Permanent Ink

Hi,

Writing on one's skin with permanent ink, without any cut in the skin, is not a violation of the laws of tattooing.

(R' Shmuel haLevi Wosner, Shut Shevet haLevi 3:111)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Cutting

Hi,

Cutting one's skin, without filling it with dye, is not the equivalent of tattooing. It is not halachically prohibited unless it is done in grief for a death, or in the service of idolatry.

(Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 180:5)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Design tattoos

Hi,

There is some debate as to whether one is liable for a tattoo which does not involve letters.

(Pitchei Teshuvah Yoreh Deah 180:1)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Tattooing

Hi,

The prohibition against tattooing applies to cutting a groove in one's skin and then filling it with liquid ink or a dyeing powder, or placing the dyeing agent on a spot and then cutting a groove.

(Shulchan Aruch Yoreh Deah 180:1; Shach Yoreh Deah 180:1)

Have a great day,
Mordechai