Contents
- 25 Coolest Back Tattoos for Women
- 1. Back and Neck Tattoo
- 2. Full Back Tattoo
- 3. Back and Shoulder Tattoo
- 4. Upper Back Tattoo
- 5. Lower Back Tattoo
- 6. Spine Tattoo
- 7. Small Back Tattoo
- 8. Cross Back Tattoo
- 9. Tribal Back Tattoo
- 10. Japanese Back Tattoo
- 11. Chinese Back Tattoo
- 12. Floral Back Tattoo
- 13. Sexy Back Tattoo
- 14. Wings Back Tattoo
- 15. Angel Back Tattoo
- 16. Eagle Back Tattoo
- 17. Dragon Back Tattoo
- 18. Classic Back Tattoo
- 19. Phoenix Back Tattoo
- 20. Quote Back Tattoo
- 21. Star Back Tattoo
- 22. Skull Back Tattoo
- 23. Geometric Back Tattoo
- 24. Wolf Back Tattoo
- 25. Lion Back Tattoo
- Back Tattoos FAQs
- Are back tattoos good?
- How bad do back tattoos hurt?
- What is a good tattoo for the back?
- What is a backpiece tattoo?
- How long does a back tattoo take?
- Top 115+ Tattoo Cover Up Ideas [2022 Inspiration Guide]
- 1. Blackout Cover Up Tattoos
- 2. Hand Cover Up Tattoos
- 3. Abstract and Geometric Cover Up Tattoos
- 4. Skull Cover Up Tattoos
- 5. Animal Cover Up Tattoos
- 6. Dotwork Cover Up Tattoos
- 7. Traditional and Neo Traditional Cover Up Tattoos
- 8. Full Back Cover Up Tattoos
- 9. Pop Culture Cover Up Tattoos
- 10. Black and Gray Cover Up Tattoos
- 11. Color Cover Up Tattoos
- 12. Mechanical Cover Up Tattoos
- 13. Innovative Cover Up Tattoo Ideas
Top 115 Tattoo Cover Up Ideas 2022 Inspiration Guide
The length of time that your back tattoo will take to complete depends on several factors. This includes the size and detail you opt for. A complete back design could take around 30 hours or more if it requires a lot of shading. A smaller piece may only take an hour or two. Your tattoo session will also influence the price.
25 Coolest Back Tattoos for Women
Body art is a way to express yourself, share what is important to you, and make a statement, and what better place for it than with a back tattoo? This placement is so popular because of its versatility; it is large enough to allow for big and detailed pieces, but small and simple inkings look just as good. It is also considered low to moderate on the tattoo pain scale and is easy to cover up. You may wonder why you’d want to get inked somewhere you can’t see every day, but you don’t need to see your tattoo for it to have meaning. Instead, wear it like a badge of honor and a reminder of why you chose to get it in the first place.
Contents show1. Back and Neck Tattoo
The back is one of the most popular options for body art for several reasons. For starters, a back tattoo is an excellent spot for ink because it is easy to cover up and considered low on the tattoo pain chart scale, especially the further you get from the bones of your spine and hip. That said, for those who are daring and have a rebellious nature, a large piece covering the back and neck is a fantastic option. The neck is one of the most controversial places to get inked because of its visibility. This makes it hard to hide and can affect your job prospects. Although the attitude towards ink changes, a neck tattoo represents strength and indicates a desire not to conform.
2. Full Back Tattoo
Do you have a design that you love that is large and detailed? Then opt for a full back tattoo. There is no better placement because the area is big enough to allow for ink that requires a lot of detail. The spot offers versatility because there are very few limits to what you can get done, and it won’t be as painful as in some other places. Pick from various options, including mandalas and unique geometric patterns or body art that tells a story. For example, a snake wrapped around a rose. You can show off your ink when you want and cover it up, making this the perfect spot.
