Exploring the Black Experience in Tattooing | Intersectional Ink

[@raesvisions]

I LOVE this. I watched older seasons of inkmaster and they kept complaining when they got a darker skin “canvas” and they made it an issue of the person when in reality they just need to improve their craft because I know amazing tattoo artists who do beautiful work on ANY skin tone. That irritated me with that show….

[@noelleirina5628]

it's much harder to tattoo dark skin and make it look as good though

[@inkheart181]

@@noelleirina5628 But it CAN be done. And if the show is called "Ink Master", I would hope that the people on it have not only mastered different styles but can at least, deal with different skin tones and texture lol.

[@DemonZest]

Just use clear Dye lol

[@Supersquishyawesomeness]

@@inkheart181 Yeah if you knew anything about the show you would know that it’s definitely not the best artists out there. It’s a reality show first. They pretty much do everything they can to make it as difficult to get a good result as possible where in real life you go to the best artist for the tattoo that you’re getting. A good artist will recognize that in order for a client to get the best results for their skin for their entire life they might not be the best artist. It doesn’t say that they wouldn’t be willing to try it shows they want what’s best for the client not their pocketbook. Skins on reality shows are not interested in getting the best tattoo possible.

[@triligyblood]

@@noelleirina5628 it’s actually not. It’s only “harder” because the industry standard is to not know how to do it.

[@j3we11n6]

i love and appreciate when this channel allows black voices and female voices to speak uninterrupted about their experiences. gives me hope for the future of the industry

[@inked]

❤️❤️❤️

[@paige66666]

Watch their other videos, it's the same people over and over with only a few experienced POC sprinkled in

[@bobsbigboy_]

cringe

[@mizzshortie907]

@@paige66666 they are working towards a change, says a lot by doing this episode. Hold them to this standard and help them continue to keep this going ♥️

[@ihategoogle724]

Errr they have black artists on the other inked vids no one interrupts them on that. Watch them they good too 👍🏻

[@Gabriella_E]

I feel like I could talk to Genesis forever, I like her mindset.

[@Theinkeddancer]

Yes. All. Of. This. As a Black woman who has many tattoos, the struggle is real. Thank you for giving us a voice.

[@Ari2_cute]

I deal with this alot as a hair dresser hearing people say they refuse to do ethnic hair is so sad because at one point I COULDNT do it but made it my dream to persue being a master at doing all hair types and textures! It's okay if you dont know how, but why not learn? Open your mind ❤

[@lillylew8615]

I want to learn so bad! I am a master at braiding non ethnic hair I got the chance once to do ethnic hair I did ok but could have done a lot better I should have done more research at the time I follow a ton of stylists now that do ethnic hair I have learned more but never get the chance

[@LookingForAName...]

I don't work in the business, but doesn't ethnic hair sound kinda bad? A lot of American terminology seems to me to reduce race to "you're either white or ethnic", when ethnicity is deeper than that. What do yall think. On another note, my barber was telling me how typical east asian hair was the hardest to do for him and then went on to talk about a barber in Japan, whose name I don't recall, who found a way, through layering and texturing, to adapt styles like pompadours to japanese clients, and how he wanted to meet the guy and learn from him. The desire to make your art/trade as inclusive as possible really shows a lot of passion imo.

[@24framedavinci39]

Not everybody learns the same, nor should they be forced to learn it anyway. I have a cousin who has ultra curly hair. She needs to treat it differently than people with straight hair. Not once have I heard her complain that a hair stylist couldn't work on her hair. She is actually appreciative that they tell her instead of mess her hair up. It's not always about race.

