Are there any images tattoo artists are not allowed to tattoo?

Question

I understand tattoos are a freedom of expression, but are there any images that statistically tattoo artists will not tattoo?

Answer 1

There is "not allowed" versus "won't do". I don't know if the former exists. The latter will vary from artist to artist.

For example, tattooing genitalia is not often done. I would also assume that ink likely to incite (e.g., formentioned swastika, regardless of if it's used in it's eastern incarnation or not) would likely be turned down by reputable artists.

I know that some don't like putting art in areas where it's likely to be ruined by normal activity. My artist, for example, won't do anything above the neck as it sees too much sun.

Answer 2

I hope this is a troll question, because if it's not, you are really NOT the person to be having kids let alone parenting them, judging by this question. When I was 6, the thought of a tattoo never crossed my mind, however I did admire the beauty of them whenever I saw them on someone. When I first found out about the pain of a tattoo, that really scared me, to the point where whenever I saw someone with one, I thought they were a tough broad (this was when I was a child). Even as a 6 year old, I knew they were a permanent decision, though I found out about laser removal later down the road (and people say that hurts FAR worse than a tattoo). The kid is going to change her mind, have new interest as she ages (she may like ponies but chances are, it will be something else later on), and regret has no age limit. Remember that, plus can you imagine a 6 year old getting a tattoo?! Kids normally hate shots when they're at the doctor's office, imagine 4-5 needles jamming ink into your child's skin, 3,000 times a minute! Besides, I am currently getting a tattoo on my wrist next month for my 18th birthday and I wanted it since I was 14. My mother promised me she will never sign for me to get a tattoo and if I did, I will be old enough to sign for it on my own terms. What do you know?! I'm signing for it next month, my mom sure wasn't playing around!

Answer 3

I agree with everyone else-it's up to the artist. I remember in 1988 I saw a man with some VERY explicit tattoos on his arms of the intersection of body parts when two men have sex. Quite a few of them, but I don't know of any artists who would do that. I guess if you look hard enough, you'll find an artist who'll tattoo what ever crazy thing you want.
Also, as far as I know, there are no laws governing what one can tattoo on his or her own body. That would be quite a society that would have such laws, huh? The only laws that I know of that are on the books govern the sanitation of the equipment and where a tattoo can be placed on the body-of course this varies from state to state.

Answer 4

There are some that some tattoo artists will refuse to do based on their beliefs...for instance, my tattoo artist is a very religious man and he and his partner (a former minister I believe) will not do anything considered 'satanic' in nature (i.e. the numbers 666 or symbols of the like). Also, when we had our own 'race riots' in '05 (induced by some white supremacy group) there were alot refusing to do swastikas and other things of that nature.

Answer 5

not really. some artists won't do certain tattoos but usually for their own reasons. my artist will NOT tattoo tribal of any kind because he thinks it is a crappy tattoo and doesn't want his name associated with it. some tattoo artist won't do sacreligious stuff because of their own beliefs but there are no "banned" tattoos. if there were you know there would be people with them just because they were banned.

in austria it is illegal to have any nazi tattoos or to even talk about being a nazi, you can be put in prison.

Answer 6

It's up to the artist.

Most won't tattoo something that is poorly drawn. Most will not do tiny intracate work if the lines will bleed together. (every customer is like a billboard, advertizing their work - they want your tattoo to look good, so people ask where you got it....)

Most won't tattoo symbols of hate (eg. nazi style swastica).

It's really up to them.

Answer 7

That's up to the artist and his beliefs. Some will do whatever you want as long as you pay the asking rates. Others may refuse to do images or words that are of violent, racist, blasphemous or satanic nature.

Answer 8

My artist has things he wont do, he refers those to the other guy in his shop (the walk in guy)... he is a custom artist who only does things by appointment. Funny thing tho...he hates doing butterflies, but did a butterfly tat for me. Said anyone coming in because of it would end up with the other artist...

Answer 9

it just depends on the tattoo artist.

Answer 10

There is in my culture. No tohunga will repeat a moko (face tattoo).