3. Back and Shoulder Tattoo
Deciding on the placement of your body art is just as important as the design. For example, a back and shoulder tattoo is a gorgeous place for a woman to get inked. The outer shoulder has thick skin and fewer nerve endings, meaning it won’t cause you extreme discomfort, and the skin does not stretch the way other places will. This means your ink will look great for longer. It is also easy to cover up, which makes this location versatile. When it comes to your chosen piece, your creativity is your limit. Perhaps you want a stunning floral or bird design that spreads over the shoulder and down the back. Or you can pick something unique with symbolic importance to you.
4. Upper Back Tattoo
The upper back is usually one of the widest areas on the body, making it a fantastic location for a large and detailed inking. Deciding on an upper back tattoo is smart because wearing off-the-shoulder or open-back tops is easy to show off when you want. Another reason people are drawn to this spot is because it is considered low to moderate on the tattoo pain chart scale. The area typically has thick skin and fewer nerve endings. Remember, the closer you ink toward the bone or your spine, the more painful your piece will be.
5. Lower Back Tattoo
Lower back tattoos have gotten a bad reputation with people who got something done that they later regretted. It earned itself an unflattering nickname in the 90s when it was shown off with low-cut jeans and crop tops. But the attitude towards body art has changed a lot over the years, and this is not a trashy placement for your body art. Of course, your chosen design and how you show it off will affect the public’s attitude toward your artwork, but you’re getting it for you, no one else. The area is also considered low to moderate on the tattoo pain chart scale and can be a sensual and feminine location.
6. Spine Tattoo
Many individuals are drawn to the back for their body art because of its size, versatility, and relatively low pain level. That said, the spine is more painful because of the nerve endings in the area. How detailed your design is will also play a part in the discomfort; for example, something that requires a lot of shading and for you to sit for a longer session will hurt more. There are so many fantastic options for a spine tattoo, though. This includes the different phases in the lunar cycle or a quote piece created using an interesting font. Before deciding on a spine tattoo, weighing the pros and cons is important. Some caution against spine inking if you need an epidural during childbirth or spinal surgery. This could increase the risk of infection.
7. Small Back Tattoo
For those who love getting a back piece but don’t want something large or overly detailed, a small tattoo is the best option. Tiny ink is great because it doesn’t cost as much, requires a shorter tattoo session, and will cause minor discomfort. Plus, they are discreet. There is no limit to what you can or cannot ink, whether it’s a cute animal that you love, a little symbol that means something to you, or a single word that moves you. It is often best to keep small tattoos simple and without too much detail because they do not age well.
8. Cross Back Tattoo
If your faith plays an important role in your life, then a cross tattoo on the back is a beautiful choice. The cross symbolizes many things, including representing Jesus’ undying love, sacrifice, and selflessness. It can also be inked as a memorial piece for someone who has passed. The cross is a simple symbol, but if you want a more detailed artwork, this can include other images, depending on the meaning you wish to convey. For example, some may choose to incorporate Jesus and a crown of thorns; others may want to add the name of a loved one or an important date.
9. Tribal Back Tattoo
Tribal tattoos are rich in symbolism. Although there are many different styles to choose from, each with its unique meaning and interpretation of images, tribal tattoos celebrate cultural heritage and show hierarchy and personal achievements. They can represent strength, bring the wearer good luck, or offer protection. The meaning changes from culture to culture, but there is no denying that the option for a piece like this on your back makes an important statement. Maybe you feel closer to your ancestors, or perhaps you want to honor them in some way. However, it is essential to remember that using a tribal tattoo for decorative purposes when you have no ties to that culture could be offensive and misappropriated. For this reason, it is always important to do your research beforehand.
10. Japanese Back Tattoo
Japanese tattoos, or the art of Irezumi, have a distinct style, often distinguished by their bold appearance, vibrant colors, and identifiable and meaningful subject matter. The designs are expressive and rich in symbolism. There are usually several images that are favored, which have cultural significance. These include koi fish, geishas, the lotus flower and cherry blossom, and mythical creatures like a dragon or phoenix. As stunning as this technique is, it is also shrouded in controversy as the infamous Yakuza gang was known for inking their bodies, and body art does carry a stigma in Japan.