[@shehatemel]

@@24framedavinci39 she didn't say anything about being forced to or believing that people HAVE to learn something outside of what they know or EVEN race but here you go 🏆

[@Ari2_cute]

@@24framedavinci39 I somewhat disagree with this simply because I recently attended a wedding where I was not the hair stylist I was a bridesmaid and one of the bridesmaids who had beautiful curly hair was denied getting her hair done because the stylist couldnt do it! Luckily I was able to, and I am also glad the lady didnt lie and say she could do it and messed it up. So I understand where your coming from in the aspect. But being in that situation is why I felt early on in my career its important to be open minded to learning all styles and textures which really doesn't have to do with race, hair texture and skin tones can be all different ❤

[@oatsandtoast]

All this time I thought I had to limit my tattoos because of the darkness of my skin. This video made me feel so much better about getting more colourful and detailed work. Mad respect to Inked and the featured black artists ✊🏿

[@ltlbuddha]

Genesis: 'I'm grateful for your time' I LOVE that. If both clients and artists were grateful for each other, I think the whole experience is elevated. We are the man, in that we let whoever governs us, do so. The flip side is that confronting power has consequences and is most efficacious when done as a group.

[@squishyghost2259]

Glad this is replacing Bang Bang's uncomfortable "i don't see race" rant when confronted about the lack of dark skin clients on his page (i think it was on his page tho i can be wrong) as like one of the few talks about race and skin color on here lol, really rad.

[@flybeep1661]

Ah yeah, the being a non-racist isn't good enough argument. You have to be an anti-racist.

[@ltlbuddha]

I hate the "I don't see race" thing. At its best, it ignores that people are treated by society differently and that plays out to advantage to those with power (white men) and disadvantage to those with less. But it is more often used to ignore one's own lack of engagement with the problem.

[@brioche8123]

@@ltlbuddha oh trust me…they see race lol

[@Bl4k3.]

I agree. If you cant “see race”, you can’t see the systematic discrimination that affects people on a race basis.

[@Armcha1rwarr13r]

i thought he said it was becuase of editing stuff they do to remove redness from new tattoos and that makes the skin look lighter in the photos>

[@playarabbit]

Being Black I gotta get my Tats redone when I went to people in the past who didn't understand my skin and I didn't know better but I'm glad I do now

[@unapologeticallyblackbeaut7161]

Same. I’m getting my old tats covered & reworked. I wish I knew better back then. Just gotta huge cover up on my back, because I didn’t know any better 17 yrs ago

[@NunayahBuisness]

Loved how it covered the whole culture not just the application of ink on skin. More content like this please.

[@noonefromnowhere7945]

Dark skinned man here covered in tattoos from my hands to my face, I’m so thankful for my artist , granted I’m in the younger generation so like ik we made leaps and bounds but it means so much to me to hear all of this

[@theelindseybri]

Oba is speaking nothing but facts about Ink Master. I'm rewatching it now and it literally disgusts me when people complain about tattooing "dark skin" ESPECIALLY when the skin isn't even dark! Bravo for being so open 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@belindas8417]

When I first started getting tattooed I never ever saw a Black artist, heck a woman was rare. When my grand kids consider getting inked I hope to give them the advice that’s been shared. Thanks for the wisdom.

[@josemeneses7691]

Fr dude tattoos are just tattoos like race and anything else shouldn't be in the conversation period.

[@julieghim7846]

Oba’s only been tattooing 5 years?? His work is phenomenal ❣️❣️

[@wsixfour8556]

Now do a exploring the Pacific Islander/Polynesian experience, I feel like our stories are unique because tattoos is a massive part of our culture hence why there is a majority of our people covered in tattoos. I had my first tattoo when I was 12 and my parents were the one that convinced of getting one lmao so it was a culture shock when western culture is somewhat against tattoos

[@MApong411]

I love that that one artist had brought up ink Master, because I 100% agree with them. Literally none of them could work on a darker skin dead person, and they blamed the person for having darker skin instead of blaming themselves for not learning how to work on darker skin. Also, most of the time when they said somebody was darker skinned they were light, so I just didn’t understand that.

[@professoreinstein6]

This is so dope. I'm guilty of accepting tattoo artists, white tattooist, telling me and my dark skinned wife that we couldn't get color on our skin. I have color, deep vibrant reds and oranges and blues and a bit of white ink here and there and, years later, it still shows and it's beautiful. I feel we need to remember that tattoos are beautiful because it's an expression of what you want it to be and when someone tells you that you can't do something based on what they think then you limit that expression.

