Does a tattoo have to have an outline or border?

Question

I want to have a single colour tattoo done in a brown colour so it looks similar to a henna tattoo. I have asked an artist before and he told me that there has to be an outline to the artwork done in black to stop the fill-in colour 'bleeding'. I have heard several variations to this theory and also been told that it's a load of cobblers. Can anyone confirm or deny this please? Answers with good sources especially welcomed.

The tattoo design I would like is not henna in style (am thinking of Aztec sun) and will be filled in solid colour rather than intricate patterns.

Answer 1

It's nonsense. Tattooists who are not trained to freehand are nervous about working without a border, but no one colour is more likely to 'bleed' than others as long as the correct size and number of needles is used to produce a crisp image.

I have several tattoos that do not have a black outline, including two in henna shades (brown, orange, yellow) that have no outline at all.

In practice, henna tattoos do have outlines -- in fact, traditional one are mainly outline, with patterns inside. But a single colour tattoo that looks like henna does not need an outline -- I have one on my ankle to prove it, with no "bleed."

You need to look for a different tattooist - and make sure that their hygeine is as good as their art skills!

Answer 2

i have never heard of tattoos "bleeding". i have a tattoo that doesnt have an outline as such, it just purely a dragon and flowers made completely of shading covering half my thigh and it hasnt bled or distorted at all. My friend has a red and blue square on his arm which also has no outline. I think most tattoos have outlines for definition though. Ihave a horse on my calf which has a bold black outline which suits it, if it had no outline it would look a bit whish-washy.
your tattooist should give you a good reason for not wanting to do a tattoo without an outline. Personally i would look around for a new tattoist.
The best tattooists are advertised by word of mouth so ask people you know where they went and what they thought or if they know of anyone who recommends a tattooist.

Answer 3

I'm not a "tat" fan. I have one which I regret ever getting. Having said that...... A tattoo is basically a colored scar. Over time, the initial "raise feeling"/protrusion goes down. With it can also come a somewhat distorted look. Darker colors also attract the sun- which has been known to fade tattoos. Light colors seem to fade much more easily. I've had my tat for over 20 years and I haven't noticed significant fading or distortion. I don't spend excessive amounts of time in the sun, but when I do participate in water sports, etc...I use sunscreen (Because the tat attracts the sun's heat and can burn terribly- sometimes without you realizing it, because it's scar tissue). There are also different types of inks and varying levels of expertise among tattoo artists. My tattoo was the result of the need for identity change, which I found cannot come from the outside; but only comes from receiving Jesus Christ on the inside.

Answer 4

Absolutely NOT. The "outline" can be any color it does not have to be Black. Also if you rae getting a design similar to a henna tattoo, the artist only needs to follow the lines of the design. Henna tattoo's are rarely filled in they are more like a "tribal" but woth alot more detailing. You should go to another artist the person you spoke to is not qualified if he/she told you that they must outline the tattoo. they only have to transfer it not outline it.
Good Luck sweety.

Answer 5

I like Deliriums answer, she seems to know exactly what she is talking about. I don't know personally about permanent tattoos, but my hubby has one and I don't see any border around it at all. Most likely it seems that the artist who is doing tattoos has a lack of self confidence and needs a border in order to do their work and feel at ease. If they aren't trained to do freehand that's what they would I asume, same goes for henna tattoo artists who aren't doing freehand, they need stencils.
The best type of artwork is freehand and just flows nicely. If you need any help finding the right design (if you haven't already) I got some free designs on my site that you can check out too.

Khadija
www.HennaBlogSpot.com

Answer 6

yes its cobblers.Think of tattooz like any piece of art alot of artists don't use outline especially in sleeve work sure my demon is outlined my carp and dragons are as well but my background isn't.You can do pretty much anything that pops into your head.Just make sure your piece is big enough so that as it gets older it doesent blob coz that just ends up looking silly.Make sure you spend a few quid on your artist £50 an hour or above also tattoo awards are bullshi* make sure your artist has a good portfolio even have a look at UK artists online I'm sure you'll find something.Good luck.

Answer 7

Not always. I was watching Miami Ink the other day and Ami did a tattoo to look like a water color. He used no outlining at all. It looked amazing. It was a cherry blossom and it turned out absolutely amazing.

Answer 8

All of the tattoos that I have had have all been outlined with black ink. I must admit it does minamize the amount of bleeding. I have had 3 tattoos in England and 1 done in America and all done the same way.

Answer 9

Nope. The whole top half of my back is tattooed, and my artist never outlined a thing. He never even used a stencil. IT was all done completely freehand, and it the some of the most beautiful artwork i have ever seen. If the "artist" is truly an artist, they can do it without having to stencil and outline.

Answer 10

I have my sign for Aries all done in red, no black outline. It can be done.

Continue your search for an artist that will do your tattoo the way you want. Don't take anything less.