I’m a huge proponent of tattoos. Having gotten my first one at 17 (I’m up to nine…and counting!), I can safely say that these ink-based works of art have come a long way since the mid-aughts. Take color, for instance. Adding color to your tattoo used to be as simple as choosing your favorite hue, but over the past few years, the process has become so complex, it’s evolved into a style in and of itself. In fact, color tattoo designs have been hailed as one of the artform’s biggest trends.
According to tattoo artist Adam Villani, who spoke to StyleCaster last November, it’s one that’s not going anyway anytime soon, either. “By far, [2020’s] biggest trend is color,” he told the publication. “Color is so, so in.” He added, “We’re going to see so many new, creative uses of color,” noting that pastels, in particular, will be a dominant force in the world of tattoos.
So what makes these eye-catching pieces so different from the ink of yore? It’s all in the technique. From watercolor, which uses very few to no black or outlines, relying instead on gradual shading and shifts in color, to “hypercolor realism,” or “wildly realistic colored tattoos,” there’s no shortage of ways to bring these vibrant masterpieces to life. Some artists have even gone so far as to throw black light ink into the mix, so your tattoo will light up in the dark.
Of course, color tattoos aren’t for everyone—as those in the ink community know, there’s been much debate over how tattoos well created without strong linework will fare over time. Different skin types may also react adversely to certain colors. (Fellow eczema sufferers, for instance, may experience a bit more swelling with red ink than other palette choices.) Still, the colorful tattoo creations of today are a sight to behold, and a gorgeous, unique option for a growing number of ink enthusiasts. Check out 14 Insta-worthy strokes of color genius from around the world below.
1. A Whole New World
The globe sure does look a lot more colorful in this stunning watercolor rendition of a map from Ukraine-based tattoo artist @_sgushonka_ that could cure even the most intense quarantine wanderlust.
2. Soul Warrior
This portrait would have been exquisite even without the rich pops of color Pablo Ortiz (@pablo_ortiz_tattoo) added to the mix, but their addition truly takes this artwork next level. No wonder it’s one of the artist’s own favorites!
3. Nature’s Bounty
Dainty and delicate, this sweet flower design by Brazilian artist @daliviatattoo forgoes a traditional black outline in favor of soft, yellow petals and a lively green stem that boho queen Vanessa Hudgens would undoubtedly approve of—she’s got a similar design tattooed on her ribcage.
4. Neon Dream
Artist @shiratwig‘s Instagram account notes that she’s just 19 years old, but she’s also responsible for some of the most breathtaking, innovative color creations I’ve come across after hours spent combing through photos on the social media site. This striking neon floral butterfly combo, for instance, is nothing short of amazing.
5. Flashy Fish
As one of the most sought-after tattoo parlors in New York City thanks to its regularly revolving celebrity clientele, Bang Bang NYC (@bangbangnyc) unsurprisingly has its finger on the pulse of color innovation. I was particularly dazzled by this eye-popping fish from ink master Rob Green (@robgreennyc), which features a bold pink hue that’s expertly juxtaposed with ultra-feminine curves and gentle lines.
6. Tiny Jewel
Italian-based artist Debra Genchi’s (@debratist) work is inspired but nature, but it was me she left feeling inspired with this tiny jewel of a hummingbird she created. While the ornate colors along the stomach and wings would have been impressive enough, Genchi also found a way to use color to denote motion in the bird’s wings for a true masterpiece of a tattoo.
7. Seeing double
View this post on InstagramSeagull with flowers!🕊🌺 #doubleexposure @radiantcolorsink @balm_tattoo @redberrytattoostudio
Poland’s own Andrey Lukovnikov (@lukonikovtattoo) was crafty enough to work not one, but two tattoo ideas into this floral seagull piece via double exposure—a photography term that sees one one image superimposed on top of another. He didn’t shirk on the color, either, using bright-but-realistic shades for every element of the piece—right down to the tags on the bird’s feet—that make it a head-turner, through and through.
8. Bleeding Heart
Another head-turning creation from Green (@robgreennyc) comes in the form of this half-broken mirrored heart, which employs plenty of bold reds and shading to make it come alive.
9. Fanciful Feather
Color packing, or saturating the skin’s surface so that no negative space shows through, can be seen in all its glory in this @livelifeink_tattoos video, which documents India-based artist @artist_hemanshu_pangtey making short work of this multi-colored feather. The result is a pretty and fanciful piece that instantly commands attention.
10. Fierce Fox
Artist Marcel Oliveira (@marceltattooartist) doesn’t have more than 21,000 Instagram followers for nothing. Not only does he knock black-and-white portraits out of the park, his color work is a visual treat to behold. Check out this watercolor fox, which blends a sea of yellows, oranges, reds and whites together in a cacophony of pigment.
11. Color Without Borders
Another example of using color without borders is apparent in this intricate artwork out of Czech Republic. @ninja_ink shows us how it’s done with a segmented feather that combines varying shapes, colors and shades to make for one vibrant and intriguing artpiece.
12. Taking Flight
Hypercolor realism is seen at its finest in Oliveira’s (@marceltattooartist) dragonfly tattoo, which details everything from the winged creature’s elaborate wings of gold and green and beady, red eyes to the stick it rests upon against a clear blue sky.
13. Cartoon Realism
Anyone who knows me knows I’m a sucker for all things Sesame Street (this tweet brings me endless amounts of joy), but that’s not why I chose Dublin artist @tomashblazczak’s cartoon magnus opus for my list. No, it was the true-to-life…er, true-to-muppet colors that really caught my eye. Every little hue—from the count’s purple hands to Ernie’s striped shirt—has been captured to a tee, and I, for one, am living for it.
14. Roaring to Life
This lion roars to life in a kaleidoscope of color thanks to the sheer talent of @amandabarretotattoo. Not only is this gorgeous artwork based in watercolor, it was actually a coverup, which, as any avid Ink Master viewer (*raises hand*) knows, can be quite tough to execute. This one was done so seamlessly, however, I’d be none the wiser without the caption.
Which one is your favorite? Tell me in the comments below.
Xo, Nicole
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