[@mynameismyname8512]

genesis was in my art class in art & design high school freshman year glad you’re doing great !

[@JalenJaguar]

Thank you 2 these artists for making our voices heard in a space so many others try to speak for us 🙏🏽

[@inked]

Give them a follow on IG, you won't be disappointed!

[@JalenJaguar]

@@inked already on it! Thanks as well 2 you and the team. So cool to see art of the counter culture have a platform!!

[@gothe_ee2460]

I'm an African tattoo artist training,, so I like that I was talked about Thank you👍🏾

[@joelgibbons4355]

When people think of black ink crew there not thinking it’s a show about tattoos tbh

[@ltlbuddha]

Reality shows are about drama or about creating an interest to which the theme is just an excuse. Pick a reality show and the actual reality is something different. That said, reality shows do shape perception and that can be unfortunate.

[@unapologeticallyblackbeaut7161]

Preach

[@TheRenegade2424]

I agree... I’ve been tattooing for 14 years I never experienced nothing like that TV show in the shop

[@catsareawesomemckinnon3393]

Which is unfortunate. When I first heard they was going to do a show about Black tattoo artists, I was excited thinking it was going to be something like Miami or LA Ink......then I saw the show and was disappointed. Hardly any tattooing and lots of fighting.

[@ltlbuddha]

@@catsareawesomemckinnon3393 I'm sure it have nothing to do with skin colour, though. Had to be just random chance, right?

[@lesamotaung2355]

I listened to Genesis then went straight to Instagram to follow her🙌🏾👏🏾👏🏾I'm floored. I wish the South African tattoo scene had representation for black Artists and clients.

[@g.mo8]

There are some really talented black artists out here, but because everyone assumes that they're just 'kasi artists' they don't get the recognition they deserve.

[@lesamotaung2355]

@@g.mo8 plus the lack of kasi exposure to quality art plays a role..... I always refuse to get my tatts from anyone but a black person but finding one is always more a mission

[@g.mo8]

@@lesamotaung2355 Try Soweto Ink. They are🔥🔥

[@lesamotaung2355]

@@g.mo8 I'm actually even following them on Instagram.... Started researching black south african artists outside the Free-state

[@Littlekitten_]

This also doesn’t just go for black people but majority of Latinos are tan or darker skinned and also Asians . It’s amazing to see more artist speaking up for this issue .

[@ml5923]

@@TheSean1876 there’s literally videos on this same channel dedicated to both asian and latino artists but for w/w reason instead of watching those the two of you decided to comment on this video of black artist voices and undermined them; you’re apart of the problem… bozo

[@aliyahscobey2717]

@@TheSean1876 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hX2yl5WGl655oMU

[@brioche8123]

Pretty sure the guy also used the term “brown skin” and referenced Indian people as well. But okay

[@Jay-pj5tg]

What?? He wasnt talking shit why are you starting something.

[@joshochoa4641]

@@ml5923 maybe he didn't see them? You act like they said well what about any other minority they have problems too

[@newmj32]

The first thing I ask an artist is to see their work on dark skin.

[@georgialilly7467]

I especially liked what Genesis had to say. She had some great points and I love the way she put them and the passion with which she said it. I'd love to hear more of what she has to say!

[@blaze14ZX]

Thank you for making this video I'm black and I want tattoos and this gave me a lot of places to look and things to consider to not only keep my skin healthy but also make the pieces look amazing.

[@Vasaloloa]

I love that Genesis brought up how the word Tattoo comes from the Samoan word Tatau 🙌

[@DeeDee-ux6mw]

But she lumped ALL Polynesian tattooing into one culture. Each Polynesian culture has its own unique tattooing style. Samoan is only one of many Pacific Island cultures.

[@LwandileDL]

17+ whole minutes 🎉

[@inked]

We got you 👌

[@paige66666]

Until I see all of these artists in the other videos I'll start giving them credit. Some of inked's own videos reiterate racist and sexist ideals on tattooing

[@brnprettiegrl88]

@@paige66666 facts

[@Nikki89911]

Finally! Something like this is long overdue. Please continue featuring more black artists.

