Blackwork translated from English means “dirty work.” Tattoos made in this style fully correspond to their name.

The work is done in rich black, painting mainly large areas of the body. The basis for this style was the ritual tattoos of Buddhists, since they were also done in black colors. This direction completely excludes other shades that are possible in this art, revealing to us all the mystery and mysticism of darkness.

If you are a lover of black color and respect large tattoos, you will like the blackwork style. Of course, the sketches can be different; you can depict anything in this style.

Men love designs in the form of clear geometric shapes, which give a special brutality and effectiveness. The blackwork forest tattoo is considered popular - it is an image of a mysterious black forest on white skin. If desired, other details can be added to the drawing, for example, birds flying over the treetops. The picture fascinates with its mystery and gloom. You don’t want to hide such work under layers of clothing, so it is depicted on the sleeve.

The strength of this trend is the rejection of fashion trends. Even if the whole world decorates their bodies with colorful paints, blackwork tattoos do not lose their relevance and are considered true classics that are unable to disappear or become obsolete.

Often, unsuccessful tattoos, the so-called “portaki”, are painted over with blackwork. Any imperfection in the skin or portac will be hidden under a layer of black pigment. But you should understand that this style permanently pigments the skin, so it will most likely be impossible to remove a blackwork tattoo.

Black and gray tattoos occupy a special place in the art of tattooing. Tattoos created in this direction are very popular and are in great demand. After all, using the Black&Grey technique, any pattern or portrait transferred to the skin from a photo or sketch will look great.

Stylistic features of the Black and Gray tattoo

Such images are always made by combining just two colors. “Black” is translated from English as “black”, and “Grey” is gray. The dominant color is black, and the charcoal shade and gray tones and halftones complement it when creating a picture. A huge rarity is the presence of small spots of white, with the help of which a glare effect is created. This style categorically denies the use of any bright colored inserts.

“Tattoo for the sake of tattooing” - this is exactly the expression applied to the BlackNGrey direction in the circles of tattoo artists and lovers of decorating their bodies with various images. Many ignorant people believe that the scheme for applying such a design is one of the simplest in the art of tattooing. But this is far from true. A carefully executed picture does not just look like artistic graphics. A black and gray tattoo is a product of professional craftsmanship.

  • Creating images in this style is accompanied by many specific details and nuances. The initial task is the correct selection of colors and shadows. This is a determining factor that will affect the volume, quality and realism of the picture.
  • Black and gray tattoos will translate well into images or scenes from other similar trends, for example and. Sketches of this style are distinguished by great thematic diversity, ranging from classics to modern trends in tattoo art.

Who is the Black & Gray direction suitable for?

There is an opinion that the first black and gray tattoos appeared in prison dungeons, because in this environment it is almost impossible to find multi-colored paints. In a sense, the BlackNGrey style is a kind of offshoot from. Then the images “moved” onto the bodies of bikers and began to perfectly complement the cool images of brutal motorcyclists in leather jackets.

But such drawings have also gained popularity among ordinary law-abiding people who in everyday life are not distinguished by any extraordinary behavior.

  • Black and gray tattoos mainly adorn men's bodies. But even among the female half there are lovers of paintings in strict, calm colors, reflecting a deep philosophical meaning.
  • Properly executed tattoos are particularly voluminous and unique, creating the effect of an old black and white photograph, which looks very elegant and original.

  • The concept of tattoos is close to a person who is not afraid to show off his thoughts, feelings and what is happening in his inner world. Such paintings demonstrate honesty, openness and self-confidence.
  • A large black and gray tattoo will look good on the chest, back or shoulder. And smaller drawings will deservedly take their place on your hands.

Sketches of black and gray tattoos

Images using this technique lack expressiveness. They are characterized by a certain “morbidity” and gloominess. And their function is by no means decorative. It is rather intended to convey certain information. Therefore, such tattoos usually remind of something. For example:

  • About dates or events;
  • About people or phenomena.

The most common designs for black and gray tattoos are:

  • Crosses;
  • Skulls;
  • Portraits;
  • Images of angels;
  • Religious subjects;
  • Abstractions.

Just like in other styles, images of animals are used that personify certain qualities of the owner of the tattoo. Guys give preference to strong predators - wolves, bears, lions. Girls choose a cat, a fox, a panther. Flowers in black and gray tones will also look good on a woman’s body.

Should you decorate your body with a Black&Grey tattoo?

Having decided to create a body design using the black and gray technique, you can participate in the process of creating not just a tattoo, but an entire artistic masterpiece, and open up new facets of the perception of beauty and style.

But for this you need to find a professional master, and not try to make a tattoo yourself at home. The specialist will apply the drawing step by step, following all the necessary instructions, and you will receive a unique tattoo with a deep meaning. This result cannot be achieved if you tattoo yourself.

Therefore, if you do not need a colorful cover or a glamorous picture, be sure to take a closer look at a black and gray tattoo.

Video: Drawing a portrait in Black&Grey style by professional tattoo artist Luiza Bello

Black work or black work is one of the most beloved styles by men. Black work is often used to correct unsuccessful tattoos. You can always cover up a tattoo with black, but it doesn’t always work out really well. The fact is that there are technical nuances. In a good way, before painting over an old tattoo with black, you should at least lighten it slightly with a laser. Otherwise it will show through the black color.

