Creating New Designs with Tattoo Cover Ups
Creating New Designs with Tattoo Cover Ups
Do you regret a tattoo from your past? Here are some ideas for tattoo cover up and how you can rework an old design into something new.
Remember when people used to view “The Tattooed Lady” in circuses as a curiosity? These days, it’s much less common to meet people who don’t have tattoos.
But often, where there are tattoos, there are regrets.
Enter the thriving market for tattoo cover up work.
Although tattooing permanently alters your body, you are never stuck with a tattoo from your past. We all may forget to think before we ink sometimes, but there is plenty of colorful assistance available. If your existing tattoo is needling you, read on to find out some ideas to rework your work.
Replace Your Regret with Inner Peace
Remember a few years back when the big adult coloring craze swept the country?
Before all the Outlander, Pusheen, and other character coloring books appeared to jump on the trail, the first adult coloring books focused on mandalas, which were incredibly intricate healing designs from Tibet.
When you incorporate a mandala onto your body as a tattoo cover up, you too may experience some of that healing and inner peace.
Of course, the lowered stress and anxiety promised by the coloring books went to the person doing the coloring, which would be your tattoo cover up artist. But there are probably some benefits to working with a peaced-out tattoo craftsperson, especially if you’re already under stress to get rid of existing work.
The benefit of adding a mandala over your artwork is that you can select any size and amount of colors. This will perfectly block out your existing design. Keep in mind that the more colors and the more vibrant those colors the more painful the tattoo may be. Especially when going over the existing scar tissue.
What’s Your Sign?
That familiar, lounge-lizardy catcall pickup line is so stereotypical that it’s enough to make most of us cringe.
But sometimes your zodiac sign can actually turn out to be quite a successful tattoo cover up.
We sometimes forget that we shouldn’t always tattoo a temporary image permanently onto our bodies, but our zodiac sign is a permanent part of ourselves that many people find a good piece of art worthy of forever ink.
Fortunately, our zodiac signs don’t change, so you don’t have to worry about inking over a lover’s name or a not-so-worshipped sports team insignia.
Cover up a tattoo mistake by bragging about your feisty, fiery Scorpio self, complete with a sharp stinger and piercing claws.
If you need to reach a little deeper, try exploring other types of zodiac, which include tattoo-ready symbols and designs from Indian, Western, Tropical, and Sidereal astrology. Surely you’ll feel akin to your true nature in one of those signs.
And don’t forget your spirit animal either. Remember Harry Potter’s Patronus? Think deep about what you feel closest to in nature. And no, it doesn’t have to be something that already exists – if your spirit animal is a six-legged, winged cat with a unicorn horn, that may be your perfect tattoo and one that you’ll actually be happy to look at for the rest of your life.
Family Affair
The picture of the typical family has changed a lot over the last few decades. A tattoo cover up can be the ideal place to brag about your own personal family unit.
One idea is to create a tattoo design that both fits your cover up area needs but also appeals to other family members. When you go in for your cover up, bring other family members too. Not just to hold your hand, but to get matching ink.
This can create a bonding “clan” image for your group. Whether you’re related or not. If you’re lucky to have researched your actual family lineage and discovered a coat of arms, that could make a striking tattoo cover up. Also affording you a large image with lots of detail, color, and design to go over your existing unwanted work.
Other options for family tattoos include:
- A typographical art piece of your last name
- One character to symbolize each member grouped together
- A single design or image, such as a shamrock or peace symbol, that each family member gets somewhere on his or her body
- A special “inside” theme with a special meaning to your family
Emergency Tattoo Cover Ups
We mean turning a tattoo mistake into something really beneficial and even life-saving.
It’s called a Medical Alert Tattoo, and it can save your life. Not from tattoo-related embarrassment, but from everything from a peanut allergy to a diabetic coma to a Parkinson’s-tremor-related incident.
You’ve more than likely seen, or maybe even worn, a medical alert bracelet. These are meant to convey information to a medical responder in case you fall into a distressed situation and cannot speak for yourself.
While many people never take off the bracelets. Some find them cumbersome and even annoying, and they can get in the way of manual-labor intensive jobs.
With a medical alert tattoo cover up, you can block the trace of a regretted tattoo while permanently protecting yourself at the same time.
For Full Coverage…
Contact us for a free consultation. Sometimes, you just need to talk to the experts and get some ideas.
We’ll help you brainstorm because believe us, we have seen it all. And we have helped people transform unwanted tattoos into body art they are proud to show off.
