2. Simple Blackout Tattoo Sleeves

For many, these blackout sleeves are almost anti-tattoos: the people who get these pieces are rebelling against the subtle shading and vivid colors that appeal to so many others in the tattoo world. Instead, they choose dense black and a lack of designs to express their style and attitudes. Despite this sentiment the incorporation of a limited number of patterns and designs can effectively break up the monotony of blackout sleeves, and these pieces are great examples of how this can be done.  

3. Mosaic Blackout Tattoo Sleeves

We are all familiar with the vibrant mosaics of Rome, depicting heroes and Gods like Alexander the Great and Bacchus, the god of wine, however these blackout sleeves are not your typical mosaics. Eschewing the bright colors depicting portraits and landscapes in favor of abstract geometric designs, the fully saturated black and negative space used to create negative space provides artists with a tool to create stunning designs. These blackout sleeves use more complex patterns to create the unique designs that set these pieces apart from other, similar tattoos. 

4. Tribal Blackout Tattoo Sleeves

Tribal designs continue to gain popularity in the tattoo world, and these blackout sleeves offer an interesting take on these ancient tattoo traditions. The intricate and alternating patterns that characterize the Polynesian and Samoan tribal designs are perfectly suited to incorporate into blackout sleeves thanks to the way they can create contrast. Large swaths of black ink, when viewed in close proximity to intricate tribal patterns, help the designs to stand out even more.  

5. Geometric Blackout Sleeve Tattoos

The geometric patterns that have gained popularity in the last ten years are also perfectly suited for these blackout sleeves. Once again we can see the way that these large, stark areas of fully saturated black ink increase contrast and help these complex geometric designs to look even more intricate. These pieces are great examples of how these seemingly opposing styles can be successfully blended to create dynamic tattoos.