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I went back and forth on writing this entry. I don't ever want to make someone feel judged for what they get tattooed on their body. On the other hand, I get inquiries all the time for styles I just don't do, so I made up this list. If you are looking for a particular style maybe it will help you find some keywords for your search! Tribal I am a white lady from the suburbs of California. There really shouldn't be much more that needs to be said. A lot of the time Tribal Tattoos have very specific meaning and design "rules". I am versed in neither. Aside from this, I just don't find bold, angular linework or blackwork enjoyable to tattoo and a lot of tribal tattoo art calls for these elements. Fineline Tattoos / Single Needle Tattoos When I first started tattooing I thought my focus would be fine line pieces. It didn't take long for me to realize that I had far more interest in other techniques and styles. Though a lot of the line-work in my tattoos is quite thin, I pretty rarely want it to be the focus. Making perfect lines just doesn't excite me the way a soft gray wash or packed color does. Script If a larger project has a small amount of writing in it and it really adds to the design, I am open to it (though I generally find that to pretty rare). I'm usually not hot on tattoos where words or dates are the main focus. I may break out of this on occasion if the writing is some badass sorcery or something but generally the aesthetics of the written word just doesn't interest me in tattoos. Names In the past I have tattooed names on people and I have come to find that I have a personal aversion to it (unless it's your own last name or maybe your child's or grandparent's). Tattooing a name on your skin can imply ownership. If a partner ever insists on you getting their name or nickname tattooed on your body I would consider this a major red flag . On the flip side, if you have a name you would like covered , you can always hit me up. I will always be here to help with that or at least give advice. Couples Tattoos / Best Friends Tattoos / Small Tattoos If you guys both want dope sleeves that are unique but complimentary, I'm here for it. I do not do small, matching tattoos for many of the same reasons that I don't do names. Racist Symbols It should really go without saying, but I will never tattoo a symbol or image that is racist. Violent or Misogynistic Subject Matter Generally you don't need to look very hard to find art that depicts violence toward women, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a male counterpart to it. I realize this type of subject matter could also be kink-related but for me, it's a 'no'. This being said, I don't necessarily have a problem with all violent subject matter in tattoos; depictions of epic / historical battles or betrayals are awesome. But if it feels rape-y, hateful, too topical, or misogynistic, I am not your artist. Genital Tattoos If a hip piece naturally flows near the pubic bone: it's all good. But I don't tattoo genital areas specifically. Alternatively, I don't have an interest in tattoos of genitals either. Other People's Art I've waffled on this in the past as some people actually take the time to get permission from the original artist to get a tattoo if it. At the end of the day, I'm just not very interested in tattooing something I didn't design myself. The exception to this is usually when the original artist is long dead. I am somewhat more open to doing my own version/ style of someone's piece if they are a contemporary artist. In the End... ...there are so many techniques, styles, and subject matters and everything kind of flows into each other on a large spectrum. It can sometimes be hard to characterize and label certain things. Research is absolutely key when trying to put words to the tattoo you are going for . If an artist turns your project down, it might be because the images you supplied are styles that the artist just does not do. It's important to to educate yourself as much as possible in different tattoo styles so you can have an informed conversation about what you like and find the right artist for it.

