How to... Choose a tattoo design

Choosing a tattoo should be a thorough process. They are intended to be forever, and removal is expensive. The more planning that goes into your design of choice, the more likely that you will enjoy your tattoo later in life.

1. Be happy with what design you have on your body. As long as you like it, that's the most important thing. That being said, there are factors that can make you love or hate your tattoo.

2. Find a design that has meaning for you. Even if you cannot draw, a little practice and patience can get you a good outline, at least. Most tattoo artists will help you redraw and redesign a tattoo.

3. Stay away from the art (known as "flash") shown in the studios except as inspiration. It is better to go with a unique and original design than a mass market design - "flash" is designed by excellent artists then sold to tattoo artists around the country and around the world.


4. Find an artist or designer and ask them to make a custom design for you. Many tattoo artists are also conventional artists, or can at least reproduce a traditional drawing, sketch or painting onto your skin.

5. Find a style that you especially like, and an artist that works in that style. Most artists will do what you want, but also excel in certain "looks." Check portfolios, and compare the different styles: old school, new school, naturalistic, Asian, black and white, etc.

6. Writing, in any form or language, should be thought over twice as long. Check and recheck the meanings of any words or idiograms of a language you aren't fluent in. Choose quotes carefully. Search for a font you like, or create your own.

7. Consider carefully what body part you want your tattoo on. Some places you'll look at it every day, some almost never. Consider how likely it will be that you will need to cover it with clothing or otherwise at some point.

8. Try to get a printout of the design, and see how the design will fit against your skin.

9. Use henna to get a temporary version of the design. You won't be able to see different colors, or certain looks, but you will be able to judge the feeling of a tattoo. Henna lasts a week to a month.

10. Think about it a lot. When you are certain, wait some more just to make sure.

Related article: How to take care of your new Tattoo
source