Black work itself is not a very difficult style to perform, but it requires a special sense of proportion and taste. By and large, pure blackwork is a geometric style, but many people combine almost all tattoos done in black under this name, which is not entirely true.

Blackwork is for the brave.

When choosing this style, you should use only it and think over a sketch for the whole body at once. This way blackwork will work at full capacity and cause awe and admiration. Black doesn't like to share power and interfere with other tattoos. Only by completely surrendering to this style will you gain its power.

People look very ridiculous, frivolously choosing this royal style to cover their trousers. Or those that mix it with such opposing styles as watercolor or neo-traditional.

Black Worck goes well with finishing work, sometimes with trash flooring; it is also possible to add additional colors, such as red, as subtle accents.

It’s good if the tattoo artist is also devoted to this style and understands its true meaning and power. Drawing a sketch is a special task, similar to individual tailoring. A well-executed blackwork tattoo will highlight the strengths of your body and hide flaws. Black is one of the few styles that can do this.

When making a choice, think carefully, weigh all the pros and cons, and only if you are one hundred percent sure, start. After all, large geometric blackwork landscapes will be very difficult to remove or interrupt.

Black work is perfect for wars, athletes, businessmen, and in general people with a tough character. If you are a sophisticated, dreamy person, take a look at geometry or watercolor. Black work is for tough people.

Find out more about modern tattoo trends on the page dedicated to tattoo styles, there are more than 20 tattoo styles with detailed descriptions, examples and video reviews.

One of the best ways to look fashionable and trendy is acquisition of the black and gray tattoos. However, before you visit any tattoo artist for these tattoos, it is good to understand their history, meaning, placement as well as some of the common types.

Although we are not going to make it part of our discussion for today, you also need to know how to take care of your tattoo so that it lasts for years. There is no need to go for a tattoo that you will last for weeks before of lack of tattoo care tips.

Contents:

History of the tattoos

The black and gray tattoos are among the oldest designs in the world of tattoos dating as early as in the 70s.

These tattoos originated from Southern California where the Latino street culture as well as the prison culture pollinated one another leading to a style that many people considered trendy and appealing.

Despite associating these tattoos to prison gangs, the tattoos have moved from the simple street life to some of the top tattoo galleries in the whole world. In fact, these types of tattoos have attracted many celebrities within the entertainment industry.

Unlike other tattoos, before you think about acquiring gray or black tattoos you need to look for an artist who has the skills to deliver a wonderful portrait, your favorite movie character or anything else that you feel will add value to our looks.

You should also know that not all the artists have the ability to design good tattoos on your body.

Meaning of the tattoos

The meaning of gray or black tattoos differs from one design to another. Some of the common meanings include rebellion, power, love, prayer, aggressiveness, memories, fear, religious beliefs and fate among others.

Placement of the tattoos

Placement of these tattoos depends on your preference. In the process of selecting the right place where you can have a tattoo, you need to find out whether you want something hidden or a tattoo that everyone can see. Some of the common areas where you can have your tattoo include.

  • Thigh
  • Shoulders
  • Upper and lower back

  • Stomach
  • Hands
  • Chest

Types of black and gray tattoos

  • Stone style

The stone style tattoos use shades of both black and gray ink to come up with something that looks like a cracked stone. These types of tattoos tend to have more details thus giving them an old and rustic feel. The stonework usually applies finer lines that show every small crack on your tattoo.

  • Portraits

  • Surrealist/horror
  • Celtic tattoo

The Celtic tattoo features intricate knots, spirals, tree of life, animal forms and trinity knots just to mention a few of them. The style serves a representation of the people from Breton folklore, Welsh and Gaelic.

  • Gray wash

The tattoo uses black ink diluted in order to lighten up on the tint created on your skin. The gray wash tattoo looks great when placed on the back and shoulders. The other parts where you can have the tattoo include ribs, arm and any of your legs.

  • Bio chemical tattoo

The bio chemical tattoo combines both humans with machine to create an impression that will amaze anyone who loves tattoos. As long as you find the best tattooist in town, bio chemical tattoos can be very attractive especially if you want to be a model in one of the beauty contests in the next summer.

  • Memorial tattoos

Memorial tattoos are images that talk about the life of someone in one way or another. The images can religious banners, flowers, praying hands or even poems.

Some people create portraits of their favorite artists or any celebrity within the entertainment industry as a way to indicate their love towards them or their music.

  • Haida tattoos

Have you ever seen someone with a Haida tattoo? Haida tattoos mimic the design of an Eskimo and the Native Americans. Some of the popular subjects shown by the tattoo include tribal pieces of birds, animals as well as totems among others.

Before you pick on a Haida tattoo, ensure that you understand what it means.

In conclusion, tattoos have different meanings. Before you choose on any of the outlined types, ensure that you understand what it stands for so that you do not offend your friends or family. The other important thing you need to know about tattoos is that their placement depends on you.

If you want something hidden or open to the public then it is upon you.

As long as you choose the best tattoo type, placement and skilled artist, tattoos can make you to stand out from your friends by giving you that elegant look that many people will always admire every time they set their eyes on the tattoo.

Furthermore, you should also have adequate knowledge about tattoo care technique so that you do not lose the elegance within a few months after designing one on your body.