Tattoos shape a model’s look and can influence which jobs they get booked for. What matters is size, motif, placement, and visibility, as well as the visual language of the brand in question. Visible tattoos can limit the range of possible jobs. Beauty, skincare, and body-part shoots in particular, as well as some classic fashion and advertising productions, tend to prefer a look without visible tattoos.

One reason is the creative flexibility clients want: they want to present clothing, jewelry, or cosmetics in a specific way. A striking tattoo can distract from that or not fit the campaign concept. Covering with makeup and digital retouching are possible in principle, but they add extra work and cost. Small designs that can be hidden by clothing are therefore often easier to combine with a range of jobs than large-scale tattoos or tattoos on the hands, neck, and face.

For people, character, and alternative models (edgy models), tattoos can be explicitly in demand. For streetwear, lifestyle campaigns, or a deliberately unconventional, “edgy” look, they can underline a model’s personality and recognizability. Agencies such as SHOWCAST specifically represent tattooed models. Opportunities extend into fashion and classic advertising as well.

In the people segment, too, the specific client brief is what counts: a tattoo can be a perfect fit for one campaign and unwanted in another. There is therefore no blanket rule for all agencies or modeling categories.

Important for models: Show existing tattoos on current, unedited polaroids and let your agency know about new ones. Before getting a planned tattoo, discuss how its size and placement might affect the jobs you are aiming for. When booked, clarify early on whether tattoos may stay visible or should be covered. Also keep in mind the extra work for the makeup artist, especially with large tattoos.

See also: Edgy model, Advertisement, Campaign, Polaroids.