Male Tattoo Models

No. HHM confirms that none of the male tattooed models on the roster have third-party IP or royalty rights assigned to any tattoo artist over the tattoos on their body. Tattoos are original artistic works capable of attracting copyright protection, and productions or brands featuring tattooed talent in commercial imagery without clearance face a potential legal exposure. This applies whether tattoos are the primary focus of the brief or are incidentally visible — including in close-up hand or body parts work where tattooed forearms or hands may appear in frame. Productions booking male tattooed talent through HHM can proceed with confidence that no undisclosed third-party IP claim attaches to the imagery.

For productions where both tattoos and grooming state are central to the brief — a men's grooming brand, a lifestyle campaign where facial hair and tattoo aesthetic combine — both requirements should be specified clearly at the point of enquiry. The interaction between facial hair, body hair and tattoo placement can be an important casting variable for male tattooed briefs. Any request to significantly alter a male model's established grooming — removing a beard that forms part of his look, for example — requires additional negotiated fees and the model's agreement. HHM will always discuss such requests with the model before presenting the option to the client.

Male tattooed models are contractually required to notify HHM promptly of any new tattoo work — placement, coverage, style — particularly where a booking has been confirmed based on portfolio imagery that may no longer accurately reflect the model's current appearance. New work in prominent areas such as the hands, neck or face is especially relevant and must be communicated to the agency immediately. HHM will inform affected clients of any significant new tattoo work at the earliest opportunity so that casting decisions remain accurate and productions are not surprised on shoot day.

A number of HHM's male tattooed models also hold specialist body parts capability — maintaining their hands to a production-ready standard alongside their commercial modelling practice. Where a brief requires both a distinctive tattooed male presence and close-up hand or body parts quality, this should be raised at brief stage so HHM can identify talent that meets both requirements. Note that tattoos on or near the shooting area — on the hands or forearms, for example — will be visible in close-up imagery unless coverage is specifically arranged. This should be considered and confirmed at the brief stage.