Black out tattoos have been growing in popularity over the last few years, with some people even getting full body suits in this style.
Sleeve and chest piece by 3Kreuze at Ruin Your Life Tattoo in GermanyNegative space black out work by Hoode Tattoos at Black Vulture gallery in Philadelphia
Black out tattoos are exactly what they sound like, large amounts of black ink as the subject, sometimes covering older existing tattoos.
Heavy black out work by Dekalcomanu in Toulouse, FranceFresh black out sleeve by Lukasz Melcher at Stygmat Tattoo
Some black out tattoos also feature some geometric style work mixed in, or white ink over top of the black.
Geometric black out work by Guy Le Tattooer at Sigue Sigue SputnikGeometric black out work in progress by Kenji Alucky at Black Ink Power in Berlin
Many black out tattoo collectors do it in part for the experience of getting the tattoo, as a full blackout (especially as a coverup) can be very painful, creating an almost spiritual experience for the person getting tattooed.
Black out sleeve with white ink flower by Miguel Vanacore at Black Club TattooBlack out half sleeve by Xiao Lun at Hailin Tattoo studio in Los Angeles
Most artists who do black out tattoos specialize in it, as it’s not actually all that easy to make a full sleeve or torso look even in its blackness, especially when the piece is done in multiple sessions.
Full black out sleeve by Joe Larralde at Historic Tattoo in Portland, OregonBlack out sleeve around some existing work, by Kalle Koo at Paradise Helsinki
Sak Yant tattoos are well known to tattoo lovers as a mainly Thai Buddhist form of tattooing. “Sak” means “to tap” or “to tattoo”, and “yant” comes from the Sanskrit word “yantra” which has many meanings. Usually referring to a “machine”, “instrument” or “apparatus”.
Bodysuit done by ajannookanpai.yant in ThailandAjannookanpai.yant blessing a finished tattoo in Thailand
Most people who have heard of Sak Yant tattoos are familiar with them because of their tie to Thai culture, but this specific form of tattoo actually comes from the Khmer people of Cambodia.
Healed work by ajannookanpai.yant in ThailandBack Sak Yant done by Chai at Adikt Ink Lexembourg
Sak Yant tattoos are very closely tied to religion and spirituality, mainly Buddhism. Most Sak Yant tattoos are performed by Buddhist monks at a temple where they can bless the tattoo properly. But the Sak Yant designs are becoming so popular that tattoo artists are doing them, just without the blessing or spiritual connectedness that accompanies the tattoo when done by a monk.
Back Sak Yant done by Oj Jo at 113ink Tattoo in ThailandBack Sak Yant done by Ken Tip at Yant Studio
Much of the script featured in Sak Yant designs come from Buddhism and are meant to be a chant or a mantra. This is why it’s important to research what kind of Sak Yant you would like, as they all carry different meanings.
Back Sak Yant done by Sebastian Lydford at Love and Light TattooBack Sak Yant done by Arjarn Fluke in Thailand
While Sak Yant pieces can be for anyone to wear, it’s important to understand the religious and cultural significance of the piece, and make sure you are getting the tattoo in a respectful way, including the placement of the piece. Since Sak Yant’s are largely Buddhist, it can be seen as highly disrespectful to tattoo the design anywhere below your waist, particularly if it includes a design featuring Buddha.
Back Sak Yant done by Arjarn Fluke in ThailandFinger Sak Yant done by Kike in Barcelona
Hattie Rich is an artist working out of Rose of Mercy in London, England. Her work is mainly filed with old school traditional work, but she also does great ornamental pieces.
classic swallow and roseBold crab lady on the neck
Hattie has lots of flash to choose from, both old school and ornamental, or you can also bring your own idea!
Elbow spider-webBlack and grey swallows and flowers
Whether you like bright and colourful, or black and bold, you can be sure Hattie will have something you’ll love. In her flash you’ll find lots of lady heads, flowers, dragons, animals, and more.
Sleeping kewpie and roseHand of glory
The ornamental work currently on Hattie’s Instagram will remind you of delicate lace patterns, and can be made to fit most parts of the body.
Ornamental hand pieceGeisha and dragon
If you can’t make it all the way to London from outside of the UK you can also purchase merchandise and flash from Hattie here. But if you’re in the area or live nearby be sure to get a cool piece from Hattie at Rose of Mercy.
Black and grey Coleman ladyClassic lady and spider-web
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