I've had the pleasure of tattooing over surgical scars but nothing is quite as gratifying as covering mastectomy scar tattoos. Many people get mastectomies because of cancer but others have elective mastectomies for preventative purposes, or to embody their identity better. Whatever the reason for the mastectomy, in many cases the remaining scar is not favorable to the patient. Tattoos are a way of reclaiming your body after the trauma of surgery; as a female tattoo artist, I empathize deeply with the struggle of body acceptance and modification in our respective journeys as human beings. Even if the scar isn't too much of a bother for the person, sometimes a tattoo in the area can be really empowering. Below are some of my thoughts on the subject of tattoos after mastectomies as well as frequently asked questions. How Long After a Mastectomy Can You Get a Tattoo? The only people who can safely answer this question are your doctors and surgeons. These life transitions are permanent so it's important to take your time. No tattoo is worth compromising your health in any way. What is the Best Way to Cover a Mastectomy Scar? Every scar and every body shape is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. When proceeding with a coverup tattoo, you want to make sure that the artwork compliments your unique body shape and that the tattoo honors the scar tissue. I have found that many mastectomy coverups only serve to highlight the scar by staying in the immediate area. Though this may be the goal in some cases, it's important to keep your mind open to larger sizing if it is not. As with any coverup tattoo strategy , the thinking should be just as much about distraction as actual coverage. How Painful are Mastectomy Tattoos? I'm not going to lie, any tattoo on the core of the body is pretty rough. Chest work in particular can be extra spicy. When the body has undergone a surgical procedure, sensation in the skin can be affected. Some areas might have less sensation or numbness, others might be extra sensitive. It's important to get to know the different areas of your chest that have been impacted by your surgery so you can cultivate the best pain management strategy with your tattoo artist. Learning about numbing products can be a very useful tool for this process as there are a few routes you can go. Does Radiated Skin and Scar Tissue Take Tattoo Ink? In my experiences most scar tissue and radiated skin takes ink just fine. After healing, there could be slight variations in ink retention but a good design can combat these factors. Additionally, there are products like Bio oil and Overnight Scar Creams that when used over time, can minimize the appearance of scar tissue. Keep in mind, a tattoo cannot smooth or flatten the texture of your skin. What Mastectomy Tattoo Should I Get? Only you will have the answer to this question. As an artist it is part of my job to ask questions and help hone in on images or symbols that have meaning to you. But it can be helpful to the process if you put some thought into this before embarking on a tattoo journey. Sometimes people want to have artwork that feels ultra-feminine or complimentary of their curves, others want to be reminded of their strength when they look at their tattoo. What are the qualities in yourself that you love the most? What reminds you of your support system or inner strength? What are your favorite things to do or your favorite places to go? All of these things can play a role in this decision. As with any coverup, I usually recommend having 2-3 ideas that you would be open to so that the artist has some leeway to find the best fit for your body. It is more than ok to have a consultation with an artist to get some ideas and then take some time to think. There is no reason to rush into a tattoo just because it interests you. Learn about all your options! Will I need a touch up? As with any tattoo, you may need a touch up at some point down the line, but touch ups usually take very little time and depending on the artist would have a much lower cost.

I do a fair amount of coverups and enjoy them immensely. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to find examples of what results you can expect with a coverup. I decided to create a separate portfolio space with tattoo coverup examples so that any prospective clients of mine can have as much references as possible. If you are curious about what usually makes a successful coverup, you can check out my post on coverup basic info and advice Here . If you are curious about scar coverups, I have a write up about mastectomy scar coverups Here . Coverup Tattoo Examples ~Before & After Portfolio~

