A blackout tattoo is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a tattoo in which some large area of the skin is completely covered in black ink. It’s a bold statement making move when it comes to getting tattooed and in some cases results in backlash from friends, family, and followers. Just ask famed tattooist Kat Von D who was chastised online this past summer for “going dark”. But who cares what others think. What matters is what you want. However, if you’re online and searching “should I get a blackout tattoo?” you may not be so sure if that’s what you really desire. We’re here to help. Below are some considerations to make before moving forward with this particular tattoo theme.
4 Things to Consider Before Booking an Appointment to Get a Blackout Tattoo
Is it Just to Cover-Up an Unwanted Tattoo? Because if it is…..
Are you getting a blackout tattoo simply to cover up an unwanted tattoo that you regret? If so, you need to know that this is not your only option. Instead, you can leverage the power of laser tattoo removal technology to fade the old tattoo to the point that a cover-up (with a tattoo you really want) is fully viable.
What Are Your Other Motivations?
What is your state of mind? Sometimes when a person wants a dramatic and statement making tattoo such as a blackout, they are reacting emotionally to an event in life. If this may be the case, wait a month or even longer to see if you still desire it. Whatever revved your engine may have abated, and you may not feel as motivated to get a blackout tattoo. But if you indeed have a clear head – keep reading for further insight.
What’s Your Threshold for Pain?
Blackout tattoos are typically more painful than traditional designs. It will hurt more (than usual) during and after the session. Your tattooist will go over the skin multiple times in order to achieve the right coverage and saturation. As a result, your skin will feel pretty raw. If you don’t have the threshold for pain required to sit through a long and intense session, and to manage the discomfort you’ll feel for the day/days after – reconsider.
Could You Conceivably Change Your Mind in the Future?
Advanced laser tattoo removal technology can work wonders. A large blackout tattoo however, is a different story. Removing the deep and dark ink from a significant canvas will be cumbersome and costly. And even then it may not achieve the desired result. If there is any chance of you changing your mind about the tattoo in the future, skip it.
Quality and Talent Still Matter
You might think that just because you’re getting a blackout tattoo that you can get it done anywhere. Or worse, you may attempt to DIY the damn thing. Bad idea on all accounts, Believe it or not, quality and tattooist talent still matter when it comes to getting a proper blackout tattoo. An inexperienced tattooist will apply inadequate pressure to certain parts of the area getting tattooed. While it may look OK when you leave their chair upon completion, you’ll quickly discover uneven tones as the days and weeks pass. Instead of the deep and dark aesthetic you desired, you’ll be left with a smudgy and inconsistent tarmac instead of expressive body art. Properly scrutinize tattoo shops and tattoo artists before booking an appointment.
Have you considered the above and still want a blackout tattoo? If located (or visiting) the Greater Vancouver BC or Toronto ON area, schedule a consultation at an Adrenaline Studios near you.
Written By:
Adrenaline Tattoo
Tattoos, not attitudes. Piercings, not pricks. From the beginning, Adrenaline’s focus has been on delivering the best customer service possible within the body modification industry.
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