Engraving Tattoos in Cork

Engraving tattoos: the look of old etchings on skin

Engraving tattoos borrow their look from centuries-old printmaking: copperplate etchings, woodcuts, botanical plates and the fine lines on banknotes. Instead of soft shading, depth is built with lines, through hatching and cross-hatching, so the tattoo looks like a classic print.

It is a style for people who love detail, history and black ink, and one that our artists at Smiley Dogg Tattoo Studio in Cork are exploring more and more.

How engraving tattoos are made

• Hatching and cross-hatching: rows of parallel lines create light and shadow.
• Line weight: thicker and thinner lines give shape and volume.
• Mostly black ink, sometimes with a single accent colour.
• Classic subjects: anatomy, animals, ships, botanicals, mythology and vintage illustrations.

Why choose an engraving tattoo?

Because they are built on clean linework, engraving tattoos tend to stay readable as they age. They have a refined, almost antique feel, and they pair well with blackwork and illustrative pieces if you are building a sleeve.

Our engraving tattoo artists in Cork

Miguel is fascinated by old engraving techniques and is drawing and tattooing more and more pieces in this style. Crow, Chase and Pablo also bring engraving-inspired linework into their designs. You can see everyone who works in this style on this page.

Size and placement

Hatching needs space between the lines to heal cleanly, so engraving tattoos look best at a medium or large size: forearm, upper arm, calf, thigh, chest or back. Your artist will scale the design so the lines don't close up over time.

Ready-to-tattoo engraving flash

Browse our engraving flash designs, or ask for a custom piece drawn for you.

Aftercare

Fine linework needs good care while it heals. Follow our tattoo aftercare guide and protect the tattoo from the sun once it has healed.

Book your engraving tattoo in Cork

Send us your idea, references, size and placement through our booking form. Not sure about the style? We'll match you with the right artist.