo’s Maui and Vegas locations are ready to consult with you about their next great masterpiece. Reach out today to get the process started!

To learn more, contact us here.

History of Tattoos

A Complete History of Tattoos

Tattoos have become a massive part of our culture both in the United States and around the world. You might think that the artform or craze only started a century or two ago. However, that’s not the case.

Tattoos have been around in some way for over 5,000 years. If you want to learn a complete history of tattoos, read on.

Otzi – The Iceman

Archaeologists discovered the first tattoo or oldest dating tattoo in September of 1991. Otzi, a mummified human, gets his name from the place two German hikers found him. The Oztzal Alps of Europe near the Italian and Austrian border.

Researchers discovered a total of 61 tattoos on Otzi. The tattoos are from soot or ash from a fireplace. They’re divided into 19 groups in different areas of the body.

Otzi was about five-foot-three inches tall and somewhere between 30 and 45 years old.

Otzi’s tattoos are on his ankle points, knee, and spine. How he died is a mystery, but they think his death was a violent one.

There’s one extremely interesting thing. The markings on Otzi align with traditional Chinese acupuncture points. That can’t be a coincidence, can it?

But, Otzi was alive 2,000 years before the earliest evidence of acupuncture, and he was very far from China for the time period.

After Otzi – Egyptian Mummies

Until Otzi was found, evidence showed that the earliest tattoos came from about 4,000 years ago. There was a group of Egyptian mummies that are from the time the great pyramids were being made.

There’s some indirect evidence that may or may not conclude that tattoos or tattooing may even be older and more widespread than the Egyptian mummies.

The indirect or inconclusive evidence is that of engraved statuettes that can sometimes be put in the same context as needles and clay discs with ochre.

What Historical Cultures Practiced Tattooing?

Historical and Ethnographic texts have shown that tattoos have been done by almost every known human culture, including Ancient Greeks who used tattoos in the fifth century to communicate with their spies.

After that, the Romans used to mark their slaves and criminals with tattoos.

Your first criminal offense in Japan way back when meant you got a line tattooed across your forehead. A second offense meant you got an arch tattooed above the line.

If you were guilty of a third offense, you got another line, and it completed the symbol for “dog.”

Of course, we can’t talk about ancient tattoos without discussing the Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas. They would have big tattooing rituals.

Then there’s the Norse, Danes, and Saxons who would tattoo their family’s crest across their chest. And the Britons also had tattoo ceremonies.

Tahitians also like their tattoos, and the word tattoo comes from the Tahitian word “tatau,” which means strike or mark. And tattoo means tapped as most tattoos back then were tapped into the skin by bone or wood.

In the Arctics, they pulled carbon thread under the skin with a needle. They could make designs with this method, almost like needlepoint.

Tattoos in Europe

Of course, the history of tattoos in Europe starts with Otzi but, there was evidence found showing that people may have been experimenting with tattoos before the last ice age nearly 12,000 years ago.

In 1867, at Grotte di Fées in Châtelperron, France, researchers found flintstone tools and bowls with red and black pigments.

But, this doesn’t mean the tools and paints were used to tattoo humans. They could have been used to draw on the walls in the caves. So, Otzi is the first or earliest proof of tattoos on humans.

In the early 300s, A.D., Constantine, the roman Emporer at the time, banned facial tattoos.

He did so because criminals wore them; while so did his own soldiers and gladiators. Constantine would have none of that and put the ban in place.

Other Europeans, such as the Vikings, didn’t seem to care. You could find them in the 1100s A.D. covered with tattoos.

In the 1700s, a British naval Captain by the name of Cook brought back native Polynesians with tattoos. The soldiers liked the idea and proceeded to get tatted up.

Alfred Charles South, from London, created the first twin coil tattoo machine in 1899. It was so heavy it had to be suspended from the ceiling to work correctly.

Tattoos in America

The history of tattoos in America can be a bit complicated. The origins of the English word tattoo are from the 16th century.

But the earliest proof of tattoos in America comes from a picture or pictograph of a Seneca trader. The Seneca traders’ tattoos were a bird and snake, which represent freedom.

There is also the picture of The Four Indian Kings from that same era. The King of the Maquas, a Mohawk tribe, is in that picture after returning from a European voyage.

His chest and lower part of his face were covered in black lines that were tattooed.

The origins of the first tattoo machine in America started with Thomas Edison. He created an electric stencil maker.

In 1891, a man named Samuel F. O’Reilly used Edison’s design to create the first electric tattoo machine. O’Reilly patented the machine on December 8th of that year.

Both the design O’Reilly used, which is like a rotary machine, and the coil machine from Europe are still used today to some effect. Nowadays they’re cooler looking, lighter, and much easier to handle with a lot of accessories.

The History of Tattoos and Today’s World

Tattoos and tattoo machines have come a long way since Otzi. We still use the rotary and coil methods, but they’re a lot smaller, lighter, and easier to maneuver.

