Palm tattoos have been growing in popularity over the last few years, but people are still divided on the longevity of the pieces (as well as how much they have to hurt).
Two healed palms by Mark Walker at The Grand Reaper in San DiegoHealed flowers by Luke Ashley at South City Market
Palms are of course a high touch part of your body, and go through a lot of wear and tear. So putting a tattoo on it might seem pointless to some if it’s just going to fade immediately.
Ornamental black work by Brody Polinksy in BerlinJapanese mask by LAPA at Artwork Tattoo Studio
I have seen a fair number of healed palm pieces that haven’t required touch ups, even after years of wear.
Black work eyes by James Lau at The Company Tattoo, Hong KongMatching hearts by Alena Chun at Icon Tattoo in Portland
A long lasting palm tattoo seems to require two things; Solid black lines, and proper aftercare. If you’re able to more or less not use that hand during the majority of the healing process, your tattoo shouldn’t scab much, and should settle in nicely. Obviously that’s not doable for everyone, but it definitely plays a part.
Matching spider webs by Berthe Tattoos at lucky Town Tattoo in Regensburg, GermanyBarbed wire by David Mottier in Switzerland
Do you have or want a palm tattoo?
Medieval flail by Milky Tattoos in TorontoBert Grimm’s crying heart by Joe Destefano Electric Park Tattoo, Detroit MI
Mike Roberts is a tattoo artist working out of Grizzly Tattoo in Portland, Oregon. His style is mainly old school with a tendency towards darker imagery such as horror movie icons, weapons, and the undead, but you can catch him making more Japanese inspired pieces such as flowers and dragons as well.
Wolf head and skull/drinking hornPlague Doctor (fitting for the times)
Mike is the perfect artist to feature in October, as much of his work consists of the macabre; everything from wolves and spiders to medieval torture devices and undead warriors that give me strong Evil Dead and Army of Darkness vibes.
Gory devil stomach pieceMouth of Sauron for all you Tolkien nerds
But don’t worry if you can’t make it to Mike in October, he’s tattooing spooky pieces all year round, doing both large scale pieces and one offs. Grizzly Tattoo is a must stop shop if you live in Portland or are passing through.
Crow and rosesAwesome medieval looking dragon on the ribs
What’s your favourite horror movie?
Bloody knightBloody guillotine ‘Tis but a scratch! Monty Python piececentipede and spider both done by Mike
