99 Luftballons: 8 Cool Trash Polka Tattoo Ideas
Are you into this cool German tattoo style? Here are some great trash polka tattoo ideas to get you started on your next piece of ink.
Are you looking to get a new tattoo but don’t know what to get? If so we recommend getting the crazy yet beautiful trash polka tattoo style.
This style is eyecatching and unique. You will find that your trash polka tattoo isn’t like any other tattoo on this planet. To see some trash polka tattoo ideas keep reading below.
What Is Trash Polka?
Trash polka tattoo ideas are a style of tattoo that originated in Germany. This style includes designs that are chaotic like a collage that uses red and black ink which is the trademark of traditional trash polka tattoos.
Trash polka tattoos also include splatters and sometimes smudges of other colored ink around the main design. Words and phrases can even be found in some polka trash tattoo ideas.
Overall the designs of this tattoo style are abstract and contain elements of realism. There’s a lot of juxtaposition within these tattoos making them beautiful yet confusing.
1. Anarchy
Anarchy may be one of the few trash polka tattoos that don’t have a confusing meaning behind it. When looking at anarchy polka trash tattoo ideas it’s easy to see the letter “A” with a red circle around it, indicating the tattoo’s theme.
Anarchy collages can be a mash of cityscapes or even specific buildings or places. Above the cityscape, you can add a soldier with a gas mask to really bring the masterpiece together. Use the red ink in your tattoo around the black collage to have the appearance of blood splatters to make your design really pop.
2. Juxtaposition
Juxtaposition is when two things are placed together or near each other and there is a contrasting effect. This can be easily done with trash polka tattoos to create a unique piece that catches the eye.
In every trash polka tattoo, you see you may notice that there is always a lot of going on. This art style is very busy, but you can use this to your advantage.
If you can’t decide on what type of trash polka tattoo to get then try creating one that juxtaposes realism, collage, and abstraction. This will make for a tattoo that has a creepy image but it will be a beautiful piece of art.
3. Vixens
Tattoos of women are common, so if you’re looking to get a tattoo of a women’s face or body why not change up the style to make it one of a kind? In trash polka tattoos vixens are common.
These vixens take a dark turn with the black and red ink and even sometimes have skulls morphed into their face or around them. You can add a red rose to make your vixen more feminine.
4. Realistic Yet Abstract
Since trash polka tattoos are known for having a mix of elements why not design your tattoo based around realism and abstraction? This will end up being a tattoo that looks beautiful yet has some busy characteristics that will make it pop.
An example of this is getting a realistic eye with abstract dots and lines framing it. You could even choose to get a realistic skull with a few black and red dots and lines around it too. If you want to take your skull to the next level, try adding some Micky Mouse ears to it so it pops even more on your chaotic background.
5. Add Some Words to Your Piece of Art
When we were explaining what trash polka tattoos were we noted that some of them have letters and words included, but not all. If you’re looking to get some lettering done with your tattoo you should be making it accent the rest of the tattoo.
The way to make your lettering go with your tattoo is to have the lettering be abstract. When people usually get tattoos they will get cursive lettering or a simple print text.
For your trash polka tattoo, you should accent your realistic skull with a text that looks like a cut out ransom letter. You can even opt to have a bold typewriter text and even have some of the letters smear or run a few drops of ink.
6. Make Visions Abstract
Some of the most beautiful and intricate trash polka tattoos are the ones that take realistic visions and make them abstract. This is done by making it seem you’re looking into the eye of someone.
A great example of this tattoo is when a realistic eye is tattooed. This eye is open and we can see into it. The vision we see is an abstract picture that only the artist and client know what it actually is. This makes the tattoo chaotic and intriguing just like a trash polka tattoo should be.
7. The Joker
Getting the Joker in a trash polka tattoo style is one of the biggest compliments you could give this fictional character. Just like the tattoo style, the Joker is chaotic and intricate. You will be left with a creep tattoo that is intricate and villainous.
