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(im not mike, lol) just wanted to have an input on this discussion. In terms of the longevity of no outline tattoo's, I think we will have to wait until they are much, much older. I have a tattoo of a big buddha face that I had done nearly seven years ago (with ZERO line work) and it looks identical to the day I had it done.
I remember a well established tattoo artist saying to me "I'd like to see that in five years time" and yet, here I am, it looks just the same.

I think with skin changes, as skin loosens, developed more wrinkles, see's more sun etc there are likely to be changes in the tattoo, but I havent noticed anything at all yet.

I take very good care of my ink, and it never EVER gets sunburned. I think this has a bigger impact on the quality over whether or not it see's sun. I think as artists, this needs to be our focus. Teaching clients how to look after their tattoo's well and truly beyond the "healing process".

As for tattoo's with linework, I have seen hundreds that are 20, 30, 50 years old, and I must admit, whilst I have full respect for the industry, I dont much like what i see. Thick, green blown out lines, blurry colours of single shades etc. For me, any advancement is a good one and the arguments are futile. For us as an industry to improve, we have to challenge the boundaries and take risks. Some of those risks may fail, but for every one that succeeds, we will evolve and improve and that is what is should all be about.

Cheers

Well said!

indeed