[@briannagarcia9413]

I’m so happy y’all finally made a video addressing this in the tattoo community

[@redomagnus4762]

More of this please. Learning about other perspectives inside the industry is great. Ty.

[@headstrong2434]

I’m glad you guys bring up traditional and African tattooing it looks amazing!

[@myammcdaniel8662]

This is very similar to white hair stylist saying they can’t do black peoples hair, how can you even consider your self a professional if you can’t do all types of hair ?

[@OGPimpin]

Depends on how many black clients they get or requests from them.

[@nickj12]

Thank you for this. Seriously, thank you. ✊🏾 The first two minutes were everything.

[@pnorm69]

As a 15 year tattoo artist I feel compelled to express my point about this subject...I work in a street shop in the bx and so I deal with alot of melanated skin on a daily and I would never turn down a client because of the color of their skin but I do warn them because alot of clients want what they see in pictures of tattoos on white skin and expect the same vibrant colors on theirs...can black or brown people get color? Sure they can but 1 thing we all can't deny is that those colors will never be as bright or vibrant as they would on pale skin

[@vjc25]

Great points. I am a black person that gets colored tattoos and for me specifically white and yellow do not show up on my skin tone at all, after healing. When I was a young kid I did not think about these things and ended up with some janky-looking pieces because they healed poorly on my skin. Now I know what colors work best for my skin and my artist is able to make beautiful pieces that look great on my skin tone specifically. 👍🏽

[@Kyon2011]

Absolutely agree. As a frequent client in a mostly white neighborhood, I still witness many differences even in "white" skin tones and I am personally very envious of super light skin on some people since it makes that black look even blacker, that color pop even more. Wouldn't it be amazing if all we saw was the art of color on canvas? ^^

[@AleksanderLydkunst]

Imagine just being real with your clients so they can leave with a tattoo they like, and you get called racist for it.... 🤦🏻‍♂️ These crybabies are ridiculous lmao 😂

[@KyokoVondecamp]

@@AleksanderLydkunst you're missing the point and being annoying about it on top of that.

[@LookingForAName...]

I don't think the point is to act like skin color doesn't matter in an art form where skin is the canvas. But wouldn't you agree that saying stuff like realism doesn't work on black skin is lazy? Wouldn't there be ways to adapt the art? Offering alternatives and modifications would be a good way to still be inclusive, while still letting the clients know of the impact skin tone can have on the result imo.

[@kristitahada5594]

How am I only just now seeing this?! AMAZING content! Please make this a series. We need to hear more about melanated tattooing.

[@kayemonk9712]

As a heavily tattooed Black woman, I've heard SO much of this and I'm not even an artist. It's INSANE.

[@unquietgrave4444]

Thank you for this. I've been meaning to get a tattoo for so long and it's been a pain because every artist's who work i've liked only has lighter skin on their portfolio and that's been the biggest roadblock.

[@LEMATTOFFICIAL]

Thank you ink for bringing this very important topic to the fore front. Thank you

[@Joyfulellyn]

This is wonderful. I believe that there needs to be more of this. I know I don't truly understand what black people go through, but I stand with them.

[@atlsouljah12]

I know I'm a year late seeing this, but this is very therapeutic to see. Much needed conversation and experiences being told. The truth the truth the truth. Great job on this episode. Thank you for giving black artist a platform.

[@themikelynchband7240]

This was so educational. Thanks, Inked, and to the artists for sharing their perspectives.

[@TheRenegade2424]

I know I wasn’t the only one... 14 years renegade art studio LLC Jacksonville Florida 💯 there are not a lot of us you all keep going 💪🏽

[@kaleidojess]

I didn't know what to expect with this video but it was really open and honest. It feels good to see.

[@lemoncakesandmoonpies]

I've gotten exclusively color tattoos, especially brown ink. People who can't do it need to admit that they are not talented enough to tattoo a wide range of skin which represents so many tattooed people

[@daholyvagabond]

Communication is key. Real communication without bias or prejudice.

