03 / SCARS
A composition designed for that area.
Laura has worked on watercolour compositions over areas with scars, including this forearm phoenix and the portrait on a back. Here you can see the drawings and the context of each project. Start with an idea that appeals to you and what you would like to see on that part of your body.
A PHOENIX ON THE FOREARM
Before and after, up close.
Two images of the same project, shared by Laura.
On the forearm, Laura drew a blue and orange phoenix surrounded by pink and blue washes and small details. The figure follows the arm, with colour extending around the bird. The before photo and the result show the relationship between the marks on the skin and the full composition.
In the reel, Laura explains that she shared the phoenix video as part of her everyday life as a tattoo artist. She hadn't expected the response: messages from people telling her their own stories. In the project story, she describes that experience in her own words.
See the original project ↗Read the phoenix story ↗
A PROJECT ON THE BACK
A portrait at the centre of it all.
The before and after shared by Laura in the same post.
On the back, Laura worked with a different composition: a woman's face in profile, in pinks, purples, blues and turquoise. The portrait occupies the upper area, with watercolour washes around the figure. It's another way to arrange drawing and colour across a wider space.
Look at how each project moves across the body: the phoenix follows the forearm, while the portrait opens out across the back. If either is useful as a reference, explain whether it's the subject, the colours or the use of space that appeals to you.
See the original post ↗BEFORE CHOOSING A DESIGN
I'd like a tattoo over an area with scars. Where do I start?
The conversation can start with your idea, without assuming that every scar can be tattooed. The phoenix and portrait are references for drawing and colour, not an assessment of your skin.
What you'd like to see there
You might be drawn to a subject, a palette or the way a drawing follows the body. Look at the complete pieces: the phoenix follows the forearm; the portrait opens out across the back. Explain what interests you in each one.
What your skin's condition allows
A photograph of another project can't tell you whether your scar is ready or set a timetable. If you have concerns about a scar or a history of keloids, speak to a dermatologist before considering a tattoo.
The drawing doesn't remove the scar
Laura's work is about drawing and colour: considering a composition for that area when tattooing is appropriate. A tattoo doesn't remove a scar or treat its texture.
Questions to put these projects in context.
Can colour be used in tattoos over scars?
Laura used colour in these projects: blues and oranges in the phoenix, and pinks, purples and turquoise in the portrait. Explore both full compositions and explain which feels closer to your idea.
See the phoenix and its details ↗Does a tattoo make a scar disappear?
No. The aim is visual integration through drawing and colour; tattooing doesn't remove a scar or treat its texture. Questions about skin condition, treatment or when tattooing might be appropriate need a healthcare assessment.
How long should I wait before tattooing a scar?
Photos of another project can't determine that moment or establish a universal waiting period. Your skin needs its own assessment. A scar's age alone is not clearance to tattoo it.
What if I have a history of keloids?
Speak to a dermatologist before considering a tattoo. The American Academy of Dermatology warns that tattooing can cause keloids in people prone to them. The projects on this page don't establish whether tattooing is suitable for you.
American Academy of Dermatology information about keloids ↗.
YOUR IDEA, YOUR STARTING POINT
Your idea and your circumstances come first.
Explain what you'd like drawn and where. These projects can be references for composition and colour; whether your skin can be tattooed requires an individual assessment.
Ask about my project over scars ↗