Send us a message about what you have and what you want, if you know it. You can also email us a picture of your current tattoo so we can start thinking about a plan before you even visit. You can pop by our Las Vegas Tattoo Shop, Henderson Tattoo Shop or Maui Tattoo Shop for more information and meet our artists.
Pros and Cons of White Ink Tattoos
Are you in love with the white ink tattoo trend? Here are some things to know if you are considering getting one.
If you think white ink tattoos are something new, think again. R & B recording artist Rihanna, made a statement back in January 2012 with a tattoo made with semi-permanent white ink.
Although the design faded after several weeks it caught the eye of many of her fans.
Fast-forward five years and tattoos made of white ink is trending. People are excited about the look and intricate designs. Some even see them as an alternative when working in an environment that isn’t tattoo friendly.
As with anything, there are pros and cons to consider. Deciding on a tattoo design comprised solely of white ink is no different. The most important question — will anyone be able to see it?
We’ve done some research for you. Keep reading to learn some of the pros and cons of this unique tattoo option.
Are They Difficult to Achieve?
Let’s be frank. White ink tattoos are not for amateurs. I will reiterate this several times. You need a skilled tattoo artist who has expertise in all white tattoos.
There is no other way to put it. Because you are using one color it is hard to mask imperfections. When that one color is white the larger the design the bigger the margin for error.
If you are doing a small design that is only a couple of inches in size, people may not notice the tattoo. Some may even think it’s the residuals of a childhood accident.
These may be the most difficult to pull off. Is it worth it to get a tattoo and then have to constantly explain it’s a tattoo?
Does Skin Tone Matter?
Tattoos are the art of creating designs using ink that is inserted under the skin. One would think that white ink under darker skin may not be easily detectable.
The truth is people with darker complexions have found as much success with white ink tattoos as those with paler skin tones. It’s not so much about the skin tone, but the expertise of the tattoo artist.
Tattoo artist experienced with white ink will be able to mix other light hued colors to perfect the white ink. By doing so, a blend is created to help highlight the white under darker pigmentation.
Regardless of the color of your skin, white ink tends to fade over time. What remains of the tattoo is what people tend to judge. Based on images of lighter skin complexions, the tattoo can be seen as a geometrical work of art.
For darker complexions, the faded tattoo can be unnoticeable or mistaken as a scratch or scar.
The trick for darker skinned individuals is to have the tattoo retouched several times to add contrast. When done right, you end up with seriously dope white ink tattoos.
Do White Ink Tattoos Keep Their Color?
As mentioned above, tattoos have a tendency to fade over time. Whereas most tattoos aren’t nearly as vivid after a few weeks, tattoos done with white ink have a different effect.
Simply put, the tattoo may appear colorless a month later.
Some people have reported that their tattoos have changed from white to yellow, beige and even pink. Exposing white ink tattoos to any kind of sunlight is what causes the yellow discoloration.
Using inexperienced artists unfamiliar with white ink can cause other issues. For example, using colored stencils can create unintended color patterns if it comes into contact with the white ink.
Tattoo stencils are made from carbon paper. What would be worse than not having a pure white tattoo? Having a tattoo with hints of blue.
The Difference Between White Ink and Ultraviolet (UV) Ink?
Nothing says bold and beautiful like adding a UV component to your white ink tattoos.
During the daytime, no one can see your tattoo. Head to the club and under black lighting, your tattoo comes to life. Sounds cool? This effect means injecting additional chemicals into your skin to produce the glow-in-the-dark reaction.
Since UV ink has not been tested for the purpose of tattoo art, it is difficult to determine how an individual’s body will react.
When done right and absence of any allergic reaction, UV ink tattoos can be breathtaking. If you are not the party-goer and won’t be coming under any black lights, this isn’t for you.
Remember, regular white ink will mostly be used for your tattoo. If a tattoo artist recommends UV white ink, ask questions.
Like regular tattoo ink, UV ink also fades over time and is known to break apart.
White Ink vs. Henna
The most compelling white ink tattoos are those with intricate lace designs. Some people may confuse them with the popular henna tattoos. Please note these are two separate art forms.
Henna is a temporary dye that is produced from the Henna plant. They only last for several weeks and are a brownish color with a hint of orange.
Although white ink has been said to fade, it is still a permanent tattoo that requires ink to be injected into the skin. Even if you can no longer see the ink, the design is still noticeable in the pattern of your raised skin.
The only true comparison of the two is the designs. Henna tattoos are usually elaborate works of art. They contain lace patterns, scrolls, and other interesting features.
The same can be said for trending tattoo styles used for white ink tattoos.
