Bold color or soft watercolor
Bold color uses saturated, packed color inside strong outlines, the look you see in traditional tattoos. Watercolor-style tattoos use softer blends and washes of color, often with lighter outlines.
I tattoo both. My rooster and tiger pieces are bold, while my butterflies and magnolias use softer color.
How color heals
Fresh color looks brightest the day you get it. While it heals, a thin layer of new skin forms over the tattoo, so the color can look cloudy or dull for a few weeks. That’s normal. Once the skin settles, the color shows through clearly again.
Keeping color bright
Sun is the main thing that fades color. Once your tattoo has fully healed, put sunscreen on it whenever it’s exposed.
Lighter colors like yellow and pastel pink fade faster than darker ones, which is one reason many color designs are anchored by black outlines.
Color on different skin tones
Color shows differently on every skin tone. Brighter, bolder colors and stronger outlines tend to show best on deeper skin tones, while pale pastels can look subtle. I’ll talk through which colors will read best on you.
Color ideas
A few of the color pieces people ask about most:
- Florals and birth flowers
- Animals, birds and insects, like hummingbirds and butterflies
- Characters from shows and games
- Suns, moons and celestial pieces
- Sparkle highlights, like my glitter sun
How to book
Fill out the request form on my booking page with your idea, where it’s going, roughly how big, and any reference photos. I read every request myself and reply with any questions, a price estimate and open dates. I tattoo at Revival Tattoo Studio, 5911 Meredith Dr, Urbandale, Iowa.
Questions about color
Does color hurt more than black and grey?
Not much. Pain depends mostly on placement and how long the session is. Color can take longer to pack in, so larger color pieces may take more time.
Can you add color to an old black and grey tattoo?
Sometimes. It depends on how dark the original is. Send a photo and I’ll tell you what’s possible.
How long does a color tattoo take to heal?
The surface usually heals in two to four weeks, and it keeps settling for a while after that. I go over aftercare with you before you leave. Aftercare instructions →