Modern-day tattoo artists have several different tools/accessories they can use for different tattoos, but they all stem from past centuries of the art of the tattoo.

If learning about the history of tattoos has given you the itch for one, contact us now for an appointment.

To learn more, contact us here.

Styles of Tattoo

8 Styles of Tattoo You Need to Know

It may surprise you to learn that tattoos have been around for thousands of years. Interestingly, though, coming up with an idea for one is still a relatively difficult process today.

But, determining what style of tattoo you want can help you narrow down your potential options. We’ve put together a brief guide on the different styles of tattoo art.

Let’s explore what you should know.

1. Tribal

More likely than not, you’ve encountered a tribal tattoo before. These make heavy use of symbolism that stems from the origins of various different cultures.

One of the most popular types is Polynesian tribal artwork, which can be seen on celebrities like Dwayne Johnson and Jason Mamoa. In general, tribal tattoos are far more spiritual than traditional tattoo art due to their roots.

They’re often used to identify a particular tribe or family. As such, it is sometimes viewed as disrespectful for somebody outside of this culture to get a tribal tattoo.

2. Japanese

This type of artwork is one of the most popular tattoo options that people pursue. Japanese tattoos are renowned for incorporating an abundance of vibrant colors.

But, it’s entirely possible to have this style of artwork done using only black and gray. There’s also a handful of subjects that are typically used in this type of artwork.

These can include mythological creatures, flowers, rivers, and storm clouds.

Additionally, there are certain standards dictated by traditions of Japanese art that must be followed with these tattoos. To elaborate, tattoos of religious Japanese deities should only be applied to areas above the waist.

Similarly, tattoos of demons (known as ‘oni’) will have their eyes filled in and shaded last. Otherwise, it’s considered bad luck for everybody involved.

3. Old-School

This type of tattoo artwork originated in the United States approximately 300 years ago. It wasn’t until the 1950s, however, that this style of tattoo began to explode in popularity.

So, old-school tattoo subject matter tends to include popular artwork from this area. Common examples are skulls, anchors, mermaids, etc. In general, old-school tattoos are defined by the use of simple color pallets and bold black lines.

4. New-School

On the other end of the spectrum are new-school tattoos. This type of artwork began to gain popularity shortly after old-school tattoos, which was approximately 1970.

A characteristic shared between the two styles is the use of vibrant color. But, new-school tattoos often incorporate exaggerated, dramatic proportions that result in the artwork looking cartoonish.

Many people compare new-school tattoos to the artwork you would be able to find in a comic book from this time period.

5. Realism

As the name suggests, this type of tattoo aims to look as realistic as possible. For this reason, there are far fewer tattoo artists who are capable of producing high-quality work in this style.

Portraits are the most common subject matter that people choose to get as a tattoo. But, there is virtually no limit when it comes to the possibilities.

Other popular pieces include references to pop culture, famous movie scenes, or pictures of animals.

Although realism tattoos are entirely possible to do with color, black and gray tend to stand out a bit more in terms of detail. But, it will heavily depend on the subject matter of the piece you want — subjects that are typically colorful in nature look best with color (such as flowers).

6. Geometric

Geometric tattoos starkly contrast tattoos that incorporate realism, but this doesn’t mean that they can’t turn out to be amazing.

As the name suggests, this type of artwork makes use of multiple lines to create an intricate picture. For example, you could use geometric style to create a polygonal outline of a human face as opposed to simply drawing it.

Geometric tattoos are perfect for those who are interested in simplistic designs. Just be sure, though, that your prospective artist specializes in this style — geometric tattoos require a large amount of skill to pull off properly.

7. Abstract

Abstract tattoos lack the bold structure of geometric styles and the realistic nature of realism. The end result is something unique that is often equally captivating.

To elaborate, a particular client may choose to get a silhouette of a bird that is comprised of different types of nature imagery. Brushstroke style tattoos also fall into this category, and these can easily look like they’ve been painted on your skin when applied correctly.

As with geometric art, it’s best to find an artist who specializes in abstract tattoo artwork in order to achieve the best results.

8. Neotraditional

In essence, neotraditional tattoos use old-school tattoos as a foundation and then expand upon them. A much higher emphasis is placed on quality, and the color pallets that are used are often larger.

This is a direct result of advancing technology and the fact that additional colors are now available for tattooing.

You also have a large amount of flexibility when it comes to what type of image you want. So, keep this in mind when determining which option suits you best.

Choosing From These Styles of Tattoo Might Seem Difficult

But, the above information will ensure that you are able to make your decision relatively quickly. Figuring out what styles of tattoo are best for you will go a long way in helping you decide what you should get.

Want to learn more about what we have to offer? Feel free to reach out to us today and see how we can help.

To learn more, contact us here.

Rib Tattoo Ideas for Men

12 Wickedly Cool Rib Tattoo Ideas for Men

The oldest documented tattoos were discovered on Otzi the Iceman who died around 3300 B.C., but the art of tattooing had already been practiced across cultures way before Otzi the Iceman.

