Tattooing
Tattooing is a hidden skill in The Sims 3: Ambitions. Limited features will also be made available for the base game through a patch released around the same time as Ambitions.
Using the tattoo chair in-game (or at the local salon), Sims are able to tattoo their neighbors.[1] Tattoos are purely cosmetic and will not affect gameplay [2]
The tattoo system can be a powerful creative tool for players. Tattoos can placed on a Sim's upper, lower, or full back, or their neck, ankle, chest, stomach, wrist, shoulder, bicep, or forearm. Sims can't have tattoos on their legs. Players are be able to apply multiple tattoos in up to five layers, scale them, change the colors, and even modify opacity.[3] Players can upload and share these tattoos on the Exchange, giving the community yet another creative outlet.
Oddly, all options are open to amateur tattoo artists from the outset of the skill track. There are, however, a number of 'failure' tattoos that look like stick figures or children's drawings.
In both The Sims 2 and The Sims 3 players can purchase a poster called Bethany and Miranda which depicts two sisters who opened a tattoo parlour.
Tattoos can be removed. There are two kinds of tattoo chairs in the game; one that a Sim can use to add tattoos to another Sim, and one that can be used without help from another Sim. [1]