How To Pick A Tattoo?

How To Pick A Tattoo
Be Patient – Rawpixel / Getty Images Ultimately, gradually and thoughtfully are the best ways to proceed with your body art. Once you have a plan for your tattoo in a style you like, you can then scope out inspiration for design ideas that will have more significance and meaning later.

“You should also take the time to read up on different styles of tattoo designs,” Forte says. “During the process you’ll find some you like and come up with a solid game plan on what design(s) would be perfect for you.

” Don’t be in a hurry to commit to a design, especially if you want a tattoo with meaning. Remember, this is permanent (unless you undergo painful tattoo removal )..

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.

What are 3 things you should consider before getting a tattoo?

How do I choose my first tattoo design?

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.

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.

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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. 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..

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.

  1. People with eczema can have more sensitive skin, which could lead to allergic reactions to the pigments in tattoo ink;
  2. 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.

What should you not do after a tattoo?

Can you shower after a tattoo?

The bottom line. Showering with a new tattoo isn’t only fine; it’s necessary for the sake of good hygiene. As long as you follow the aftercare instructions your tattoo artist gives you, and you’re careful not to rub or soak your tattoo, showering shouldn’t interfere with the healing process of your new ink.

Where do tattoos hurt the most?

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.

Is it normal to be nervous before getting a tattoo?

Don’t panic. While this might be your first tattoo and you’re understandably nervous, it’s important to remember your tattoo artist has done this countless times. ‘Trust in your tattooer because they’re doing this every day,’ Lori says.

What should you eat before getting a tattoo?

Embrace the protein – If you’re wondering what to eat before you visit the tattoo studio, cook a meal that’s protein-rich with plenty of eggs, fish or red meat. Protein helps with recovery, so it’s a great way to prepare for the procedure ahead. If you want to snack during the tattooing process, consider packing some healthy foods such as nuts or fruit to fight any hunger pangs you might get while sitting in the chair. How To Pick A Tattoo.

What tattoo means keep going?

Tattoos are forever and that’s exactly why most people think about the exact tattoo they want much before actually getting it inked. The reason for it is quite simple: we all want a meaningful tattoo. If you fall into the category of people who’ve been thinking about getting something meaningful inked, we say you go for designs that will serve as a reminder of motivation on a daily basis. How To Pick A Tattoo sophieetc 2. The semicolon tattoo is now a symbol for mental health awareness. In literary terms is represents a pause. The semicolon tattoo represents the fact that you could have chosen to end things but you treated the phase of struggle as a pause and, not the end. How To Pick A Tattoo pinterest 3. An ampersand tattoo means that anything happening in your life won’t last forever. There will always be an ‘and’ that will change how your life looks. How To Pick A Tattoo pinterest 4. A wave represents the highs and lows of your life. If you think life is too low, it will remind you that there will be a high as well. How To Pick A Tattoo pinterest 5. This is a viking symbol called ‘inguz’ which means where there’s a will, there’s a way. It will, hopefully, help you keep your will intact. How To Pick A Tattoo pinterest 6. A lotus, which grows in muddy water, maintains its purity. It still grows out beautiful. It’s a reminder to keep fighting your personal battles and emerging out of them beautifully. How To Pick A Tattoo pinterest 7. A design that represents change, this minimalist triangle will remind you that tough times don’t always last. How To Pick A Tattoo pinterest 8. Words can serve as a good reminder and that’s why this ‘hustle’ tattoo will keep you going. How To Pick A Tattoo pinterest 9. If you’re looking at a more elaborate design, your favourite motivational quote as a tattoo could be a wonderful idea. How To Pick A Tattoo pinterest 10. An anchor will keep you grounded when you think you’re losing all control. How To Pick A Tattoo pinterest 11. A yin and yang tattoo represents the fact that there is always something good in something bad. Hopefully, it will help you find the silver lining in the situations you face in life. How To Pick A Tattoo pinterest.

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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 tattoo represents strength?

Lotus/Floral Tattoo Design – As mentioned earlier, the lotus flower is an ultimate symbol of personal emotional, and physical strength. The lotus design is suitable for both men and women and represents power, strength, endurance, and one’s ability to overcome life’s struggles.

The design is incredibly beautiful, and the tattoo can be either small or big, simple or intricate. Some people tend to chose wonderful color schemes for their lotus tattoo, while others go with a more minimalistic approach.

Either way, you cannot go wrong with a lotus design.

  • Tattoo highlights – just like with any design, the lotus tattoo can be either less or more expensive depending on the size, intricacy of the design, and the choice of color. Smaller designs can cost you up to  $800 , while larger lotus tattoos with intricate design can cost up to  $2,500.
  • Best body placement – forearm, wrist, ankle, foot, middle of the chest, side of the neck, the bottom of the neck, lower back, shoulder area, etc.

Other Design Recommendations .

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.

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. 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 Pick A Tattoo 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 Pick A Tattoo 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 Pick A Tattoo 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 Pick A Tattoo 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 Pick A Tattoo 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 Pick A Tattoo 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 Pick A Tattoo 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 Pick A Tattoo 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 Pick A Tattoo 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..

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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 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 Pick A Tattoo 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 Pick A Tattoo 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 Pick A Tattoo 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 Pick A Tattoo 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 Pick A Tattoo 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 Pick A Tattoo 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.

Where does tattoo hurt most?

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.