Now You Know Some Trash Polka Tattoo Ideas
We have provided you with the top trash polka tattoo ideas so you can find your next piece of artwork. From getting a popular villain in the trash polka style to mixing realism and abstraction, you’re bound to have the coolest tattoo to date. For more tattoo tips and ideas be sure to check out the rest of our website here.
Trash Polka: Pushing the Boundaries in Tattoo Design
Trash Polka: Pushing the Boundaries in Tattoo Design
Beauty in chaos is the underlying motif of the German-born trash polka tattoo style. Click here to learn more about this dark, edgy, collage-like body art.
Tattoos have become increasingly popular. For many, the stigma associated with this art form has long gone.
People now look to tattoos as an outward expression of their individuality.
Surveys show that an estimated 45 million people in the U.S have at least one tattoo.
In light of this, it’s unsurprising that tattoo fans are hunting for pieces that are bigger, better and bolder than ever before.
This is where Trash Polka comes into its own.
Let’s explore this tattoo style in more detail.
What Is Trash Polka?
Tattoo genres are continually developing to meet the needs of various tattoo trends and demands.
One such style is Trash Polka. This a relatively new yet, revolutionary style of tattooing.
Trash polka prides itself on its uniqueness. It aims to push the boundaries of traditional tattoo art.
This genre was created and developed by tattoo artists Volko Merschky and Simone Plaff, in Wurzburg, Germany in their tattoo parlor, Buena Vista Tattoo Club.
These artists are renown for their alternative choice of themes and colors used throughout their work.
Volko describes their art as a combination of: “realism and trash; nature and the abstract; technology and humanity; past, present, and future; opposites that they are trying to urge into a creative dance to harmony and rhythm in tune with the body”.
The beauty of Trash Polka is its ability to evolve. However, there are certain traits the tattoo must have. Without them, the piece can’t be considered a genuine imitation of the style.
These include:
- The combination of realistic images with smudges, and dynamic design. This brings a chaotic look to the piece.
- Occasionally, words, phrases, or quotes will be incorporated. However, the calligraphy must compliment the rest of the design.
- Black and red ink always feature in these tattoos. However, variations can include black-gray coloring.
- The tattoo must resemble a collage that combines both natural-looking images and photo-realistic images.
The Best Way to Describe the Trash Polka Genre?
The best way to describe Trash Polka is a combination of realism, surrealism, script and abstract lines.
When all of the elements of the tattoo are combined they usually don’t link. This is purposely done to make the tattoo look wild and ambiguous.
Death and everything connected to this notion is usually the foundation for these totems.
Bold
This genre is famous for utilizing both bold and fine lines. These were selected to complement the use of black and red ink. This makes the finished piece look dramatic.
Rare
This genre is limited in the sense of how many artists can replicate this style well.
It’s very new and most commonly found in Germany. This is a perfect choice if you’re looking for unique body art.
Unique
Trash Polka epitomizes the use of novel designs. The imagery of different items unrelated to each other is one of the foundations of this style.
Universal Symbolism in Trash Polka Design
There are several symbols typically associated with this tattoo style. Commonly, people associate this genre with rebellion.
Rebelliousness strikes the core of these designs and is achieved by using bold, bright and in some cases, vulgar imagery.
This art aims to protest societal norms, to rebuke commonness and monotony and to spur a sense of irony.
Put simply, all these pieces are thought-provoking and will often have a hidden meaning to them.
This is why the below images are often used in Trash Polker designs.
However, the meanings of these symbols are always up for interpretation. Only the tattoo artist and the recipient of the piece will ever truly know the imagery’s true meaning.;
Skulls
These symbolize our inevitable death and all things evil in the world. Skulls are usually used to represent a multitude of issues in society. They could also represent the individuals intrinsic evil.
Dice
The inclusion of dice can represent; opportunity, chance, luck, and evil.
Clocks
Clocks always represent the passage of time.
This genre often includes broken dials within the timepieces. This sometimes represents the fact that nothing is permanent.
Imagery like this almost alludes to the idea that time always gets the better of us in the end.
Faces
These are very prominent of thsi style. Usually, these faces are drawn without eyes, rotted faces or, a bloodied face.
