Kat Von D - Airbrushed and Tattoos Concealed

G86 · 13-06-2011 1:12pm #1

I came across these pics of Kat Von D recently, where her tattoos were concealed for photoshoot. There's also a pic of her before she was slimmed down with airbrushing for the shoot. I'm curious as to which picture the guys here would go for, I think she's striking and personally think that her tattoos are what make her interesting, without them she's just another pretty face. If you were in a bar and you saw a woman tattoo'ed to that extent, would it stop you approaching her? Or make you more likely to? Which one would you go for?

Tattoos concealed/before airbrushing (apparently the patchy parts are from the concealor and an uneven skin tone or something!)

Pic with and without the concealor, after airbrushing.

Galvasean · 13-06-2011 1:24pm

I must admit that tatoos really don't do it for me at all. I'm not sure why but I just don't like them at all. So yeah, basically I think she looks much nicer without the tats.

Maguined · 13-06-2011 1:30pm

I have always liked that tattoos and piercing look so generally it would be an attraction for me, it depends on the style of tattoo though as if I really don't like the tattoo it would be a detraction. Also not a big fan of those ear expanders, I like most other piercings but just don't like big expanders.

In fact I was in the mercantile last Saturday night and though there was lots of pretty girls out that night when I was waiting to get served at the bar I saw a girl with a sleeve done and I was very impressed, then when I was walking past her I noticed it was one giant piece that went all across the back of her shoulders and was a full sleeve on her other arm and I really liked it.

SugarHigh · 13-06-2011 1:31pm

I think she looks much better without the Tattoos but tbh I'm not really a fan of them on women anyway. I think hers actually make her look a bit dirty and not in a good way.:D

At best she comes across as a try hard attention seeker and at worst she just looks trashy, like a rockstar groupie.

Zulu · 13-06-2011 1:40pm

looks far better without the tats.

The_Morrigan · 13-06-2011 1:47pm

I think she is more striking with the tattoos.

I was actually having this conversation with someone already today, personally I'm not put off by anyone who is heavily tattooed, but like Mags below I don't like those expanders - they creep me out just a little.

Tattoos are very individual, and they are an art form, some people express themselves through their style of dress, their hair colour, others prefer to use their bodies as a canvas and get tattoos.

G86 · 13-06-2011 1:49pm

Interesting replies there... Sugarhigh I think it's a bit much to say she looks 'dirty', and as for tattoos not looking great on women - I get that it's your personal opinion but IMO it's a huge generalisation and one that's made too often. At the same time though, I'm sure that if I'd posted a pic of a guy with the same amount of tattooing it would probably receive a much more positive response.

I guess it's pointless trying to view the pics objectively when you consider that most people fall into the love 'em or hate 'em camp when it comes to tattoos. I think there's a certain 'overkill' point where art becomes an eye sore, and I think that some people seem to 'fit' their tattoos more than others. But, I think that in this case, her tattoos are a reflection of her identity and don't look in any way 'trashy' or 'rockstar groupie'-esque. She's gorgeous in both pictures, but in the concealed one she could be anyone... In the second one, she's a lot more than a pretty face in the crowd.

SugarHigh · 13-06-2011 1:50pm

The_Morrigan wrote: »

Tattoos are very individual, and they are an art form, some people express themselves through their style of dress, their hair colour, others prefer to use their bodies as a canvas and get tattoos.

What is she expressing apart from a desperate attempt to be as "striking" as possible?

I get the feeling that if everyone else had Tattoos she'd get hers removed.

G86 · 13-06-2011 1:51pm

SugarHigh wrote: »

What is she expressing apart from a desperate attempt to be as "striking" as possible?

I get the feeling that if everyone else had Tattoos she'd get hers removed.

Who says she had them done for anyone apart from herself?

Ricardo G · 13-06-2011 1:53pm

SugarHigh wrote: »

What is she expressing apart from a desperate attempt to be as "striking" as possible?

I get the feeling that if everyone else had Tattoos she'd get hers removed.