11. Chinese Back Tattoo
The fantastic thing about back tattoos is that they lend themselves well to various designs, styles, and sizes. Chinese-inspired body art is symbolic and a celebration of Chinese culture. These can be mythical creatures like the Chinese dragon, which represents good luck and power, or a Chinese symbol, a very popular choice among individuals without Chinese heritage. If you choose to write in a language you do not understand, it is important to do your research and ensure that you do not end up with a piece with an entirely different meaning than you intended.
12. Floral Back Tattoo
Covering your back with floral designs will create a striking and feminine look. Flower tattoos represent so many things, including life, beauty, and love. There are also different blooms to choose from, each with its unique symbolism. The rose is one of the most popular options for body art and represents the balance between beauty and pain. It is a reminder that love can hurt. The lily is associated with purity and modesty, while a sunflower tattoo symbolizes direction, warmth, and joy. Whether you choose a single flower or combine multiple, there is no denying this will make for a stunning piece.
13. Sexy Back Tattoo
The back is undoubtedly one of the sexiest places for a tattoo because it draws attention to an area that is considered an especially attractive body part. It could also be that this location is often covered up with clothes, so exposing the back and showing off your artwork makes it a sensual and striking choice. There are so many designs to choose from, from delicate and pretty, to bold and attention-grabbing.
14. Wings Back Tattoo
Individuals who are drawn to the concept of freedom and the idea of freeing themselves from physical or emotional constraints placed upon them by society will love a wings tattoo. They are also associated with the ability to fly, faith, and protection. The back is an excellent spot for this inking because it can look as though you have your very own wings, whether that is a replica of angel wings or birds. This is undoubtedly one of the most symbolic choices for body art and a wonderful way to express yourself.
15. Angel Back Tattoo
Angel tattoos are deeply symbolic, and although there is a wide range of different options to get inked, from tiny cherubs to archangels, the back provides an excellent spot for your ink because it allows for enough detail and is low on the tattoo pain chart scale. Angels are messengers of God and a symbol of faith and devotion. They can also represent purity, goodness, hope, and guidance. These are fantastic qualities to celebrate. You may also be drawn to an angel as a memorial piece for someone who has passed, and this could include the name of your loved ones. Body art can provide comfort and solace to those who are hurting or be a way to express thoughts and desires. It is an exceptionally meaningful tattoo design regardless of your reason for choosing an angel inking.
16. Eagle Back Tattoo
If you look up at the sky and see an eagle soaring through it, you will probably be filled with feelings of respect and awe. These mighty birds represent courage, wisdom, power, and spirituality. For some, the eagle is also associated with freedom, as it can spread its wings and fly away. There are many reasons why getting an eagle tattoo is a good idea; your back provides the perfect location for it, especially if you’d like the wings to be spread out and show the creature in motion.
17. Dragon Back Tattoo
Dragon tattoos are popular choices because they are associated with strength and power. That said, they typically mean different things to various cultures. They are respected and feared, admired and hated. In the West, they are seen as greedy and evil, while they bring good luck in the East. There are also certain styles and techniques that suit this design, from hyper-realistic to Japanese-inspired artwork. The mythical creatures are interesting to look at, making for a fantastic statement tattoo in black ink or colors.
18. Classic Back Tattoo
We refer to a classic tattoo as the American traditional tattoo technique. Its bold outlines, bright yet limited color palette, and almost cartoonish images define this style. Several themes, including nautical and animal designs, can easily be combined to create a story. Depending on your chosen image, its meaning can change slightly. However, there is no denying that these pieces make a statement. Although those on the fringes of society once only inked them, the style is now enjoying mainstream popularity and recognition. You can honor the art form by opting for this technique. Pick something that will make you want to show off your back constantly.
19. Phoenix Back Tattoo
There are few creatures as beautiful and symbolic as the phoenix, and it is not surprising that a phoenix tattoo has become a popular choice to ink for both men and women. The bird is associated with death and rebirth, eternity, strength, and renewal. Legend states that the phoenix bursts into flames and then rises from the ashes of its predecessor. This signifies a journey and a powerful statement about overcoming anything and being stronger for it. The back is a fantastic location because you can include all the detail you want; perhaps this is the bird rising from the ashes or its brilliant wings spread out.