Volko and Simone would often include celebrity faces and design them in an abstract way.
What Do I Need to Consider Before Having This Tattoo Style?
As with all tattoos you need to consider its placement, colors, and design carefully.
You also need to source an artist who’s willing to work with the images you want to use (as not all of them will be).
Remember, all tattoos fade over time. Bear in mind that fine lines are more likely to blur eventually.
As this style is designed to look fresh, you have to make sure you won’t fall out of love with your piece.
By looking fresh, we mean a tattoo that appears ‘just finished’. The gloss of the newly printed tattoo adds to its ‘pop’.
You have to consider what your design will look like when it begins to fade. This is especially true for those who frequently expose their skin to the sun.
This genre is fabulous if you want a larger tattoo because ideally, you need a more significant section of the body to work on for these designs to look their best.
As previously alluded to, you can add plenty of details and hidden meanings to your piece. This style is perfect if that sort of thing’s important to you.
Do You Want a Trash Polka Style Tattoo?
If you’re looking to get this of style tattoo please feel free to contact us today, and we’ll be more than happy to book you in for a consultation.
Alternatively, if you have any questions about this genre or about the tattooing process please feel free to send us in your questions and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Or, if you’re looking for further information and tattoo inspiration please feel free to browse our blog.
Stop by our Maui Tattoo Shop or Henderson Tattoo Shop
Everything You Need to Know About Dotwork Tattoos
Dotwork Tattoos
Everything You Need to Know About Dotwork Tattoos
Dotwork is an intricate style of tattoo that is becoming more and more popular. Here you’ll discover everything you need to know about dotwork tattoos.
Tattoos are becoming more popular than ever. They serve as a form of self-expression, a memorial, or even just a collector’s hobby.
In the past, society viewed them as something only military service members, criminals, or gang members would have put on their body.
Today, you most likely know someone who has at least one tattoo. Celebrities also play a role in this cultural shift.
Stars such as Adam Levine, Dwayne Jonson, and David Beckham have made getting inked more acceptable for the general public.
To put it into perspective, the industry was worth $2.3 billion in 2012.
But, people are beginning to explore dotwork tattoos along with traditional ones.
They’ve become an increasingly popular trend that people are flocking to, and customers seem to love their results.
Read on to learn everything you should know before you look into getting a dotwork tattoo.
So, What Are Dotwork Tattoos?
Like the name implies, dotwork tattoos are images composed entirely of single dots. As you may expect, this process can take a long time to complete.
Artists typically use black and gray, as well. But, this doesn’t mean that color isn’t an option. Dark blue is used fairly often, but brighter colors are less common.
Throughout history, dotwork tattoos have traditionally been used for religious or cultural artwork. This is especially true in Asian and European countries.
In fact, they have been around for thousands of years.
Today, dotwork has reemerged as a trend due to the way the artwork looks when completed. Compared to conventional tattooing methods, dotwork ink tends to come out smoother.
When closely examined, this type of tattooing (as you can tell from the name) also allows you to see each individual dot. This gives the artwork more character.
Do They Hurt?
People tend to have different levels of pain tolerance when it comes to getting inked. More often than not, however, getting a tattoo is going to hurt.
The location of the ink heavily determines how bad the pain will be. The ribs, inner arms, and shoulder tend to be the most painful.
Those who have dotwork ink done often say that the pain is more localized to where the dot itself is. With regular tattoos, the pain may sometimes radiate throughout the entire area.
Does dotwork hurt less? It’s hard to say because neither type of procedure is particularly comfortable.
The major difference is the length of time it takes the artist to complete the work. Dotwork takes more time, which means that you will experience discomfort for a longer period.
How Are They Done?
The most interesting thing about this type of tattoo work is how it is done. While an artist can do dotwork pieces with a regular tattoo machine, many artists tend to use hand poking techniques.
Hand poking the ink into the skin allows the artist to be far more precise with their work.
It is also easy to tell this type of tattoo from a traditional one because of the process. Those who have hand poked tattoos frequently describe a high level of satisfaction with the work because it feels more organic to them.
