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Tattooing All Skin Tones

Tattoos for those who are Melanin Rich!

When I used to work in the makeup industry, I saw how the industry catered heavily, and at times exclusively to people with fair skin. Unfortunately, I have also witnessed those same shortcomings in the tattoo industry. Because tattoos directly deal with skin this issue must be addressed and discussed.

I advertise that I tattoo all skin tones to openly acknowledge that tattooing in the US (and other parts of the world) is often problematic, and is a microcosm of the bigger societal issue of racism and exclusion. Melanin-rich clients are often precluded from the mainstream of tattooing and are met with prejudice or hostility to their ideas. There is a general lack of photographic representation in portfolios and advertising of deep skin tones.

Too often I have heard stories recounted by clients of color who were discounted, stereotyped and discriminated against when seeking a tattoo. Furthermore, I have also heard the negative and inappropriate comments that tattooers make about clients with deeper skin tones in the break rooms.

Once I was in a seminar with the legendary Black American tattooer and after 20 minutes of photos of tattoos on light skin she remarked, “Where are all the dark skinned people?!?”

Representation matters. Therefore I have created a requirement for intentional inclusion of deep, brown and highly melanated skin tones with variant undertones in my portfolio. My goal is to have several examples of shade ranges in each of the style categories in my portfolio; this goal is not yet accomplished at the level I intend, but it’s an ongoing bench mark for me.

I strive to be well versed in several techniques in order to provide an array of options for every skin tone. Contact me or schedule a consultation to talk about your idea! I’d love to help you make it real.

I received permission to use the tag line “tattooing all skin tones” by @baldbabesink - talented and versatile Female tattoo artists of Color based out of Trinidad. Please check out their amazing work!