The Art of Ink: Watercolor

It’s not just about paint splatter and drips. Watercolor tattooing caught on because it is bright, beautiful, and simply whimsical - and that’s how artists Amanda Wachob, Gene Coffey, Thea Duskin, and June Jung fell in love with it.
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Over the past few years, the popularity of tattoos has exploded across the world. We set off to explore the different individual styles of tattooing, what makes them unique and the artistry it takes to execute them. Each episode we’ll tackle a different style of tattooing, meet the top artists in each style and learn all about that particular genre from the people who are at the top of their craft.

[@yasyashushus]

I absolutely love those abstract tattoos that lady does damn

[@joyce1175]

The second article (by Joel Wright) cited as being anti-watercolor tattoo is from an actual watercolor tattoo artist. The article isn't against them, it addresses the common concern of how they age and basically says what these other artists say - they age like most other tattoos. I literally just got my tattoo touched up by Joel (not because of how it aged, because it was my first tattoo and I'm a literal moron and picked at it) which is why I was browsing videos about this stuff. Lo and behold there he is being cited as being against his very profession lol.

[@TheHiddenSNOW]

You've got to be careful with colour choice and how packed in the colour is, if both elements are poor it can end up looking like a bruise around the tattoo. AKA if you want a watercolour tattoo to last DONT GO CHEAP

[@saint6563]

The exact same thing can be said about traditional tattoos.

[@adrianabreu485]

Great advice. Good real watercolor isn’t cheap. If you’re getting a “good deal” from an artist don’t do it and run

[@marg5404]

I have the honor of being inked with early Amanda Wachob experimental watercolors. These many years later the art is vibrant and inspiring.

[@riceandbeanchicairizarry2797]

Awesome watching this, amazing artist's especially June Jung. I love her dearly. I have 14 tattoos from her and more to come. not only an amazing artist but a beautiful person❤

[@matthewthetiger1649]

RiceandBeanChica Irizarry so lucky i really wanna get my first tattoo off her

[@somedaytherockstar]

RiceandBeanChica Irizarry I'm jealous her work is beautiful

[@RyanDeLaTorre]

100% agreed. I had my first session with June two weeks ago and I can't recommend her highly enough (and I'm getting more ink from her really soon!).

[@sayra900]

Five second in and I was like... I've been there! Amanda Wachob is amazing and I love the tattoo I got from her.

[@Me-pe8eb]

water coloure tattoos are so cool

[@napalmbones]

GO TRUCK YOURSELF ! They actually aren't. They look like garbage when aged a few years.

[@Me-pe8eb]

napalmbones rly? ok

[@thiannanoordzij8611]

they do fade, but every tattoo does ;) no shame in getting a touch up :)

[@bullyanabossayyye2601]

napalmbones thank you!! People don't get that there is a reason to have a bold outline, I've seen so many old watercolor tattoos or tattoos without a black outline that are just a mess in like 4 years

[@alexandrazhang9809]

@@napalmbones who hurt u

[@user-pt1cz4ot1e]

Watercolor isn’t something I would tattoo, nor put on my skin, but when done right, it is absolutely gorgeous. I’m so glad there are so many styles to choose from now. I also love being tattooed, so the idea of going over them in 10 or so years isn’t a big deal.

[@yellowhouse4911]

its so sad thinking about all These Great Tattoo artists Living in the us and that i will Never get tattooed by them

[@TaMarAaQ]

Yellow House ikr

[@francesca1687]

Tbh though there are loads in Europe who are just as good, and even in turkey. It might take a while but if you search for long enough you'll find a great artist

[@muchtarka]

There are plenty of awesome tattoo artistis around the world, no need to go to US. I don't know where you are from but for example mentioned Ondrash is from Czech rep. (central europe)

[@ambermoon2326]

Even in the us I will probably never get the chance to get a tattoo from these guys

[@dindermufflin7932]

@@ambermoon2326 of course you can just get that job promotion, get paid more big coin, and save up for 5-6 years if your serious about it and plan forward. Anything is possible.

[@maddygrif]

They look so pretty! I honestly kind of like how they look after they've faded even more than when they're newly done lmao

[@RockingRhythmsJo]

I want most of my tattoos black but i just know in my soul i am going to get some watercolor work. I've always enjoyed watercolor paintings and how thw colors make me feel,this is so awesome! I

[@km-kl3lg]

Josie Yvonne Go get some! I have one and going to get another one soon- Love it!