Do They Cost More?
It’s no secret that tattoos can be expensive. Some artists charge based upon the entire piece, while others will want to be compensated by the hour.
Dotwork ink takes longer to complete than regular ink. Therefore, the price will most likely be higher than a similar piece that an artist does conventionally.
But, the price hasn’t done much to stop people who are set on getting the ink they want. While dotwork may demand more money and time, the results (from a talented artist) are worth it.
What Type of Art is Best?
There aren’t many hard limits on the type of art your artist can do with dotwork.
However, the most common subject matter for a tattoo artist to work with seems to be symbols.
These could be mandalas, geometric style tattoos, or even something minimalist.
Generally, though, the less complicated artwork is the best option. You’re going to have a very hard time finding an artist skilled enough for (or who would even want to do) a photorealistic dotwork piece.
As long as you’re willing to go through the extra pain, almost any type of artwork is possible. Dotwork tattoos have a unique appearance, but the concept for them does not have to be unusual.
How’s The Aftercare?
While the procedure for a dotwork tattoo may be a bit different than normal, the aftercare is the same.
After all, the ink ends up in the same place: underneath your skin. It’s just deposited in another way.
As long as you keep your ink moisturized and covered for the appropriate amount of time, it should heal just as normally as a regular tattoo.
What Else Is It Used For?
You don’t have to have an entire piece made completely out of dotwork. In regular tattoo art, dotwork is often used for shading.
In pieces that are primarily black and gray, it’s not uncommon at all for an artist to finish up with this method.
Not all dotwork shading is conventional. To save time, artists may use certain types of tattoo machines that emulate the effects of hand-poked dotwork tattoos.
When an artist uses this type of shading, it creates a smooth, almost foggy appearance to the areas where the artist utilizes it.
How Do I Know if I Should Get a Dotwork Tattoo?
There aren’t tattoos that you can do with only dotwork. But, dotwork can make certain pieces appear softer and more natural.
If you are willing to go through what hand poked dotwork pieces take, then you should do so. Of course, make sure you find a reliable, professional tattoo artist to take care of you.
Where Do I Go from Here?
Once you’ve decided what tattoo you want and where you want it, research different shops and find a skilled artist that you resonate with.
To learn more about our talented artists, visit our artists’ page
Stop by our Maui Tattoo Shop or Henderson Tattoo Shop
5 Characteristics of an American Traditional Tattoo
5 Characteristics of an American Traditional Tattoo
A unique art style in itself, the American traditional tattoo has long held its own in parlors across the country. Here are the 5 most common characteristics.
Are you stuck choosing a tattoo?
Then consider the American traditional category. These tattoos have a visible presence in the world of ink, marked by specific themes and styles. Striking and meaningful, this type of tattoo might be the best for you.
You might not be fully aware of everything this genre of tats has to offer. Even if you know about the traditional USA style, it’s worth reading a brief refresher.
In a world with hundreds of potential tattoo designs, it’s important to know how to distinguish between the different choices. Here’s what you should know about American traditional.
1. Intense Themes
These tattoos are not for the faint-hearted. The images take an emotion or thought and push it to the maximum.
Check out this example of a tattoo. When you see it, you can’t help but immediately recognize it: it’s a skull. What that skull means to you could change depending on your interpretation.
But the point is that anything is on the table when you get a tattoo in this style: death, love, anger. They don’t always pay attention to the politeness of a situation.
That doesn’t mean you can’t show happiness with these tattoos, or that you have to be dark. In fact, more explicitly happiness is often encouraged. The difference between these and skin ink images of a more abstract, flowery persuasion is their recognizability.
They’re meant to look like something that the viewer will immediately recognize. The point is to reflect a reality in your life or in the world around you.
2. Realism
Given how crystal clear the messages behind these tattoos can be, it makes sense that the genre tends to stick to a realist theme.
One way to think about this point is to contrast other styles of tattoos. Think about this tattoo–what does it show? It’s not unrecognizable, but pizza with alien heads in it is a pretty unique idea, at least on this planet.