[@imanitatum7491]

I’m a black/female tattoo artist, and I can say, it was NOT an easy, nor pretty journey, getting into this industry. It is foul how we are left out of such a sacred craft, that came from people of color. It also blows how hard we have to fight for a space in this industry. Thank you so much for this video, and showing artist who look like me. Representation/diversification is so important.

[@zombie_______]

Genesis speaking straight FACTS the whole video.

[@jessventures6172]

Great video, thank you everyone involved for their time and voices, really happy to be listening

[@spencerjonesvo3973]

This is important to cover. Thanks for doing this.

[@trelyles1583]

Thanks inked. As a 30 year old black male who's heavy into tattoo culture, I needed this. A lot of respected artist refuse to work on my skin, sadly.

[@flybeep1661]

Oba Jackson is such a cool name.

[@landennewman9754]

The name matches the person lol he’s so fun irl

[@jess52898]

I got my first tattoo from him in 2016, super cool guy

[@mayag598]

Love this and I’ve recently been looking for black female artist in LA and it’s been ridiculously hard

[@baileyc7703]

I'M HERE FOR THIS SERIES

[@GraceWhip]

It's frustrating how often people say "dark people can't do x". Maybe they should be saying "I haven't bothered to learn how to do x on dark skin". Because that's really what it is. Sure, it may take a different technique or way of thinking since we typically learn to draw on white paper and contrast may need to be done differently to make things legible, but I can't imagine being an artist and not WANTING to learn how to do the absolute best for your clients, whomever they may be. Is that not one of the most satisfying parts of art as a career?

[@Camillesass3]

This is an amazing video!!! Please make more videos similar to this, this was a great video

[@Chiggianya]

Inked, thank you for using your platform to highlight important issues like this.

[@Evelynxxperez]

Yessss baby everyone sounds so educated and everything they said was alined with my value and beliefs. Also they just tolda facts like straight facts about the black experience so thank you 💗

[@Evelynxxperez]

It’s an honor for me to be able to learn and listen 🤍

[@aBirdAndHisBoy]

Adriana Hallow does AMAZING color work on dark skin!

[@kaij6301]

The fact people would try to gatekeep black tattoo artists or say it doesn’t work on dark skin 🤦🏾‍♂️. ever heard of the pacific islands??

[@bryanpettus7111]

As far as black inked! It started off about the artists then became the real house wives of whatever..This really made me think on my future tatts. I already have a few that I want redone and one covered up

[@TheRenegade2424]

That’s the beautiful thing about being a tattoo artist you get to transcend race💯

[@FilbieTron]

This is an amazing video. Thanks to all the artists for sharing their perspective.

[@christophermichael5764]

My first few tattoos were from a black tattooer in South Carolina. My last (and upcoming next two) are from a white guy in Charlotte. I sat in an Uptown Charlotte shop full of white tattooers that didn't find a single issue with tattooing black skin- black and grey or color. It was nothing but love and good vibes in both shops (in the Bible belt south). That lets me know that self professed "ink-masters" who complain about tattooing dark skin are really just inexperienced, even in their own circles. These artists are correct. Most tattooers that actually know what they're doing really don't have an issue with melanated skin types.

[@mojojojo2109]

I love this. I shied away from getting a tattoo simply because I believed it wouldn’t look good on me. I still want one but a lot of the artists that Ive encountered don’t have very much dark skin work on their pages. I will keep searching until I find the right artist

[@piliasmaloba8173]

For anyone making the comment along the lines of, "Why does everything have to be about race? This video could have been better if they..." just know this. As a black kid who grew up going to local shows and being surround by people with piercings and tattoos, I finally decided that I wanted tattoos YEARS after being a part of the music scene. Imagine my surprise when I learned that I had to find a specific artist who would work with my dark skin. I didn't even want color, just all black. Even then, I was still recommend to find someone who could work with my skin tone. You may think videos like this aren't important, but they acknowledge a big problem in the community.

[@Jonathantatrotattoos]

The only problem is lack of black skin. What does it take to get better at something? practice. When only 13-17% of the population is black then you don't get as much time on black skin. I'm glad you found an artist that was well versed in working with your tone, its the people who don't do the research that end up with fucked up ink from an unpracticed person, then calls them racist for it, who really make the industry want to shy away from even attempting it.