In order to know how to properly care for your new tattoo it's important to understand what to expect. There are some characteristics of a healing tattoo that can be alarming at first. Similar to a bad sunburn, a fresh tattoo might be red, swollen and warm to the touch directly after your appointment. In addition, you might feel a bit run down, hungry and sore. The following are my tips for tattoo aftercare. Tattoo Bandage Styles My preferred bandages are Saniderm or Dynarex . It's nice to have some extra bandage on hand if you are getting a large project done, so purchasing a small amount of one or both of these products might be a good idea for replacement or patching. This is especially the case if you know you are getting your tattoo in an oilier area of the body (nape of neck, back, chest), or if you plan on doing cardio at some point during the healing process. These products are basically large, wound-safe stickers that go directly onto the tattoo. They are latex-free and breathable. They are meant to protect your tattoo from bacteria, as well as keep naturally occurring plasma against the tattoo for a boost in your healing process. Both of these products have adhesive so if you are allergic to adhesive or have other extreme skin sensitivities, communicate this to your artist and do not use them! Instead, your tattoo can be wrapped with saran wrap, dri-loc pads and coban. Keep in mind, these "Old School" bandages need to be removed within 4 hours and aftercare procedures need to commence at that point. After Your Appointment If you are wearing an adhesive style bandage like Saniderm you can leave your bandage on for 7 days. I do recommend leaving it on for the full week because there are healing benefits in doing this. The plasma that your body produces heals the skin faster and this style of bandage holds the plasma on the wound. Upon removal after a week, you can usually expect some light flaking and only minimal scabbing if any. In the time your bandage is on your tattoo, you do not need to worry about any aftercare procedures. Just let the bandage do it's thing. You can shower with the bandage on, but it's best to avoid standing water, saunas, and cardio (You don't want sweat to collect under the bandage). With an "Old School" bandage, you must remove it within 4 hours. You can possibly expect more scabbing to occur when using this type of bandage. Liquid Buildup With a stick on bandage, excessive liquid buildup can be a concern within the first few days. A small amount of plasma, blood and ink buildup is normal, but if a large pocket is forming in your bandage you may need to drain or fully change your bandage. If the liquid is naturally draining out the edge of your bandage and the integrity of the bandage remains intact, you can take a clean paper towel gently push remaining liquid out. You can then bandage over the channel with an extra patch of extra Saniderm. If there is no channel for drainage you can (carefully) make a small incision in your bandage with clean scissors. The incision should be made over an area that has not been tattooed, ideally toward the bottom of the piece. Once the incision is made, you can take a clean paper towels and gently press the liquid toward the incision and into the paper towel. If drainage isn't possible you may need to change the entire bandage or a portion of it. Make sure you use clean scissors to cut away compromised portions of bandage. Gently clean any part of the tattoo that is exposed. Let the tattoo fully air dry. Do not apply any moisturizer. Once the tattoo is fully dry, re-bandage and keep it on for the remaining 7 days. You should only re-bandage within the first day or two of your tattoo. If you remove the bandage after that, just keep it off and proceed with aftercare. Tattoo Care After Your Bandage (Cleanliness) Remove your bandage carefully to avoid skin damage. You can use organic coconut oil to gently rub extra adhesive off your skin. Wash your tattoo immediately upon bandage removal. It's important to be gentle with your tattoo while it's uncovered and still healing. Wash your tattoo 1-3 times a day depending on your lifestyle. For example, if your tattoo is regularly exposed to dirt, dish water, sweat, abrasive material etc. wash after these activities in addition to your regular cleaning regimen. Same goes for if you are always being touched by children or pets. Wash with fragrance-free, anti-bacterial soap. I like Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser as it is not drying. Use the palm of your hand to gently wash (no wash cloth or loofahs). Let your tattoo air dry / pat it dry with a clean paper towel. Make sure your sheets, towels, and clothing are clean if they are touching your new tattoo. Tattoo Moisturizer My preference for an aftercare moisturizer is Hustle Butter . I also like Mad Rabbit Repair Soothing Gel . Though Hustle Butter has no added fragrances it does have mango extract which is quite sweet smelling. It is more buttery and good for skin that tends to be on the dry side. This product does contain coconut oil which can be pore clogging. For this reason it is not appropriate for acne-prone skin or skin that is vulnerable to ingrown hairs. Mad Rabbit Soothing Gel is more like a thin, odorless gel serum and tends to be good for people with extreme skin sensitivities. It is always important to do your own research for whatever you choose to put on your skin and do a patch test for new products. You can apply moisturizer 1-4 times a day. I tend to moisturize most when it's in the itchy phase or if there is any scabbing. What to Expect The tattoo will eventually shed and new skin will emerge. This usually takes about 2 weeks. The shedding phase can make your skin itchy. Do not scratch! The new skin will be shiny or scaly looking. It's important to treat this new skin with care. It can take a few weeks for the texture of your skin to return to normal depending on your