How To Know What Tattoo To Get?

How To Know What Tattoo To Get

How to Decide Which Tattoo to Get

  1. Ask yourself why you want a tattoo in the first place.
  2. Consider the tattoo’s effect in the workplace or other scenarios.
  3. Choose your design carefully.
  4. Think about where you want it.
  5. Choose your tattoo’s color(s) wisely.
  6. Create your own design.
  7. Choose an artist.

How do you get a tattoo when you don’t know what you want?

Flash Tattoos – If you’re stuck and want something generic, a flash tattoo might be the best choice. These are pre-made tattoos ready to be tattooed in the same day. Flash tattoos can offer you designs organized by themes. For example, if you want a tattoo that involved cats, you can go to your local parlor and ask to see a flash sheet with different cat designs. How To Know What Tattoo To Get This can help inspire you and give you more ideas. If you have a theme in mind, seeing several examples can help you narrow down what you want. Flash tattoos can provide you with a general template, and you can add onto it if you wish. Talk with your tattoo artist about ways you can customize it to your specific needs. How To Know What Tattoo To Get Go to the local parlor shop and flip through the flash tattoo books; you’ll find something that’ll catch your eye. You can also use this as inspiration to create something special and unique through a custom tattoo.

What is a good first tattoo?

While upper arms, forearms, thighs, and calves are all great locations, Brodsky says elbow and knee tattooing can be ‘kind of spicy, but it’s still doable. ‘ Tattoos on the torso hurt worse, she explains, because the skin is softer and lighter.

How do you see if a tattoo looks good on you?

One way to really test out a look on your body is to book an appointment with the tattoo artist you are considering for a trial tattoo. It may cost you if you are spending a significant amount of time, so check with your artist of choice how they would like to proceed.

How do you think your tattoo is meaningful?

Consider What’s Meaningful to You – Once you know where you want to get your tattoo, it’s time to think about the visual elements you want involved. Christine V. suggests you keep in mind “what… you actually want in your tattoo, what personal meaning will it carry?” She advises against getting too literal with your design if, at all possible, “Sometimes it is good to consider more metaphorical symbolism, and not just go with a literal theme or idea.

Being a bit more subtle and symbolic will yield a more personal and unique tattoo”. Christine D. , another artist at CTD, believes that if you’re looking into getting a custom design, you already have some kind of inspiration in mind – even if you don’t consciously know it yet, “…it is pretty rare for someone to simply get a custom tattoo designed ‘just because’… There is always a trigger for the desire [to get] a tattoo”.

She goes on to explain: When someone seeks an unique design, made just for them, it is a sign that there is something very special that they feel connected to, and that they need to make it a visible part of themselves, but…the person [doesn’t always have] a clear picture of what they want, sometimes what they have is just a feeling.

And how to put a feeling into paper? Which is where working with an artist comes into play. “A tattoo is always more than a piece of artwork, it is an inspiration”, says Christine D. , so she encourages potential clients to think about what inspires them, whether it be music, art, someone special in your life, or a symbol to represent your own personality and experience.

Jen also recommends you think about what’s meaningful to you, because tattoos are “such a personal form of self-expression”, you could take inspiration from: one of your favorite places, animals, flowers, people you want to celebrate or remember, significant moments in your life, hobbies or media you enjoy, your heritage, mythology that resonates with you, or any symbolism that you feel connected to.

  1. If you can’t decide on just one theme, don’t worry, Jen says, “tattoos… don’t necessarily need to have one driving theme in order to be a beautiful piece of art;
  2. If you are having trouble focusing on one theme, you can always incorporate several themes and elements into your tattoo”;

There a few different techniques that an artist could use to do this, like, “we can use filler elements (like clouds, waves, flowers, etc. ) to tie all the elements together into a cohesive whole, or just draw everything in a specific tattoo style which will unite all the disparate elements”.

Tattooist and CTD artist Andy W. echoes the idea of going with something personal, “so that it will mean something for the rest of your life”. He would not, however, advise going with a spouse’s name, “Personally, I think a partner’s name is a bit risky, as anything could happen”.

But that person can be inspiration for a symbol that represents your relationship , and make for a unique and lasting tattoo. There’s a ton of room for creativity and expression through art when you’re coming up with a tattoo design idea, but choosing something that is meaningful to you personally increases the chances that you’ll be happy with the tattoo in the long-term, as opposed to getting a trendy, ‘current’ design done..

You might be interested:  When Can I Start Sleeping On My Tattoo?

Will I regret getting a tattoo?

It’s not unusual for a person to change their mind after getting a tattoo. In fact, one survey says 75 percent of their 600 respondents admitted to regretting at least one of their tattoos. But the good news is there are things you can do before and after getting a tattoo to lower your chances of regret.

Can tattoos cause depression?