[@OGPimpin]

On point with this one. I loved the messages at the end of the video too

[@melissam1349]

I found this video to be very informative, and I'm glad that I'm learning more about these issues.

[@DhanaMoongoddess]

This video should have way more views! I love that it was made. It’s so important to talk about this and educate people. I’m definitely going to share it.💖🌘

[@kamawesome24]

Great video!! Really really important video to have omg.

[@Earth2Natalie]

So happy y'all made this

[@robertittig3317]

more content like this please!

[@Rachelofarc333]

yes!! who wants to create a positive show for black tattooers?!?!

[@Brainaise]

“I’m grateful for the process.” 😌

[@hermit_heart]

I loved hearing from all these artists. keep making content like this!

[@fermarva2229]

Please remember that the BLM movement is changing the world. As a foreigner I’ve been learning SO much, not only about the peculiarities of racism in the US, but it has forced me to take a much closer look at my own country (Mexico), which is very racist, but we’re still not ready to have that conversation. Having these kind of platforms and hearing people speaking out is definitely helping. Thank you for educating the world! 🙏

[@2120musiclover]

Oba all day!!!!!

[@lillylew8615]

This video was much needed!

[@IAMFOOZY]

I subscribed cuz you guy produce some content relevant to all people thank you. We need more please

[@OGMrWayne]

Omg, I just love Genesis. What a sista, everything she said, is well said.

[@meghanwithanh4517]

Can we get more of these? 👀

[@tam9856]

Watching this after getting my first ever tattoo today!

[@smokeyskeet1694]

I’m mixed and I’m getting into tattooing. I’m already an artist and I used to free hand with marker on my arm when i was younger. I was able to find dark brown practice skin on Amazon and I’m excited to practice color and shading to see the difference on darker and lighter skin tones. I want to be able to work on anyone that comes to me, but I know I have a lot of work to do before I can get there.

[@CataLabrin]

thank you for this!!!!!!!!

[@MuukMonGiz]

MY PEOPLE SO BEAUTIFUL BRUH -- tattooing on black and brown people has been a thing amongst our ancestors for centuries!!! tattoos are BEAUTIFUL on us

[@jeffreylopez4255]

I LOVE YOU GUYS KEEP THE GREAT VIDEOS UP

[@inked]

Thank you!

[@jeffreylopez4255]

@@inked been a fan for so long even before I started getting tattooed and hearing so many beautiful artists perspective has been amazing! Really great channel.

[@emilybinx9115]

We need to highlight black artists way more often! Especially in tattooing.

[@SkarGig]

the video I've been waiting for personally

[@TaliNonna]

I don't know about the Aboriginal, maybe your referring Aboriginal in terms for Samoans Traditional Tattooing. Either way imma looking for my first tattoo at the ripe old age 50 for next yr. Awesome for you all to share your experience and knowledge in your field craft of being a Tattoo artists.

[@vadomendy]

The fact that talks like this are starting to be made it's a major step. When I was 10 i wanted to get in more knowledge about the industry but I was frightned since all I could see was mainly white artists, and most of the comments were always "It wouldn't show well on your skin" or "I can't tattoo dark canvasas" Now I believe we can truly make a difference and make people know, that this statement is an excuse. Its time to change for good.

[@nataethomas7268]

This is an amazing out We as artists need to unite

[@sidaleliddell789]

THANK YOU!!!!!

[@2120musiclover]

This was so so good!!!!

[@barreltech8949]

I liked this before I even watched it, so good

[@teetheluchador]

Yes i been waiting on a video like this !!

[@hitorouchiha4373]

0:18 yay Oba. He’s a Chad and cool dude

[@tanazbhathena]

LOVE OBA! ❤️

[@yourpandaprince9962]

Please please someone drop recs for black tattoo artists in LA.

[@AaliciaInWwonderland]

I saw that video Oba is talking about and it was WILDDDD

[@Sam-yv3ou]

I LOVE every black people!