Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with bodyart

Bright Ink, Dark Skin

Juliet Banana — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:06:24 -0800

Is it possible to get a bright, satu rated, extr emely colorful tattoo on light brown skin? It hasn't escaped my notice that the tattoos I admire are generally on Caucasians. I've heard that you should consider tattoo ink like colored cellophane; the color of your skin will shine through. I've heard tattoo artists saying that your color options become more limited as your skin gets darker. Hence, I've kind of accepted the fact that brightly colored tattoos are out of the question for me.

I'd love someone to prove me wrong, though, with photos or anecdotes or personal experiences! I'm half Mexican and half White, with skin the approximate color of peanut butter. I would like to see examples of colorful tattoos on people in a relatively similar shade range (ex: Latinos, South Asians, Native Americans, multiracial people, any light-brown people regardless of race). I know about BMEzine, but it's total information overload. If there are certain colors that would work but others that wouldn't, I'd like to know that too; this previous thread discusses white ink, for example.

If I got inked, it would almost certainly be on the upper arm or back, as pictured. I know that the bright color in photos of tattoos is sometimes because the tattoo is very fresh, and I also know that maintaining that brightness has a lot to do with limiting sun exposure, sunscreen, regular touch-ups, etc. I just want to know: is it possible for someone with my shade of skin to get a very colorful tattoo and keep it that way with a reasonable amount of effort?

I know Metafilter "doesn't do race well." This is not a cultural question about race or identity or ethnicity, it is a scientific question about how tattoo ink appears when applied to different shades of skin. In addition, I know there are issues with tattooing over scars; that's a different can of worms, kids. Your reward for keeping discourse civil is an extra bonus NSFW colorful tattoo.

Where to get my birthday ink?

Glitter Ninja — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 17:44:11 -0800

Please help me make the best choice for a tattoo parlour in the Tempe, AZ area for my first ink. I will be in Tempe, AZ from September 14-18 for KoL Con IV. While I'm there, my birthday will occur, and I'd like to get my first ink. I want a small (1x1) solid-colour square, preferably in a vivid colour (bright blue, lime green, or pink) on my hip (yes, that is a pun, yes, this is a real question). Could you give me a reccomendation for your favourite shops in the area, and if you have any clue, what I should expect to pay?

Thanks in advance. :)

White Tattoos: Yay or Nay?

ThePinkSuperhero — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 15:24:51 -0800

My sister is interested in getting a white tattoo. She keeps asking me what I think. My internet research turns up little reliable information. The limited stuff I've been able to find about all white tattoos (damn you, Lindsay Lohan, for starting this trend) suggets that, a, not a lot of tattoo artists can do them well, b, they don't show up well on dark skin (and my sister is ultra very VERY tan), and c, they can sometimes fade away or turn weird colors. But I haven't found any real solid information. So I turn to all of you. What do you know about all-white tattoos? Are they a worse idea than getting a tattoo of any other color? If she decides to get one, what should she look for in an artist?

How sore is a tattoo on the top of the foot?

fire&wings — Thu, 25 May 2006 17:37:18 -0800

How sore is a tattoo on the top of the foot? I already have several tattoos - both biceps, stomach (under belly button,) both ankles, inside wrist.

I want a tattoo on the top of my foot, but it seems - at least to me - to be a very sensitive area that could be exceptionally painful. Can anyone describe their foot tattooing experiences (or general tattoo knowledge,) especially in relation to the areas I have already tattooed? Am I worrying about nothing (the tattoos I have did not cause me major discomfort?) Thanks.

No, I'm not cold. Why do you ask?

Anonymous — Fri, 03 Feb 2006 11:18:40 -0800

Piercing Filter: no pictures, but those under 18 should respectfully get lost. Considering a nipple piercing. I don't want this to be obvious when I am clothed. What sort of jewelry is least likely to show through a shirt? Any experiences/advice you are willing to share are appreciated!