[@jrcell5832]

I got a crow done in black and red and I love it

[@Itsraejean]

all of my color tattoos are watercolor and i plan on getting many many more, you have to find a good artist who understands watercolor, and when you do it comes out amazing :D

[@johnsmith-so5do]

I saw an old lady with flower sleeves last summer, her tats were all still rad so there yah go !

[@brewberry3894]

Aesthetics or personal taste aside, it's good to make tattooing for everyone. Not just tough guy bikers and criminals. True art form.

[@boo4ily]

Wow all of these artists are amazing!!! I absolutely love watercolor tattoos! I have a lot of self harming scars that I want to cover up and I've always wanted to do it with a watercolor tattoo. I just need to find the perfect artists to do it for me!

[@totallynameless8861]

When conversations come up about watercolour tattoos aging poorly, it's often left out that.... someone could hate the way black tattoos age! I really dislike the way black ages, at least on lighter skin. And I'm okay with a tattoo that people don't notice unless they're really close to me. It's similar reasoning to why people get tattoos in hidden areas.

[@victorianme3668]

So beautiful! For the first time I can see myself getting a tattoo

[@Games4Days912]

Just got my 2 dogs paws printed and got them watercolor on my inside forearm. So beautiful!

[@satiremya4529]

gorgeous.. absolutely gorgeous.

[@sloweddown4u]

People say these tattoos aren't going to last. Yeah, they won't if you don't take care of them and don't go back for touch ups when you're supposed to.

[@virus8000]

Miss Dominion some people enjoy the way aging tattoos look so don't go for touch up a

[@Suburban_waste]

Who goes for touch ups lol lame

[@BigDaddyZakk420]

A tattoo shouldn't have to be touched up once a year, dude. I've seen traditional work twenty years old that still hold up.

[@flybeep1661]

Touch ups?? Seriously, do you even have a tattoo?? Just shut up.

[@hyperion2551]

or just get a semi permanent watercolor tattoo

[@HuskyMama1009]

Love these. Beautiful works of art

[@user-dm7uh6jc7h]

Definitely have to get a water color tattoo asap

[@tondemonaiyatsuu]

Those tattoos are gorgeous

[@sheseesfortress1719]

So beautiful!

[@anthonybell5666]

i really liked how they answered the only question i had of how long do they last lol

[@Ciesiam]

Beautiful. ❤

[@mamyabbynickydesa7121]

Looks soooo good

[@ModestMom2009]

Beautiful!!!

[@kalebgillum3878]

beautiful

[@sarahkottnaurova8897]

Wow💙 so touching

[@piixstattooandartwork3956]

I like this little video about Watercolor Tattoo

[@kimwaddell4218]

This looks so cool

[@tylerchannell6868]

I want a watercolor tattoo sooooooooo bad!

[@libbybertsch2681]

Stunning work. I love the watercolor i wish there were some artists in Ohio

[@josephliao9733]

Watercolor is my favorite

[@ghallaalkubaisi8449]

Amazing wowowowowow

[@siehope]

Favorite style

[@travyharrington6728]

So cool they look so grate

[@willfraud]

Travy Harrington great*

[@gracenicole1988]

Time to get another tattoo 😂

[@TheFdppqp]

i just thing just maybe you not i agree but victor octaviano from brazil could be in this video he is one of the most brilliant waterclours tattoo artist ever he translate the watercolours for tattoos perfectly

[@ChefMimsy]

genius

[@TRAGICTIDES]

watercolor pieces are the equivalent of a 'Prius' in the tattoo world change my mind

[@jcwt_pdx]

Awesome!

[@johnmiller4432]

damnnn am sure it s a bit costy but I want one ,its doppe!!!!

[@willfraud]

John miller mine c ost about 180 and it looks just as dope.

[@willt.9654]

"Hmm seems like a trend, I'm skepti--" 2:10

[@elaxel1469]

where this style can be learnt?

[@madbrah8361]

Moreira Da Lima Apprenticeship under artists that do it...

[@ghostfrequencies]

black outlines work as a barrier to help keep the color or shading in place as you age. watercolor tattoos are going to age a lot faster than any tattoo with an outline.