An American traditional tattoo usually sticks to images that are more reflective of real things. That’s why flowers, snakes, and faces usually appear in a non-abstract way. Getting this kind of tattoo means you probably will choose an image that is in some way iconic or easily recognized by a viewer.
That doesn’t mean the images always reflects something that looks exactly like a photograph. Often, this style is marked by a certain style of ink and design.
3. Clear Definition and Sharp Lines
Given the realist tendencies of these tattoos, it makes sense that they would be drawn with the sharp lines and contrasts that often define our world.
These tattoos have clear cuts and curves. The detail of every image is striking–how else could you show resemblance to something in the real world?
Check out how different these abstract tattoos seem from the average American traditional image. They’re not exactly confusing, but they seem to come from someone’s imagination, as opposed to their memories or sight.
That doesn’t mean these tattoos are limited by a reality restriction. In fact, it’s allowed the genre to make its own styles.
4. A Choosy Color Palette
If you know a thing or two about tattoos, then you know there are a lot of color options on the table. When getting a new tattoo, you can choose everything from rainbow schemes to white ink.
It makes sense that American traditional tattoos have carved out a unique spot along the color spectrum. Usually, these tattoos stick to a set group of colors: green, red, yellow, and a whole lot of black.
Generally, you’re not going to see a wild move away from these colors. That selection doesn’t mean that these tattoos are boring. Oppositely, the similar color schemes of these images have forced people to come up with increasingly unique images over the years.
That’s why, throughout history, these tattoos have been groundbreaking, both in the realm of tattoos and in culture in general.
5. Living History in American Traditional Tattoos
No matter what image you end up choosing, any image within this genre will stand out. There’s a rich history of tattoo pioneers within this genre changing the game for everyone else.
Take Sailor Jerry, also known as Norman Keith Collins. Originally from Nevada, fifty years into his life he was settled in Hawaii and dolling out original tattoos to his customers.
His legacy is printed all over this tattoo category. As time went on, he began to explore new frontiers of tattoos, earning a reputation for printing out unique images of importance on his customers. Some of those images nowadays that are associated with him include snakes, monkeys, and eagles.
Sailor Jerry is just one of many tattoo pioneers who have learned this tattoo style and helped to spread it throughout the country and world. This style began with the popularization of tattoos in the U.S. in general, meaning its journey through time reflects American culture.
It’s at once a representation of the fight to allow tattoos in American culture and a symbol of American culture itself. Its resistance or patriotism, depending on how you look at it–if not both at the same time.
When you zoom out in that historical context, you understand the meaning of the American traditional tattoo that could potentially be on your body.
The Right Kind for You
Having an American traditional tattoo puts you in unique company in the world of tattoos. You could look at the situation from different perspectives.
On the one hand, there is a wide range of celebrities who are tatted in the traditional American style. Have you seen Adam Levine’s tats? They’re a quite dense array of American ink.
Knowing that Maroon Five’s singer has this brand of tat might float your boat. Or, it might make the whole thing less appealing. If you’re not into celebrity status, don’t worry–plenty of normal people have these tattoos, too.
Looking for more information on your favorite tattoos? If you want more info or are looking to schedule an appointment, reach out to our team. We can help you out.
What are you waiting for?
You can pop by our Las Vegas Tattoo Shop, Henderson Tattoo Shop or Maui Tattoo Shop for more information and meet our artists.
What Makes a New School Tattoo?
New School Tattoo
What Makes a New School Tattoo?
Characterized by a more cartoon-ish style, the new school tattoo has exploded in popularity starting in the 70s. These traits characterize this unique style.
Tattoos come in a wide variety of styles, ranging in color patterns and overall design features. Many people choose a tattoo based on significant events in their lives, and sometimes just for fun.
Depending on your tattoo style preference, it can be difficult to choose just one. That’s why tattoo artists commonly promote different styles and designs. They are constantly drawing, coloring and practicing their craft to better influence followers.
Don’t get stuck with a tattoo that doesn’t represent you or your tattoo artist at their best. Choose a new school tattoo, instead.
