Homemade Tattoo Photo #4181

The practice has a long history in prisons, military settings, and teenage experimentation, but the gap between a romanticized DIY aesthetic and the reality of untrained needlework is significant. If you are drawn to the raw, imperfect look of homemade tattoos, this page covers the real risks and the safer ways to achieve a similar result.

Combining the strong linework of traditional tattooing with contemporary shading and color theory, neo-traditional pieces feel both familiar and fresh. The style allows for more realistic proportions while keeping the iconic bold look.

Forearm tattoos benefit from a natural canvas that follows the arm's long shape. Designs can wrap around the arm or sit on the inner or outer surface, giving flexibility in how the tattoo is displayed.