tattoo question

kaos16 · April 2014

So, I am planning to add to my collection in the very near future. I am getting a date on my wrist. Does anyone have any experience with tattoos that aren't black or outlines in black? Based on the location and my small pale stature, I am wondering if something in a lighter color will be better, less in your face.

I will certainly discuss all possibilities with the artist when I get to the shop, but I was hoping for some personal opinions/ pictures here.

ShallowSeas · April 2014

I have a tattoo on my collar bone/shoulder area of an anchor with a wave behind it. The wave is not outlined at all and is just a 'wispy' blue look...not sure how else to describe it. Its very light since its not outlined and almost blends into my skin. I think having anything outlined or done in a dark color is going to be more noticeable. When you first glance at my tattoo, the first thing thats noticeable is the anchor, even though its light gray and not very dark. It's outlined in black, unlike my wave.

ETA: the only thing I would worry about with not getting the tattoo outlined in a dark color, is that if you do it in a lighter color, it may not look as defined or sharp. I've seen some tattoos that are done in lighter colors with no outlines and they tend to blend into the skin. Maybe thats something you could bring up with your artist; keeping the tattoo sharp and defined yet not having it look too harsh?

RedJacks25 · April 2014

You at least want a decent outline, otherwise when it fades it will eventually look like you've just colored on yourself, especially since it will be so small.

AprilH81 · April 2014

I don't have tatoos, but I've seen something called a "white tattoo" I think is what it is called. The tatoo is done in white ink so it is less in your face and might be something to look into.

kaos16 · April 2014

AprilH81 said:

I don't have tatoos, but I've seen something called a "white tattoo" I think is what it is called. The tatoo is done in white ink so it is less in your face and might be something to look into.

I have heard of this as well. . . .. actually someone in my office has one. I have stuck in my head that they can turn a brownish as they age. I have no idea where I would have even heard that though.

FiancB · April 2014

It's not on my wrist but I have a tattoo that doesn't have black, is a pretty light color, and is still easy to see:

Maybe the artist will want to do some barely noticeable outlining that is just a shade or two darker than the rest. It won't be in your face but will still give the image some pop.

Text in white is kind of neat looking if you want something not very noticeable. It sort of looks like a scar

kaos16 · April 2014

@FiancB, your back tattoo is gorgeous!!!!!

Swazzle · April 2014

I have a smallish tattoo on my wrist but it is black.

@BriSox81 has light-colored wrist tattoo, when she sees this she can probably post a pic for you.

wandajune6 · April 2014

My FBIL has a series of red Chinese characters on his lower/inner arm. He's got a darker complexion and I thought they were a skin disease for the longest time. It was only when I saw them up close that I realized they were actually tattoos.

Darker colors will absolutely stick out more but it will also be easier to see the intent.

I think lighter colors look great on us pale folk but I'd be careful with colors that could be mistaken for bruises or skin irritations!

kaos16 · April 2014

shrekspeare said:

You can always do white ink. The problem so much isn't the ink color, it's the area. Whatever tattoo you get on your wrist is going to fade pretty quickly, and you'll have to get it touched up multiple times. I think white ink looks great. If I were to get another wrist tattoo, I would definitely go with white ink.

Interesting, I have never heard of a wrist tattoo fading more quickly than anywhere else on the body. . . . I know that hands and feet tend to fade quickly based on the skin being different.

GoldenPenguin · April 2014

I have both of my wrists tattooed, and they haven't faded at all. I have "just breathe." in black on my left wrist and a pink breast cancer ribbon with "be strong" in white on my right wrist. Neither of them get noticed very often, to be honest.

This is when it was first done:

Now:

GoldenPenguin · April 2014

I also have a full lotus flower without black outline on my back - I think it looks fine, but I do know that artists prefer to have an outline simply because it stops the color from bleeding.

jennyleigh16 · April 2014

I have script around my ankle in black but I was originally interested in getting it done in white ink. My tattoo artist told me that after a few years white ink will fade/ take on a yellow tint, and recommended I pick a different colour.

GoldenPenguin · April 2014

It's not faded as much as it's just flatter (?) than the fresh picture. Nothing is ever going to be as crisp as a fresh tattoo. The one I have on my foot is FADED. As in, the color saturation. (Which is common with foot tattoos.) I have had other artists tell me that they are surprised the color in that one is still as strong as it is, though.

My wrist tattoo HAS bled though - because of the lack of outline. I was warned, and knew what would happen. I still love it, regardless, because of the meaning behind it.

lmcooper86 · April 2014

I purposely didn't do black when I got the tattoo on my side; I opted for dark brown instead. It's a bit softer, which I really like. If you're very pale and concerned that black would be too harsh you could ask your artist about dark brown or something the colour of henna maybe?

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