The BDSM community thrives on acceptance and the celebration of diverse sexualities. Within this vibrant, sex-positive culture, tattoos have emerged as a powerful form of self-expression. More and more individuals are choosing to adorn their bodies with designs that proudly declare their connection to the kink scene.
We delve into the world of Bdsm Tattoos, speaking with tattoo artists who specialize in creating these unique designs and collectors who proudly wear them. Discover their perspectives on the BDSM and kink scene and the stories behind the ink.
Tattoo artist Sophie (@safewordbysophie) at work, creating a BDSM-inspired tattoo in her London studio.
Artists’ Perspectives: The Voices Behind the Ink
@safewordbysophie – London, UK: Empowerment and Responsible Kink Art
Sophie, known as @safewordbysophie, brings a unique perspective to BDSM tattoos, shaped by her decade-long experience as a fetish fashion model. “I was a fetish fashion model for over a decade and found myself surrounded by strong, intelligent women who owned their sexuality – I’ve always tried to replicate that both personally and artistically,” she explains. Her background within the community instilled in her a deep understanding of consent and communication, principles she applies to her tattoo practice.
Close-up portrait of tattoo artist Sophie (@safewordbysophie), showcasing her expertise and passion for kink-inspired tattoo art.
Sophie’s artistic style naturally transitioned into tattooing, drawing inspiration from iconic photographers like Bob Carlos Clarke and Helmut Newton, and artists such as John Willie and Tom of Finland. Shibari, the Japanese art of rope bondage, particularly captivates her. “Fetish work always seemed like the most natural thing to transition into tattooing as it was something I had a lot of knowledge of (and experience in) and I loved drawing it,” she states.
Detailed Shibari rope art tattoo on a client's arm, skillfully executed by Sophie (@safewordbysophie).
While embracing the empowering nature of kink tattoos, Sophie also prioritizes client well-being and responsible artistry. “I don’t tattoo women participating in anything NSFW that could be even slightly misconstrued as discomfort or pain. I also don’t tattoo fetish work anywhere that is really visible or hard to conceal – I can consent, as can my client, but the general public can’t.” This thoughtful approach ensures that clients can express themselves through BDSM tattoos while considering potential social and professional implications.
Sophie (@safewordbysophie) carefully tattooing a client, demonstrating her commitment to client comfort and responsible tattoo placement for kink-themed designs.
@gabrielalastratattoos – Newcastle, UK: Celebrating Individuality and Breaking Stereotypes
Gabriela, known online as @gabrielalastratattoos, champions sex-positive tattoos as a means of empowerment and self-expression for a diverse clientele. “I love creating sex-positive tattoos and working with a diverse group of clients who want to feel empowered through ink,” she shares. Her work attracts individuals from all walks of life seeking unique ways to express their identities and challenge societal norms.
Close-up of Gabriela (@gabrielalastratattoos) creating a delicate and empowering tattoo, highlighting her inclusive approach to sex-positive body art.
Gabriela’s designs range from detailed depictions of body positivity to subtle symbols of liberation, each telling a personal story. She emphasizes the importance of individuality and originality in her artistic community. “It means embracing the uniqueness of each person’s creativity, regardless of societal norms or preconceived notions. It challenges stereotypes that may limit or box in people based on factors such as gender, race or background, making a more inclusive and open-minded creative community.”
Intricate and symbolic sex-positive tattoo art by Gabriela (@gabrielalastratattoos), demonstrating her skill in detailed and meaningful designs.
She notes that clients seeking BDSM tattoos often defy expectations. “My clients might seem conservative on the surface due to their professional background or upbringing, but they express themselves through art that some might find taboo. It’s about embracing unexpected side.” For Gabriela, BDSM tattoos are not taboo but rather a celebration of personal thoughts and fantasies, empowering clients to reclaim their bodies and embrace their unique journeys.
Gabriela (@gabrielalastratattoos) focused on her art, creating a tattoo that empowers her client and challenges conventional beauty standards.
