Gorgeous colors intermingling to create a unique design – watercolor tattoos have become popular over the last few years for obvious reasons. The colorful style looks like a master painter has taken a paintbrush to skin.
A watercolor painting is distinguishable from other forms of paintings for its vibrant, yet sometimes slightly transparent colors – the bottom canvas or paper is often glimpsed behind the paint.
Lines are slightly blurred, and shaded and blended colors are seen. This style of art can be translated amazingly well onto skin.
Styles of Watercolor Tattoos
While there are many different ways to design a watercolor tattoo, there are two main types of watercolor tattoos: ones with a black base, and ones without a black base.
Tattoos without a black base makes the colors look like they’re melting into the skin with no distinct edges. With this design, the vibrancy of the colors takes center stage and the use of shading blends one tint into the next.
A black base of line work can lay a foundation for a watercolor design. Lines are drawn, before adding the shades over it, creating an artwork that doesn’t stick to coloring within the lines.
This can create a striking contrast between rigid black lines and free flowing, vivacious colors. This style is a great way to incorporate traditional tattooing with an extra splash of liveliness.
Meanings Behind Popular Watercolor Tattoos
There are many types of symbols and images you can alter with a watercolor design.
Some popular styles of watercolor tattoos include butterflies – because of their natural colors, these insects can be a great choice for a watercolor design. Butterflies are often representations of beauty, freedom and transformation.
Flowers can be attention-grabbing when done in a watercolor style – putting the emphasis on color and shading can make the design hyper realistic.
The meaning behind flower tattoos are varied; flowers have long been symbols of life and beauty throughout the world. More specifically, red roses can represent love, while pink roses can represent grace and gratitude.
Though a pivot from traditional black ink and block colors could seem like something to jump at when deciding on a new tattoo that’s distinctive and artistic, there are a few things to consider before getting colorfully inked.
Be Completely Sure About the Design
As with any kind of tattoo, you should be one hundred percent certain you will love the design for a long time.
You can’t wash off the tattoo when the colors start becoming a bit much or they clash with your wardrobe. It’s best to ask the question: Is this tattoo going to match with my long-term style?
A pop culture reference may seem like a good idea at the time, but your favorite band or character from a movie might change after a few years.
Research designs and take your time deciding. If you think you’ve found “the one”, save the picture as your phone or computer’s background. If you get tired of looking at it day after day, multiple times, then it’s not the one.
Know How to Look After your New Tattoo
All tattoos fade over time, including watercolor designs – the vibrant colors you started with will soften and lighten as the years go on. You can always get touch ups if you want to keep your tattoo looking super colorful.
Due to the transparent design of the watercolor look, your tattoo could fade a little bit faster, so it’s important to take the time to properly look after it.
However, as watercolor tattoos don’t stick to the lines, some fading may actually work well.
If you’re not a fan of fading colors, you may want to give some extra thought into where you want your tattoo to be.
Putting it on a part of your body that is frequently in the sun will mean some extra TLC, whereas a place that’s usually covered up requires a little less maintenance.
What is key is looking after your tattoo and not to pick at it while it’s healing – it could remove some of the color. Ensure your tattoo is clean and keep it moisturized.
Gently wash your tattoo twice a day with a gentle soap and pat dry before applying an antibacterial ointment that will help it heal.
It’s best to keep your tattoo out of the sun while it’s healing; after it’s healed, keep it protected from the sun with sunscreen.
Find a Skilled, Experienced Tattoo Artist
Watercolor designs can require a bit more skill than your average black stenciled tattoo, so make sure you find an artist that has experience in watercolor styles. Here are some tips on choosing the right artist:
Don’t Rush It
Just because there’s a tattoo parlor across the street from your office, it does not mean you should get tattooed there. Take your time, do your research and find a studio that you love and in which you feel one hundred percent comfortable.
Be Objective when looking through an Artist’s Portfolio
Attention to detail is key here. Look through their work and notice whether there are any jumpy lines, lopsided circles, or whether you’re simply not a fan of how they approach watercolors.
If you don’t absolutely love their work, keep looking around.
Ask Around and get some Advice from Fellow Tattooed Friends
Your friends should tell you the truth and will be able to warn you against a studio if they themselves had a bad experience.
Also, notice other people’s tattoos. If your work colleague has a tattoo that looks amazing, start a conversation and ask them where they got inked.
Take Your Time
Taking your time and doing proper research can save you a lot in disappointment and tattoo removal fees.
Conclusion
If you want something unique and eye-catching, a watercolor tattoo is a beautiful choice. As with every type of body modification, you’ve got to do your research, prepare yourself and make sure you’re ready to live with this, and love it, for years to come.