If you choose this route, know that tattoos of this nature can look distorted and unattractive if the artist makes the slightest mistake. The last thing you want is an infection or scarring from a botched tattoo job.
Consult the Experts
After reading this blog you should have a better understanding of white ink tattoos.
These tattoos are not for everyone so you want an artist who will sit down with you and give an honest assessment.
If you live in the Las Vegas area and looking for a tattoo artist, visit Visit our Henderson Tattoo Shop or Maui Tattoo shop and meet our team. We pride ourselves on providing the highest quality custom tattoo art.
All the Colors of the Wind: What You Need to Know Before Getting a Watercolor Tattoo
What You Need to Know Before Getting Watercolor Tattoo
A watercolor tattoo is a beautiful piece of artwork. But it’s not for faint of heart. Learn what goes into the tattooing process and aftercare for watercolor.
Tattoos are about as mainstream now as they’ve ever been. We know that but still, every now and then, something happens in the tattoo community that makes us see that popularity in a whole new way. Enter the watercolor tattoo.
It’s the latest style and seems to be all that people looking for their first tattoo or those who want to add to their ink are talking about. What exactly is a watercolor tattoo though? Is it something you should think about for your next trip to the tattoo parlor?
Let’s take a look.
Watercolor Tattoos – The Basics
Watercolor Tattoos are devoid of rigid bold, black outlines. They are done in a lighter style, almost as a sketch.
There is more openness to them. They don’t adhere to what could be described as the perfect, “coloring between the lines” ethos of what you traditionally envision when you think of a tattoo. The color in a watercolor tattoo is used not to delineate sections of an image but to set a mood.
Of course, they get their name because they really do have the appearance that there was a brush involved. With their soft edges, they evoke a completely different feeling than a “traditional” tattoo.
The Test of Time
While there are some die-hard watercolor tattoo fans, many in the tattoo industry have a skepticism about this new trend. And it’s not just the old-guard veterans.
This skepticism is based on a fundamental concern around the way that tattoos “age.” To understand this concern you have to understand well, science.
The black ink used in tattooing has as its base, carbon. The colored inks are pigment-based.
Over time pigment based ink has a tendency to fade. It can even “bleed-out” across the skin.
This can cause that rose tattoo to look more like a misshapen blob. Probably not the look you were going for.
The carbon-based ink? It stays strong, forming a sort of wall around the tattoo.
So the outlines of traditional tattoos aren’t just functional artistic elements, they also serve a practical purpose. They keep the art from moving around.
That said, the watercolor tattoo is a newer trend so there aren’t years of examples and experience to tell us what these will look like in thirty years. All that we can do is use this overall experience to speculate.
And, truth be told, even if the pigment based colors act as expected, given the nature of the watercolor tattoo, it may not matter with it’s more free-flowing design. Time and taste will tell.
Quick Tip – discuss with your artist the idea of using black as part of the sketch work of the design of a watercolor tattoo. Or at the very least, incorporate some dark coloring.
Doing this will help long term if the design does start to lose form and coloring through the years. With some black acting as a “pencil sketch” or “constellation markers” the tattoo will retain some semblance of recognizability and be easier for an artist down the road to touch up.
Find The Best
As with a new trend in any industry, everyone on one side wants the new thing and everyone on the other side wants to sell it to them. From a business perspective that makes sense, but we have to remember that this isn’t about business.
This is about a tattoo. It’s about art. It’s something that you’ll have with you, that will be a part of defining who you are for the rest of your life.
No pressure! It’s only a gentle reminder that just because someone says they can give you a watercolor tattoo doesn’t mean that they can.
Ask your tattoo artist
If you have a tattoo artist that you’ve always gone to then by all means, turn to them for advice. They know you’re a loyal customer and they don’t want to lose that so they won’t steer you wrong.
On the other hand, if this is your first, then you’ve got to do your research. Ask around and check out portfolios.
For once, read the comments on their social pages. You want everyone checking out your new tat but you want the attention for the right reasons. It’s really easy for one of these watercolor tattoos, when not done correctly, to look like you picked it up as a souvenir from an airbrush stand on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
if we’re being honest, with a traditional, black-outlined tattoo, the artist just has to be competent. While you want the best, and can find some incredible artists being able to work from the outlines, can make the task at times more utilitarian than artistic.
Watercolor tattoos though, by their very nature, call for a talented artist. That’s as much to do with the intense amount of freehand work as there is to the interpretation that an artist needs to lend to this tattoo style.
