I have been tattooing now for a number of years and have always been asked the same question over and over again, "Can black people get colored tattoos?". And I always respond with an emphatic "yes!". Anyone can get colored tattoos, but whether it will look bold and vibrant is entirely another issue.

There are always a few concerns when dealing with color tattoos on dark skin. But if you educate yourself and proceed with caution, you could end up with a very beautiful colored tattoo that will stand the test of time. Here I've outlined a few points to consider when deciding on color and design for your new tattoo.

1. Color selection. When you decide to go ahead and get a colored tattoo, you got to keep in mind that your skin is the canvas. Just like a drawing, colors will seem less vibrant and bold depending on the color of the paper. Some colors will wash out and fade into the background while others will pop out and seem brighter. Red, orange, and magenta are bold and vibrant colors that have stood the test of time. On the other hand, green, blue, yellow and white are less likely to be bright and crisp. Keep in mind however that your skin is not paper. And just because something looks great on paper, that does not necessarily mean that it will look great on your body.

2. Design. When deciding on your tattoo design there are a couple of things for you to keep in mind. Again, just like a drawing, detail will seem less vibrant and distinguished depending on the color of the paper. As a rule, the darker the skin, the less the detail you want to incorporate into the design. Also, size is a very important factor. You want your tattoo to be easily recognized for what it is. Small highly intricate designs are something you want to steer clear of. Choose a size and design that will be easily recognizable from about 10 feet away.

Keeping these two guidelines in mind will help ensure that you end up with a great colored tattoo. Remember that not all tattoo artist are the same. Taking the time to find a great tattoo artist just as important as the color and design of your new tattoo. Always ask to see examples of there work via a professional portfolio. Ask plenty of questions about designs, location, and color schemes. If they are a true professional they will be more than willing to educate you on the pros and cons of getting a colored tattoo.