All You Need To Know About Blackout Tattoos w/ Michela & Jason | Dos and Donts

Getting a blackout tattoo is not for the faint of heart. Once you've blacked out an entire limb, there's no going back. It takes true commitment. We spoke with Michela and Jason about what to expect while getting a blackout tattoo, the way a blackout tattoo can change your day-to-day life and much more.
If you want to know more about blackout tattoos check out our style video we did with Hoode: • A Blackout Tattoo Will...
Michela Bottin Ackerman: / michelabottin.ackerman
Jason Ackerman: / jasonackermanart
WEBSITE: www.inkedmag.com/
FACEBOOK: / inkedmag
TWITTER: / inkedmag
INSTAGRAM: / inkedmag

[@maleficara]

Find someone who looks at you the way Jason looks at Michela throughout this video.

[@CampslewTraining]

Awwww I took it as he knows she not talking in her first language so he ready to jump in if she needs him.... but not mad at they way u saw it either.... #inklove

[@Chadghostal]

They are so, madly in love im in awe of them, maybe in the next life I'll know that but it's still great to see that kind of love

[@IamwhatIoncewas]

@@Chadghostal Consider the things you want are holding you back from the things that will find you and feel they have found what they have been looking for. If you don’t know your value, nobody else can either. A relationship is 100/ 100 not 50/50. Stop searching so you can be found by someone who is searching for you.

[@Chadghostal]

@@IamwhatIoncewas i wish it was that simple, I've been in and out of the hospital for half my life after a shrapnel injury, then a brain injury, then a brain tumor, 4 cranitomies later I am literally Frankenstein's monster. I've spent my life as a ghost, doing what needs to be done and now, it's just me and my dog. To the next life 🍸 you're not wrong tho, 100/100

[@IamwhatIoncewas]

@@Chadghostal I respect your feelings and won’t argue, but owning it, whatever “it” is, will bring you power over it. Till Valhalla friend

[@anniegold1763]

On Michaela it looks like a piece of art and completes her whole appearence.

[@squilbobaggins]

It actually looks like shit

[@antivenomadams6369]

It looks horrendous. Nothing artistic about it

[@zepplin5781]

@@squilbobaggins hahahahaha so true

[@curtislamont6372]

@@antivenomadams6369 No one said it was artistic, the same with everything else it's completely down to personal preference, some people like it and some don't.

[@yupper4030]

Say you

[@sharkie8768]

I’m not usually the biggest fan of blackout tattoos but seeing it on her it honestly looks so beautiful 🖤

[@blackoutboba]

I've never regretted my blackout tattoos. People will keep asking why I get them and I will keep telling them to get whatever they want and I'll get whatever I want. I think blackout tattoos look dope as hell

[@Dominic4692]

Regardless of whether it's a blackout or a coverup, to me, and most of my friends, the pain which comes with tattoos is a transformative process.

[@424dsfdsfdsfs]

Masochism it is

[@Hashdollars]

Really lol what did you transform into ? A butterfly? I have tattoos all over and am still a human, in human body, just with tattoos.

[@Vivacomunismo]

​@@Hashdollars transformative isnt exclusively a phisical term it can mean a mental transformation

[@Hashdollars]

@@Vivacomunismo if a tattoo transforms you mentally anything will

[@Vivacomunismo]

@@Hashdollars technically anything can already

[@katedillon7107]

The Brutal Black sounds like opting into a trial by ordeal, which can honestly be really cathartic and spiritual for some people. But for folks who aren’t prepared, definitely has the potential to just be traumatic.

[@Bear.and.treats]

Exactly. You need to have a high pain tolerance and really know what you are about to get trough. It’s for a very minor amount of population.

[@SpencerF6]

If someone doesn't change their behaviour when you've in excessive pain, they are not respecting the fact that you're uncomfortable. That's not an opinion, it's the way it is.

[@bogwife7942]

he told her beforehand what to expect, and she (and other clients) agreed to be tattooed by him. aka, they consented to him not stopping if they were in pain. just because you don't personally like or understand something, doesn't mean consent wasn't given, or that valereo doesn't respect his clients

[@LC-in5or]

Make no mistake, she can tap out anytime she wants..

[@birdiemartinez1890]

I have my shoulder to wrist blacked out by Hoode and it was the best tattoo decision I ever made.

[@_walruseater]

Hoode is the best. Really wish I was able to get out there. Getting an appointment is the hardest part, though. I'm happy my artist is awesome with blackout work though. It was hard to find someone where I'm at that's willing to do it.

[@birdiemartinez1890]

@@_walruseater Yeah, I had to wait about a year on his waitlist but it was well worth it, I hope your blackout(s) go well.

