Cover-Ups and Blast Overs: Transforming Your Former Self
Introduction
Tattoos are a form of personal expression, but sometimes, what once felt right can become a source of regret. Whether it’s a tattoo experience that fell short, a name that has lost its meaning, or you’ve simply outgrown it, cover-ups and blast overs offer a solution. In this blog post, we’ll explore the difference between cover-ups and blast overs, and how they can transform your ink into stunning new art.
A Blast Over right over the old neck tattoos gave Nico a completely different look
Understanding Cover-Ups
What is a Cover-Up or Blast Over Tattoo?
Most people think a cover-up tattoo involves creating a new design over an existing tattoo to conceal it completely, but the reality is that a good coverup is a game of distraction more than erasure… the technique is to distract and refocus attention away from the old and toward something new, and doesn’t work super well as a bandaid over old work, which generally tends to draw more attention to the former tattoo than it does to take focus away from it.
This process requires skill and creativity, as the new artwork must effectively mask the old one while still looking aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, cover-up trauma is a thing. Once someone has made a poor choice or have tattoo regret, they can be a little more difficult to work with and you have to take more time to build the trust between the collector and the artist. Often times, without the trust, the collector can inadvertently mess up their rework options by refusing good advice and trying to force a different outcome. One must manage their own expectations of what is possible with a cover up, and the reality of going bigger, and getting dark in some places.
Always work with an artist who actually ENJOYS cover ups and blast overs. If they don’t enjoy the process of transformation involved with helping someone remove a problem and regain their confidence, then don’t work with them.
What is the difference between Cover-Up or Blast Over
Honestly, they are both a coverup. But, blast overs have a distinct difference of not caring if the old tattoo is covered up perfectly or not. Blastovers also tend to be specifically black, blackwork, geometric, and/or ornamental. The approach is the name. Blast. Over. Blast Over. Boom boom smash bye bye whatever is underneath. They look amazing, to be honest. I love how a good blast over can successfully transform someone’s look, but allow you to focus more on the new design than on the cover up itself.
Cover-ups generally create a totally new image, and involve a more thorough approach to covering up the old work. In either case, you want to distract from the old work. I think people who opt for this type of cover-up generally want whatever tattoo is underneath to be totally gone, and maybe gravitate toward more of a “thing”; a cartoon character, a type of flower, or some kind of noun for their coverup.
You could say a Blast Over is a “shitty coverup” but that doesn’t technically make it a shitty tattoo!
When to Consider a Cover-Up or Blast Over
You might consider a cover-up if:
You Regret Your Tattoo: It wasn’t done well or was a bad experience.
The Tattoo is Old: Tattoos age and they fade, and maybe you’re just ready for something else
You Hate Looking At It: A cover-up can symbolize a new chapter in your life, transforming a negative memory into a positive one.
Tips for a Successful Cover-Up or Blast Over
Consider Your Options: Consult with your tattoo artist to find a design that effectively covers the old tattoo while aligning with your vision.
Consider Color and Size: Darker colors and larger designs often work better for cover-ups, as they can more effectively mask the original ink.
Be Open to Creativity: Sometimes, the best cover-ups come from unexpected designs that the artist suggests.
Conclusion
Both cover-ups and blast overs offer fantastic opportunities to transform tattoos that no longer serve you into beautiful works of art. Whether you want to completely erase the past or incorporate it into something new, our talented artists at Mothership Tattoo Collective are here to help you every step of the way.
