Getting a tattoo isn’t as easy as it sounds! There’s a lot to consider before taking that pigmented plunge. Instead of making impulsive choices, it’s important to figure out the basics. Although fairly new, the trend of watercolour tattoos has been rising in the past decade and it shows no signs of slowing down.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about these trendy tatts, including some cool designs, the standard prices, and tips on finding the right artist. Keep the following tips in mind if you’re looking to add some watercolour realness to the canvas of your body!
RELATED: Less Is More: 7 Minimalist Tattoos To Consider
What Are Watercolour Tattoos?
This particular type of tattoo aims to capture the same organic look of watercolour art on paper. Thanks to the hype of social media, this art style has risen in popularity among tattoo enthusiasts for its playful and dreamy aesthetic. Celebrities like Scarlet Johansson, Cara Delevingne, Rihanna, Kesha, and Paris Jackson have all been spotted rocking a cute watercolour tattoo or two!
How Are They Made?
Tattoo artists apply different techniques to achieve the effects of watercolour paint with its layers, drips, strokes, splashes and gradients. They don’t follow the same traditional rules of tattooing by starting with outlines and shading them in. Instead, they work their way in reverse: starting with a base of melting shades and colours, then ending with optional outlines or shapes to add structure.
What’s The Standard Watercolour Tattoo Price?
Getting an estimated cost on tattoos depends on several factors: the complexity of the design, the size or placement of the piece, the hours it will take to make, and how many colours will be used. Prices can range anywhere from roughly $AUD100 to $AUD350 for small to medium tattoos, and $AUD1000 to $AUD4000 for large, half-sleeve or full-sleeve designs. Most tattoo shops charge an hourly rate of around $AUD100 to $AUD200 depending on the artist’s level of expertise.
What Are The Watercolour Tattoo Pros And Cons?
Getting inked in this style definitely produces beautiful works of art on your skin. Since the colours used are often bright and vibrant, some artists incorporate the use of opaque, black or grey ink to help keep the pigments in for much longer. Of course, all ink – even dark ones – will gradually begin to fade over time.
The key difference is that darker colours tend to be absorbed by the skin better, while bright, transparent ones may lose a bit of vibrancy as they continue to age. Regular touch-ups may be recommended as part of your tattoo maintenance. Either way, make sure to discuss any concerns with your artist to get their professional opinions beforehand.
Where Can I Find The Best Watercolour Tattoo Artists Near Me?
Australia is full of tattoo shops and artists that can give you the watercolour tattoo you deserve. There’s also a website called Skin Ink that can help link to professional watercolour tattoo artists near you. Check out the following tattoo shops in your city:
Sydney
Melbourne
Bondi
Perth
Modern Ink Fremantle Tattoo Studio
Brisbane
The Painted Lady Tattoo Studio
Adelaide
21 Best Watercolour Tattoos & Placement
1. Flower
Floral designs represent classic beauty and the timelessness of nature. They can be placed almost anywhere like your outer thighs, arms, ankles, shoulders and even your ears!
2. Elephant
Elephants are large but gentle creatures, representing inner strength and deep wisdom. Since pieces tend to be huge, they are best placed on areas like the outer thighs, arms, torso and back.
3. Feather
Feathers are a symbol of flight and freedom. These make for great tiny tattoos that can go on your forearms, shoulders, ankles or your rib cage.
4. Butterfly
Butterflies represent beauty, spirituality and transformation. They can be both big or small, ideally on places where they would naturally land on, like your shoulder, forearms, wrists and back.
5. Phoenix
The phoenix rises from the ashes, representing rebirth and renewal. These large birds are best featured on spacious areas like the arms and outer thighs, but they can also be small enough to fit on your clavicles or ankles.
6. Dragonfly
Believed by some to be a sign of luck, dragonflies also represent adaptability and courage. These cuties look great as small to medium scale pieces that you can place on your calves, hips, wrists and back.
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7. Bird
Birds are untethered and symbolise the freedom to travel and discover new perspectives. Place them somewhere easily visible like the arms, chest, ankles and back.
8. Cat
These graceful, mysterious and sometimes meme-worthy companions represent intellect and grace. Show them off on your forearms, calves or ankles!
9. Dreamcatcher
This powerful Native American symbol wards away nightmares and negative energies or emotions, helping you feel more positive and at peace. It’s recommended to get medium to large scale pieces on your arms, outer thighs and back.
10. Wolf
Wolves are wild but are immensely loyal, brave and persevering. These feral animals look fierce on the arms, calves and chest.
11. Heart
Love makes the world go round, and that’s exactly what this tattoo means. Wear your heart on your sleeve and get it inked on your wrist or forearms!
12. Owl
These nocturnal birds can see through the darkness with ease, representing knowledge, wisdom, and truth. They look amazing perched on your arms, ankles and calves.
13. Fox
Foxes are known for their curiosity, cleverness and cunning nature. These playful creatures can be visible on the arms and calves or hidden in plain sight on the torso and rib cage.
14. Tree
Trees are an organic symbol for immortality, abundance, growth and history. This design will look good where they can spread their branches wide on the arms, calves and back.
15. Geometric
Geometry comprises the building blocks of the universe and represents the structure of life. They can be simple or intricate and will look spectacular on your back, torso, chest, sternum and arms.
16. Skull
This iconic symbol represents not only death and mortality but also toughness and rebellion. Skulls are usually placed as medium to large pieces on the arms as part of a full sleeve.
17. Men
Mankind inspires us to create, progress and connect. Get your favourite philosopher, musician, artist or celeb inked on large areas like the arms, calves and back.
18. Abstract
Abstract art proves that you don’t always need structure. Sometimes, formlessness is where it’s at. Get free-flowing tattoos on your inner arms, forearms, calves and back.
19. Anchor
Anchors represent humility and grounding, reminding us to withstand any current. Although usually placed on the legs, they also look great anchored on the wrist.
20. Tiger
These big cats symbolise power, strength and force. Tigers are done in large sections to highlight their intricate stripes, usually on the arms and back, but they can also be placed on unusual areas near the neck.
21. Star
Stars represent hope and positivity. You can also get the constellations in the sky inked, which look especially great with the watercolour technique!
Conclusion
To sum it all up, watercolour tattoos are extremely versatile and there are infinite possibilities to explore. Now that you’ve got all the info you need, you’re ready to start planning for your next inked adventure! Feel free to inquire with several trusted tattoo shops and artists to ask questions or request for recommendations. In the end, it’s all a matter of being well prepared so you can kick back, relax and enjoy the entire experience with no worries.
RELATED: Simple Is Better: Why Small Tattoos Are Taking Off
Rhys McKayContributor
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