Changes in Aesthetic Appeal of Tattoos Are Influenced by the Attractiveness of Female Models

Abstract

External perceptions of individuals based on the presence of tattoos were assessed. College students completed an online attitudinal assessment in a 4 × 2 design. Participants were asked to rate the aesthetics of tattoos and models (11 women and 17 men) from Photoshopped images. Results (n = 152 usable of 177 collected) indicate that as whole models and tattoos are not affected in aesthetic appeal, but individually some models and tattoos were affected. Tattoos were rated as better quality art when the model can be seen; thus, contextualization allows for greater appreciation of the tattoo. Results support extant research that indicates women's attractiveness is not affected by tattoos, which also providing a new approach for tattooed individuals.