A new study has discovered that people with tattoos were more likely to be diagnosed with mental health issues and to report sleep problems. Researchers also found that people who had tattoos were more likely to be smokers, to have spent time in jail, and to have a higher number of sex partners in the past year.

However, the survey-based study also found that having tattoos was not significantly related to overall health status. The survey was conducted in July 2016 and resulted in a sample of 2,008 adults living in the United States, according to researchers.

“Previous research has established an association between having a tattoo and engaging in risky behaviors,” said lead author Dr. Karoline Mortensen, a professor at the University of Miami. “In an era of increasing popularity of tattoos, even among women and working professionals, we find these relationships persist, but are not associated with lower health status.

  • ” The study was published in the International Journal of Dermatology;
  • Source: Wiley Photo: In a survey-based study published in the International Journal of Dermatology, having tattoos was not significantly related to overall health status, but individuals with tattoos were more likely to be diagnosed with a mental health issue and to report sleep problems;

Credit: International Journal of Dermatology ..

Who should not get a tattoo?

Eczema – There are different types and degrees of eczema. Those that seldom have or have small flares are better candidates to be tattooed. While those with frequent, large and severe eczema should speak with their doctor before speaking to a tattoo a shop.

People with eczema can have more sensitive skin, which could lead to allergic reactions to the pigments in tattoo ink. The process of getting a tattoo itself has the chance to cause skin irritations or flare ups – as the skin is punctured thousands of times and foreign particles (ink) is deposited below the skin to create a design.

If your new tattoo triggers a flare up, it runs the risks of not healing well and lengthy healing time – which also makes it more vulnerable to infection.

What is the least painful tattoo spot?

Least painful to tattoo – The least painful places to get a tattoo are areas of your body with fewer nerve endings. Think outer shoulder, calf, buttocks, and outer arm. While people generally focus on the location on the body, Stanley Kovak , a cosmetic physician, theorizes that pain is more about size.

Where does tattoo hurt most?

How do I plan my tattoo?

Design  – The next step is to research some ideas to put together a design. Remember, a sleeve is a comprehensive piece. You want to make sure the end result is cohesive. Think about the images, colors and overall theme for your tattoo to ensure it all flows.

It should look like a great piece of artwork, not a mix and match of doodles. You should also put thought into how you want your tattoo to look. Do you want a full sleeve or half sleeve? What theme do you want?  Have you been inked countless times, or is this your very first piece? If the latter, then we suggest trying a smaller, more inconspicuous tattoo first to test your pain threshold.

You should also plan what you want the design to be like. Do you want larger images with small details in-between or a more intricate detailed piece throughout?.

How much do tattoos cost?

Factors of Average Tattoo Prices – There is a lot that goes into figuring out the cost of your new tattoo. It isn’t a straight forward answer. Things like materials, size, location, and type of tattoo affect the price. On average you can expect to charge $50-100 for a small tattoo, up to $200 for a medium tattoo and over $250 for a large tattoo.

How painful is a tattoo?

How bad do tattoos hurt? – There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how much pain you’ll feel when getting tattooed. But if you’re wondering what type of pain to expect, Caranfa says the experience is comparable to the feeling of a cat scratch or a sunburn.

  • “Long periods of irritation and tenderness are what make you feel any discomfort,” Caranfa says;
  • “The sensation of a tattoo needle is very dull compared to a syringe [and needle], it isn’t the needle that causes discomfort as much as it is prolonged tenderness of being tattooed;

” Importantly, different people will report varying experiences of pain based on their individual nervous systems and pain thresholds , says Channelle Charest , a California-based tattoo artist and Co-founder of tattoo scheduling platform Tatstat. Other factors that could affect pain during tattooing include:

  • Age: Studies suggest aging decreases your pain sensitivity , meaning elderly people might experience less pain when getting tattooed. Researchers have yet to determine why this happens but note that the size of parts of the brain that process pain decreases with age.
  • Sex: People who are biologically female are more likely to experience greater pain intensity, a lower pain threshold, and a lower tolerance for induced pain compared to people who are biologically male. However, research is still emerging.
  • Psychological expectations : If you go into a tattoo expecting it to be an excruciating experience, this might affect how much pain you actually feel. Studies suggest that people who feel anxious about and “catastrophize” pain before a procedure often experience higher levels of pain intensity and distress than people with “neutral” pain expectations.
You might be interested:  111 Artistic and Striking Flower Tattoos Designs

Fortunately, most of the discomfort you feel while getting tattooed will end when your tattoo artist puts down the tattoo gun. “The sensation is only when the needle is in you,” Caranfa says, adding that while it’s typical to experience some soreness, swelling, and itchiness in the days after getting tattooed, it’s “not debilitating.

Where should I get my first tattoo?

What can you not do if you have a tattoo?