[@Morrowsss]

When I look at blackout artists on instagram, when Hoode follows them it kinda feels like a stamp of approval lol

[@ldcWhereJustFar]

Been following hoode on ig for maybe a year now and I’m jealous bro lmao. He’s sick tho on a serious note.

[@ADR3N0CHRM3-_-ADDICT]

@@birdiemartinez1890 … he still hasn’t even responded to my email yet let alone a waitlist 😢

[@Lilililimon]

I have 0 tatoos and not planning to get any at all.. but I always find it interesting.. they can be beautiful works of art.

[@Zanaze_banane]

I just love blackouts especially when negative space is utilised. Can't wait to get some done but enjoying ordinary tattoos for a few more years at least.

[@ShamWerks]

When someone says "cute couple", those two are the ones who pop in my head. ♥

[@amayatsuki5673]

I don't think blackout would be a style for me, but if YOU like it and want it, go for it! Living next to a small tattoo Shop shows me so many different designs and styles, I love it! My first two tattoos are from my neighbors as well

[@freshbeards4319]

Great video and great advice! Loving that T-shirt Jason!

[@DarrenEffle]

I been talking with my wife and kids about doing black panels on both my legs for about 2 years. I have had the color half sleeves from ankle to knee for about 20-23 years now. I believe I am ready for another direction in my ink collection. I appreciate this so much as I have followed both of you for a while . Thank you

[@trashcanchrxs]

I needed this video to exist

[@pigboypunk]

thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge - very helpful. LET'S GO!!!

[@kelkel3883]

Going to get two blackout segments done later this week. This is great info since this will be my first time getting blackout tattoos done.

[@GothicalDarkAngel]

OMG! I saw a Demon Slayer tattoo that Michela did. It was WELL DONE!!!!!

[@_walruseater]

I have my legs and arm blacked out (well, it's still a wip) and when people ask me about it, I just tell them because I like it. I like the way it looks. That's the only reason. A big part of it is a coverup, but a lot of it is not.

[@Hashdollars]

Lollolololol so you make a bad decision and cover it up with all black ink … ok

[@johnb.shakoor2352]

@@Hashdollars I have my arm blacked out to the fingertips and don't give a shit what anybody else thinks. It's not on anybody else so why give a shit lol

[@Hashdollars]

@@johnb.shakoor2352 sure you don’t. You’ve succeed at avoiding something all humans do

[@johnb.shakoor2352]

@@Hashdollars 👍

[@Hashdollars]

@@johnb.shakoor2352 yet somehow you found the ability to comment on a video titled “dos and donts of blackout tattoos” all without caring about others opinions at all 😆

[@Vor_Allais]

'Liking' blackout work or not seems similar to the discrepancy between the laymen art appreciator and the more invested ones; the abstraction that is ritual, texture, process, etc. is lost to those used to looking for the classic narrative of illusionistic art. Blackouts, to me, talk more about not only the cathartic process sans illusory context, but also the body itself, sculpturally. Like in abstract painting, there lacks a direct, linear visual, and demands more investment on the viewers' behalf, therein a vulnerability on their part. It is this fear of vulnerability that excuses their distaste. IMO of course.

[@solarsatori]

She didn't mention that she got some of the face tattoos from Valerio lasered off of her chin area. She talks about it in another video but It's a bit weird that she doesn't mention it here because she's trying to stand up for him. I'm glad she's happy with her experience but if you've seen the brutal black documentary it looks abusive from what is shown. Valerio literally has a rage fit over a guy wanting to stop because the pain is too much. IDK I wasn't there, maybe it was all played up for the camera and shock value.

[@Steve_H_131]

She said the way it was changed the whole visual appearance of the shape of her face. I’m pretty sure she only got a very small amount of it lasered off so now it sits just under her jawline, not slightly above. Correct me if I’m wrong.

[@starsheen1]

I agree, he seems a little off... something just doesn't sit right with me about how the ppl tattooing enjoy hurting ppl.

[@misfitramone]

I remember the first time I saw black out tattoos was a pro skater from the mid 90s named Scott Bourne aka black arm. He had a negative space heart on one elbow and I think a star on the other, the black out was from wrist to shoulder. I remember thinking how crazy it was but liking it, I still don't think I could do it but to each their own.

[@mattimaranda9638]

Same. I think I had a TWS or Big Brother magazine with him in it.

[@misfitramone]

@mattimaranda9638 yeah I remember him in a consolidated video and thinking that dude is gnarly!