20. Quote Back Tattoo
Words can move us. Perhaps there is a saying from your favorite film that has stuck with you for years or an excerpt from a poem that resonates with you. If this is the case, then a quote tattoo is a great decision. These pieces can be incredibly meaningful and can be open to interpretation. They can take you back to memories of your childhood or happier times or remind you that you are strong and resilient. In addition, the back provides the perfect location because you can easily cover it up or show it off, and it is large enough to allow for a decent-sized quote.
21. Star Back Tattoo
Star tattoos are simple but also symbolic. The star has many meanings associated with it. It is a symbol of protection and honor; for others, it represents freedom and the ability to dream, and it can also offer direction and guidance. If you decide to get a star and want your piece to be a bit more complex and detailed, you can add various other images. For example, if you love nautical themes, then an anchor or a swallow could accompany it. Or perhaps you want to honor a fallen comrade or recreate the night sky. There are so many options to choose from, allowing you to make your piece unique to you.
22. Skull Back Tattoo
You may not be able to look at your back piece daily, but it is not always about that when you have a meaningful design. Just knowing that you have inked something symbolic onto your skin is often enough; a skull tattoo is undoubtedly filled with symbolism. The human skull represents many things but is most commonly associated with death. This is not always a negative thing. Sometimes, it can show that you are not afraid of death or a reminder to live each day to its fullest. Skulls also look great when accompanied by other images, such as flowers, a butterfly, or a serpent, each of which can alter the meaning slightly.
23. Geometric Back Tattoo
Geometric tattoos are stunning to look at, often formed using a series of patterns and shapes. They can create an abstract design or something recognizable, like an animal or a flower. The result is mesmerizing but also evokes feelings of calmness. They represent balance, mystery, and symmetry and can be a way to remind yourself to slow down and take in the beauty of the world. When choosing a geometric design, the back is a wonderful spot because it is big enough to allow for derailing, which these pieces often require. So, if you’re looking for a modern approach to body art, this is it!
24. Wolf Back Tattoo
The wolf is an animal that is celebrated for being loyal and devoted to its family. The canines live and hunt in packs, relying on each other for strength and survival, which is why many people want to honor their own familial bond with the image of a wolf. It can be a wonderful way to remind yourself that you need other people and it’s OK to ask for help. Or that there is strength in numbers and the importance of teamwork to succeed. Regardless of the meaning that appeals to you, a wolf tattoo makes for a gorgeous inking when etched across your back.
25. Lion Back Tattoo
The lion is a mighty and fearsome beast. The king of the jungle represents bravery and courage and is a fantastic piece for someone who values these qualities. It is also an animal that is associated with royalty and grace. If you want your lion tattoo to have a more feminine energy, you can opt for a lioness instead. She will represent motherhood, fertility, and strength. It could also be a way to celebrate your female energy or the bond you share with the other women in your life.
Back Tattoos FAQs
Are back tattoos good?
The back is an excellent place for a tattoo because of its versatility and size. You can ink small and delicate pieces or extensive and detailed artwork in this spot. It also allows you to cover it up easily, which is fantastic if you do not want to show off your body art or work in a corporate environment. It is also worth noting that just because you do not see your piece daily does not remove its importance. Another positive is that ink here is not high on the pain scale. This is because of the thick skin and muscle.
How bad do back tattoos hurt?
Determining how much a tattoo will hurt depends on several factors, including the size and detail you require and your threshold for pain. That said, the back is considered one of the least painful options for body art because there is thick skin with fewer nerve endings. However, as you move close to the spine or hips, the more it will hurt.
What is a good tattoo for the back?
The back is a large and flat area, making it ideal for tattoos requiring more detail. There is no limit to what you can or cannot get done, allowing you to get creative with your artwork and find something particularly meaningful to you. Some ideas include Japanese-styled ink, intricate floral designs, and angel wings, a fantastic choice for someone drawn to the views of freedom and protection. You can play around with the placement of your body art, choosing for it to be inked along your spine, entire back, lower back, upper area, and neck.