[@kconha]

My question is does these tattoos still the same when it heals? How long will it last?

[@jamiehughes624]

They'll start to lose detail and structure after like 5 years or si

[@sc_arriola382]

I personally wouldn't like an abstract tattoo because if you can't look at it and tell it's abstract RIGHT AWAY, you'll be getting a million questions about it every day like what is it supposed to be etc

[@user-xm1od9nb1m]

People complain about the ageing like... I sometimes think watercolor age better than black because it almost becomes a part of your skin, some tattoos age beautifully

[@user-xm1od9nb1m]

I wouldn't get a watercolor myself mostly because I prefer the black look but as long as the customer is informed and has realistic expectations, why not?

[@kelseywebb8850]

is there an artist near Seattle WA that is good at watercolor

[@BabyGrill103]

Water color is my all time fav

[@michaeldesilvio2060]

I have a all red and white tattoo from 1997. It needs to be touched up.

[@michaelr.4878]

I'm not surprised. Hehe. I have some tattoos from the 95-97 where the red has almost completely vanished from there.. and the orange is totally gone. Surprisingly, the yellow is still there and holding up strong. ..However, the red from the same day on the back of my arm is holding up just fine and is just as bright as the day it was put in. It is very odd. The sun can do funky things, I guess.

[@RebelKoita]

I think there's a little missunderstanding about watercolor tattoos. The fact that some of the tattoos don't have the border black lines or have a sketchy appearance doesn't mean they're part of this style (obviously these are two watercolor characeristics but no every single tattoo should be considered). [Pink flowers at 3:00, DEFINITELY NOT A WATERCOLOR TATTOO] If you guys like this style, JaviWolfInk (on Instagram) has incredible watercolor designs!

[@user-de2os2bj7c]

I think it's called Watercolor because Watercolor paintings don't have black borders usually, the colors make the borders.

[@revenantsballs5252]

Wowie XD

[@artfan101]

i worry about how this style will age.

[@TIGERGUTS]

NO SUN! That will kill the saturation. They are great as long as you protect them. No sunscreen and don't get them in the sun at all!

[@chellarose4272]

"They will not withstand longevity." Ultra weird comment. In what ways? The ink fading? Whether or not the person will love it? The style? Because, from what I understand, tattoos are a commitment and the receiver usually is PRETTY SURE they want it forever, and all the maintenance that comes with it...

[@shana7926]

They're talking about fading!! Color fades faster than black, so whatever doesn't have a clear outline eventually kinda ends up looking like a bruise. But honestly who cares; all tattoos fade eventually anyway

[@Emperor_23]

If you get a tattoo and need a touch up, I think that's a sign that you got a bad tattoo in the first place. A good tattoo is one that is will actually stand on its own and not need a touch up

[@willfraud]

Rey'Na Riggans all tattoos fade with time tho, but i understand your point. some artists are just bad. mine has been on my arm for a year now and it still looks so vibrant and well done. i do take caree of my skin tho so lol.

[@mckenziegillespie3044]

Beautiful...but they won't last with out blackline work .. it will fade quicker

[@nintendolover114]

Hipster tatts

[@bertito43]

Girls with watercolor tattoos are such a turn on

[@Bigotedechivo]

wait , there's a video for temporary watercolor tattoos and not for traditional?

[@beennete]

Probably wouldn't be as cool on super dark skin

[@memejuliyamemepuchkova4882]

Nnete Bontsibokae actually I've seen some beautiful colored tattoos on people with dark skin. I've even seen one artist do a light grey and white rose on a black person's leg. It was gorgeous. although I do think it'd take a bit more effort to make the colors really pop, it's still possible to do so. And the result would be worth it

[@beennete]

oh really? thanks for that. might do it :)

[@the_emmasculator]

memejuliya memepuchkova Sounds beautiful! but the white probably won't stay white. it will be lighter than the skin tone though

[@teneil]

The Emmasculator white actually holds up a lot better on darker skin. It tends to fade to yellow on fairer skin types!

[@the_emmasculator]

t gayle For me and me and my darker friends it faded to light brown. so about 2 to 3 shades lighter on my skin. my artist said that was common for everyone.