[@xxMelaniexx]

I love the idea of doing a solid red or blue then black it out. Idea being that the under color would come through. Tho ideas in tattoos don't always work, I would like the look for me

[@joshuamichaelcook1987]

dope knowledge !! dope hints !!

[@2120musiclover]

My favorite tattoo couple!

[@yourforbiddenfruit]

It’s funny how the comment section is so divided on blackouts. Personally, I really like Michaela’s facial tattoos. They suit her.

[@albertosantosramirez]

The first time i saw this was on rage against the machine's bassist and his look pretty cool

[@kittyprincess_mini9032]

i cant wait for my tattoo sessions later this year with michela

[@Steve_643]

She really pulls off the black out tattoos and black tattooed eyes balls.

[@GamesWithBrainz]

"he doesnt disrespect you he doesnt overpower you" "he said he will literally hold me down and finish the job no matter how much pain i was in" huh

[@basicgreg612]

I just started a blackout tattoo today. I’m in love with the black!

[@rarepaw9355]

Such a lovely couple!

[@Mr.Canuck]

Ive been tattooing professionally for over 16 years and am a shop owner. I decided to try an experiment and attempt tattooing large scale heavy thick black mirrored patterns overlaid on my existing front torso/leg designs while on measured doses of mushrooms. Surprisingly I found it to be an incredible experience quite unlike any other, with melodic music and headphones I fall into zen like moments where pain management/tolerance is infinitely better on traditionally heinous areas such as the stomach down to junk and hip joints....if I had a constant drip feed system I likely would rarely need to pause, I honestly find it that tolerable overall. My surrounding environment is swirling but the focus on the needles is incredibly intense and ultra precise, perfect straight lines and I view the condition of the skin and notice any inconsistencies on an intense micro level thats impossible to describe. Zero mistakes/deviations and perfect design balance from start to finish, its as solid as solid can get and it heals perfectly. My sessions have been about 5 hours at a time, I honestly don't think I could tolerate someone else doing these areas, definitely not for 5 hours. I'm hooked on these incredible self tattoo sessions, its an amazing experience and Ill never do it any other way. My personal challenge is to do my entire front from feet to throat. I really love my job. 😅 >>> I do not recommend tattooing oneself in such a state unless one is well versed in using mushrooms and is a well experienced tattooist and most definitely NEVER with a client, always stay professional..

[@mcmaschio]

Planning a blackout band to cover up writing which healed badly 🔥💯

[@chasejones3456]

Has anyone ever seen blackout work mixed with traditional cuffs and traditional flowers on the elbows. I like the the thought of mixing the two styles to complete both arms as full sleeves. Input from this community would be appreciated on the aspects of trying to pull this off. 👊

[@Mr.Canuck]

There are a lot of examples out there. IMO mixing styles in this way would look great if done correctly.

[@glennpatrick8908]

What a beautiful couple. ❤

[@sinissster9657]

Also they get hot in the sun, def something to think about my black arm is I’d say ten degrees hotter than the other and burns easier too. Def invest in an athletic sleeve or something lol

[@rin3542]

Yo they look cool asf!

[@Blackphillipsupporter]

I have two full sleeves and I like them, but eventually I def will probably do a blackout full sleeve for both arms

[@FHL-Devils]

"I def will probably" Nice caveat.

[@Blackphillipsupporter]

@@FHL-Devils I forgot how to grammar

[@JohnDVasquez]

I’d love to get an anime tattoo with Michela someday!!

[@lordlucan7655]

Some blackout tattoos look really good , but i think it depends on the persons personality and style . I know two ladies with amazing blackout work ( victoria & laeticia ) who wear them as true art , but assume their look everyday everyway ...

[@themagickreport]

currently getting blacked out with a 15 mag....i did session one of probably six? fun stuff

[@almondviloriatattoo]

The guy is in love .... he was so focus

[@inrotation_ts]

She makes it look cool

[@XtinaCMV]

I can't wait to get tattooed by her 😍😍😍 she's truly divine!

[@michaelortega9516]

I wanted and started a full left forearm (only got a four inch band) blackout roughly 15 years ago but was talked out of it by a girl I was dating at the time and I’ve wanted it ever since. I ended up getting a full sleeve anyway but have the urge to do a full sleeve blackout like I should have all that time ago.

[@Nefville]

I don't have a single tattoo but if I was to get one it would be a blackout sleeve. I just like the look. IDK, you either get it or you don't; if not no worries, that's what makes the world interesting.

[@andreaswg6178]

Have some thick armbands on both of my arms & also both of my ankles, those were the most painful so far

[@Lu-KN]

Awesome girl.

