Two of the most interesting and popular kinds of tattoos of the past few years are blackwork and blackout tattoos.
Blackwork and blackout tattoos are a daring and very visible style, primarily defined by large areas of the skin being covered completely with ink. They have no shading–think blackout curtains but for your skin! As the name says, is it characteristically made with solid black ink.
They are more than that, though. Blackout tattoos stand out visually in ways that are more bold than other tattoo styles.
At The Honorable Society, we see blackout and blackwork tattoos as a courageous and unique expression whether you’re covering up an old tattoo or making a statement with a new one.
Want to chat with someone about getting your very own blackout tattoo? Schedule a consultation with us!
Blackout Tattoos vs. Blackwork Tattoos
No matter what, the main characteristic of these styles is the even coat of black ink to cover a section of skin.
In its simplest form, a blackout tattoo is a tattoo that covers a large area of the body in all-black ink. It leaves no space for skin, dimension, or artistic expression.
Adding a blackout tattoo can also be challenging. A sleeve, for instance, requires careful skill and precision on behalf of the tattoo artist to ensure that the entire black surface is uniform and consistent. Even more if you’re covering up an existing tattoo!
Blackwork tattoos, which require equal talent, can be accomplished by using negative space on the skin as a design or creating a single shape with one dimensional black ink.
Compared to other tattoo styles, which usually achieve their uniqueness through intricate designs or color, blackwork tattoos focus on the striking visual effect of ink on skin alone.
Common Placements for a Blackwork or Blackout Tattoo
Blackwork and blackout tattoos are more versatile than you may expect! We recommend this article on tattoo placement to decide where your next design should go!
You can get them just about anywhere on your body but some of the most common are:
- Arms: one of the most popular placements for blackout tattoos. Often in the form of full-sleeves or half-sleeves.
- Legs: provide a large canvas for full or partial blackout tattoos and scaled blackwork.
- Chest and Back: large, uninterrupted areas of black ink leave room for lots of creativity and drama.
- Torso and Rib Cage: perfect spaces for tattoos that go all the way around the body.
The History Blackwork Tattoos
Even though they are a modern trend, Blackwork tattoos actually have roots that can be traced all the way back to ancient tattooing practices. Historically, the use of solid black ink has been very prevalent in numerous cultures around the world.
Whenever you see skin used as negative space in blackwork tattoos, you can thank various cultural tattooing traditions.
In Polynesian and Maori traditions, for instance, black ink was often used to create large, intricate designs that held deep cultural and spiritual significance. These tattoos were not just body art but also markers of identity, status, and heritage.
In more recent history, the concept of blackwork tattoos began to take shape as a unique style in its own right.
Initially, the modern version of this technique was used as a method to cover up unwanted tattoos. The solid black ink could be used to mask old and faded designs to provide a fresh canvas for either new artwork or for leaving the covered area as a bold statement piece.
Evolution of Blackout Tattoo Techniques and Styles
As the popularity of blackout tattoos has grown, so has the innovation in their application and design.
Early Methods
The earliest blackout tattoos focused primarily on coverage. They were usually lacking in the finesse and uniformity seen in modern works.
Modern Advancements
With the advent of better tattooing equipment and inks, the quality and precision of blackout tattoos improved significantly. Modern tattoo machines are equipped with advanced needles and more consistent power supplies to help artists achieve smoother, more uniform coverage.
Artistic Innovations
Today’s blackwork tattoos are not limited to solid black expanses. Artists have begun to incorporate negative space and intricate designs within the black ink. For example, techniques such as dotwork, linework, and geometric patterns are often used to add depth and complexity to blackout tattoos.
The Artistic Appeal of Blackwork and Blackout Tattoos
A blacked-out tattoo is undeniably striking.
The boldness of solid black ink covering the arm, or another part of the body, simply creates a powerful and visually arresting statement. This dramatic look is not only eye-catching but also inherently exudes a sense of strength and confidence.
Colored tattoos certainly look cool too, but it’s a major misconception that a tattoo has to be colored for it to stand out.
Techniques and Elements of Blackwork Tattoos
- Negative Space
- One of the most innovative aspects of blackwork tattoos is the use of negative space. By leaving certain areas of skin untouched by ink, artists can create intricate patterns, shapes, and images within the solid black field. This approach adds a layer of complexity and depth to the tattoo, turning simple black ink into a detailed and personalized design.