She had tattoos long before she was famous so i doubt the above statement. As good as she looks without the the tatts she looks even nicer with'em me thinks

Elmidena · 13-06-2011 1:54pm

Definitely with, she's very overlookable without them. Though tattoos on women are offputting to some men they're also a great conversation starter for those brave enough to approach them

SugarHigh · 13-06-2011 1:56pm

G86 wrote: »

Interesting replies there... Sugarhigh I think it's a bit much to say she looks 'dirty', and as for tattoos not looking great on women - I get that it's your personal opinion but IMO it's a huge generalisation and one that's made too often.

Some tattoos can look good on some women but IME it's rare. Yes it's a generalization but so is saying that "men don't look good in dresses" it's still a valid opinion.

At the same time though, I'm sure that if I'd posted a pic of a guy with the same amount of tattooing it would probably receive a much more positive response.

Probably but that's not really a big deal. What suits one gender won't always suit the other.

But, I think that in this case, her tattoos are a reflection of her identity

Which is what?

She's gorgeous in both pictures, but in the concealed one she could be anyone... In the second one, she's a lot more than a pretty face in the crowd.

Why the bid desire to stand out for no other reason than standing out? It just seems needy. You say she's a lot more than a pretty face in the crowd but what is she then? Seems like a caricature to me. Just standing out isn't an achievement or something to look up to.

SugarHigh · 13-06-2011 1:57pm

G86 wrote: »

Who says she had them done for anyone apart from herself?

No one?
Did you quote the right post? I didn't suggest she was getting them done for other people.

The_Morrigan · 13-06-2011 1:58pm

SugarHigh wrote: »

What is she expressing apart from a desperate attempt to be as "striking" as possible?

I get the feeling that if everyone else had Tattoos she'd get hers removed.

Eh, what?

I have tattoos that in some situations would make me stand out, but not everyone gets to see them.
I have a professional life that never sees that side of me, purely because it is not professional to stand out in that way in a very conservative job. However, once I'm outside that office I no longer have to cover up the ink or wear appropriate office attire etc etc

Are you telling me that because I'm tattooed I'm desperately trying to be as striking as possible? The majority of people I deal with on a daily basis have no idea I have them!

SugarHigh · 13-06-2011 1:58pm

Ricardo G wrote: »

She had tattoos long before she was famous so i doubt the above statement. As good as she looks without the the tatts she looks even nicer with'em me thinks

I don't get your point? Some people will still try and stand out as much as possible even if they aren't famous. It's just being needy for attention.

G86 · 13-06-2011 2:00pm

SugarHigh wrote: »

No one?
Did you quote the right post? I didn't suggest she was getting them done for other people.

I believe you said it was a 'desperate attempt to look as striking as possible'.

SugarHigh · 13-06-2011 2:00pm

The_Morrigan wrote: »

Eh, what?

I have tattoos that in some situations would make me stand out, but not everyone gets to see them.
I have a professional life that never sees that side of me, purely because it is not professional to stand out in that way in a very conservative job. However, once I'm outside that office I no longer have to cover up the ink or wear appropriate office attire etc etc

Are you telling me that because I'm tattooed I'm desperately trying to be as striking as possible? The majority of people I deal with on a daily basis have no idea I have them!

She has a Tattoo on her face so it's hardly the same as having a Tattoo that can't even be seen in plain view.

SugarHigh · 13-06-2011 2:02pm

G86 wrote: »

I believe you said it was a 'desperate attempt to look as striking as possible'.

Yes and?

She wants the attention for herself not for other people so I don't where you get that I thought she was doing for the benefit of others. She's the one who benefits because she's desperate for attention and needs that to be fulfilled.

GavRedKing · 13-06-2011 2:02pm

I was with a girl for a few months that had about 15 tattoos, ranging from her hips, up her side, down her spine ( no tramp stamp ) and a few others on her wrist and few other places, they didnt bother me at all, now she was no way as inked up as K.V.D. but to be honest i dont think they would bother me, I find tattoos interestig anyway. She looks pretty without them but with tattoos shes a stand out so that adds something more too her appeal in my opinion.

Maguined · 13-06-2011 2:04pm

G86 wrote: »

I guess it's pointless trying to view the pics objectively when you consider that most people fall into the love 'em or hate 'em camp when it comes to tattoos. I think there's a certain 'overkill' point where art becomes an eye sore, and I think that some people seem to 'fit' their tattoos more than others.