Costs
The costs for a watercolor tattoo have not shown to be all that different from the more traditional tattoos. As with any tattoo you’re paying for complexity and size.
Because of some of the inherent difficulties in doing it right, you might need to spend a few more dollars. If someone tries to tell you that there’s a huge price difference, you should get a second opinion.
As with anything though, you’re often going to pay a little more for quality. In the case of something you’re planning on having for life, a few extra bucks may be worth it.
Images
When you’ve made the decision to go with this style of tattoo you’ll need to decide what works well as a watercolor tattoo. Really, anything you could imagine.
Look around for some examples online and you’ll see lots of birds, butterflies, and other animals. Also really popular are what could be considered works of modern art.
You could get a name done but it will look less like a signature and more like graffiti. granted that could be a cool way to set yourself apart if that’s what you’re going for.
There really isn’t a particular subject that sets its self for a better interpretation with a watercolor vs a traditional tattoo. You’ll find that it really just presents a new way of looking at things.
Trends, Style, Tradition
What’s the statement you want to make? Start with this and then move on to the best way to express that. If it’s a watercolor then go for it.
As with any tattoo, you want to make sure you’re not just jumping on a trend that you’ll be regretting in a month, but that you are getting something that really showcases a special part of you.
Ready for your watercolor? Contact Skin Tattoo Factory to see what our artists can do.
Classic Black and Grey Tattoos
Black and Grey Tattoos are a time-tested trend that never goes out of style. Read this and know everything you want to about the style before getting inked.
When you’re planning your tattoo, it’s easy to want to go as bold as possible. You want something bright and eye-catching, with as many colors as your artist can offer, right?
Not necessarily! Sometimes, a little less is a lot more. Black and grey tattoos more than hold their own when it comes to standing out.
And while tattoo color is all about personal taste, we’ll run through the reasons that you should consider going greyscale for your next tat.
How Black and Grey Tattoos Are Made
We all know how you make grey from black, right? Just add a bit of white. With tattoo ink, though, it’s not quite that simple.
While black ink’s composition is pretty standard for tattoos, making grey shades is where things get a bit more complicated.
Some tattoo artists prefer to dilute the black ink with water, which allows them to create exactly the shade they want. Other artists use grey ink and black ink together.
Sometimes, artists will also use a bit of white ink to really maximize the contrast and make certain details pop.
Greys that are made from diluting black ink tend to fade more quickly than grey ink. However, grey ink is a lot more difficult for a tattoo artist to use, and doesn’t always give the artist the same flexibility.
So now that you’ve got the lowdown on how they work, what makes them a great choice for your next tattoo?
Black and Grey Inks Are Easy On the Skin
One of the big advantages of black and grey inks is that they tend to cause fewer allergic reactions than colored inks. This means it tends to cause less irritation or other issues during the ink session or in the days after.
If you are concerned about allergies, you can always talk to your tattoo artist. They can give you the lowdown on what’s in their inks. That way, you won’t have any unpleasant surprises.
Plus, unlike color, black ink shows up well on all skin tones. A black and grey tattoo always stands out.
Easier Removal and Less Fading
Of course, no one gets a tattoo thinking that they are going to get it removed. But if you’re a little nervous about the permanence, it may help to know that black ink (along with green and blue) tend to be the easiest to have removed.
Black and grey tattoos also tend to fade less than color inks. They are way less prone to sun damage. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, black and grey is a safe choice.
Since they don’t fade as much, this means that you wouldn’t have to touch your tattoo up as often.
The simplicity of black and grey also means that it is easier to modify your tattoo if you want to change things up. You could even add some color later!
Greyscale Tattoos Work Great For Realism
One of the greatest advantages of black and grey tattoos is how great they make realistic art look. Like a tasteful black and white photograph, with a skilled artist, these tattoos can look absolutely stunning. The black and grey color scheme adds a level of drama and sophistication that is hard to match!
Your tattoo artist is able to shade with grey, almost as though they were drawing with a pencil. This means they can make very realistic images. They can stunningly capture the details of an image, whether that is the fur on a dog or the many petals of a rose.
They work especially well for serious, meaningful images like memorial tattoos. Your tattoo artist can bring out a beautiful, timeless portrait of your loved one in black and grey.
Black and Grey Tattoos Compliment Color Tats
Do you already have a couple color tattoos? Or maybe you’ve got a couple ideas in the works?
Depending on your personal tastes, lots of different, colorful tattoos can look a bit busy or complicated. (Though that’s not to say we haven’t seen some great looks with more colors than the rainbow!)