- Geometric Patterns
- Geometric patterns are a popular choice for enhancing blackwork tattoos. These patterns, ranging from simple lines and shapes to complex mandalas, can be integrated into the black ink to create a mesmerizing visual effect. The contrast between the solid black and the intricate geometric designs makes for a tattoo that is both bold and detailed.
- Dotwork and Linework
- Dotwork and linework techniques can be used to add texture and dimension to blackwork tattoos. By varying the density and placement of dots or lines, artists can create shading and gradients within the black ink, adding a sense of movement and dynamism to the tattoo.
If you’re currently searching for a professional artist to help you design the perfect blackwork tattoo, you can easily schedule a virtual consultation with us!
Reasons for Choosing a Blackout Tattoo
So why should you consider getting a blackout tattoo? Some of the top reasons why people choose to get them include:
Reason #1: Covering Up Old or Unwanted Tattoos
One of the most practical reasons when opting for a blackout tattoo is its ability to cover up old or unwanted ink. Over time, tattoos can fade, stretch, or become outdated, leading many to seek ways to refresh, replace, or just plain hide their old body art.
Blackout tattoos make this simple by strategically masking the original ink with a solid layer of black.
Speaking of which…
Reason #2: Creating a Bold Statement
Blackout tattoos are the epitome of making a bold statement. Their sheer intensity and solid coverage naturally command attention. The boldness of a blackout tattoo can also symbolize personal strength, resilience, and the courage to embrace your individuality–especially when you consider how much they can hurt!
Reason #3: Personal and Artistic Expression
Beyond their visual impact and practicality, blackout tattoos offer a profound avenue for personal and artistic expression. Because they can’t be changed over time or covered with other work, blackout tattoos are often used to express a feeling or message about the wearer or their beliefs.
The Process of Getting a Blackout Tattoo
Before you get a blackout tattoo, you’ll want to speak with a reputable tattoo artist for advice. You’ll want to check out their social media or review platforms such as Yelp or Google to see if they have any experience with blackout tattoos.
During the consultation, you and the artist will discuss your ideas, desired placement, and any specific details you want to include. They may go over the techniques they’ll use to get the desired outcome (more on this in a bit.)
Does a Blackout Tattoo Hurt More Than Other Styles?
The short answer is yes, usually.
Pain levels can differ depending on the tattoo’s location and your personal pain tolerance, with fleshier areas being less painful than bonier ones. Most people who get a blackout tattoo find the pain greater than your average tattoo, yet manageable with proper breaks and communication with the artist.
Aftercare for a Blackout Tattoo
Aftercare is incredibly important for a well-healed blackout tattoo. Initially, the artist will apply a protective bandage to prevent infection, which should be kept on for as long as they recommend.
Blackout tattoos heal differently than other styles and you may notice the process takes longer. Your skin undergoes major trauma with this style of tattooing because no skin cell is left un-inked!
Once you remove the bandage, you must take care of your tattoo carefully.
Clean and moisturize it regularly but avoid over-moisturizing. You should refrain from swimming and prolonged water exposure for at least two weeks, protect the tattoo from direct sunlight, and resist picking at scabs to avoid scarring. The outer layer of skin typically heals in 2-3 weeks, while complete healing can take up to two months.
Blackout and Blackwork Tattoo Techniques
Achieving solid black coverage in a blackout or blackwork tattoo requires specific techniques to ensure uniformity and depth. Some methods that artists will use include:
- Layering
- To achieve a deep, solid black, the artist often goes over the same area multiple times. Each pass layers the ink deeper into the skin, ensuring no spots are missed and the color remains consistent.
- Stretching the Skin
- Keeping the skin taut is essential to ensure that the ink can be applied evenly. Artists use their hands or specialized tools to stretch the skin, reducing the chance of ink pooling or uneven coverage.
- Cross Hatching
- By applying ink in different directions (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), artists can eliminate gaps and achieve a more uniform appearance.
The Honorable Society – Los Angeles
There’s no question that blackout tattoos represent a bold trend (literally) when it comes to body art. Their striking visual impact has cemented their place in the tattoo community.
If you’d like to get a blackwork or blackout tattoo, feel free to schedule an appointment to get started with one of our tattoo artists.
Be sure to check out our Instagram for inspiration as well!
