Old Tattoo Photo #6988

This guide helps you decide whether to refresh, cover, or keep the aged look. Why tattoos age Sun exposure, skin texture, and ink breakdown all soften sharp lines over the years.

Illustrative tattoos combine elements of traditional illustration with tattooing techniques, blending detailed linework with expressive shading. The style bridges the gap between fine art and body art.

The upper arm is a classic tattoo placement with enough space for medium to large designs. It's easy to cover with a short sleeve and serves as a natural starting point for a half or full sleeve.