Fine Line Tattoos
- harry4433
- Apr 4, 2024
- 3 min read
Are they worth it?
Hi all,
Ok. There has been a real surge in the popularity of so called "fine line" tattoos over the last few years. So what's the big deal and what are they all about?
Well, the fact is that many people don't want (or like) the look of the large bold tattoos of yore. And there's nothing wrong with that.
However there are a few things to bear in mind when you're thinking about getting a fine line tattoo.
Let's dive into it.
So the few issues that seem to go with fine line tattoos are as follows:
the size
the complexity of the design
the placement
who is doing the tattoo
Size is a very important factor to consider when getting a tattoo.
Basically the more a tattoo has in it the bigger it needs to go.
This is because your skin is a living, growing and changing organ. Tattoos will naturally move over the years. And if you put too many small details and fine lines into a tiny tattoo it will more than likely end up as a grey mush in a few years.
This leads us neatly onto the complexity of the design.
As the name suggests "fine line" tattoos are pretty much made up of fine lines.
Again there is nothing wrong with this as long as all those lines have enough space between them that they won't blur together over the years. A tattoo needs enough breathing space in the form of empty skin to stand the test of time.
Fine lines will also get wider with time.
I personally don't like doing the main outline of any tattoo with anything smaller than a tight 5.
The outline of a tattoo can be thought of as the skeleton of the tattoo.
If the design and finished tattoo doesn't have enough backbone (the lines are too thin) then the chances that the tattoo will fall apart are greatly increased.
Placement! This is another important factor.
The fact is that tattoos in certain areas will hold up better than the same tattoo will in another part of the body.
A tattoo on the thigh that is designed and executed correctly will still look amazing in 20 years. However that very same tattoo done on a foot or neck will very likely have a much shorter shelf life, and will not look so good in time.
Your tattoo artist (if they know what they are doing) will be able to advice you on the best place to put your design and draw correctly for your chosen area.
So who's tattooing you?
There are many...MANY tattooists out there.
And they all tend to specialise in only one or two styles.
The important thing (and I would actually say this is more important than the subject of your tattoo) is to choose someone who is right for the job.
No two tattooists are created the same. And it is of the upmost importance that you choose a tattoo studio that has the artist that is best for the kind of tattoo you would like.
I primarily work with black ink and do quite illustrative work. I don't do colour realism. Therefor I will not attempt to do it because I know that there are other tattooers that will do a better job.
Beware the tattoo artist that says he can tattoo any style!
The fact is that they can't. It takes years to understand how a tattoo will age over time let alone master the intricacies of one or two drawing style.
Make sure that your chosen tattoo artist has a portfolio full of designs that are similar to what you're after.
So are fine line tattoos a worthless fad?
Well no. No they aren't.
If a tattoo is done well, has the design structure to stand the test of time and is placed in the right spot it will look good and hold up for years to come.
The main thing is to choose a tattoo artist that works in the style of tattoo that you are after and that can advise you on the best way to get your desired result.
Not all tattoos are good tattoos.
However going with an experienced tattooer who knows what they are doing, and will give you the best advice will see that you get a tattoo that will look great for many years.
Looking to get your first tattoo??
Check out my guide to getting inked like a seasoned veteran HERE!
Want to get tattooed by me?
See how HERE
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