[@jrose2082]

such beautiful ppl

[@Frethzel]

Respect to those who survive brutal black project.

[@avoldies784]

How often i could apply the cream at the new blackwork tattoo?

[@ScooterChang]

I only have two tattoos and 1 is on my upper back on the right side of the shoulder. I want to cover it up and black it out but I’m scared of how painful it’s going to be 😂 and also have know idea where to even start.

[@simonestipo2095]

Grande Michela hai detto cose sacrosante

[@solomonhema9167]

My Dad n Uncles were getting that done in the 70’s …

[@Colorado_Ronin]

The brutal black project is disturbing to watch. To each their own

[@8bitakvids]

How many blackout touch ups can you get? I had my left arm blacked out, covering up a few tats. But the last rose coverup I did on my forearm is now a darker black than the rest of the black. What do I do? Will I destroy my arm skin if I do anymore? It's been a few passes over the past few years.

[@Fishstixgogoodwithpepsi]

As long as it's done properly, you can touch it up as much as you'd like

[@HkFinn83]

So did this Valerio guy do that to her face without asking? I know it’s all pre planned and consensual and so on but not sure about the ethics of this sort of thing. There are vulnerable people who can consent to things but rally shouldn’t be.

[@staticat]

Consent you can't withdraw is not consent.

[@th1rt3en84]

BlackIronMonk is my artist and just saying blackout artist really get that black in the skin, I don’t even wanna get tattooed by anyone else anymore 🤣 not until I start my color anime leg sleeve

[@EMMETproxy]

The most amazing couple in tattoo world today

[@teagenthetiefling5296]

Does Michela have her eyes tattooed? They’re absolutely gorgeous.

[@Langkowski]

Yes, they are dark grey

[@Maremacbmf]

1st I just wanted to say.. I removed 2nd skin because my leg was swelling dramtically. Pain was increasing. the wrap was creating far more pain. I did ask my artist but if i hadn't reached him i would have removed it. And if swelling - significant swelling and discoloration and discomfort are especially extreme the 2nd skin S h o u l d be removed. This was Not my first tattoo more like 50th. 2nd how do we find a good artist for blackout? And if i want to explore the white ink designs on the blacked out area should that person be the same as the blackout artist? I can travel.

[@Skiesskk]

She’s cool af

[@newworldlove7031]

Hi Michela I love your black out body art. Do you have many requests from your own clients for black out? I am thinking of getting part of my legs blacked out. Can you post me the link to the Artist you used please. I live in London. Many thanks🙏💞

[@ashdragon4000]

I doubt she gets requests for blackout, she has her own style and it is anime, not blackout. Her stuff is from the brutal black project, you can Google that and find their insta and stuff. Valerio who she mentioned is the founder and linked on their profiles.

[@newworldlove7031]

@@ashdragon4000 Thank you, yes just found the artist you mentioned. I'm not really into have cartoon characters from a Japanese comic all over me!! Totally not my taste, but I love her black body art work. I want to have a 20% red fade with the black blocked out. I find it funny how she doesn't do this style of tattoo on her customers!

[@butteredtoast12]

My first tattoo when I turned 18 in 2008 was a blackout: a 3in x 1in rectangle on my forearm. The healing SUCKED but it prepared me for all the work I got after.

[@robertlake7444]

Questions: When a customer is doing blackout to cover a tattoo, or many tattoos, at what point do you say yes and at what point to you recommend laser removal? Also, if someone did a blackout tattoo, will that be harder to have removed by a laser, or is it even possible? Another question I have would be, what makes a good tattoo artists? I'm sure there are many attributes that contribute but, as a tattoo artist, if you could max out your stats (so to speak) in 3 aspects of tattooing, what 3 would they be? Thanks, cheers.

[@sarag1158]

Regarding laser, it is about $50-$75 per square inch of tattoo removal per session. It takes anywhere from 1 to 8 sessions to remove a tattoo. Can you do laser to remove a blackout, yes you can. Should you? Probably not. I personally find laser removal more painful than tattooing.

[@ClassicCasey]

I wasn’t expecting to see shinobu in this vid-

[@bartchristensen9779]

I'm really struggling to get it even I'm doing both my arms

[@steverice7546]

SmokeShow in grey.

[@bluestormingdragon7716]

i honestly really love the idea of black out. I feel like its kinda similar to the idea of a chalk board. cause white fades faster

[@1Down5UpOfficial]

I loved her black work and when I found out she went through the brutal black project a while ago, I was like woah that's gnarly af... someone as sweet as her it's very surprising 👀😬 My respect for her went WAY up she's cool people 👌💪

[@nobletruthshealingandascen183]

Can you have white pigments onto?