I definitely agree with the "overkill" point, I like tattoos but I do also think some people get too many so rather than being individual pieces of artwork it just looks like one great big mess but again that is just a personal preference.

I really disagree with labelling tattoos as being "needy for attention", that is like saying because someone takes an interest in fashion and likes to wear a certain style of clothing for their own desires that they are being needy for attention.

Elmidena · 13-06-2011 2:04pm

Guys guys guys! G86: you get the Kat with the tatts. Sugarhigh, you get the mundane Kat. One for everyone in the audience =D

Except you Morrigan. You get to be standby-Kat for when you're off duty

The_Morrigan · 13-06-2011 2:06pm

SugarHigh wrote: »

She has a Tattoo on her face so it's hardly the same as having a Tattoo that can't even be seen in plain view.

Doesn't matter where the tattoo is, if I didn't work in an office I would probably be as heavily tattood as her, but my profession doesn't allow for it. Hers, fortunately allows her to express herself freely without having to be subjected to dress codes!

SugarHigh · 13-06-2011 2:06pm

Sunshine! wrote: »

Guys guys guys! G86: you get the Kat with the tatts. Sugarhigh, you get the mundane Kat. One for everyone in the audience =D

Except you Morrigan. You get to be standby-Kat for when you're off duty

The thing is I actually think this girl ends up looking mundane. It's like they try so hard to be unique they end up all looking the same.

SugarHigh · 13-06-2011 2:07pm

The_Morrigan wrote: »

Doesn't matter where the tattoo is, if I didn't work in an office I would probably be as heavily tattood as her, but my profession doesn't allow for it. Hers, fortunately allows her to express herself freely without having to be subjected to dress codes!

What is she expressing with spots on her face and a flower on her arm?

G86 · 13-06-2011 2:07pm

SugarHigh wrote: »

Yes and?

She wants the attention for herself not for other people so I don't where you get that I thought she was doing for the benefit of others. She's the one who benefits because she's desperate for attention and needs that to be fulfilled.

You've mis-interpreted my post so. You said she got tattoo'ed for attention, I disagreed and said no-one said she did it for anyones benefit but her own. i.e. she got tattoo'ed for herself, not because she's 'desperate for attention'.

If I dye my hair bright red, it's because I like the colour and it's something I personally want - it's not because I'm an attention seeker. If I buy a new dress that makes me look great, it's because I feel great in it, it's not because I'm looking for the attention it may or may not get me. And if I get tattoo'ed it's because I have my OWN personal reasons for it, and it is not a decision based on being 'attention seeking'.

Magic Eight Ball · 13-06-2011 2:08pm

A girl who isn't heavily tattooed bothers me greatly. You need at lease one full sleeve before I'm bringing ya home to meet mammy.

The_Morrigan · 13-06-2011 2:09pm

SugarHigh wrote: »

What is she expressing with spots on her face and a flower on her arm?

Would you ask Mauri warriors why they are tattooed with the same type of negativity?
Or an artist why their painting doesn't fit your idea of nice pretty art?

Come on, it's individual taste here.

Elbow · 13-06-2011 2:12pm

Either way I wouldnt throw her outa bed for eating crisps

but...

She's so much more interesting looking with her artwork, then again i have tattoo's and find tattoos on women sexy (as long as they are well done!)

G86 · 13-06-2011 2:16pm

SugarHigh wrote: »

What is she expressing with spots on her face and a flower on her arm?

You're missing the point. It doesn't matter what YOU think she's expressing with it, the point is that she's not afraid to express herself! Tattoos are extremely personal, and what means nothing to you could mean a hell of a lot to the person who has it. However, the fact sadly remains that many people will judge her for this expression of herself, and label it as 'attention seeking' etc., because people are afraid to be different. The tattoo I'm getting drawn up at the moment covers a fairly large area, and will mean nothing to anyone who see's it, but every single detail has a relevance to me - and not for one minute did I take into account anyone elses opinion but my own when designing it.

SugarHigh · 13-06-2011 2:23pm

The_Morrigan wrote: »

Would you ask Mauri warriors why they are tattooed with the same type of negativity?
Or an artist why their painting doesn't fit your idea of nice pretty art?

