Squaw Tattoo Photo #18627

These designs often highlight braided hair, feathered headdresses, facial markings, and natural settings. The subject requires sensitivity to avoid reducing a living culture to a costume.

By placing thousands of tiny dots at controlled spacing, dotwork artists achieve smooth gradients and intricate patterns. This labor-intensive method gives tattoos a unique texture that stands apart from traditional line-based work.

Calf tattoos benefit from a muscular canvas that gives designs depth and presence. The flat rear surface works well for portraits and detailed work, while wrapping designs follow the leg's natural shape.