[@Langkowski]

It's a whole style called "white in black tattoos", where people add white ink on black tattoos.

[@t-nutz3370]

the girl with the blackout tattoo

[@greatoni3239]

Since i saw the Documentation about the Brutal Black Project i think Valerio is more into legally torturing people than into Art

[@Kristian179]

This might be a dumb question, but I wonder if anyone get White Out tattoos or if they even exist?

[@Vivacomunismo]

I'm sure someones done it and found out it last for no time

[@Spookybikeguy]

I think when you get tattoos it doesn’t really matter what it means to anyone else I get the why question all the time and honestly I don’t really care

[@ivanmejia6102]

I am doing the white ink over the black and is a waste of time and money

[@Batwolf1968]

I blacked out my complete upper body about 10 years ago as a cover up. Find it strange any one would go straight on plain skin

[@BlindSideNZ]

Don’t listen to your friends who don’t know what they’re talking about, listen to your tattoo artist… Unless of course, your tattoo artist IS one of your friends who don’t know what they’re talking about… In which case it’s time to find a new tattoo artist lol

[@anovemberstar]

but once you've had those done, there isnt anything else you can do... if you do black outs to cover up, its a never ending cycle only you cant black out the black outs ...

[@oneofthemnames3050]

You have to listen to your body on the healing process. Not the artist. Everyone is different.

[@j.r.allencook9007]

I had to black out a tat on my chest, I did a swastika out of drunken rage lol all because of my job

[@mikkelcoollinan9285]

"Never regret anything" but you have coverup on coverup.

[@Flies_the_limit]

Yknow what looks beautiful? Naturally colored skin. Best part is its free!

[@JAlchemist]

I mean that is your opinion and your choice.

[@sikancil7957]

Ackerman???????

[@eevierose31]

giving advice on blackout tattoos yet their blackouts are horrible

[@D_SQ]

I have no dog in the race, but just to play Devil's advocate, I'm sure before the #MeToo movement, some women would rationalize to their buddies and even publicly that Harvey Weinstein was a character, and to them, Harvey could've indeed been a character because everyone has different experiences. The point is anything can be argued any which way, and you can get to a point where whatever position you take actually makes sense. 🤷‍♂️

[@robertlake7444]

Do black people get white out tattoos?

[@Langkowski]

You do realize the term "black people" and "white people" don't mean they are literally black and white?

[@Autistic_Pixel]

rando tattooists around here push people to put anything on them, no meaning just think of an image and get in the chair. It's becoming another money over people biz at least in the less popular tattooists. If I had an actual artist I'd have gotten a substantial amount done but the ones here look at people like walking wallets.

[@bomshankar4414]

She said she doesn't regret her black tatoos. Ok... but why did she cover up her early tatoos ? I love tatoos but if she doesn't work in tatoos shop it's social suicide.

[@twicon87]

I found the most talented artist in my country and got myself some nice hyperealistic ancient greek gods as a sleeve. My thought was since people get japanese whats the problem with your own culture as a tattoo? Turns out people now thinl im a far right nationalist dude.. the furthest from the truth possible really.. im saddened that i will have to turn it into black put sleeve

[@Meowhsss]

You had a bunch of bad tattoos and you black them out, pretty much sums it up. I wouldn’t call that beautiful

[@jasonweiss2773]

Blackouts are the most regrettable tattoos next to face tattoos. They look like paint spills.

[@gggg-ng2ky]

TO YOU

[@cajonbru]

It’s hard to take serious these people when they have really bad tattoos

[@EvilNick81]

The only thing you shouldn't do is letting some wack social media slave tell you what to do 🤣🤣🤣

[@steventhompson9197]

After I watched a documentary on the blackout movement and understand ita about the pain and not what is tattooed i lost respect for her.

[@Langkowski]

You mean brutal black? It is not the same as blackout.

[@iamReddington]

I'm more concerned by her eyes and how she is apparently trying to attract attention.

[@EVO6-]

TF are you talking about

[@southsidechoppers1]

Whatever happened to the art it looks like a massive mistake. It’s definitely shocking when you first see it it’s just plain awful. Good luck people.😶

[@silverscreen1se]

“i don’t regret any”… yeah that’s why you keep covering up cover ups and saying things like “it just wasn’t me anymore”

[@johnharrington22]

Wonder what she will look like at 70?

[@salty8223]

Old. That's it. Just like anyone else will in their 70s. Why do people care how other bodies will look when they qge? Tattoos are aging as well and they will eventually look different but that's normal, aging is normal.

[@johnharrington22]

@@salty8223 just a joke