age, genetics, skin health and type of tattoo. Continue to moisturize. Keep in mind that scar tissue, radiated tissue or stretch marks can heal slightly differently than regular skin. Additional Tips ~ Sometimes after a session a client can feel under the weather for 12-24 hours. This is known as Tattoo Flu or Tattoo Hangover. Tattooing (particularly long sessions) takes a toll on our bodies and immune systems. It is important to take care and nourish yourself properly before, during and after a session. Drink plenty of water and relax. If you are planning to do long sessions, consider taking time off work the following day to recover. If you feel ill longer than 24 hours, reach out to your artist or doctor. ~ A multi-vitamin for the months before and after your tattoo can help give your body the nutrients it needs to heal quickly. ~ Drink lots of water! ~ Avoid sun exposure until the texture of your skin returns to normal. Even then, sunscreen is recommended to preserve the vibrancy of your tattoo for as long as possible. I like Mad Rabbit Defend Sunscreen as it has a light, whipped cream texture that does not feel greasy on the skin. It also does not leave a white cast which is more visible on melanated skin or tattooed skin. ~ Avoid standing water for two weeks after your tattoo. ~ Never scratch or pick at your tattoo. Avoid touching your tattoo at all. If the new skin is damaged the appearance of your tattoo will be affected and you may suffer from scarring. ~I have a touch up policy of $45 for setup costs for the first 6 months after your tattoo. After that, I offer half off my regular pricing. If you feel you need a touch up just send me a picture of the area and we'll get it booked. Allergic Reactions Allergic reactions from pigment or additives in the tattoo ink are characterized by small bumps in the immediate area and itchiness. Flare-ups from an allergy can be caused by heat and UV exposure. You can go months or even years without a flare-up. If you think you have an allergic reaction to a pigment you can send me a picture to confirm. A prescription from a doctor is necessary for medications to manage pigment allergies. Infection Your tattoo is most vulnerable to infection in the first week or so of healing but this can depend on your age and health. Signs of an infection are extreme heat, swelling, pain and/or bumps in the area. If you suspect you have an infection you can send your tattoo artist pictures of your tattoo for advice but only a doctor can prescribe the medication needed to fully address it. A full recovery and beautiful heal are still possible with an infected tattoo!

Wether you are getting a sleeve or a full bodysuit, large-scale tattoos can take several months to complete and many times involve sessions that are several hours long. It's important to approach this with respect and understand that your body is doing a lot in the background to cope with the process. Small annoyances like back discomfort or hunger can really influence your experience during a tattoo. Make sure you prepare to have all your needs met so you don't hit snags in your pain threshold. Below are several tips and tricks I have developed to set a body up for success during a long tattoo session. Most people find that 1-3 of these ideas benefit them, but try as many as you like! Before Your Long Tattoo Session The healthier you are the better you will heal from a long tattoo session. Consider taking a multivitamin to ensure your body has what it needs for the process of healing. Moisturize the area daily in the weeks leading up to the appointment, especially if you tend to have dry skin. I personally like Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula as it doesn't linger on the surface of my skin and make me feel oily. Apply scar cream to any scars in the area - particularly if they are raised. This will increase the chances of ink taking to the scar tissue. Bio-oil is also a nice option for scars and stretch marks alike. I have also had some success with silicone patches used overnight or on days off. Ink tends to blow out much easier in stretch marks, so minimizing these features can help the skin take ink more smoothly. There is nothing wrong with these features on a person's skin, or how ink interacts with them so many don't take these extra steps, but know that it is an option. Avoid sun exposure in the weeks leading up to the appointment. I personally do not tattoo skin that has been recently sunburnt. The pain is much worse and the heal is not as good. Invest in a good sunscreen but do your research. There are some studies that suggest that not every ingredient found in popular sunscreens are good to be absorbed in the body. So far my favorite safe sunscreen brands are Mad Rabbit Defend and Tizo for my face and DRMTLGY for either or. Sitting for long periods is extremely hard for us. Some tattoos require clients to lie / sit in unnatural positions for long periods of time. If you know your muscles tend to be a little stiff, consider doing stretches before you session. Remember to get all your macronutrients the morning of your session; eat a balanced, healthy meal. Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine and avoid heavy drinking the night before. Make sure you are hydrated. Managing Inflammation Large tattoos can create a lot of inflammation during a session. Extreme inflammation can impede the tattoo process and create more pain for you. If you are comfortable taking NSAIDs like Ibuprofen or Advil, it can be good to reduce inflammation during a tattoo session. I've seen positive results when taken about an hour beforehand with food. Keep in mind that these medications thin the blood, so if you are already on a blood thinner, or you feel you are "bleeder" avoid these. Some natural anti-inflammatories include: turmeric, ginger, garlic, rosemary, green tea, black pepper, cardamom, ginseng. These can be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to NSAIDs. I like to load up on sugar-free turmeric juice shots before a session. I'll usually take 1-2 beforehand and have 1 or 2 more throughout the day. Alternatively, foods that cause inflammation are: red and processed meats, refined grains, sugars, artificial trans fats, gluten (if you are sensitive) and electrolyte beverage like gatorade. Consider avoiding these foods/drinks in the days leading up to your appointment to curtail inflammation. Hunger & Thirst I like to bring snacks to my sessions. Usually I'll have something sweet like chocolate and/or something crunchy and savory. I particularly like having popcorn because I can munch quite a bit of it before filling up. Maintaining your blood sugar levels is integral to your body's ability to relax, handle pain, heal, and not go into shock. I like to grab a juice with lots of vitamins along with water. I also like to bring a thermos with a straw because it keeps my water cold and the straw makes it really easy to drink without disrupting the artist. Comfort During a Long Session When struggling during a long session the body can sometimes go into varying levels of shock. When the body is in this phase, temperature regulation goes out the window. Combine this with sitting for long periods of time and having a part of the body uncovered; it is not uncommon for clients to feel very cold and even start shivering. I like to bring a heating pad to my sessions during the winter. Alternatively, if you know you have stiffness or inflammation in particular joints/areas and it prevents you from getting comfortable, you can bring a cold compress to ice it. I've had clients get relief from shoulder discomfort from various positions this way. I personally have a freezer to stow this in, but you can ask your artist ahead of time if they have one if you are working with someone else. Some clients feel that a fresh blanket from home can be a great source of comfort. It's just important to make sure you clean it properly from any pet hair or dust. If you have a special pillow you can bring that but again, make sure it is clean. A travel pillow can help support your neck while sitting in odd positions (both sitting up and lying down). I have pillows in the shop but these pillows would give the best support for the neck. Practical Things to Wear During a Large Tattoo Loose-fitting clothing is a must during a tattoo. I usually go all out and wear my jammies along with some comfy socks and slippers. There's no need to dress to impress in this context. It's also best if you wear clothing you don't mind getting ink on. If you're shy at all and are getting a tattoo on your torso you can wear pasties, though it is in no way mandatory. Ask your artist what the best practice is for their studio. If you are getting a hip, butt or thigh piece, having a stretchy thong or super loose boxers can be good for accessibility for the artist. If you are getting a leg / hip piece a maxi-dress or flowy skirt can be nice because you can move the skirt around and use any excess as additional blanket. It's best to wear one that you don't mind getting ink on though. Compression socks can maintain good blood flow while in various positions. In general I like to wear footsies or house socks so my feet don't get cold. It's also a nice way to keep the studio clean. Distraction During a Tattoo This one may seem obvious but bring devices to keep your mind busy. You're welcome to bring a laptop and try to get some work done or watch a movie. You can also just play around on your phone of course. I really like listening to audio books and podcasts. You can set up a list of them to choose from beforehand. I sometimes listen to podcasts with my clients. Please bring headphones as an option! I personally work in a shared building and I try to be respectful of my neighbors by keeping music volume low. If you like your volume loud, personal headphones are best. I am fine with a light tap if a client needs to get my attention (and I do the same if the client is wearing headphones). If you like to read feel free to bring a book! Conclusion Different artists might have differing opinions concerning long sessions and large tattoos but this is what I've found works for me. If you are working with another artist be sure to check in with them about what you are interested in bringing to your session; not all artists can accomodate extra items in their area. These are all suggestions. Don't take anything you know you have an allergy to. Test any topical products before use, especially if you have sensitive skin. These suggestions are based on my experience getting tattooed and when I tattoo others.

