How To Come Up With A Meaningful Tattoo?

Gather Reference Images – So you know what you like, but you still can’t seem to figure out what to get for a unique tattoo. A great way to get tattoo ideas is to look at lots of different kinds of images, and start a collection of material that appeals to you.

It doesn’t matter if it isn’t exactly what you want tattooed;
You may only like a section of the picture or want to change the colors;
You can find tattoo inspiration from art, nature, patterns, stories, color schemes, or virtually anything that strikes your fancy;

Load up your flash drive, and bring along your finds to your consultation. With Adal’s help, chances are you’ll leave with new fresh ideas you wouldn’t have expected!.

Contents

1 How do I choose my first tattoo design?
- - 1.0.1 How do you see if a tattoo looks good on you?
  - 1.0.2 What is a good first tattoo?
2 What are the rarest tattoos?
3 What places hurt the most to get a tattoo?
4 What tattoo Symbolises strength?
- 4.1 Are tattoos spiritual?
5 What tattoo Symbolises new beginnings?
- - 5.0.1 What symbolizes overcoming struggle?

What makes a tattoo 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.

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..

Where can I find unique tattoo ideas?

Can tattoos be meaningful?

Body art can be of anything, but meaningful tattoos are the best because they reflect your thoughts and feelings. Every tattoo is important to the wearer, but some designs are more thought-provoking than others. If you are searching for something simple but powerful, consider a small symbol inking.

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 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.

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.

You might be interested: How Old Do You Have To Be To Get A Tattoo In Sc?

What are the rarest tattoos?

What are good things to get tattooed?

How do I design my own tattoo?

Download Article Download Article Designing your own tattoo is a way to permanently decorate your body with an image or symbol that is of special significance to you. A custom design is also a great way to express yourself or stand out from the crowd!

1 Look online for tattoo ideas and themes. Do a quick Google search of tattoos in a similar vein to the tattoo that you might like to get. For example, if you think you want to get a travel-themed or geometric tattoo, search specifically for images of these types of tattoos. Similarly, if you want to design a sleeve tattoo , then look for sleeve designs online.
- Check social media as well. You can find tons of great ideas on Pinterest, Tumblr, and Instagram.
- You can also look through tattoo artists’ portfolios online.
2 Look through tattoo magazines. These are a fantastic way to learn about innovations in the tattoo world as well as to get inspiration for your own tattoo. You can find popular tattoo magazines like INKED , TATTOO , and Skin Deep online or at your local bookstore or newsstand. [1] Advertisement
3 Shuffle through the pages of art books. Spend a couple of hours doing this at a local bookstore or library. Art books, specifically books that focus on tattoo art, are a great way to get exposure to different types of designs as well as to learn about the history of many artistic developments, which can in turn add meaning and depth to your own art. [2]
- Look at books from different art periods that you’re interested in to find inspiration and themes.
- Buy or check-out the book if you can. If not and you get permission, take a picture of the images that grab your attention or make a photocopy of the pages they’re on so that you can refer to the images at home.
4 Brainstorm what is meaningful to you. While you may just want to get a tattoo because you like the design, creating a tattoo that has personal significance to you can be an extremely rewarding experience. Consider tattooing significant dates, like birthdates or wedding dates, your zodiac sign, a portrait of somebody important to you, or a favorite quotation.
- Other ideas include your favorite flower, animal, or character, something significant to your family of the place you live, or something you don’t want to forget.

1 Jot your ideas down in a journal. Now is the time to get creative! Cut up magazines to make a collage that represents the color scheme or mood you would like to recreate with your tattoo. Make an inspiration board that evokes the feeling you want to convey with your design. You might also jot down words in a diary that come to mind when thinking of the design you want.
- This can be super helpful if you want the tattoo artist to design or draw the tattoo for you.
2 Sketch the design. If you can draw, sketching the tattoo is a fantastic way to give your tattoo artist a more accurate picture of just what exactly you want to get inked when you go into the parlor. Get out a piece of paper and draw the tattoo to scale. Don’t be afraid to go through multiple drafts – you are drawing something that will go on your body permanently, so take your time and work on the sketch until it’s just right. [3]
- You can draft a rough sketch and bring it to the tattoo artist. The artist can, in turn, refine your vision and bring the design closer to what you had envisioned, as well as advise you on feasibility and cost.
- If you don’t know how to draw, get a friend or hire a freelancer to draw your vision for you. Or, use a site like Fiverr for help. You can even collaborate with a tattoo artist by explaining to them the design you want and having them advise you on location, coloring, and type of ink. You will have to explain very carefully what you envision and likely go through multiple drafts until the drawing is just right.
3 Opt for timelessness. Trends come and go, but a tattoo is forever. Determine whether the tattoo you have will age well by asking yourself questions such as: What is the likelihood that I’ll have the same interests and beliefs in 10 or 20 years? Am I making this decision based on impulse, or have I given it time and careful thought? It’s best to think about the tattoo for several months before deciding to get it.
- Examples of timeless tattoos include tattoos of animals, flowers, skulls, maps, or nautical symbols. [4]
- Another way to test timelessness is to tape up the design you have created to a wall and look at it every day for a few months. While that may seem like a long time, if you get tired of looking at the design you will be able to reconsider whether this is really something you want inked on your body permanently.
4 Order a temporary custom tattoo. If you would like to try out your idea before committing to the design, you can order a temporary custom tattoo online on a site like Etsy or Momentary Ink. Submit your design online and the seller will make you a temporary tattoo. [5]
- You can also ask your tattoo artist if they can do a transfer of the design on your skin first. Ask for this during your initial design consultation.

