This provides a similar effect to white ink tattoos without the risk of fading. Scarification is sometimes used on top of blackout tattoos. In some cases, designs in white ink are placed on top of blackout tattoos after they have healed to create visual contrast. Blackout tattoos may also be used as a background for color or black-on-black patterns and designs. The edges of the blackout tattoo may end in shading, or with designs that make use of the negative space between the tattoo and the bare skin tone. If the technique is not applied properly, the ink may heal unevenly, with some areas lighter or darker than others. As the ink fades, blackout tattoos may need to be retouched, although some people choose to let them fade with age. Blackout tattoos are sometimes completed in multiple sessions because the process may be painful and time-consuming, and to ensure that ink has fully saturated the skin. īlacking out a portion of skin can take several hours, as the artist needs to ensure that the tattoo ink is evenly deposited, while also minimising scarring. These tattoos often have abstract geometric designs. The main and defining characteristics of blackout tattooing is tattooing a portion of skin completely solid black. The practice has received criticism for cultural appropriation, and has been compared to blackface in some circumstances. They soon spread internationally as a fashion trend, having been popularized by Singaporean tattoo artist Chester Lee whose designs went viral on Instagram. However, blackout tattoos became increasingly popular as an aesthetic choice in South Asia during the 2010s, a practice which largely derived from local tattooing techniques such as Bornean traditional tattooing. The technique originated as an alternative method of covering up unwanted tattoos, instead of the more expensive tattoo removal. Their designs also often incorporate aspects of neo-tribal tattoos. Modern blackout tattoos are influenced by traditional Polynesian tattoos and graphic art. Although many people get blackout tattoos as a standalone piece, they are also a method of covering up unwanted tattoos. Blackout tattoos are a type of tattoo that involves tattooing an area of the body completely black.

Black negative space tattoos