What is a backpiece tattoo?
A back piece refers to a tattoo that has been created on your back. This usually covers much of your back and involves a detailed and meaningful design. It may include several images that tell a story or be one large and intricate artwork. Depending on the complexity of your chosen design, these pieces will take around 30 hours to complete and will be costly.
How long does a back tattoo take?
The length of time that your back tattoo will take to complete depends on several factors. This includes the size and detail you opt for. A complete back design could take around 30 hours or more if it requires a lot of shading. A smaller piece may only take an hour or two. Your tattoo session will also influence the price.
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Top 115+ Tattoo Cover Up Ideas [2022 Inspiration Guide]
Often mistakes can be made, the name of an ex-girlfriend, a provocative image not suitable in the workplace, or just a tattoo you outgrew are all reasons to cover up and hide your old ink.
When looking to get some new cover-up ink it is important to bear in mind that for a cover-up to truly work it usually has to be much darker than what is currently residing beneath your skin.
A small tattoo of old lovers name can easily be hidden below the countenance of a rose or lotus blossom that is fully shaded in though the larger and darker the piece, the more difficult it can be to cover.
Fading the unwanted tattoo into the background of a larger piece works rather well on dark tattoos on the arms, what was once an embarrassing reminder becomes the backdrop to a new half or full sleeve.
The use of fully shaded tattoos is especially effective at hiding old ink and allows for the artist to go darker without sacrificing any aesthetic appeal. Though sometimes several sessions may be necessary to completely conceal old ink below a shaded tree-line or blacked our feather.
Sometimes the best course is just directly completely inking over the old tattoo and using negative space to create a new piece.
1. Blackout Cover Up Tattoos
From the looks of things this was either an old barbed wire tattoo or Celtic band of some description. To cover it up, the artist used a sing needle and painstaking solid black work. After the healing and aftercare is finished this tattoo may need some touch up work to ensure no trace of the old tattoo can be found underneath.
Quality cover ups take real skill and commitment from both the artist and subject getting funky trying to find the right fix. This tattoo now looks like a fantastic mix of realism and abstract new wave to show off a beautiful raven. Traces of the old work are gone bar for a couple of sweeps from previous shading that have been folded seamlessly into the new work.
This piece utilizes negative space in the geometric design to help create variety in the old tattoo’s cover up. The key here is being able package weird shapes of black into something new by turning lines of untattooed flesh into a more artistic shape.
This is the epitome of making the best of a bad situation. The old piece would have been a detailed, heavy shadowed bit of tattooing that obviously left the artist only one choice; get blacker. The cool thing is though that this one has been made into a nice ink splatter new wave concept tattoo rather than a hard to miss wall of black without any theme.
2. Hand Cover Up Tattoos
Hand tattoos are tough. Many people choose to get ink on some of the most visible parts of the body without properly thinking throu gh the life changing effects they can have. Thankfully there are talented artists that are able to apply a variety of images in a number of different styles to create compelling designs that perfectly hide the existing ink.
3. Abstract and Geometric Cover Up Tattoos
In this piece the cover up is almost incidental. The geometric style of the main work is a real showstopper and done with great precision and clarity. At the very end of the work the artist opted to use some heavy kohl shading to eliminate the ugliness of the previous barbed wire tattoo. It is likely some more work will go into that section of the piece to complete it.
This mandala style tattoo cover up idea is somewhat unusual in that part of the original tattoo’s color and shade is central to the new art. The artist uses fine black line work over the top to create the middle of the flower, then moves outward with symmetrical detail to finish it off.
Many people prefer the freedom of expression that more abstract approaches provide, and this sensibility applies to cover up work as well. This style is actually better suited to cover up work than other methods thanks to the lack of constraints that this style ha s , allowing the artist to create a design that perfectly covers the existing tattoo.
4. Skull Cover Up Tattoos
One of the most common and classic design elements in tattoos, skulls are great for cover up work thanks to the variety of styles and approaches that can be applied. From photo-realistic black and gray designs to American traditional flash, skulls just work. They are also an excellent choice for cover ups thanks to the ability to incorporate other elements as well as the ability to use bold black ink in these designs.