Come on, it's individual taste here.

Māori tattoos don't tend to follow fashion fads. People follow teh fad and then come up with the "deeply personal" meaning afterwards. Like how how get a bunch of stars is currently so fad so it turns into this sort of rubbish "The 2 big ones represent my parents coz like I luv em and ehhhh the rest just represents ehh love and stuff".:D

Frank Black · 13-06-2011 2:26pm

My two cents – there’s definitely a point where tattoos (either on men or women) go from the ‘that’s nice’ to ‘that’s weird’
For my taste I would say she has too many tattoos but each to their own.

SugarHigh · 13-06-2011 2:27pm

G86 wrote: »

You're missing the point. It doesn't matter what YOU think she's expressing with it, the point is that she's not afraid to express herself! Tattoos are extremely personal, and what means nothing to you could mean a hell of a lot to the person who has it.

If it means nothing to anyone else then she's simply not expressing anything. If I write in a language no one can understand what can I express?

However, the fact sadly remains that many people will judge her for this expression of herself, and label it as 'attention seeking' etc.,

The version without Tattoos has been judged as being "mundane".

because people are afraid to be different.

Afraid or just don't feel the need? The desperate need to be different is something teenagers usually do and then grow out of. So many people are desperate to be seen as a unique little snowflake and I just find it funny how they all end up looking the same.

G86 · 13-06-2011 2:30pm

SugarHigh wrote: »

Afraid or just don't feel the need? The desperate need to be different is something teenagers usually do and then grow out of. So many people are desperate to be seen as a unique little snowflake and I just find it funny how they all end up looking the same.

Again with the generalisations. Sure you'll get a lot of reckless teenage emo kids who simply get tattoo'ed/pierced to 'fit in' with 'not fitting in', but this isn't what this thread is about.

Ricardo G · 13-06-2011 2:35pm

SugarHigh wrote: »

Afraid or just don't feel the need? The desperate need to be different is something teenagers usually do and then grow out of. So many people are desperate to be seen as a unique little snowflake and I just find it funny how they all end up looking the same.

She does'nt look the same as anyone else tbf. I understand what you are trying to say i think

but to be fair she is an artist and she knows what suits her i really don't think she does this for attention seeking at all, if she does fair play to her !! I have 12 tattoos, why ?? because i like to be different and i really could'nt give a flying fiddle what other people think of them they're mine and they reflect my personality

Elmidena · 13-06-2011 2:36pm

SugarHigh wrote: »

The version without Tattoos has been judged as being "mundane".

I judge it mundane by my personal opinion. Tattoos are irregular and everyone has different configurations of how many, where, size etc. Thus, they are striking and different (even if it's just a books-copier....shudder) Plain skin, most people have that. Hence deeming it mundane.

I have bright green hair, piercings, tattoos and they may not suit everyone, but it's my skin and I'm quite comfortable in it. Too many people in the world to please everyone, so if you please any that's a bonus....once you're happy with it yourself of course

Maguined · 13-06-2011 2:41pm

Sunshine! wrote: »

I have bright green hair, piercings, tattoos and they may not suit everyone, but it's my skin and I'm quite comfortable in it.

This would generally get more attention from me on a night out than a woman with no tattoos but was wearing the latest fashion trend.

13-06-2011 3:03pm

Strangely enough - I love girls with tattoos, but not sure if I would introduce one who is heavily tattooed to my parents. I saw this now, but I know full well it could change if I meet someone I like enough.

settings · 13-06-2011 3:04pm

Maguined wrote: »

This would generally get more attention from me on a night out than a woman with no tattoos but was wearing the latest fashion trend.

The thing is you can always change your attire as you please. I might like a tattoo now but in 10 years might do everything I can to cover it up..

g'em · 13-06-2011 3:09pm

I think she looks more generically pretty in the airbrushed picture - I 'd see her and forget what she looks like almost instantly - but she's much more intriguing and sexier in the picture with her tattoos.

Wibbs · 13-06-2011 3:12pm

It really is each to their own IMHO. If you dig it you dig it, if you don't you don't. End of.

