Book Tattoo
Colour full coverage tattoo with a roaring tiger, frog, lotus flowers and a goat

Tiger and Lotus Colour Tattoo

Anchored the lower section with a roaring tiger, wrapped a frog around a pillar below it, and tucked a goat into the inner bend of the panel. Crowned the upper section with big pink lotus flowers. I kept the colour muted across the whole full coverage piece: sage greens, warm pinks and earthy umbers, which keeps the panel feeling cohesive rather than busy.

The tiger head leans on traditional structure while the surrounding elements lean illustrative, and that contrast gives the colour panel its rhythm. Large colour work is multi-session by nature, and the palette decisions I make in the first sitting set the tone for everything that follows.

I run full coverage piece consultations from the Wellington studio, get in touch if you want to start one.

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By Rhys Thomas at Whitetail Tattoo, Level 3, 41–47 Dixon Street, Te Aro, Wellington, New Zealand

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Common Questions About Colour in Wellington

Will colour fade faster than black?
Yes. All colour eventually softens, particularly with sun exposure. Solid blacks hold the longest, reds and warm tones hold well, and lighter pastels and whites are the most exposed. A well-placed and well-cared-for colour piece still looks great for many years, but it'll need touch-ups earlier than blackwork.
Does skin tone affect what colours work?
Absolutely. Some pigments read very differently on deeper skin tones, and white highlights can disappear entirely. I plan palettes per person rather than applying a stock formula, and I'll often swap white highlights for negative-space techniques where it makes sense.
Can I mix colour with blackwork in one piece?
Yes. Some of my strongest work is blackwork with one or two saturated colour accents. That combination tends to age well, because the black holds the composition together as the colour softens.