A lot of folks are curious about what is out there as far as numbing products for tattoos. There are different kinds that can be used for different purposes to help you through your session. Lidocaine for Tattoos The main ingredient in most topical numbing products is lidocaine. Lidocaine products are available without a prescription in a quantity up to 5%. You can get creams with a higher percentage of lidocaine with a prescription from your doctor. Lidocaine can be used before a tattoo to numb the skin completely, or it can be used during a session to take the edge off. It's important to note that some people have an allergic reaction to lidocaine. Always patch test any new product. CBD For Tattoos Before getting into CBD I feel I need to say that it does not help to get high before your tattoo. In fact, I've had experiences with clients that suggest that the opposite is true. Many people become more physically sensitive when they're under the influence of marijuana which can lead to issues during the tattoo session. I have however, had good experiences with topically applied CBD products. I haven't found that CBD will numb pre-tattooed skin but it can somewhat take the edge off when applied onto skin during the tattoo. If your employer does drug tests of any kind, or you are a military member, CBD products may not be appropriate even topically. What to Ingredients to Avoid in Numbing Products for Tattoos Some numbing products have vasoconstrictors in them. There are different chemicals that cause vasoconstriction but the ingredient list on a product will usually label it as a vasoconstrictor. Even so, it's important to look up the ingredients in any product before you use it on an open wound. Vasoconstriction limits blood flow which in turn, limits the body's ability to heal itself properly and protect itself from infection. In my opinion, no product with a vasoconstrictor is suitable for the tattoo process. Types of Numbing Products for Tattoos There are a few types of numbing products for tattoos including, creams, glides, and sprays. The following is some information about the different products I have experience with as a tattoo artist. Numbing Creams I Recommend for Tattoos Products that will fully numb an area before a tattoo are usually creams. With this method, you can't be shy with the amount of product you use. Apply a thick layer onto the area and cover with saran wrap. You need to do this 1-2 hours before tattoo time to give the product time to work. Usually people find that their skin is completely numb in patches and will have some sensation in other patches with this method. It's important to note that this does not numb the skin long term. At best, you will be numb for about 2 hours. I have found that with some clients that use this method, their pain threshold is altered and returning sensation is very uncomfortable. I usually only recommend this method for areas that are relatively small and sensitive (feet, hands, elbow, elbow ditch, knee, knee ditch, armpit, nipple area) because these area can usually be tattooed relatively quickly while the cream is still effective. The brands I have worked with for this method are Mad Rabbit, Dr. Numb, Numbskin, and Inkeeze. Always do a patch test before using any new product. Tattoo Glides to Numb the Skin Another method is to use products that are designed to replace the usual tattoo glide. The glide is a petroleum ointment used throughout the tattoo process by the artist. There are products the artist can use instead that contain CBD or lidocaine. In this way, the numbing agent is applied continuously throughout the process. This method does not numb the skin completely, but it does take the edge off and make the process a bit more tolerable. It doesn't interfere with the pain threshold like complete numbing does. The products I have worked with for this method is Hustle Butter CBD Luxe. Always patch test new products before bringing them to your tattoo appointment. Numbing Soaps for Tattoos Hustle Butter makes a products to be used during the tattoo session called Hustle Helper. I would say this 5 oz bottle might last for 2-4 long sessions so the amount of product does not go very far. However, I have had good feedback about it helping with pain and can be used in conjunction with their Hustle Butter CBD Luxe. This is a lidocaine product. Always check for allergies. Numbing Sprays Lidocaine sprays can be used sporadically throughout the tattoo process, such as before and after breaks, or when the client hits a pain wall. When sensation returns, it is gradual and does not interfere with the pain threshold. This helps move the client through sticking points and get back to the rhythm of natural pain management. I use this method on occasion using Bactine which I keep on hand in my studio. Will Numbing Products Affect my Tattoo? The overuse of lidocaine on skin can cause a change in the skin texture as the artist works. In my experience, sometimes the skin will not accept ink as well because of it. It's important to respect the body's natural process of handling trauma as much as possible so consider numbing products carefully. Note: Please do not show up to your appointment with a new product without checking in with the artist. Also, again, patch test everything. With the popularity of tattoos growing, there are tons of products out there and not all of them are regulated.

