Tattoos have been around for thousands of years, back then it was a symbol to represent themselves or where they were from and what occupation they had. Now, tattoos are still used occasionally to symbolize something, but mostly it’s an act of self-expression or what they represent: a message. They are sure to be permanent and will be there until death, so proceed with caution and think carefully.
It used to be a definitely straight cut ‘No!’ if you were a model with tattoo(s). But times have changed, now the answer to that is ‘it depends’. It really depends on the size and where your tattoo is located. If it’s big and obvious to the eye, it’s definitely a ‘no’ for designers and photographers. If it is small, it can be covered with makeup. The reason is why the models are not allowed to have large tattoos because the clients do not want it to distract the attention of the viewers. They want all the attention on the product itself. Of course, occasionally some brands want the inked models to display the ‘grungy’ and ‘street’ look that the brand is aiming for.
Models who have large tattoos on their backs, necks, arms, and legs honestly don’t get many jobs compared to those who are not inked or in hidden places that aren’t obvious to the public eye. Customers don’t need the model to compete with your item. The model is an accessory, the element is the star of the session. Creators, producers and different clients need a model to show off their clothes/embellishments and not be intrusive. So if you are a new model just starting to enter the industry but you are longing for a tattoo, kindly think about these 3 consequences:
How big is your tattoo? Where do you want me to be?
Again if you want a tattoo and you can still book jobs and shows. Make sure it’s small or hidden. If it is small, it can be easily covered by makeup artist or quickly removed by photographers with the power of Photoshop. To top it off, small, hidden tattoos definitely won’t bother agencies because the chances of them spotting you are very slim.
What product or services will you be modeling?
You cannot be a model for a skin care product or service if you have tattoos on your neck and extremities. It is almost illogical to do so. In short it also depends on what you are modeling for, if it is clothing you better hope your tattoo is hidden under your shirt and not show or your brand is open to the concept of tattoos.
Who is your client?
A brand’s marketing and advertising plans are crucial to the brand’s image. Their ads define the brand and their target audience: what message they want to send to their audience through advertising efforts. So, does your client’s target audience include tattooed people? If so, you could probably get the job. If not, you won’t get a spot. Brands involving cosmetics, family, medical, government interest, or food, you can be sure that you don’t want someone with tattoos representing your brand. Your only hope is clothes and bikes.
Some of you would say ‘Hello, Cara Delevingne has tattoos, why can she still book so many shows?’ You just said her name, Cara Delevigne. Once a model becomes a supermodel, the rules no longer apply to her. But I can bet that all of the current supermodels that we know and have heard of didn’t have a single ink on them when they started. It was only later during their career that they decided to get ink.
If you are an aspiring model and new to the industry, how do you want your client to see you? What kind of message do you want to send? Are you ready to face the consequences of an inked model at the beginning of your journey? Think wisely before you take on a lifelong responsibility.