1 Narrow down potential artists. Visit the websites of local tattoo parlors and look at the portfolio of work of various artists in your area. Every tattoo artist will have their own individual style, and you want to make sure that your needs align with the expertise of the artist. [6]
- Ensure the artists are licensed. Licensing and certifications vary by state, and you should only choose a tattoo artist who has a practitioner permit. Ask to see the license when you visit the tattoo parlor. [7]
- Whittle down the artists by area of expertise. For example, if you know you want to get a portrait tattooed, include in your list only artists who have experience in portraiture.
2 Schedule a design consultation. Most tattoo parlors offer free consultations by appointment, so use this as an opportunity to get to the know the artist and gauge whether you feel comfortable getting tattooed by them. Trust in the artist is of utmost importance when getting a tattoo since you want the artist to focus their full attention on you and not get easily distracted. [8]
- Some artists may require a deposit for the consultation. The money goes toward the time it takes the artist to create the design as well as the time they spend tattooing you.
- Ask the tattoo artist any questions you may have, from pain factor to how many sessions your tattoo will require. You want to choose an artist who is willing to patiently answer all of your questions.
- After the visit, reflect on how comfortable you felt at the parlor as well as on the artist’s attitude. Think about whether the artist was enthusiastic and agreed with your vision for the tattoo, and also consider the cleanliness of the parlor.
3 Explain your vision. It’s important to go into a design consultation with a clear idea of the tattoo you would like to get or at least with a concept that you would like to bring to life. Otherwise, it can be easy to be persuaded by what an artist might want to design and end up with a tattoo that wasn’t really what you intended to get.
- Find somebody who understands your vision and is willing to bring it to life. The last thing you want is to be butting heads with an artist who doesn’t share the same vision as you.
- Ideally, you and the artist should collaborate to come up with a design that you love and they will enjoy creating. If you can’t come to an agreement, find a different artist. You don’t want the artist to be unenthusiastic or hesitant about completing your tattoo.

1 Decide where on the body you want the tattoo. When choosing where to get inked, you will want to consider visibility, sensitivity, and discretion. This will set limitations, such as size, on your tattoo design. Think hard about whether you want the tattoo to be visible to everyone, in which case you can consider tattooing your arms or legs, or whether you want it to be more private, in which case you would want to consider tattooing your lower back, shoulders, or stomach.
2 Consider the pain factor. A larger or more intricate tattoo made with different sizes of needles will also likely hurt more, especially given that thicker needles tend to hurt more than thinner ones since they pierce more skin. Also keep in mind that different spots on the body have varying sensitivities.
1. Seeing images of tattoos other people have can serve as inspiration, even if you decide to go a different route with your own design;
2. During the consultation, show the artist your inspiration board, sketches, and your word diary;
Bonier parts of the body and parts with little fat tend to be more painful. The wrists, for example, are highly sensitive, so it could hurt more to get inked there. [9]
- Pain is subjective. Some claim that the initial outline of the tattoo is more painful, especially if this is your first experience getting inked, and others claim that the shading is more uncomfortable since the artist is going over the same areas over and over, packing color or ink. [10]
- Pain is part of the process, so prepare yourself. Remember that it’s worth it– you’ll end up with a one-of-a-kind tattoo!
3 Decide what type of coloring you want. Tattoo color can affect the design you create – color tattoos, for example, may be better suited for smaller designs so that you have fewer touch-ups to do. Black and gray tattoos age better than color tattoos over time, are typically less expensive, and take less time to complete.
- Ask your tattoo artist for their recommendation on the type of coloring you should get.
- You might also want to consider getting a tattoo made out of white ink, depending on the type of design that you want to create and on the visibility you want the tattoo to have. White ink tattoos will often be less visible than monochrome or color ones.

