TUTORIAL: Making Temporary Tattoos for Cosplay!
Okay, so we know using a Sharpie/Marker for complicated tattoos day-of for a con is a PAIN, so here’s a quick tutorial on the best way I’ve gotten success for really clean and convincing temporary tattoos for cosplay!
First things first, I would recommend getting this Silhouette tattoo paper. It comes with 2 - 8.5″ x 11″ sheets that are printable on Ink Jet printers for only $7! It comes with thorough instructions on how to use the paper, but I’ll give a quick summary.
Create your tattoo in the program of your choice. I used Illustrator, but you could also print any PDF or JPG – just make sure the design is mirrored when you print it!! (I’d also recommend printing extras for multi-day use or mistakes when cutting!)
After the ink dries, add the clear adhesive sheet (comes with the Silhouette kit) over the top and smooth out any air bubbles.
Then (and this is really important!) cut our your tattoo as close to the edges as possible! You don’t want the design to fall apart, but the more white edges you leave, the more shiny adhesive will show up on your skin.
Now you’re ready to apply your temporary tattoo! Peel off the clear sheet, lay the tattoo facedown on your skin, and use a damp rag to wet the entire paper back. Then peel the paper off and the design is left behind!
Use makeup powder (personally I like the colorless powder so not to deaden the brilliance of the tattoo itself) and soften the shiny surface.
Go take pictures of your cosplay and have fun! It should last all day at a con (and then some!)~
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