Tats without outlines??

I'm getting a new tat in October, which I'm very excited for. It's going to involve a lot of color, and a lot of blending-- not distinct designs. I don't feel like a traditional black outline would fit with the theme of the design. I've been looking for information about tats without outlines, and it;s about 50/50: people either say the ink would bleed over time, or they say it shouldn't make a difference. I love how non-outlined tats look like paintings...I really like the look of Michele Wortman's work, and as far as I can tell she generally doesn't use outlines. I guess I've been picturing my new tat to be kind of like her work. I know that there's a lot of debate about how well her work will hold up over time. Are these topics related? Whaddaya say, to outline or no?

I looked at Michelles tattoos and she does excellent work. The flowers seem much more realistic without the linework. If that is what you want, go for it. You want to be 100% happy with it and if you give in and get lines, you just won't be as happy. If your worried about the ink bleeding over, talk to different local artists and get their opinion. I'm fairly new to tattooing, but I have not meet anyone with a tattoo that has a problem with the ink seeping outside its intended place. Good luck!! Too bad you have to wait until October but it will allow plenty of time for research!

I have quite a few tattoos without outlines (some which needed refreshing after 10 years but are pretty nice after reworking) and the ones with the most outlines Im lasering. Bottom line is if you like the look of michelles tattoos, then you should get tattooed by her.

Thanks guys. My tat is actually being done by Gabriel Cece (whose work I am very in love with), and I know he does a lot of work without outlines, and I trust him completely, but I wanted to see what you had to say. I just wanted to be more educated about the debate. I will end up getting what I love, whether or not it'll need to be touched up in the future. One thing I've learned with tattoos is never to compromise what you want! :D I would love to get Michele's work in the future, but right now she's quite far away. Maybe some day.

i have ALOT of gabriel's work on me --- full back and chest and he just started my stomach....mostly soft florals, no black outlines....hes awesome! i could not say enough good things about him...you'll be extremely happy

Crap! I saw you getting tattooed this weekend I think M. If I had known it was you I woulda said hello!!! ack!!!

i wish you had've gabe!! i looked for you at your booth but i have NO idea what you look like...haha!! your booth was busy, lotsa tattooing! i'm coming to OffTheMap end of June, nathan kostechko started a piece on me at hell city....he said for me to call ya'll for an appt

I know I'll love it! I am so impatient for October to be here. It'll be my first visible piece (arm, as opposed to back and hip). Thanks for the advice! Melissa, are you the "nouveau" piece on his website, with all the blue and lilies? If so, I love it.