Here, we discuss the different features of a new school tattoo so that you can make an educated decision on your new tattoo design style.
Bright Color
Perhaps the most influential characteristic of a new school tattoo lies in the color schemes. They are bright and undeniably non-traditional.
New school tattoo colors differ from old school tattoos in the use of the color palette and the skin.
Old school tattoos or traditional and neo-traditional tattoos use one part color, one part black or grey, and the other part skin. New school designs borrow from this style, but with bolder and brighter elements.
This type of design generally includes colors like ultra light blue, deep lime green and different shades of purple. They’re extremely colorful no matter what subject you choose.
3-D Shading
Another feature that you will find in a new school tattoo includes the use of 3-D shading. There is a heavy influence in how the shading interacts with the skin that creates the three-dimensional effect.
New school tattoos tend to be more un-realistic overall and this can be found throughout the shading techniques.
Your tattoo artist may use different techniques to create drastic effects that allow the tattoo to stand out and make an impression.
Heavy Outlines
One of the characteristics in a new school design that compares with an old school tattoo is the use of heavy outlines. This influence is important to the design features of a new school tattoo in order to incorporate classic elements of tattoo culture.
The use of heavy outlines adds to the color sensation of these pieces because of the grand contrast.
Two Categories
Because of the use of bright colors, 3-D structure shading and heavy outlines, a new school tattoo looks like or represents cartoons and graffiti art.
Cartoon
One of the ways to easily define a new school tattoo is to recognize any cartoon-like qualities.
Cartoon tattoos are increasingly popular because the demand is growing for basic tattoos that represent more than the art itself. Subjects are often fantastical with novel patterns and include much room for customization.
These designs incorporate color on a grand scheme.
Graffiti
Because this art is exaggerated significantly, it also tends to reflect characteristics of graffiti art. Details within the subject are not realistic and might include jagged edges.
Many graffiti style tattoos have themes from hip-hop culture. They are not restricted to traditional characters or subjects.
Images of this nature are typically more abstract and easy to customize. Popular subjects include aquatic scenes and horror movie characters.
The imagery in graffiti tattoos is a little more restricted in the use of colors, in comparison to cartoon tattoos.
Bubble Letters
Whereas old school tattoo designs use scripted or block lettering, new school tattoos are more inclined to bubble lettering.
Letters are enhanced with the use of the heavy outlining and shading techniques to make your color pop.
Design features using bubble letters creates a lasting effect on your tattoo that will not soon go out of style.
Unlike the jagged edges found in graffiti tattoos, bubble letters fit well with cartoon art or word-only phrases and words.
Artists
Many tattoo artists are becoming more open about their art in contrast to past decades when these same artists were more secretive with their work for fear of competition.
These days, more artists are sharing their techniques and different ideas with a more relaxed form. This art has created a more diverse selection of artistry among those that are collaborating and designing new school tattoo designs.
Some artists are becoming increasingly popular, showcasing their creative energy and artistic execution in styles that recognize your skin as the ever-changing, beautiful canvas that it is.
Free Style
This tattoo design doesn’t just cater to your artistic side. It also relates to your creative energy and ability to think outside the box. There are a lot of different concepts and mediums involved in this tattoo style. It only depends on what you can think up.
Some fans of this style focus strictly on cartoon characters while others might use club affiliated designs or straight graffiti art. The whole idea is to be as bold as possible.
Many tattoo artists appreciate the freedom of subject and technique that comes with this style of tattoo art. They are also better able to serve their customer’s ideas in true form.
Getting Your New School Tattoo
Getting a new tattoo is not for the faint of heart. Choosing a design takes time and finding the right artist to help you isn’t always easy.
Select a favorite cartoon character and have your artist incorporate a selectively graffiti-like shading structure. Or let the artist decide for you!
If you’re interested in a new school tattoo, get on board and give us a call. We have specialized artists and years of experience. You can pop by our Las Vegas Tattoo Shop, Henderson Tattoo Shop or Maui Tattoo Shop for more information and meet our artists.
Stop by our Maui Tattoo Shop or Henderson Tattoo Shop
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.
