To choose the design to tattoo, you should think about your personality, your interests and your appearance. Take your lifestyle into consideration before deciding on size, location and colors. Calculate how much money you want to spend and look for a reliable tattoo artist. A tattoo can be a great way to commemorate an important moment in life or to express your character and interests.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Finding Ideas for Drawing
Step 1. Do an Internet search
Look for images of different tattoos or designs in the galleries available online. Typically, they're grouped by category, so you can speed up your search if you already have an idea in mind. Save your favorite ones to a folder on your computer or to Pinterest.
Step 2. Browse some binders at a tattoo parlor
Most tattoo artists exhibit their work in the waiting room. Go into one of these stores and browse the binders to find out what it can offer you. Many also make their image collections available on their websites.
Step 3. Consult a tattoo artist
If you spot one that impressed you, ask him for an appointment to talk about the tattoo you would choose. Bring pictures, drawings or examples of other tattoos that you liked with you to let him know how to orient himself. Explain how big it needs to be and where you want it so that I can make a design that matches your expectations.
Part 2 of 5: Decide the Details of the Tattoo
Step 1. Indicate the size
Extension is a very important element in tattoo selection because it allows you to limit the number of designs to choose from. For example, a highly detailed portrait will not do well on a very small area of the skin. On the other hand, a very simple drawing, such as a musical note, is a bit cloying if it extends over a very large portion of the body.
- Consult a tattoo artist for advice on size, design and position;
- If you have a very low pain threshold, opt for a smaller tattoo that takes less time.
Step 2. Choose the location
Before getting a tattoo, you should decide how visible it should be and how it might change over the years. If you can't show it at work, don't pick a prominent spot on your body, such as your hands, wrists, ankles, arms, or neck. Ask the tattoo artist for some advice on location to avoid tattooing an area that could deform the design, such as the lower abdomen.
Step 3. Decide between a color, black or white and gray tattoo
You should choose the colors right away. If you want something more understated, a white or black and gray shaded pattern is your best bet. If you want something bolder, more lively and fun, opt for a colorful design.
If in doubt, keep in mind that you can always add color later;
Step 4. Establish your budget
Before you go to a tattoo artist, you need to know how much you are willing to spend on a tattoo. In Italy, the cost of a small tattoo usually starts from 50 euros, while for a medium-large one the asking price starts from 150-200 euros. Some jobs require multiple appointments. Clearly quantify how much you are willing to spend by estimating the total price for the tattoo you want.
Consider that the manpower is around 20%
Step 5. Choose a design you like
Before you decide, make sure that whatever you're going to get tattooed you won't get tired for the rest of your life. For example, if you love nature, a sunrise, a bird, a tree or a butterfly will express your passion. Avoid choosing a trendy motif that doesn't give you any emotion.
When you have a few drafts, take your time to look at them all. Which design do you really like? Which one matches your personality best? Choose that
Part 3 of 5: Commemorating an Important Event
Step 1. Get an important date tattooed
You can commemorate an important event by tattooing the date it happened, in Arabic letters, numbers or Roman numerals. Select an image of the style you want or find which font you might use. You can also ask the tattoo artist to enrich the figures with special decorations to give an artistic touch to the work.
Step 2. Get a portrait tattooed
It's a great way to pay tribute to someone you love, dead or alive, to appreciate your gesture. Look for a tattoo artist who specializes in portraits and ask him for advice during which to discuss the image. Make sure you choose a clear, detailed photograph on which to base your drawing and give it to him so he can study it carefully.
- Tattooed portraits are also a great way to pay homage to a hero or celebrity;
- They can also remember a pet much loved by their owner;
- They can be framed by a distinctive border or in a Victorian cameo style.
Step 3. Choose the name of a loved one
Tattoos allow you to pay tribute to a parent, sibling, child, or the person you are married to. Consider getting her name tattooed alone or surrounded by a pattern that reflects her personality. For example, if your partner is passionate about gardening, you could add a rose next to their name.
Wait some time before tattooing the name of the person you love. They are the tattoos that are covered most often over the course of a lifetime
Part 4 of 5: Reflecting on Personality and Interests
Step 1. Choose an image that reflects your origins
Choose a tattoo inspired by art or symbols that represent the culture you belong to. For example, if you are of Irish or Scottish origins, you can opt for a circle with a Celtic knot or a Celtic cross. If you want something that has a more direct impact, get your flag or national symbol tattooed.
Step 2. Choose a tattoo inspired by your favorite movie, TV show or comic
Express your taste for pop culture by drawing inspiration from TV, film or literature. Go for something that you have been a fan of for a long time and that you think you will be passionate about in the future as well. Show the tattoo artist a photo of a particular logo, character, or still image so that they have a better idea and discuss it together.
For example, if you love comics, you could ask for a Batman tattoo
Step 3. Choose a literature inspired tattoo
Choose an aphorism or a drawing based on a literary work to represent a passion for a favorite book or author. In case of a quote, also choose the font or handwriting. If you already have a motif in mind, bring the images of the decorations you intend to include in the sketch to the tattoo artist and discuss your idea with him.
For example, you could get a raven tattoo to pay homage to Edgar Allen Poe
Part 5 of 5: Choosing a Classic Tattoo
Step 1. Get an old sailor motif tattooed
In the United States, sailors were among the first people to get tattooed, especially to commemorate their service. Anchors, ships, swallows and nautical stars are all timeless designs, still very popular today. Look for a tattoo artist who specializes in retro tattoos and choose the nautical symbol that strikes you.
Step 2. Choose a floral tattoo
The flowers form beautiful ornamental patterns and can also have a strong meaning. For example, daisies are often used to express purity and innocence, while red roses are the symbol of true love and passion. You can simply opt for a tattoo of your favorite flower or an aesthetically pleasing combination of flowers.
Step 3. Choose an abstract and elegant design
Ask the tattoo artist to draw some interesting sketches. Consider patterns consisting of simple shapes, with straight lines or perfectly spaced dots. Go for an abstract geometric design or stylization of an object, animal or person.
- If you want to make it yourself, use a ruler or protractor to get perfectly regular lines or circles.
- Simple shapes pair well with jewelry, so consider tattooing one on the wrist or below the collarbones.
Advice
- Once you have a design in mind, take some time to think about it before getting it tattooed. Hang a picture on your mirror or fridge to see if you still like it in a few days or a couple of weeks.
- If you have decided to have a word or phrase tattooed in another language, make sure you have the accurate translation before proceeding.
- Sometimes, it is necessary to touch up the tattoo to better define it. Talk to the tattoo artist to find out how many sessions will be needed.
- Laser tattoo removal is expensive, painful and time-consuming, so think carefully before making your decision.
- It is possible to cover up a tattoo, but the work is complicated if the design is very large and noticeable.
