Blackwork tattoo: placements, size and longevity
Solid black fills and lines, often graphic or ornamental. High contrast, very durable, and clearly present on the body.
How the style ages
The lines are bold enough to age well and fine enough for detail. That makes the style versatile: it works on most spots, as long as the design is not tattooed smaller than its details allow.
Colour and sun
The style does without bright colours. Black is considered the most durable ink – sunscreen never hurts though, because even black turns greyer over time on exposed spots.
How much room it needs
The style needs a medium-sized area – about the width of a palm or more. Arm, shoulder, calf and thigh offer that easily; on the wrist or hand it gets tight.
Which placement?
Of 16 placements, 16 are a good fit, 0 are possible and 0 are difficult.
| Placement | Verdict | Width |
|---|---|---|
| Forearm | good fit | 6–14 cm |
| Inner arm | good fit | 6–12 cm |
| Upper arm | good fit | 6–18 cm |
| Shoulder | good fit | 8–20 cm |
| Wrist | good fit | 6–6 cm |
| Hand and fingers | good fit | 6–6 cm |
| Chest | good fit | 6–30 cm |
| Ribs | good fit | 6–25 cm |
| Stomach | good fit | 6–25 cm |
| Upper back | good fit | 8–35 cm |
| Lower back | good fit | 8–25 cm |
| Neck | good fit | 6–10 cm |
| Collarbone | good fit | 6–15 cm |
| Thigh | good fit | 8–30 cm |
| Calf | good fit | 6–18 cm |
| Ankle and foot | good fit | 6–10 cm |
Frequently asked questions
Where does a blackwork tattoo hold up best?
Good spots include the forearm, the inner arm, the upper arm. Of 16 placements, 16 are a good fit, 0 are possible and 0 are difficult.
Does a blackwork tattoo age quickly?
The lines are bold enough to age well and fine enough for detail. That makes the style versatile: it works on most spots, as long as the design is not tattooed smaller than its details allow.
Does a blackwork tattoo need sun protection?
The style does without bright colours. Black is considered the most durable ink – sunscreen never hurts though, because even black turns greyer over time on exposed spots.
See it on your body before you ink it
Tattvue places your design on a photo of your own skin, so you can judge size, placement and style before you book an appointment.