Add New Question

Question How do you design a tattoo that you can’t draw? Burak Moreno is a Professional Tattoo Artist with over 10 years of experience. Burak is based in New York City and is a tattoo artist for Fleur Noire Tattoo Parlour in Brooklyn. Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, he has worked as a tattoo artist throughout Europe. He works on many different styles but mostly does bold lines and strong color.

If you want to avoid shading, however, you should pick a simple, minimalistic tattoo design. Color tattoos allow for more creativity, are great for covering existing tattoos, and contrast strongly with light to medium skin tones.

You can find more of his tattoo designs on Instagram @burakmoreno. Tattoo Artist Expert Answer Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. The best way to be involved in designing your own tattoo is to collect reference images and give them to an artist who works in a similar style. That way, they can design the tattoo based on their experience placing and sizing tattoos on the body.

Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement.

What tattoo signifies 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 does Lotus tattoo mean?

Lotus flowers symbolize a number of different things, making them unique and highly personal tattoos. In general, the flower is believed to represent rising above temptation and becoming a better person. In Hindu belief, lotus flowers are referred to as Padma and symbolize beauty, purity, and spiritual awakening. Meet the Expert

Brittany Randell is a professional tattoo artist based in Toronto.
Rachael Ainsworth is a professional tattoo artist based in Berlin.

If you want a beautiful tattoo that symbolizes something important to you—whether love or enlightenment—a lotus flower is sure to be a perfect choice. So we went for the best inspirations with expert advice from tattoo artists Brittany Randell and Rachael Ainsworth. Keep scrolling for 28 stunning lotus flower designs to inspire your next tattoo. 01 of 28.

Why is tattoo a sin?

Sunni Islam [ edit ] – The majority of Sunni Muslims believe tattooing is a sin, because it involves changing the natural creation of God, inflicting unnecessary pain in the process. Tattoos are classified as dirty things, which is prohibited in Islam.

They believe that a dirty body will directly lead to a dirty mind and will destroy their wudhu, ritual ablution;
[24] Some Shafi’i scholars such as Amjad Rasheed argue that tattooing causes impurity and that tattoos were prohibited by the Prophet Muhammad;

They also claim that those who are decorated with tattoos are contaminated with najas , [25] due to potential mixture of blood and coloured pigment that remains upon the surface of the skin. [26] Blood is viewed as an impure substance, so a person with a tattoo cannot engage in several religious practices.

[27] However, in the present day, it is possible to get a tattoo without mixing dye with blood after it exits onto the outer surface of the body, leaving a possibility for a Muslim to wear a tattoo and perform a valid prayer.

Scholar Yusuf al-Qaradawi states that tattoos are sinful because they are an expression of vanity and they alter the physical creation of God. [28] According to the online South African Deobandi fatwa service called Ask-the-Imam , Muslims should remove any tattoos they have if possible or cover them in some way.

What should you not do before getting a tattoo?

What should you not do after a tattoo?

What places hurt the most to get a tattoo?

What tattoo Symbolises strength?

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 .

Are tattoos spiritual?

CONSCIOUS INK: SOMETHING IS SHIFTING IN OUR CULTURE – And a new tattoo enthusiast has been born. One who recognizes their ink as living body art that resonates with their body’s frequency. Undeniably there is something deep, profound, and boundless about tattoos and being tattooed.

Getting a tattoo not only opens portals on your skin but also exposes the mysterious realms of consciousness;
In our society, which craves authenticity, individuality and self-expression, tattoos have made their way from subculture to pop culture;

Tattoos have their roots in the indigenous and pagan religions, and their spiritual and magical qualities are the underbelly of today’s ink explosion. There is currently an overwhelming interest in tattoos. Many tattoo enthusiasts who ink up most likely don’t realize that they are imprinting a permanent talisman and conscious affirmation onto and into their body.

Deciding to get a tattoo opens the door for you to explore the deeper meaning of symbols, the cryptic language of your spirit. Tattoos are a meaningful form of self-expression and even more so when they are consciously inked.

They not only transform your skin but also your consciousness. Your ink may even represent something from another lifetime that has come through for review. The Maori, along with other Polynesian groups, believe that a person’s spiritual efficacy, or life force, is displayed through their tattoo.

Tattoos are more than just body art. They are a self-proclamation of one’s consciousness, identity, and being. They are the outward manifestation of where the psyche meets the soul. The art has a spiritual or supernatural quality that surpasses normal comprehension.

Looking at tattoos through the lens of consciousness gives you a new perspective, which reveals their undeniable roots in Shamanism, pure magic, mysticism, and the ability for self-transformation. We embody the mystical energy of our tattoo symbols. They are spiritual birthmarks, soul prints of our consciousness.