Whether it's because the art didn't turn out right or the ink hasn't aged well, a lot of people have tattoos they want to cover. Coverups can be tricky depending on how dark the unwanted tattoo is but they are some of my favorite projects. Laser Removal Before a Coverup? Laser tattoo removal takes several sessions to fully remove a tattoo - usually a minimum of 8-9 sessions. You have to wait 6 weeks between laser sessions to let the skin fully heal as the process damages the skin and can cause blistering. On top of all that it's expensive and painful. However, sometimes laser removal can increase your options with a coverup. I will recommend laser removal before a coverup every once in a while, but it's not usually necessary. Sometimes you can get away with fewer laser sessions to simply lighten the old tattoo a bit. Laser removal sucks but it's important to consider all options to have the best end result possible. Designing for Coverup Tattoos I usually recommend coverups be at least 3-4 times the size of the original tattoo - otherwise the end result will very obviously be a coverup. Usually it's best to use strong, opaque or dark colors over the old ink but you can use all kinds of beautiful palettes for them. Florals are a popular go-to as the shapes are large, organic and easy to modify, but there is a myriad of subject matter that could work for any given coverup. It's best to approach a project with a few ideas you'd be open to as your first choice may not work well. Placement While designing for a coverup, I try to have the shapes of the new tattoo flow over the old design seamlessly. I take several photos of the area of the body to be tattooed so I can plan for this accordingly, but there are almost always adjustments that need to be made on appointment day for the perfect fit. Tattoos that wrap to different areas of the body are great for coverups, so the placement needs to be just right. A full day session for the first appointment is recommended to provide ample time for the stencil process. How Much do Coverups Cost? The goal with a coverup is to end up with a tattoo you can be proud of. This means not making the same mistakes that led to the original, unwanted tattoo. Make sure you work with an artist you trust and who has experience with the process. Coverups are generally large and time consuming. The designs require more thought and the stencil placement must be exact. Sometimes another pass is needed over the original tattoo to hide stubborn sections of old ink. For these reasons, the process of getting a coverup can be pricey. The same hourly rates apply as any other tattoo, but each step of the process takes a bit longer. An artist can give an estimate of cost, but ultimately the skin will dictate a lot about the tattoo process. Can You Tattoo Over Scars and Stretch Marks? It can be hard to predict how scar tissue will hold ink but I've had a lot of success with it. Consider trying a scar cream or gel for a few months before moving forward with a coverup. Though a tattoo may obscure the discoloration of a scar, it cannot change the texture of your skin. Stretch marks also behave differently - They tend to blow out very easily. Consider using something like Bio Oil for the months leading up to your sessions to reduce the stretch marks slightly.

One of the issues that crops up during consultations for me is the subject of style. A lot of people don't know how to express the style they like most in tattoos. What makes it more difficult is the fact that there is a wide spectrum of styles and techniques and mashups that can overlap. Every artist will have their own way of doing what they do, but they will usually fall under a larger umbrella in terms of style. A Brief Overview of Art Terms Before delving into style, here is a short glossary of terms that can help with your vocabulary on discussing style. Style should not be confused with Subject Matter. Subject Matter is the object of the image itself. For example, the subject matter of a piece can be a tiger portrait, roses, or a crow. Its how that subject matter is drawn / painted / tattooed / conveyed that we call style. Composition is how the subject matter is organized. Composition is an important part of any art form. With tattoos, the composition is greatly dictated by the shape of the body part it is on, and what other tattoos may be around it. In the case of coverups, the composition is also dictated by hiding the old tattoo. Value is where a color lands on the spectrum in terms of darkness. If you were to convert a colored tattoo to black and gray, you would want all the values to still be strong to maximize legibility. Contrast describes the relationship between two values. The highest contrast possible is black next to white. A low contrast relationship would be two grays or 2 colors that when side by side have very similar values. Opacity describes the ability of a given ink to block light. For example, a watered down dye is relatively thin and easy to see light through if applied to a clear sheet of glass. Meanwhile, a thick wall paint will coat that clear glass surface without much effort and block your ability to see through it. Tattoo inks come in a myriad of opacities to suit the design needs of any given artist. For example, an artist might opt for more opaque inks for a coverup. Rendering often times refers to how developed an image might be in terms of shading / color / lighting. A highly rendered tattoo would be fully detailed, have fully realized textures, and many times a sophisticated lighting situation. The strength of a Design for any given purpose is dictated by the use of these concepts all together by the artist. American Traditional / Americana Tattoo Styles This style is most associated with the work of a tattoo artist from the first half of the 19th century named Sailor Jerry. It is characterized by strong, black linework, a limited palette of mostly primary colors, a somewhat naive rendering, and specific subject matter like pinups, eagles, daggers, roses etc.. Many people who are