[@Emperor_23]

If I got the money for a touch up on a tattoo, I would much rather get a new, better, properly done tattoo

[@gadsden472]

Shouldn't have to pay for a touch up from a reputable artist. Assuming you do your part to take care of it. You should however tip and it does not apply to a redo or cover up.

[@sako7742]

hahahha... 😂

[@highflowerfairy2554]

There is one comment that bugged me a little. "People are tired of getting the same tattoo that's been done for 100 years." Yes, dude. Watercolor is new and different. But if you go to an artist and get a piece of custom art made for you, its not the same tattoo that's been done for 100 years. Its your tattoo, made just yesterday.

[@nichelleritter9480]

I want to be a tattoo artist so badly! It is f*ckin cool!

[@pelicanman96]

Nichelle Ritter why don't you?

[@tqoth902]

Nichelle Ritter then be one no one's stopping you and no one should

[@bradleyschilling4582]

Its nice. But can be rough at times for dam shure. Lots of hard work and getting rid of alot of personal time

[@ashatune1699]

y aren't these people competing on ink master?!?!

[@nikond-vp9wt]

I like bw tattoos

[@vvxblackwolfxvv4912]

The nay sayers are just jealous xx

[@victoresquivel6800]

Are non objective tattoos considered abstract?

[@laggers54]

The art of water colour, it won’t age well

[@johndoherty4940]

Its not watercolor that is the problem, Japanese and american are based on water color. Contrast is always the issue with every tattoo.

[@ghallaalkubaisi8449]

On 2:28 dose it not look that she has a burger in her nose

[@magdacovers2]

A burger?... Do you mean a booger?

[@whatisthis__95]

This will be out of style in just a while

[@flybeep1661]

Along with those ornamental symetrical tattoos watercolor tattoos are the most hipster shit you can get.

[@viniv20]

Problem is that allot of thse artists, chose to tattoo, because they know tattooing is a bigger chance of earning than becoming a "regular" artist. They talk about this and that from artwork to skin etc etc... anyway, they give allot ( too much ) explanation of why they wanted to tattoo and why they're doing what they do. Tattooing to me as a tattooer myself, is a craft more than an art. And as much as they keep defending their styles and rights as the type of tattooer they are. Japanese tattoos are one of the styles that prove overtime that bold, saturdated design keep the best overtime. And i dont care what these hipster customers say like : i dont care if it doent look good when im old cuz im old, or i dont care if its not readable from a distance, cuz its for me. Say that again when you are actually at that wrinkley age and your miniature lion head tattoo disappears into a skinfold, or your halfly packed watercolour with splatters going everywhere dissapear into one big smudge. Eventually you will get sick of it when people keep asking what it's supposed to be. That's why people get pieces covererd up even if they weren't essentially ( when fresh ) good looking tattoos. Or why people get old tattoos recoloured. There's too many "artists" these days that are trying to reinvent the wheel for a craft that's been going on for centuries. And offcourse things change, better quality needles and ink, and stuff to take care of it during healing. But the only thing they forget is that the human body is still the same, and they can't change that.

[@brookpumphrey1525]

honestly don't like these types of tattoos at all. they won't last because of so much color and no outline. you'll end up spending too much for touch ups. but it's still art and people can get what they want just not for me

[@SurelyShirley5]

Brook Pumphrey is it because of the ink they use?

[@Jw_hunter]

Shirley Yuan its because the colours don't last and end up fading

[@luna.37]

Brook Pumphrey the artists address that misconception in the video, including showing one that's 7 years old... black borders don't keep ink from "running away". It's not a fence. :)

[@lewissowerby2149]

Lisa Moon that’s not the issue really, the issue is that black lines differentiate the details and colours and keep the tattoos clear. Without them, the old tattoos get less clear over time

[@theluigimon]

It's a good idea but it heals bad 1-2 years later the water color disappears

[@leoelrastaman3310215]

que carajo es esa mesa llena de punteras descartables y de acero usadas agujas y una maquina eso es un asco ,porque muestra eso?

[@mikeshaw3963]

ya they only look cool that day, give them 6 mo or a year and then you have a horrible looking blurry tattoo. black is what holds a tattoo together and keeps it in focus.