When should I get a tattoo?

Time of your life: in your 20s and 30s (but really whenever you want once it’s legal) – When answering the question, “when is the best time to get a tattoo?”, it’s also worth thinking about your age, If you’re younger than eighteen years old and craving ink, know that most tattooers will turn you away, in large part because it’s illegal to tattoo minors in most US states and also because, as Elisabeth explains, many people grow to dislike the tattoos they get when they’re very young.

Although some tattoo shops and studios will accept clients under 18 years old with permission from a parent or guardian, many won’t budge on age restrictions as a way of ensuring that everyone they tattoo is making an educated, adult decision.

Once you’re of the legal age though, there’s no right or wrong time to get tattooed. But if pain is a consideration, it’s worth noting that tattoos tend to hurt more as you get older because of thinning skin, so your 20s and 30s are the best time for tattoos in terms of the skin’s elasticity.

What’s the most common first tattoo?

When it comes to getting a first tattoo, there are good placement choices and ones that most artists would discourage (or outright) refuse for a client. For example, most tattoo artists give a first timer a design on their hand, neck or face—because these locations are extremely visible and they want people to understand the consequences that these types of tattoos can have on a person’s life.

  1. However, if you’re in the majority and don’t plan on getting a job stopper for your first tattoo, it’s time to discuss some of the best and most common placements for a first tattoo;
  2. Whether you’re selecting the placement for a tattoo because of the design, the pain or the ability to cover it up—we’ve narrowed down our top 9 tattoo locations for first timers;

Take a look at the gallery below to see where we’d recommend you get a first tattoo and let us know where you got your first tattoo in the comments section on Facebook. How To Know What Tattoo To Get Hip The hip is a great place to put a first tattoo because it’s very easily hidden. Under most circumstances, besides the beach, a hip tattoo will not be seen in people. Therefore, it’s a safe way to wade into collecting tattoos. How To Know What Tattoo To Get Forearm The forearm is an excellent place for a first tattoo because it’s a clean canvas for the artist and one of the least painful spots on the body for a client. Whether you go big or go small, that’s up to you but there’s no going wrong with a tasteful forearm tattoo. How To Know What Tattoo To Get Thigh Over the past few years, thigh tattoos have become increasingly popular among first timers. It’s a large, open space that can be easily hidden—and I personally can attest to the thigh being a prime location for a first tattoo. How To Know What Tattoo To Get Wrist While wrist tattoos are among the most visible tattoos a person can get, if done well, there’s really no harm with a classy and well-done tattoo on the wrist. How To Know What Tattoo To Get Ankle Ankle tattoos are perhaps the most popular designs for first times and based on the many tasteful and subtle examples out there—we can tell why many tattoo virgins go for the ankle. How To Know What Tattoo To Get Inner Bicep Inner bicep tattoos are awesome because they still allow for the edge of having an arm tattoo, however, they allow the wearer to slide under the radar as a tattooed person. How To Know What Tattoo To Get Outer Bicep But if you’re committed to being a tattoo collector and want to make a bold statement with your first tattoo—why not give an outer bicep tattoo a shot? This tattoo can still easily be hidden under clothes, but it’s still totally badass. How To Know What Tattoo To Get Shoulder Blade Want a tattoo that even you can’t see? Well, a shoulder blade piece may be for you. Shoulder tattoos are extremely elegant and you’ll surprise everyone with your well hidden ink. How To Know What Tattoo To Get Calf Lastly, calf tattoos are a great choice for first time tattoo clients because they can be effortlessly disguised under pants. If you’re someone who frequently wears pants to work but prefers to show off your legs on the weekend—you’ll love having a tattoo on your calf..

Where should my first tattoo be?

Now I am going to preface this with something that you probably don’t want to hear. All tattoos hurt, no matter what. A tattoo by definition is pain; it is a magical combination of blood, needles, and ink that are all used to create beautiful works of art. The pain is just part of the price you pay to have such a unique and gorgeous addition to your body.

  • Yet not all tattoos are created equal and some areas on the body are better suited for inking than others;
  • For a tattoo virgin, you want to ease into the world of tattooing with an area of the body that is less sensitive to needles on the skin;

When I hear that someone got their first tattoo on their ribs or feet, I automatically cringe. Despite the fact that these areas are some of the most popular places for a first tattoo (you can thank tumblr and Pintrest for that), they are also some of the most painful places to get a tattoo.

The ribs, hands, feet, knees, and elbows are considered to be some of the most painful places on the body to be tattooed because they are extremely boney and don’t offer much cushion for the impact of a tattoo needle.

By contrast, areas that are more “meaty” tend to be less painful and are recommended for people who have never gotten a tattoo before. One exception is the underside of the upper arm—while it’s certainly not boney a ton of nerves run down there so it can also be excruciating.