SugarHigh wrote: »

Māori tattoos don't tend to follow fashion fads.

I'd have to agree there. Real tribal tattoos are part of a long standing cultural heritage a lot less predicated in fashion and usually hard earned as part of that culture, rather than modish and shop bought. I think the two types are different on a fundamental level. I'd add yakuza style tattoos as a sub group of tribal. One could argue the modern tattoo(and piercing) is also tribal in nature, but it's a much looser affiliation and much more fashion based. Not necessarily a bad thing by the way, just less "authentic" for me. The equivalent of a fake rolex in cultural skin kinda thing? Plus fashion is fine, but fashion changes. For me a tattoo is akin to permanently attaching flares to your ankles.

black francis wrote: »

My two cents – there’s definitely a point where tattoos (either on men or women) go from the ‘that’s nice’ to ‘that’s weird’
For my taste I would say she has too many tattoos but each to their own.

This. [some of my best mates have tatss] They really don't appeal to me on either gender, but put me off on women for some reason. Well cos I like women in that way. The "celtic" stylee tramp stamp in a big way. Or those ones that just end up a muddy blueish colour over time, or the chinese pictagram ones that probably say round eyed devil in mandarin.

I'm old fashioned there I guess. [/some of my best mates have tatts

]

Piercings on the other hand I have no issue with at all. Had a few exes with those. Though the bolt through the tongue didn't dig that TBH. Or the one through the lip? That's not a piercing ted that's a leak

Fair play on the pain control mind. Kudos(inc tatts).

As for the lady in the OP? Given a choice defo without.

I might be tempted myself to get a tattoo. A small one that just said "Tattoo".

Logical Fallacy · 13-06-2011 3:13pm

Chicks with ink are hot...once the ink is nice of course.

Maguined · 13-06-2011 3:13pm

settings wrote: »

The thing is you can always change your attire as you please. I might like a tattoo now but in 10 years might do everything I can to cover it up..

True, my point was just aimed towards finding tattoos attractive as the OP was asking if a significant number of tattoos would be off putting to men, it would be the opposite and garner interest in my case as long as I liked the artwork involved in the tattoos themselves as I have seen plenty of unattractive tattoos as well.

Wolfe Tone · 13-06-2011 3:17pm

Bloody hell those tattoos are disgusting.

In my opinion she pretty much ruined her looks with those tats. That said I had never heard of her before I opened this thread, but deffo deffo without.

pragmatic1 · 13-06-2011 3:18pm

Dont really like tattoos on women. Bit hypocritical as I have a few myself.

G86 · 13-06-2011 3:19pm

Given the naysayers here, dare I ask you this question: if you met a girl you had savage chemistry with and got on well with, would the tattoos be a deal breaker?

Frank Black · 13-06-2011 3:24pm

pragmatic1 wrote: »

Dont really like tattoos on women. Bit hypocritical as I have a few myself.

Tattoos or Women?

Wibbs · 13-06-2011 3:25pm

G86 wrote: »

Given the naysayers here, dare I ask you this question: if you met a girl you had savage chemistry with and got on well with, would the tattoos be a deal breaker?

For me, probably not, no. If we had that chemistry anyway. I'd have few enough dealbreakers and nearly all would be mental/situational rather than physical. I know guys for whom it would be a dealbreaker though. No not old farts either.

Zulu · 13-06-2011 3:27pm

Absolutely not.
(It would be akin to saying her clothes would be a deal breaker)

Wolfe Tone · 13-06-2011 3:30pm

G86 wrote: »

Given the naysayers here, dare I ask you this question: if you met a girl you had savage chemistry with and got on well with, would the tattoos be a deal breaker?

No, but it wouldn't be something I would be looking for.

Frank Black · 13-06-2011 3:32pm

Zulu wrote: »

Absolutely not.
(It would be akin to saying her clothes would be a deal breaker)

Clothes can be a deal breaker.

Zulu · 13-06-2011 3:41pm

huummm I take you point, but would argue that, that isn't a lady I've chemistry with, but an exceptionally annoying git-face.

(not to mention a significant population of the internet deny her status as a women at all!)

Kat Von D - Airbrushed and Tattoos Concealed

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