@latexpapi – Montreal, Canada: High-Class Kink and Pushing Boundaries
@latexpapi, based in Montreal, aims to redefine traditional tattooing by incorporating vintage fashion, fetish illustrations, and photography into their designs. “I am a big fan of trying to push the boundaries of what a traditional tattoo is. I often source my inspiration from vintage fashion and fetish illustrations and photography,” they explain.
Artist @latexpapi in their studio, surrounded by inspiration for their unique and boundary-pushing BDSM tattoo designs.
Their goal is to create designs that are both provocative and sophisticated. “My goal is to create designs that will shock your grandma but still portray the high class. I want to make designs that are sexy but not pornographic.” This balance of shock value and elegance is central to @latexpapi’s artistic vision for BDSM tattoos.
Example of @latexpapi's tattoo artistry, showcasing a blend of vintage fetish aesthetics and high-class design elements.
Another example of @latexpapi's unique tattoo style, demonstrating their ability to create sexy yet refined BDSM-inspired body art.
@onnieolearytattoo – Sydney, Australia: Signaling Preferences and Shared Experiences
Onnie O’Leary (@onnieolearytattoo) from Sydney highlights the signaling aspect of BDSM tattoos, comparing them to the historical use of color-coded handkerchiefs in the gay community. “I think people often get these tattoos for the same reason gay men used colour coded handkerchiefs in their back pockets – it allows the wearer to signal their preferences indirectly, without broadcasting them to everyone.”
Onnie O'Leary (@onnieolearytattoo) working on a client, bringing their insightful perspective to the world of BDSM tattooing.
Beyond signaling, Onnie notes that BDSM tattoos can also commemorate personal milestones within the kink community. “Other people might use them to celebrate or commemorate an event. I got a two-headed snake after my first MMF threesome, and a jar of coconut oil after I tried anal successfully for the first time.” These tattoos become personal badges of honor and humor within their journey.
Unique and symbolic tattoos by Onnie O'Leary (@onnieolearytattoo), illustrating how BDSM tattoos can commemorate personal experiences and milestones.
Onnie also draws parallels between tattooing and BDSM itself, noting the shared elements of trust, pain, and communication. “Plus, some elements of tattooing revolve around trust and pain in the same way that BDSM does, it’s a practice that requires you to be present in your physical body and exert a considerable amount of willpower, and you have to have faith in and good communication with your artist.” This connection deepens the significance of BDSM tattoos for those within the community.
Detailed tattoo art by Onnie O'Leary (@onnieolearytattoo), reflecting the themes of trust and physical experience common to both tattooing and BDSM.
Another example of Onnie O'Leary's (@onnieolearytattoo) tattoo work, emphasizing the artistic and personal value BDSM tattoos hold.
@dexterkay – Brighton, UK: Creating Safe Spaces for Queer Kink Art
Dexter Kay (@dexterkay) from Brighton emphasizes the importance of creating safe and accepting spaces for LGBT clients seeking kink tattoos. “Getting into queer kink tattooing was a natural progression for me. This came from my growing confidence of my own sexual identity, and demanding space for acceptance and understanding,” Dexter explains.
Dexter Kay (@dexterkay) in their tattoo studio, dedicated to providing a comfortable and inclusive environment for queer clients seeking BDSM tattoos.
Understanding the unique experiences of queer individuals, Dexter aims to provide a space where clients can be fully themselves. “Because of this I have created a space where LGBT clients can come into a shop and feel comfortable to be 100% themselves throughout the experience. A lot of heteronormative clients don’t understand the stress and dilutions-of-self that queer clients go through. ‘Do I say boyfriend or partner? Is it a safe space?'”
Dexter Kay's (@dexterkay) artistic style, capturing the energy and diverse expressions within queer kink tattoo art.
Dexter views BDSM tattoos as a form of empowerment, allowing clients to reclaim aspects of themselves that may have been previously stigmatized. “Seeing that people have the confidence to wear what they were once ashamed of is exciting and opens fun conversations without judgement.” This confidence and openness are central to the positive impact of queer kink tattoos.