  • Every tattoo is going to feel painful for a rookie but hopefully this list will help to guide you if you’re nervous about the pain;
  • Note: the pain rating scale is relative and everyone’s body takes pain differently;
You might be interested:  What Happens If You Over Moisturize A Tattoo?

You may find that a tattoo on your thigh hurts way more than one of the same size on your ribs. In the end, after the artist puts down their machine and wipes down your tattoo, the pain of being tattooed is essentially over with. After your tattoo heals you’ll probably forget how painful your tattoo was in the moment and will be itching to get your next piece. Wrist How To Know What Tattoo To Get Compared to many other parts of the body, the wrist is not a bad spot for a first tattoo. The skin is thinner on the wrist which makes it hurt a little bit more than some places, but because the wrist is smaller it will be a relatively quick process. It tends to hurt more the closer you get to your hand, so if you are still nervous try asking your artist if your design can be moved up slightly. Thigh How To Know What Tattoo To Get This is without a doubt one of the easiest places to get a tattoo. Maybe I am a bit biased because it was my first tattoo, but getting a thigh piece is really no big deal. A thigh tattoo is also a great place to get a tattoo because the positioning allows you to lie down comfortably and because it’s not on your torso, you can use your breathing to help deal with the pain. Pain Rating: 3 out of 10 Shoulder How To Know What Tattoo To Get The shoulder isn’t too bad for a first tattoo. While it is technically on your shoulder blade, the muscle provides a bit of cushioning for the needles. The shoulder is ideal for a first tattoo because it allows for someone to get a large scale tattoo without committing to having visible tattoos. Unless you’re wearing a tank top, a shirt with an open back, or are shirtless, you will most likely be able to easily hide this tattoo from view. Forearm How To Know What Tattoo To Get This area was a breeze to have tattooed. The forearm is a soft and fleshy area that takes well to the stress of a tattoo. This area is also great for a first time tattoo because it doesn’t swell up too much and it is easy to avoid sleeping on at night. Pain Rating: 3 out of 10. Calves How To Know What Tattoo To Get This muscular area of the body is superb for taking the impact of a tattoo machine and you’ll be happy that you got your first tattoo on your calves. The calves offer a great canvas for a first time tattoo because they essentially offer the same dimensions as an arm piece but give you more opportunity to be subtle with your body modifications because it’s easily coverable. The calves allow you to lie on your stomach during a tattoo and one might even find themselves drifting off during the process. Bicep How To Know What Tattoo To Get The bicep is a great place for a first tattoo, especially if you want to cover a lot of ground in one sitting. The bicep, like the thigh, is fairly muscular which means that a tattoo machine won’t be running against your bones. The bicep is also an excellent place for a first tattoo because it allows you to get comfortable in a chair and to easily talk with your artist to pass the time.

Should I get a small tattoo first?

A few more tips for choosing the right tattoo design – So, you thought choosing a tattoo design was simple? Well, think again, although choosing a tattoo design isn’t rocket science. But there’s more to it than one would think, especially if you’re new to tattoos. Here are some other things to consider when picking the right design for you:

  • Small, highly-detailed tattoos generally don’t age well. Your tattoos naturally fade as your body ages. Fine lines become thicker. Darker colors fade into less dominant colors. Crisp edges grow softer. Those changes look even more drastic on smaller tattoos that have a lot of detail, as well as on tattoos that are photorealistic.
  • During the design-choosing process imagine your tattoo being extra large. Take a smaller element of a larger design and make that your tattoo.
  • The simpler your tattoo design – especially your first design – the better. That’s especially true for smaller tattoos, but it’s a good rule for tattoos of any size. Don’t add too many things to the design, but keep it to one main subject, one secondary subject, and one background element.
  • Choose a design that includes your favorite colors, favorite images, and a style that you like.
  • Think it through and then think it through some more. Give yourself a few months to think about your tattoo design. If you still haven’t soured on the idea, then there’s no reason you shouldn’t get it.
  • On the other hand, spontaneity is sometimes a good thing (especially if you’re in a rational frame of mind) when deciding suddenly to get a tattoo.

You should never make a rash decision about something that’s as permanent as a tattoo, even if it’s a decision you make spontaneously. But many people who made a spur-of-the-moment decision to get a tattoo end up having regrets about it. Choose a design that you won’t outgrow, such as political statements or pop culture references that will seem incredibly dated a few years from now. In today’s fast-moving world with its rapidly-changing tastes, some things seem outdated in even in a year.

Will my first tattoo hurt?

For those worried about pain, Lavriv says tattoo newbies should start small. ‘I always recommend getting a smaller piece — under an hour — as a first tattoo,’ she says. ‘ Tattoo pain is a very subjective thing and while it can feel like not a big deal to some people, it can be excruciating for others.