A great black and grey tattoo can ground your more colorful pieces, bringing out the best in both of them.
Simple and Small Tattoos Pop With Black and Grey
Black and grey tattoos are an especially great choice when you are looking for something small. A small tattoo can be striking when the color scheme is kept simple. That way, your message comes across clearly in the small space.
Patterns are also powerful in a black and grey color scheme. Whether the pattern is geometric, tribal, or anything in between, the simplicity of black and grey make a powerful statement.
Geometric patterns are particularly popular at the moment. Their simplicity suits a black ink style perfectly!
Black and Grey Tats are Easier for Beginners
Are you thinking of getting your first tattoo? Black and grey ones are a great way to dip your toe in the lake, so to speak.
That’s because getting black and grey ink tattoos usually take less time than color ones. So, if you are nervous about how long you’ll be sitting in the chair and how much it will hurt, a shorter appointment will certainly make things easier.
Another bonus? Not using color for your tattoos also tends to cost less.
Choosing to Go With Black and Grey
Are you thinking about getting black and grey for your next tattoo? With the many benefits, from cheaper cost and less fading, they are a practical choice.
But a tattoo should be much more than practical. The many benefits aside, we’ve fallen in love with black and grey tattoos for their style and sophistication. They can offer beautiful realism and sophisticated shading. You can go bold with patterns. Plus, they keep small tattoos looking clean and clear.
If you’ve thought long and hard about it and decided black and grey is the way to go, it’s time to find an artist whose style matches your idea. Reach out, and we can work together to create the tattoo you’ve always wanted.
Visit your local Skin Factory Tattoo shop in Maui or Henderson
Getting a Tattoo with Mom
Getting a Tattoo with Mom. Much thought and consideration goes in to getting a tattoo. Deciding where to place the tattoo, exploring meaningful designs that speak to you, and finding the right artist who can bring your vision to life are key to getting the life-lasting piece of art you desire. Another important aspect to consider is who you share your tattoo experience with. Friends, siblings, and significant others may come to mind, but what about mom?
Experience
Whether this is your first tattoo or you have already been inked, getting a tattoo with mom will likely be an exciting experience for both of you. You will be able to look back on the big day and reflect on how you both felt throughout your experience. This creates an opportunity to entertain other family members and friends by telling them about the experience, like sharing who was more nervous or trying to explain what getting a tattoo feels like. But most importantly, getting inked together will create new memories that you and mom will always share, and can look back on.
Connection
Exploring designs that are meaningful to both you and mom will likely foster communication. This may bring up past memories, challenges that you have overcome together, or family goals for the future. No matter what the planning process unearths, it will hopefully leave you and mom feeling more connected than when you first began your tattoo journey together.
Ideas
While there are endless possibilities of tattoos that you and mom could get, a great place to start is looking at your common interests. Finding a way to represent your shared love of reading or travel are examples of this. Sayings, lyrics, or quotes that remind you of the strength of your bond are great options also. Designs that symbolize family are meaningful examples as well.
Getting a Tattoo with Mom by the Skin Factory Tattoo shop !
If you would like more tattoo ideas, have further questions, or would like to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us.
Perfect Tattoo Ideas For Excited New Dads
Tattoo Ideas For Excited New Dads – Are you a new dad that wants to celebrate your child’s birth with a gorgeous tattoo? There are many great ideas from which you can choose, so make sure to carefully examine each of these before deciding. These are just a small sample of the possible styles, so don’t be afraid to get imaginative!
Baby Name
The simplest tattoo you can get to celebrate your new baby is their name tattooed on your body. For example, their name across your lower arm can showcase your love and excitement for their birth. You can also integrate images of them on the tattoo to make it more personal and memorable.
Symbolic Item
Have you and your wife already chosen items that are meaningful and which represent aspects of your baby’s life? You could always get these tattooed on your body in a way that will make them impossible to forget. For example, a rendering of your baby’s favorite teddy bear on your upper arm will always remind of when they were young and so precious.
Potential Life Of The Baby
All fathers have a basic idea of what they would like their child to do with their life. Success in a specific field is something you can celebrate with a large back tattoo. Create a basic timeline of your baby’s life, including images of them at various points of their life.
While this tattoo is likely to be inaccurate later on in their life, it can showcase to your child what kind of success you expected from them. This can increase their self-esteem and drive them to succeed in ways that will make you proud.
If you’re ready to get a tattoo to celebrate your new child, please contact us today to make an appointment.
Tattoo Ideas For Excited New Dads by the Skin Factory Tattoo shop in Las Vegas & Henderson.
