Tattoos can be wonderful and beautiful pieces of permanent art that you can show off wherever you go. They can be a great way to show off your personality. For some people, tattoos are sentimental; to others, they are simple designs they like off the wall.
But, there’s one problem: you don’t know what to get!
Maybe you have multiple ideas and can’t decide. Maybe you want one but are indecisive about the design. Either way, this article is meant for you and hopefully prompts you to figure out what you want inked.
What is the meaning behind it?
The first thing you should think about is the meaning behind your tattoo. Don’t get me wrong, there doesn’t have to be one. However, if there is sentimental value the chances of you hating it later on decrease. If you need any ideas, consider:
- An homage to your family or friends.
- Do you have a favorite book or movie?
- What’s a pastime that got you through rough patches?
- Is there a saying or quote you love?
What style do you want?
There are so many different styles of tattoos out there. Some include traditional, new school, fine line, watercolor, black and gray, trash polka, realism, and a whole lot more. Consider what style you have and what your potential ideas would work best with.
- To commemorate a beloved pet, maybe a watercolor paw print is right for you.
- Can’t stop listening to Harry Styles? Get a realistic drawing of his face! Okay…maybe not; but would a lyric quote work for you?
- Love the classics? Think of the bold lines and colorful traditional-style tattoos
- Fine line tattoos are elegant and beautiful ways to show off your aesthetic
If you want to learn more check out these articles on different tattoo styles:
Mr. Inkwell’s blog article “Different Tattoo Styles” and Tattoodo’s “A Beginner’s Guide: Popular Tattoo Styles Briefly Explained”
Be realistic about the size and placement
Especially if you are about to get your first tattoo, it’s important to consider the size. I’d recommend starting smaller and working your way up so you can get a feel of the process. However, that is by no means necessary since I started with one that covered most of my forearm.
Sizing is important for multiple reasons. Don’t expect an intricate design the size of a quarter to stay vibrant and clear for a long time. Tattoos fade. The more complex your idea, the more space you want to allow to be inked.
If this isn’t your first rodeo, or you know you want more, think about the placement. It is probably not a good idea to get a small tattoo in the middle of your thigh when you know you want to add more. Nothing sucks more than having a great idea and then realizing your real estate is significantly hampered by that one tattoo you got at 18.
Research your artist!
Okay, hopefully by now you’ve whittled down your ideas enough that you’re ready to start searching for artists. This step is incredibly important!
Artists are not photocopying machines. They have styles they perform better in and like doing more. Do not go to an artist known for their fine line work, ask for a watercolor tattoo, and then expect it to be the same quality as an artist known for watercolor.
Check out the websites of your local tattoo parlors and pay close attention to the artist’s portfolios. What styles do they post most often? Are their lines bold and crisp or are they careless and shaky? Are the proportions of the subjects they draw accurate? No one wants their bad*ss tiger to walk around with one leg comically smaller than the other.
Trust your artist and let them design it
Now you’ve found an artist you like and are ready to reach out. Before you do that, consider letting them design it. This may seem counterintuitive but hear me out. I know you want to plan everything so it looks perfect and you may be worried that you won’t like the artist’s ideas. Maybe you’ve had your heart set on a design and you think there’s no way anyone could change your mind. Remember, they are artists. They’ve spent years practicing their craft and may have some suggestions that could bring your idea to the next level.
I like to show my artists some reference photos of the idea I want and elements that are must-haves for me. After that, I give them free rein. They could point out a flaw in your design, or warn you that your placement might actually be better somewhere else. Whatever the case, trust your artist to have your back!
By now you should have a better idea of what you want. Hopefully, this article helps you to figure out what you want inked and how you can find the best artist to bring your idea to life.