interested in this style tend to collect small to midsize pieces and puzzle them together in an aesthetically pleasing way. Nowadays, the subject matter for this style has exploded into all kinds of modern options. Japanese Traditional Japanese traditional is associated with large, bold subject matter (dragons, samurai, cherry blossoms, waves, Oni masks, etc.) as well as bold, black lines, a limited color palette as well as with blacks and grays. Usually the wearer will be heavily covered in a specific configuration with not much bare skin showing through the design. Again, more modern versions of this might explore more subject matters, more complex palettes, or a more polished rendering. Neo-traditional Neo-traditional is usually characterized by bold linework and stylization but with an updated color palette, and a more modern aesthetic. You can find traits of Art Nouveau or Art Deco in this style. They are generally larger, more detailed, and are characterized by skillfully applied washes of smooth colors and gradients. Illustrative / Line work I characterize illustrative work as simply not trying to look overly realistic in the world of tattoos. Any of the afore-mentioned styles could be considered illustrative. When working with my clients, "illustrative" is usually associated with botanical "scientific illustrations". Other times it is defined as "fine line". Many times there is visible line work but it is fine or thin. In this context, illustrative work can look quite realistic, but it is still clearly a drawing. This style can be done with (usually limited) color or black and gray but the key is that carefully done line work is appreciated by the viewer. Sometimes illustrative work can be very simple, where there really is no shading or color. Watercolor Tattoos This style can be coupled with a few different styles, but ultimately it will usually include a "splatter" or "dripping" effect with a varied palette. I see a lot of tattoos that will have a fine-line drawing with watercolor splatter effect through or behind it. Usually if a piece has a splatter look but it is all black it would be considered "ink splatter". Technique-wise it is similar. Although there is no dripping effect in the elephant tattoo below, the palette is exaggerated giving it a bit of a watercolor, or "painted" feel. Realism Realism has it's own little spectrum that tops out at "hyper-realism". Many times this style has very saturated, opaque color or grays, an extremely realistic lighting situation, and fully rendered detail and texture in the subject matter. This style is usually based on photo reference. Realism can be lots of subject matter but I associate hyper-realism with portraits and florals. The realism I do I think lies on the more "painterly" or "illustrative" side. Micro-Realism Originally this style was most associated with non-opaque blacks and grays but recently I have seen some quite beautiful examples of opaque color work in this realm. This style can be all kinds of subject matters but the designs are generally made from photos / photo collage. It is characterized by detailed work at relatively small sizes. For example, you could have a full sleeve as micro-realism, but these artists will do things like faces at a smaller size inside a larger design. This style can be collected as small works puzzled together or large areas like a sleeve designed together as one piece. There is some debate in the industry over how well these tattoos age. As with all things, it depends. Abstract Tattoos In tattoos, abstract simply means the subject matter of a design isn't something material. It is usually done over large areas that are simply meant to compliment the body but they can also be small or midsize. Examples of abstract are geometric, or many forms of tribal. They can simply be meandering shapes or patterns. Some forms of abstract do include elements of other styles including realism, watercolor or geometric. Techniques Techniques can sometimes take on lives of their own as they can be heavily associated with particular styles. Dotwork and whip shading tend to be prevalent in illustrative and micro-realism but they can be found in other styles. Blast-over is a term for a coverup that doesn't try to pretend the old tattoo isn't there. It's just a large, usually abstract design that creates it's own aesthetic which includes the old work. In Conclusion... ... I find that these styles and terms come up most when talking about tattoos with my clients. Particularly the relationship between illustrative and realism as my style tends to land at different points on those spectrums. You'll notice I used the word "brief" a few times here; just know that this really is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of what's out there. My descriptions are purely aesthetic and lacking in terms of meaning, history, and context. My interest in creating this post is to give clients a basic vocabulary when talking about the styles they like. If a style interests you, I encourage you to do more research into the evolution of it, the historical implications, and meanings of certain colors, or shapes in it (Tribal, Celtic and Japanese for example have a lot more to it). Many artists mash styles up depending on their influences and apprenticeship experiences. Some artists fall very strictly into a particular category. Every artist is different. It is very rare that an artist will be able to successfully emulate another artist; please keep this in mind when working with your tattoo artist. No human being can serve as a copy machine, and will have their own way of solving any given design. When considering an artist, it's important to have a good grasp on the style they do. For example, an amazing hyper-realism artist probably won't be interested in an illustrative linework piece. Someone who specializes in micro-realism probably won't be doing too many Japanese body suits. If you don't hear back about your inquiry, consider if the style of the references you included really seems like a good fit to the artist.