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 occasionally used to symbolize something, but mainly it is an act of self-expression or what represents them: 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 direct 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 models are not allowed to have big tattoos because clients don’t want it to distract the attention of the viewers. They want all the attention on the product itself. Of course, from time to time some brands want tinted models to display a ‘dirty’ and ‘street’ look that the brand is after.
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 are not obvious to the public eye. Customers do not need the model to compete with your item. The model is an accessory, the element is the star of the session. The creators, producers and different clients need a model to show off their clothes/adornments and not interfere. So if you are a new model just starting to enter the industry but 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 is small or hidden. If it’s small, the makeup artist can easily cover it up or photographers can quickly remove it with the power of Photoshop. To top it off, small, hidden tattoos definitely won’t bother agencies because the chances of them spotting it 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 the shirt and not visible 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. Your ads define the brand and your target audience – what message you want to send to your audience through your 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 place. Brands that involve cosmetics, family, medical, government interest, or food, rest assured that they won’t want someone with tattoos to represent their brand. Your only hope is clothes and bikes.
Some of you would say ‘Hey, 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 the current supermodels that we know and have heard of did not have a single ink on them when they started. It was only later in 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 committing yourself to a lifelong responsibility.