They hold space for an inner archetype to come forward and are also a modality for inviting new energy into your being. Their mystical value goes deeper than your skin. Consciously tattooing can be a vehicle for self-empowerment.

When you decide to get a tattoo, you are also taking part in a potent blood ritual that opens your inner pathways to self-awareness. Getting a tattoo takes you well beyond just capturing an image on your body; it also stirs up the emotional cellular memory that lies beneath your skin.

You are crossing a threshold and making a commitment to an inked-on symbol that you not only outwardly wear but also embody. Tattoos take on the vibration and intention that is imbued into them, including the transference of energy between the tattooist and the client.

Your ink goes beyond the watermark of vanity, for there is also an edgy side that still serves as a modern-day ritual of drawing blood, piercing the skin, and revealing the cryptic messages of our spirit. Where you choose to place your tattoo is significant in the language of energy.

Certain places on the body take in and expel lots of energy. Your body has many chakras, or energy centers, along with 12 main meridians and over 350 acupuncture points located along the meridians. Your skin is the largest and most sensitive organ, and tattoos affect the energy that passes through it.

The tattoo design and body placement should be carefully considered because it interfaces with the subtle body (aura) energy field. Getting a tattoo initiates a change that ripples throughout every layer of your being, from spiritual to physical and vice versa.

The symbol you choose to tattoo, in a sense, becomes a portal. It can be a wound which opens the tomb of emotional energy stored in your deep cellular memory or it can also act as a womb that births the crossing of a new threshold.

Tattoos reflect the never-ending cyclical motif of death and rebirth. Think about the images you choose to have inked onto your skin. Are you waking up an inner archetype that wants to come through or possibly integrating your shadow to release unexpressed emotions? Your ink can also be considered tattoo medicine.

Tattoo medicine is a tattoo that represents a return to wholeness, a shift into a new wave of consciousness that encourages authenticity, diversity, and presence. Tattooist Daemon Rowanchilde, a transpersonal tattoo artist, and owner of Urban Primitive Tattoo Wilderness Retreat in Monteagle Valley, Hastings Highlands, ON, shared the story of one of his clients, a police officer struggling with PTSD: In Daemon’s words, “The client really wanted the lyrics of the song Shipwreck tattooed on the right side of his torso and front ribs.

The song was the symbol of his struggle to not be drowned by the immensity of his trauma. I added water features to carry the weight of the words and make them buoyant and surfacing. At the time, he came to me for a tattoo, he was processing a lot of anger over his divorce and issues at work, therefore his placement over the liver, which processes anger and also serves as our spiritual compass, was impeccable. ” (you can read a more detailed version of this tattoo experience in Chapter 6 of Conscious Ink: The Hidden Meaning of Tattoos ) (Tattoo by Daemon Rowanchilde, Urban Primitive) When you consciously tattoo, you are establishing that the intention, emotion, and image exist on all levels of consciousness without judgement. The tattoo symbolically marks the place on your body where you are able to hold space and be honest about who you are. Tattoo images penetrate deep within the depths of our psyche. They symbolically link into the incredibly wise, yet playful aspect of our being.

The Shamanic ancestral roots of tattooing remind us to connect with the profound, self-activating, healing abilities (on all levels) of our consciousness. Deciding to get a tattoo also opens the door for you to explore the deeper meaning of symbols, the cryptic language of your spirit.

My most recent tattoo nudged the archetype of my inner alchemist forward. I found myself relating to the planetary alchemy symbols that represent the threads of wisdom in my spirit. My experiences from working in the field of astrology and the esoteric arts served as an inspiration for the symbols I chose or should I say chose me.

They are now respectfully inked on my upper left arm. In the language of the body, the upper arm is where we hold our strength. The left side of the body, our intuitive side, asks me to be in touch with what I intuitively know to be my truth.

The alchemy symbols for the Sun (gold), Jupiter (tin), the Moon (silver), Venus (copper), and Neptune, my ruling planet (platinum) now form an empowering matrix on my body. (you can read more about body wisdom and tattoos in Chapter 2 of Conscious Ink: The Hidden Meaning of Tattoos ) (Tattoo by Nick Santiago, Black Sparrow Tattoo) The sacred, spiritual, and mystical elements of your tattoos hold the power of wholeness. They are the scars of healing, self-revelation, memories, and the stories of your soul. You can further explore the connection between tattoos and consciousness in my new book, Conscious Ink: The Hidden Meaning of Tattoos. Available on amazon and where all fine books are sold.

What tattoo Symbolises new beginnings?

Lotus Tattoo This tattoo has a lotus, which is a symbol of rebirth, and a Buddhist symbol for new beginnings.

What symbolizes overcoming struggle?

The lotus symbolizes growing and overcoming obstacles, hardship, and whatever life throws at you.

Julia