Straight answers to the things that stop people booking a tattoo — from the first idea to a healed tattoo. Each guide points you at real, credited work in the catalogue, and health guides quote dermatologists who specialise in tattoos.
Where they split
The bold outlines and saturated fill that define Irezumi tend to age well when done solidly, holding their contrast better than very fine, delicate work.
Red flags
Is my tattoo healing normally? How to tell normal healing (redness, oozing, peeling, cloudiness) from an infection, allergy or blowout, with a quick checker and dermatologist quotes.
What drives the price
How well an area holds a tattoo over time
Old School (American Traditional) tattoos: bold lines, a limited palette and classic subjects - fit, aging, cost and how to spot good work.
Colour and fine lines soften over the years, especially in the sun.
When will I see my tattoo design? Flash vs custom, why artists often show it on the day, how many revisions are normal, design fees, copying other tattoos and AI designs.
Texture: often built with dotwork shading and fine linework, usually in black and grey.
New School tattoos explained: exaggerated cartoon shapes, saturated colour and bold outlines - who they suit, how they age and what to look for.
Nine stages from a vague idea to a healed tattoo. Every guide ends with a link to the next step, so you can read them in order — or jump straight to where you are.
The worries people mention most — and where the honest answer is.
11 guides
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1 guide
Health guides quote dermatologists who specialise in tattoos word for word. New to the words? See the tattoo glossary. How guides are written and corrected: editorial policy.