5. Animal Cover Up Tattoos
It seems the popularity of thick, black tribal tattoos have worn off considerably over time. The good thing is they can be replaced and transformed by a premier artist into spectacular new works such as this elephant. The old tattoo is just a memory as the skin of the elephant is created with brilliant shading technique and pattern work to create unforgettable skin. The new tattoo would spark conversations of a far different kind to the old piece.
Can’t help but think that the owner of this piece is trying to tell us something about Jean’s nature. Gone is the simple name tattoo over his heart, replaced by a well worked scorpion. The darkness of the black ink is softened somewhat by good shading to give the reptile it’s edges and clarity across the whole shape.
People create intense bonds with animals. Whether they are beloved pets or some wild animal that exemplifies specific personality traits, animals make for great tattoos. They are also excellent in cover up work thanks to the endless variety of creatures to choose from, and the ability to incorpor ate black as well as color ink.
Replacing a poorly drawn alien with an exceptional koi is a definite upgrade cover up tattoo. This piece goes from oh no to whoa through the artist’s beautiful use of blackwork scales. The almost shiny black is heightened in detail through exceptional placement of white ink – the armor like layers look like they’ve been drawn individually on the skin.
This nicely drawn wolf in the forest tattoo more than covers for the loss of the original little weird bug type thing. The artist has down a good job in creating unique gray shading to emphasize the canine’s fur, particularly across the top of its head, and around the ears.
6. Dotwork Cover Up Tattoos
A growing trend in the tattoo world is the use of varying densities of meticulously applied dots to create different images and designs. While dot work may not be the first approach that comes to mind when thinking of cover up tattoos, they can work well depending on the design.
Stippling can be quite effective at breaking up the outlines of existing work and the fully saturated black of the densest portions is well suited for creating quality cover ups.
7. Traditional and Neo Traditional Cover Up Tattoos
American traditional and neo-traditional designs are perfectly suited for cover up tattoos for a couple of reasons. The bold line work that is characteristic of these styles is able to create outlines that overpower existing work while the vibrant and fully saturated colors work perfectly to cover the details. There is also an endless variety of flash to choose from.
8. Full Back Cover Up Tattoos
This tattoo used a heroic amount of detail to cover up the previous tattoo. In this piece the geometry of the cover up is used in combination with the Asian theme to make a complete full back piece. You need to look closely on the mid left of this tattoo to see faint vestiges of the original work under the gray, or peeking out from amongst the petals.
When examining cover up tattoos, one will notice that one approach that artists take is to go big. They extend the new design well past the outline of the existing work, and the resulting cover up is often significantly bigger than the previous piece. These full-back tattoos are great examples of this tactic that leave zero trace of the work buried under the vibrant and unique designs .
9. Pop Culture Cover Up Tattoos
Humans are shaped by the cultural constructions around us, and as such, the television and movies we watched as children hold deep significance for many. From Star Wars and E.T., there are dozens of examples of pop-culture references in art, and these tattoos show how well they can be incorporated into cover up work.
The worn and faded original portrait has been completely replaced by Star Wars fandom. The artist uses a very deep red and bronze black at times to create a new wave element to the piece, while the detail put into the fighter jet is exquisite.
10. Black and Gray Cover Up Tattoos
Black and gray tattoos carry a gravitas that color work has a difficult time achieving, and they can be used in cover ups as well. Black is often considered the best color to use for cover ups, and a talented artist can create a black and gray design that will effectively conceal any existing work.
The most effective cover up tattoo ideas are the ones that leave no trace of the previous work, instead leaving behind a beautiful new image. This angel is one such example, the shading and detail in the piece cover up any traces that there was a tattoo that came before it.
This inner arm bicep cover up is effective. Gone are the words and slightly faded shading of the previous piece to be replaced by a skilfully executed wing of feathers. Feathers make for popular cover ups employing black and gray. As this work demonstrates, the artist utilizes a variety of shades and patterns to make the new work look good right over the top of the piece.
