The main difference between the blackwork technique and blackout tattoos is that the latter involves covering a certain area of your body completely black. This part can serve as a background for a white tattoo that goes on top or it can be left as it is, depending on your preference.
It’s definitely a bold move and not many people are ready to do it. But if you’re thinking of getting a blackout tattoo, you’ll enjoy this article. It may even give you the inspiration for your new ink.
1. Organic lines and flowers
Starting off with something more subtle, this design is a great idea since it’s not as bold as these tattoos tend to get. The black ink covers a smaller portion of your body and leaves your skin visible in order to create the appearance of flowers and organic lines.
2. Floral tattoo
This is what you can get if you’re looking for a floral tattoo that spreads across a black background. As you can see, your new tattoo will be impressive since the dark area behind it allows the design to pop.
3. Blackout geometrical tattoo
In this case, the parts of the upper thigh and a small portion of the shin are covered in black ink. In between those areas, this design is filled with different patterns that create one cohesive and organic tattoo.
4. Skulls tattoo
This tattoo feels like a thicker band that’s decorated with skulls at the top part and that slowly disappears at the bottom. It’s a great idea if you like edgy tattoos.
5. Sunflowers tattoo
When you’re trying to come up with an impressive design, this tattoo is the way to go. Yellow sunflowers will look amazing when done on a black background and they will definitely be the real stars of the show.
6. Leaves and flowers tattoo
If you love naturalistic tattoos, you should consider this one. Filled with leaves and flowers, this blackout design shows exactly what you can get if you opt for this style.
7. Simple blackout tattoo
It can’t get any more simple than this one. This is the “traditional” blackout design that covers a certain part of your body with black ink. It’s a great starting point if you’re still unsure if you want to get any other pattern on top of the black-filled area.
8. Abstract blackout tattoo
In this case, the blackout tattoo is located mostly on the shoulder and then spreads into organic lines done in a blackwork style. It’s still an impressive piece, perfect for covering up any previous shoulder tattoos you no longer like.
9. The thicker and thinner band
What you can do is get bands filled with black ink. The picture above shows how you can play with the thickness of the straps and that way, make your tattoo slightly different.
10. Negative space and black ink
You can always leave a certain area inside your blackout tattoo empty and create a certain shape within it. This will allow you to decorate that part later on or you can always leave it empty for a slightly abstract feel.
11. Ornamental sleeve
If you’re into ornamental tattoos then you’re going to love this one. Surrounded by black ink, the ornamental design gets a chance to stand out on the skin, leaving you with an impressive tattoo that everyone will love.
12. White on black
A great option is to use white ink on top of the black background as it allows you to bring more character to your tattoo. This is a perfect idea if you already have a blackout tattoo but now want to spice it up and make it more unique.
13. Intricate pattern
This is another design that uses white ink on top of the black one. It’s a really nice pattern if you’re into ornamental designs and what makes it stand out is the thickness of the lines. This allows it to gain more attention.
14. Blackout finger tattoo
Maybe you want to get a blackout tattoo but don’t feel comfortable covering a huge part of your body because you don’t want to regret it. In that case, you can start slowly and cover your finger(s) with black ink so you get an idea if you like it. You don’t have to go big and bold all at once.
15. Thick blackout stripes
We’ve already mentioned the idea of getting black stripes and this design shows you how it can look like if you opt for thicker and more prominent bands. You can get as many of them as you want on any body part.
16. Arrows tattoo
This blackout tattoo incorporates arrows into the design and is a perfect choice if you’re into geometrical designs. You can always add some additional elements as well and that way, end up with a tattoo that has slightly more detail work.
17. Forearm blackout
If you’re looking for a more elegant and feminine blackout tattoo, don’t lose hope. Even though this method may seem too overpowering, you can still achieve something more subtle with it. This design is proof that you can personalize your tattoos however you want to and make them fit your aesthetic.
18. Combination of flowers
For a real floral feel on your skin, you can go for this classical design filled with different types of flowers. The black background allows them to pop leaving you with an impressive sleeve that’s cooler than any of your clothing items.
19. The same motif on repeat
We’ve already established that white looks amazing on black which is why we present you with one more design idea. You can always pick a motif you like and have it on repeat. It’s such a simple method and the best part is that you’ll end up with an intricate and detailed tattoo.
20. Colorful flowers on a black background
For a pop of color, opt for these vibrant flowers that will take your new tattoo to the next level. Thanks to all the different elements, you’ll end up with an impressive design that you won’t be able to stop looking at.