[@mikeshaw3963]

I'm sorry but several of these tattoos are horrible looking

[@mikeshaw3963]

these people have no idea what they are talking about

[@mikeshaw3963]

her 7 year old tattoo looks like a blurry pile of dog shit

[@madbrah8361]

Tattoos are all opinion based. I think all the ones look awesome, however, the facts are they fade a million times faster than regular tattoos. You are definitely right about that!

[@MrVoid666]

It really doesn't ,grow the fuck up. If you want realism outlines are never an option.

[@jamiered7102]

Crap

[@hikesteepfishhigh]

garbage. ive seen good all color work. none of the pieces here are impressive nor will they stand the test of time.

[@mmikaojONE]

This is like a scam. This whole style. Several tattoos in this video all ready look like they are falling apart and disintegrating into the skin. Just imagine another 5-10 years. Yes it's true that all tattoos age and change with time but there is a reason why traditional tattoos look the way they do, because they stand the test of time. This is basically a style were you take away all the fundamental concepts on why tattoos are applied the way they are and you make "skin art" for people who think it's cool because it looks different and who really don't want tattoos. Because these things are going to be smudges with time, you are going to be ashamed to call this tattoos after 10-15 years. Don't do it. Buy it as a print or original to hang on your wall if this is what you really want, it's not for the skin. And the girl who want's people to come back several times, to pay for several sessions, on a tattoo that's going to fade so much anyway. Great way to make money of people who don't know enough yet. And even if her arm tattoo that she calls proof is 7 years old, show us pictures of when it was fresh so we can judge. And the guy who says people are tired of getting the same tattoo that has been done for a hundred years.. he's just ignorant. Turn back the clock 100 years and we are in 1917. Very little tattooing going on. American traditional style (old school, sailor tattoos) came up during the second world war so that's all ready later than what he said. And for anyone keeping their ears to the ground or even barely taking the time to look around it's clear that there is so much novel ideas and styles being done INSIDE of American traditional. This is the voice of a guy who talks like he listened to Jazz music for the first time for one afternoon and concluded it's all the same and nothing new is happening since it was invented. Don't listen to these fools. The ace card that they think they have is all this talk about their art being original and "high brow" or what not. Again, ignorance and "holier than thou" type attitude. People doing "real" tattoos are also doing art and lots of it, and it's no less original.

[@Emperor_23]

Ugly Freedom I 100% agree with you, it's so annoying to see people like this claim that it will last and stand the test of time when thousands of real tattooers openly advise against it

[@mcgruber]

The problem isn't within the style it is withing the lack of knowledge most of these Artists have. They think that water colour means don't saturate the skin and create no contrast. Then claim its abstract.

[@lewissowerby2149]

Bold will hold

[@aft5264]

My least favorite style for sure.

[@xrichie7924]

I'm so jealois because this wouldn't work well with darker skin...

[@teneil]

Xavier Richardson they do, you just have to find the right person to do it

[@alessandroverdi4263]

What a waste of ink

[@oopsiepoopsie2898]

Water color are the perfect tattoos for girls

[@michigo_]

colin kuykendall tattoos aren't gendered love lol

[@oopsiepoopsie2898]

Kuroshi Michi I didn't say they were gendered. I just said they are for girls

[@michigo_]

colin kuykendall that's what gendering something means lol. It's like saying trucks are for boys and Barrie's for girls. I wasn't implying the tattoo itself had a biological sex. Gendering is when you associate something with one group when it's really something for everyone, which is what you did my dude

[@chocolate_gore]

Kuroshi Michi I don't think that at one point the comment mentioned that it was *just* meant to be for girls. Only that it would be more likely to fit them, because *usually* girls are more delicate than guys, and therefore a more delicate tattoo style would look more aesthetic on them. This style can also look good on guys, sure, but be honest: *Most* basic bitches (sorry) would wish to have more elegant or "softer" pieces on them than guys would. Saying that one style *would* be more perfect to fit one gender over the other is not gendering them. Saying that guys shouldn't get a watercolour tattoo because it's to feminine *is*. The execution of the art is key, just as it always is, so let's not turn it into another bullshit gender discussion! This is not necessary at all. You do you

[@oopsiepoopsie2898]

Schokii Lade thank you

[@benmosher6596]

If you want your tattoo to look like absolute shit in 5 years, get a water color tattoo