Always be careful getting a significant others’ tattoo on your skin, because measures need to be taken if things go poorly. This man must have had a wedding band style tiny tattoo, and then tried to scratch it off. Eventually he opted to get it covered over with a Celtic knot which works well to eliminate the previous writing.
11. Color Cover Up Tattoos
Cover up tattoos are not like painting over an existing color. Below the skin the new ink mixes with the existing ink, creating new colors. That being said, color ink can be effectively utilized in cover ups , although an added layer of thought and planning is required as well as a deeper understanding of how different colors react together.
This Celtic cover up does a great job eliminating three tired and worn tattoos to make a deftly executed pair of new designs. The use of shading and color makes for nice pieces. Note how white ink is incorporated in the second tattoo to give it depth and shade while simultaneously lightening the image to one that first with the more colorful top tattoo.
12. Mechanical Cover Up Tattoos
13. Innovative Cover Up Tattoo Ideas
This brilliantly designed leg cover up shows that you needn’t have to go black when fixing up a worn out old tattoo. The brilliantly rendered fish in this tattoo are exquisitely inked in different shades of blue. Great cover ups don’t need to be a stop gap or last resort, they can be a complete tattoo regeneration.
Nobody needs to know what’s underneath this cover up. It’s a fantastic piece utilizing the combination of a timepiece with the baptismal elements to create a beautiful religious themes artwork. The lower part of the action is balanced by epic line and shade work at the top of the tattoo.
Go big or go home. This ambitious cover up tattoo idea navigates its way from an old Celtic cross and unrelated geographical tattoo into a fully realized map as part of a whole sleeve. Rather than get rid of the older line work of the original map, it’s refreshed and accurately updated to make it seem like a completely new piece. The mapwork is complemented by the detailed compass and sextant blended in with expert shading.
Whatever the previous tattoo was has been improved upon ten-fold. This artwork is a lovely mixture of pin up portraiture combined with abstract new wave elements to create an awesome half sleeve. The use of contrasting gray inks and highlights of white ink in the girl’s hair give her real beauty.
Say goodbye to some average tribal work. The artist here has created a gas-masked shooter worthy of a Tom Clancy 3D video game. The subtly blurred shading of the hands and weapon create an image of tremendous depth from a flat black combination of stripes. This is top drawer!
The original tattoo was a poorly conceived tribal image that looks like some sort of mangled squid (maybe). Now it’s an epic half sleeve across the upper arm and shoulder depicting a beautifully worked maritime scene. The artist successfully utilized the ship’s hull in dark gray, aided by nice detail to replace the original, then built on that by skilfully crafting water, land, and sky linked together by a lighthouse. Sometimes, the cover up tattoo idea is just a jumping off point for epic expression.
Not a bad new wave half sleeve. The garish green shades layered into the tentacles are an eye catcher, effectively covering the heavily faded black original piece.
It looks like the original Norse imagery of the top tattoo has been built on and updated to create a stylized axe head. From there, the artist has used different shade techniques to create a more balanced image that effectively contrasts with the detailed roaring bear below.
You will be unlikely to find tattoo artwork as good as this anywhere. You can even make the argument that this isn’t a cover up with the original big cat disappearing into the darkness of the new Samurai tatt effortlessly. It really looks like it was never there because the complexity and depth of the black work shading moves the samurai from being a great piece to an epic, with the spookily drawn skull providing a counterpoint to warrrior’s detail just below the main image. This art gets a gold star!
In this piece Jesus and the eternal heart effectively cover up an old, awkwardly drawn hammerhead shark. These two images are quite interestingly divergent tattoo ideas. Where the new image excels is putting extra highlighting efforts into Jesus’ beard and making it a focal point for the entire tattoo.
This is a funky absurdist new wave tattoo covering an old black blob of a fedora wearing cat. It’s like the owner overhauled the irony levels as well as the imagery. The use of great inks in this piece give the crazy idea of a pilot dinosaur real teeth. The clarity of the colors, particularly the gray plane complemented by the sharp black linework makes the fuselage an interesting part of the tattoo.