Pinterest Tattoos vs Real Tattoos
Have you ever been disappointed by a tattoo? When you first get home, it looks perfect. The blacks are BLACK, the colors POP, and it seems like you could peel it right off your skin; it looks so good! But a few months have passed, and it no longer seems so new. You don’t understand what is happening because all the other tattoos on Pinterest look INCREDIBLE.
Regarding tattoos, I have a bone to pick with Pinterest (and some artists online). Let me just come out and say it: Pinterest is a LIAR. Okay, maybe that was a little harsh, but if I am honest, Pinterest (and editing pictures in post) is one of the biggest “problems” regarding tattoos and tattoo expectations. Check out the tattoo above. This is one of my fully healed tattoos. On the right is the unedited iPhone photo. On the left is an edit made on my phone that took me five minutes. Notice any differences? The tattoo on the left (edited) looks vibrant, the ink looks perfectly black, and the contrast helps the tattoo to pop off the skin. The tattoo on the right (unedited) seems slightly faded, not so crisp, and real.
Filtered and Idealized Images on Pinterest
Pinterest is all about showcasing the absolute best – carefully curated, filtered, cropped, edited, and oh-so-idealized tattoo images. Think optimal lighting and perfect angles – it's like giving tattoos their red carpet moment, making them look stunningly perfect. Using Pinterest for tattoo inspiration is okay, but we've got to bring ourselves back to reality. In reality, rarely do Pinterest tattoos look as good in real life as they do in the uploaded picture. Those images are often photoshopped to make them look their best, and real-life outcomes can vary based on your unique factors – skin type, color, and texture.
Aesthetic Perfection
Pinterest often showcases carefully curated, filtered, and idealized images of tattoos. These images may be edited for optimal lighting, angles, and overall presentation, making tattoos appear more aesthetically pleasing than they might be in real life. There are even pictures on Pinterest that aren’t tattoos but photoshopped pictures to look like tattoos. If you ever think a tattoo looks too perfect, it probably is.
Inspiration vs. Reality
Many people (including myself) use Pinterest as a source of inspiration for their tattoos. However, it's essential to recognize that the images on Pinterest (and social media) represent the artist's best work and may not perfectly reflect how a tattoo will look on every individual due to differences in skin type, color, and texture. I would also caution you to be wary of tattoo artists who only post new tattoos or have put a filter on their work. A good tattoo artist should be showing not only fresh ink but fully healed tattoos as well!
Real-Life Variability and Considerations
Now, let's talk about the real-life journey of tattoos. Your skin's uniqueness plays a significant role here – each person's skin reacts uniquely to the tattooing process, shaping the final appearance of your ink. And oh, the healing process – from swelling and redness to the eventual reveal- takes time, and your tattoo's clarity and vibrancy depend on how it heals.
Individual Factors
Real-life tattoos are subject to individual factors such as skin type, tone, and the body's natural response to the tattooing process. Each person's skin reacts uniquely; some people’s skin soaks the ink up, while others push the ink out, impacting the final appearance of the tattoo.
Healing Process
The healing process significantly affects how a tattoo looks in real life. Swelling, redness, and scabbing are expected during the initial stages, and the final result may take weeks to reveal itself fully. The way a tattoo heals can influence its clarity and vibrancy. Also, whether you follow your Artist’s Tattoo Aftercare Instructions can significantly impact the final healed quality of your tattoo.
Long-Term Changes
Tattoos change over time due to factors like exposure to sunlight, aging, and lifestyle. Real-life tattoos may require touch-ups to maintain their original look. It is a fact of life that our skin ages, and our tattoos that were once vibrant and sharp can fade and even bleed together over time. You don’t need to fear, though; with proper tattoo maintenance (lotions, balms, etc. ( you can keep your tattoos looking great for years to come! Please talk with your tattoo artist about their recommended skin/tattoo care regimen.
Communicating with Your Tattoo Artist
Okay, I haven’t been the most optimistic about your tattoo, but I want you to have realistic expectations. I also want to advise you on how to have the best tattoo experience possible. When it comes to bringing your tattoo dreams to life, it's all about collaboration. Working closely with a skilled tattoo artist is vital to a great tattoo. Your vision matters and effective communication is pivotal to ensuring your tattoo meets your expectations.
Collaboration and Customization with Your Tattoo Artist
Real-life tattoos involve collaboration with a skilled tattoo artist who understands the client's vision and can provide guidance based on their expertise. And here's the real magic – customization. Tattoo artists craft unique designs tailored to you, considering everything from size to placement. While Pinterest serves as a source of inspiration and is a fantastic muse, your tattoo is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, showcasing your creativity and individuality.
Conclusion
In summary, Pinterest tattoos often represent an idealized and curated version of body art. In contrast, real-life tattoos involve a dynamic and individualized process influenced by skin type, healing, and long-term changes. It's crucial for individuals seeking tattoos to approach online inspiration with a realistic understanding of the variables involved and to communicate openly with their chosen tattoo artist to ensure a satisfying real-life outcome.