Tattooing has continued to grow each year — in fact, according to a 2019 poll, 30% of Americans had at least one tattoo, a 9% increase from prior polls.

As the popularity of tattoos continues to grow each year, so does the creativity amongst them. Here are 12 rib tattoo ideas for men that will stand out and turn your ribcage into a work of art.

1. Nature

Many people show their appreciation and love for our planet and wildlife through a nature-inspired rib tattoo. The cool thing about nature tattoos is they look good in tons of different styles. From traditional to abstract to realistic, nature tattoos are versatile and popular in the tattooing world.

2. Abstract

Some people would describe abstract art as a type of art that distorts reality, messing around with certain shapes and forms we’re used to seeing in the real world. It can be made up of random lines, brush strokes, and shapes to create a unique depiction of something real.

Popular in the age of innovation and experimentation, abstract art was a way for people to express how they felt about their work rather than focusing on exactly what the subject of their artwork was.

3. Skull

Skull tattoos can be depicted in either a positive or negative light, and the style of the tattoo can have a huge effect on this.

While many people associate skulls with death and decay, they can actually have much deeper meanings such as the power of overcoming death or the idea of rising from the ashes in dark times.

4. Religious

Religious tattoos are great rib tattoo ideas because you can choose to fit a ton of detail into them or you can opt for something simple.

Many people often incorporate well-known religious symbolism in their tattoos, such as the Virgin Mary, a set of praying hands, or rosary beads.

Whichever aspect of religion you choose to incorporate into your tattoo, religious tattoos are a great way to connect to your faith and show off a part of yourself that you’re proud of.

5. Watercolor

Watercolor tattoos have become popular over the years. This is most likely because they take the normalized idea of a tattoo and do a complete 360. Watercolor tattoos don’t have outlines, feature a ton of blurriness and brush strokes, and use colors that aren’t always seen in your everyday tattoo.

6. Geometric

Geometric tattoos are tied to spiritual practices throughout history. While they can still be very spiritual for people, today geometric tattoos often symbolize something a bit different.

Stability and balance are often depicted by geometric tattoos as they’re often created using a lot of symmetry and abrupt linework.

7. Words

Many people get words or quotes tattooed on them to pay tribute to loved ones that have passed. For example, tattoos in the handwriting of a loved one have grown very popular over the years.

Or, word and quote tattoos can be a means of inspiration for you. From your favorite quote to your favorite song lyrics to even a simple word, word tattoos are something that won’t ever go out of style.

8. Portrait

Portrait tattoos have become wildly popular as most people see them as a personal way to honor someone in their life. They can serve as a constant reminder that you’ve loved someone and have been loved by someone. And, as the rib cage is part of the skeleton that protects your heart, getting a portrait tattoo on your ribs makes it that more sentimental.

9. Outer Space

Space tattoos are great ideas for those who are fascinated by the stars, dream of taking a trip to outer space, or are super into astrology. And if you love the idea of space and the look of galaxies, then this tattoo is a great idea for you as well.

The cool thing about outer space being so vast and unknown is that the possibilities are endless. You can do something as simple as a constellation or something completely imagined and made up in your head — either way no one can say your interpretation of outer space is wrong.

Plus, the ribs are the perfect place for you to get carried away with color and detail.

10. Snake

Snakes are considered to be masculine animals and are often considered a great rib tattoo for men. This is because snakes are thought to represent our life force, specifically primal energy.

As a spirit animal snakes can represent healing and transformation, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. If you feel drawn towards snakes you should pay close attention to your healing abilities and notice whether or not you feel drawn to nature and the earth.

Snakes can be tattooed in hundreds of different ways and styles, that’s what makes them such great tattoo ideas — you and someone you know could both have a snake tattoo yet they can look and feel completely different.

11. Dragon

Dragon tattoos almost seem to go hand in hand with snake tattoos as their versatility is also endless. Dragon tattoos are typically drawn large scale and have intricate design and colors, making them excellent contenders for a rib tattoo design.

Dragons show strong symbolism in many cultures, and the meaning behind them can vary greatly. In Chinese culture, they can represent strength, wisdom, and good luck. In Western cultures, they represent masculinity and fighting spirit. In Japanese culture, they represent the protection of family and loved ones.

12. Tribal

Just like dragon tattoos tribal tattoos can have a ton of different meanings as we travel across cultures.

For example, Filipino tribal tattoos are believed to protect you from enemies. Africa is known as the home of storytelling, so African tribal tattoos often tell stories with hidden meanings. Hawaiian tribal tattoos can show love and respect for nature and for the land, while Samoan tribal tattoos can just be personal reminders for people that hold great sentimental value.

Looking for More Rib Tattoo Ideas for Men?

rib tattoo ideas for men

If you’re itching to join the tattoo club or even just looking to add on to your ever-growing tattoo collection, these rib tattoo ideas for men are bound to get noticed.

Want to get your tattoo done by someone you can trust? Contact us today to set up your appointment.

To learn more, contact us here.