The Problem With Micro Tattoos

As I’ve mentioned in a few past articles we define the success of a tattoo on how it looks in 5 years, not when it’s first done. Making sure it is still clear and defined 5 years down the road is really the end goal. One way or another the ink will last a lifetime, our job is to make the design last as well without fading into a blurry mess.

The trend of micro tattoos right now makes this a challenge. As ink heals and ages it starts to blur out and fade. Checkout my post: How Does Tattoo Ink Work and Why Does it Fade for a deep dive into the mechanics of how ink behaves. When tattoos are done too small, the ink expanding during the healing process will likely make the tattoo unreadable. It may look good for a short while but in 5 years time it can become indecipherable and in our eyes, unsuccessful. 

With minimalism being so popular we are often asked for teeny tiny tattoos or really thin lines. The thing is no matter how good your artist’s techniques and tools are, there is such a thing as too small. Too small to heal well. Too small to get clear details in. That’s not to say that small can’t be done but like everything, there is a limit. Basically the point of this is to say trust your artist. We are as invested in the success of your tattoo as you are, we want it to last and look good for you. Making sure it is large enough to heal properly and last is a big part of that. 

People see lots of micro looking tattoos online, especially on Pinterest and may think, “well their artist did it why can’t I can it”. The unfortunate thing about many of these photos is that they are photoshop. It’s easier for artists to spot a fake than the average eye and many of the reference photos you’re seeing are not often real.

There is definitely a delicate balance of trust in this industry, and it can be hard to tell if you’re in good hands or not. This is just another reason to research your artist. If you’re going to a reputable shop with artists who act ethically, trust goes a long way to making your tattoo the best it can be.  

Gatekeeper

Hi there! I'm Taylor, you may know me as Sterling Skull reception, or gatekeeper, or most recently Tater (thanks Chris). I love writing, creating and I love tattoos; so what better way to use my passions than to bring you a personal experience of our studio via a blog! Welcome, please stay a while!