Looking for a tattoo artist who can work with scarred skin
June 21, 2019 12:25 PM Subscribe
I’d like to find a tattoo artist who’s skilled at tattoos that are meant to cover scars.
This isn’t my first time at the tattoo rodeo; I have a bunch in various places already. But this time, I want the artist to work specifically with a bunch of pretty irregularly placed scars all along my entire arm. I’m looking for someone who can not only work with the scars themselves, but who can also help me come up with a design idea that will incorporate them. I have some idea of what I’d like there, but, to put it charitably, I am not an artist, so I’ll need someone with a strong design sense of their own.
I’m in New York City, so in or around the city would be good, but I’d travel around 100 miles or so for the right person.
Incidentally, I’ve seen this question, but a lot of the links are dead and I’m looking for specific artist recommendations.
This isn’t my first time at the tattoo rodeo; I have a bunch in various places already. But this time, I want the artist to work specifically with a bunch of pretty irregularly placed scars all along my entire arm. I’m looking for someone who can not only work with the scars themselves, but who can also help me come up with a design idea that will incorporate them. I have some idea of what I’d like there, but, to put it charitably, I am not an artist, so I’ll need someone with a strong design sense of their own.
I’m in New York City, so in or around the city would be good, but I’d travel around 100 miles or so for the right person.
Incidentally, I’ve seen this question, but a lot of the links are dead and I’m looking for specific artist recommendations.
This artist does scar coverups. She’s based in San Francisco, but I’m pretty sure has travelled to NY in the past—maybe she has another guest trip planned?
(Note: I have not been tattooed by her myself, I just follow her on instagram.)
posted by tan_coul at 2:22 PM on June 21, 2019
(Note: I have not been tattooed by her myself, I just follow her on instagram.)
posted by tan_coul at 2:22 PM on June 21, 2019
I wonder if there might be tattoo artist Reddit a similar forum where you, or a helpful tattoo artist might post this question?
Similarly, I know there are tattooists who specialize in tattooing nipples on reconstructed breasts for women who have had mastectomies. I understand from someone who had this done that they have techniques to simulate the texture and physiology of a natural nipple, so they sound seriously skilled: I know she had to wait many months for her appointment, so they are seriously booked. Perhaps a phone call to a surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction would be useful. I'd suggest asking to speak with a nurse in the office who works with the surgeon, as the surgeon him/herself is unlikely to take a random call from a non-patient.
You could also ask a plastic surgeon, although I think they would be more likely to suggest ways to minimize scarring, and they are more likely to do laser tattoo removal. You might get lucky, though, and find an intrigued plastic surgeon who will ask around.
posted by citygirl at 2:26 PM on June 21, 2019
Similarly, I know there are tattooists who specialize in tattooing nipples on reconstructed breasts for women who have had mastectomies. I understand from someone who had this done that they have techniques to simulate the texture and physiology of a natural nipple, so they sound seriously skilled: I know she had to wait many months for her appointment, so they are seriously booked. Perhaps a phone call to a surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction would be useful. I'd suggest asking to speak with a nurse in the office who works with the surgeon, as the surgeon him/herself is unlikely to take a random call from a non-patient.
You could also ask a plastic surgeon, although I think they would be more likely to suggest ways to minimize scarring, and they are more likely to do laser tattoo removal. You might get lucky, though, and find an intrigued plastic surgeon who will ask around.
posted by citygirl at 2:26 PM on June 21, 2019
Joice Wang at Soho's Grit N Glory Tattoo Boutique specializes in working with people who have self-harm scars; so she definitely knows how to work with scars. Another option is to look for self-harm scar coverup; these people are generally good at working with scars.
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 2:52 PM on June 21, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 2:52 PM on June 21, 2019 [1 favorite]
Friday Jones is wonderful and does mastectomy&scar tattoos.
She lives in New Orleans but is in NYC quarterly. You can reach out to her on Instagram where she is friday_jones.
posted by wowenthusiast at 3:41 PM on June 21, 2019 [1 favorite]
She lives in New Orleans but is in NYC quarterly. You can reach out to her on Instagram where she is friday_jones.
posted by wowenthusiast at 3:41 PM on June 21, 2019 [1 favorite]
Because you said you’d travel for the right person: a tattoo artist in Indianapolis, IN covered a sensitive scar and did a breathtaking job. I don’t want to say most here but feel free to memail me for more.
posted by _Mona_ at 5:34 PM on June 21, 2019
posted by _Mona_ at 5:34 PM on June 21, 2019
Be sure to consult your dermatologist before you do this. Recently, I've heard some docs voicing concern when tattooing scarred skin. The area has already been heavily traumatized, adding this to a weakened area could come back to haunt you with a variety of maladies. Good luck though.
posted by bkeene12 at 6:03 PM on June 21, 2019
posted by bkeene12 at 6:03 PM on June 21, 2019
If you're willing to travel to Boston, Darlene DiBona at Odyssey Wellness Tattoo specializes in this. She's in the process of doing my post-mastectomy tattoos and they look amazing. More examples of her work here.
posted by tangosnail at 6:12 AM on June 22, 2019
posted by tangosnail at 6:12 AM on June 22, 2019
Response by poster: Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions! I’ll check them all out.
posted by holborne at 10:44 AM on June 23, 2019
posted by holborne at 10:44 AM on June 23, 2019
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posted by nickggully at 1:44 PM on June 21, 2019