So many people are in the dark about longevity and Aging tattoos.
I would like to share what I have learned over the last 28 years of tattooing.
LINEWORK
Tattoos are not like drawings.
Tattoo ink is on a biological canvas that ages, grows and spreads out over time.
Most lines do not stay as thin or as crispy as they are when a tattoo is fresh.
You need at least 5mm of space in the skin between lines for a tattoo to hold up over time.
Lines should be consistent and black.
All lines will spread out a little, so tiny little lines are ok as long as there is space to do so.
A lot of bigger pieces use smaller detail lines as part of the design.
As a result, the larger design elements HAS to be held up by proper spacing and bold lines.
OTHER AFFECTS ON LONGEVITY
location, location, location.
Hands, feet, elbows, wrists, neck and knees are going to age much quicker.
Sun exposure will turn black lighter and sometimes a blueish gray color. In addition, sun will fade all colors.
The more contrast there is in a tattoo, the more it will hold up over time.
If you squint and can’t tell what it is, it may lose definition over time.
Too many tiny detail with no spacing or stipples generally don’t hold up.
Especially if it is done with light grey or color.
Pigments that is lighter than our skin tone such as white or light pastels may have permanency issues.
SOCIAL MEDIA ISSUES
What a tattoo looks like then it is done is definite not what it looks like healed.
Also, not what its gonna look like in a year or several years.
Instagram mostly shows fresh tattoos.
I’m guilty of this as well because the client may not be able to come back for healed photos.
If an artist tells you a design will not hold up over time, it is less about stylistic choices.
It is more about provide you a quality service and product that is made to last!
Aging tattoos can stand the test of time!
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