Another example of Dexter Kay's (@dexterkay) tattoo artistry, showcasing their ability to capture dynamic poses and themes within BDSM tattoo designs.
@guerilla_needles – Edinburgh/Leeds – UK: Subversive Tattoos and Community
@guerilla_needles, based in Edinburgh and Leeds, finds joy in tattooing within the kink community they are part of. “I love doing kink/BDSM tattoos because I’m part of the subculture, it’s fun to decorate my fellow perverts!” they state.
Artist @guerilla_needles in their workspace, embracing the fun and subversive nature of BDSM tattooing within their own community.
They appreciate the subversive nature of BDSM tattoos, particularly in a world where tattoos themselves have become mainstream. “I’m not a gatekeeper in tattooing, but I also think that there’s something very fun about doing subversive tattoos in a world where actually being tattooed is no longer a subversive act. I like to be a part of that.” This element of reclaiming subversion is appealing to both the artist and their clients.
Detailed and edgy tattoo art by @guerilla_needles, reflecting the subversive and playful aspects of BDSM culture within tattooing.
Another example of @guerilla_needles' tattoo style, highlighting the bold and unconventional designs within their BDSM tattoo portfolio.
@gerfer_tattoo – Dublin, ROI: Celebrating the Male Body and Genital Art
German Ferreiroa (@gerfer_tattoo) from Dublin, originally from Argentina, draws inspiration from gay subcultures, particularly leather and uniform aesthetics, and client fantasies. “My work is inspired by all gay subcultures, mostly leather and uniform men and, of course, I get specific requests and I do designs with whatever kinks or fantasies the custumer has.”
German Ferreiroa (@gerfer_tattoo) in his Dublin studio, showcasing his passion for celebrating the male form through tattoo art.
German is known for his celebration of the male body in all its forms. “At the end of the day what I love to do is to portray how beautiful the male body is in any way, shape and form.” This appreciation extends to his distinctive niche in male genital tattoos, a less common area of focus within tattooing.
Examples of German Ferreiroa's (@gerfer_tattoo) distinctive style, celebrating the male form in diverse and artistic tattoo designs.
Further examples of German Ferreiroa's (@gerfer_tattoo) work, demonstrating his expertise in detailed and celebratory depictions of the male body.
More examples of German Ferreiroa's (@gerfer_tattoo) unique tattoo art, showcasing his focus on male anatomy and BDSM themes.
@jaggyleightattoos – Glasgow, UK: Confronting Censorship and Embracing Sexuality
Jaggie Leigh (@jaggyleightattoos) from Glasgow created the “Vampussy” design as a direct challenge to censorship surrounding female sexuality. “I created this because with all of the censorship that happens with vaginas and any sexual reference at all, I wanted it to be a confrontation to the viewer. And for them to simply enjoy it.”
The 'Vampussy' tattoo design by Jaggie Leigh (@jaggyleightattoos), a bold statement against censorship and a celebration of female sexuality in BDSM tattoo art.
Collectors’ Perspective: @thatgirlsare – Female Sexual Empowerment Through Ink
For tattoo collector @thatgirlsare, her BDSM tattoo is a powerful symbol of female sexual empowerment. “This tattoo screams ‘female sexual empowerment‘ and that’s exactly why I chose it,” she explains. She specifically requested feminine fingers in the design, emphasizing the power of women owning their sexuality. “I asked the tattooist to change the fingers to ones that looked more feminine as there’s nothing more powerful than a woman who’s sexually empowered. It’s one of my favourite tattoos.”
Empowering BDSM tattoo on collector @thatgirlsare, designed by @aimeeloutattoo, symbolizing female sexual empowerment through bold body art.
Conclusion
BDSM tattoos are more than just ink; they are powerful statements of identity, community, and self-expression within the kink scene. From signaling preferences to celebrating personal journeys and challenging societal norms, these tattoos hold deep meaning for both artists and collectors. They represent a vibrant and growing movement of body art that embraces sexuality, empowerment, and the beauty of individuality.
Do you have any kink or BDSM tattoos? Or are you thinking about getting one? Share your stories with us!
