How To Create Tattoo Design?
A custom tattoo is a piece of body art that is really a part of you and carries your special meaning. Designing your own tattoo is not as hard as it sounds and it’s much more rewarding compared to going to the parlor to buy tattoo designs. Here is a unique step-by-step process to design your own tattoo:
- Go somewhere quiet and make yourself comfortable. Bring some papers, a pencil, plenty of colored pencils and an eraser.
- Think about the following questions and write the answers down on a piece of paper:
- What are the main themes in your life?
- What parts of yourself make you happy ?
- What parts of life or of yourself are you struggling with?
- What are your most vivid memories ?
- What are your goals in life ?
- Are you spiritual or religious? What do you think is the force that drives our universe?
- Put your answers aside and relax for a while. Close your eyes and clear your mind, try not to think about anything (this is very hard, but trying is good enough for our purpose). Scan your body and relax every part of it, remove every tension. Do this for a couple of minutes.
- Now picture yourself in your mind and start zooming in to a particular body part. Do not think about what body part, just follow your intuition. There’s a tattoo on that particular body part. Look at it and make the image you have in your mind bigger and bigger. What kind of tattoo are you looking at? Is it a big or a small design? What colors are in it? Zoom in and look at every detail of your tattoo design.
- Open your eyes and take your pencils and a piece of paper. Start sketching the tattoo design you just saw, it doesn’t matter if you’re good at drawing or not. After sketching color your design.
- Write down and describe those features of your tattoo design you can’t draw. Also write down what kind of feeling the tattoo gives you. Think about the design and write down the first words that enter your mind (don’t think about it, just do).
- Now you should have a better understanding of what kind of tattoo you are looking for. Take your sketches to your tattoo artist and explain him what kind of feel and meaning you want your tattoo design to convey. A good tattoo artist will refine your ideas and together you will create a totally original tattoo design that is full of symbolism!
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Is there an app to design your own tattoo?
MediBang Paint – If you’re looking for a free app to draw and design your tattoos, then MediBang Paint is the one for you. Initially created as a comic creation app, MediBang is a great graphic app that you can use to design a tattoo for yourself or your clients. It offers multiplatform support and is available for Android, iOS devices (iPhone and iPad), Windows, and macOS.
Did I mention that it’s free? You can use the app to draw and paint gorgeous tattoos. Start a design on your PC, then take it over to your iPad or Android tablet with ease. You can use it to import photos to help create or design a photo tattoo.
MediBang also has a network of users that you can share your work with when you create an account. That’s a great way to get your work out there, besides the traditional social media route. While the app does have ads, they don’t disrupt the creative process.
What app do tattoo artists use to create designs?
Pencil & Paper – You might think we’re being ironic here but there are still countless artists who pay homage to the regular pencil and paper on a daily basis and don’t see the need to use anything else. It’s worked for years so why change? 
There’s no doubt that tech has really transformed how the majority of tattooists draw in the last few years but even for those that don’t use them as their regular drawing kit, a painting might still start out on paper. You don’t always need tattoo design software. So, have you bought Procreate yet? If you want to have the same freedom while tattooing that you have with a pen, have a look at our Advice Hub article on the best wireless tattoo options ..
Can I draw my own tattoo design?
Can I Draw My Own Tattoo? – The easy answer is yes. If you are artistic, there is no reason why you can’t draw your own tattoo. However, it is good to talk to a tattoo artist to understand what they need from you. This will help you make the drawing suitable and easy for them to work from.
It’s no good going to a tattooist with a rough sketch on a scrap of paper hoping they immediately grasp what you want. You should draw the design as close to the actual size you want as possible. That way you can see what it will really look like.
It might also be a good idea to draw a larger version for reference. The mandala ideas in the link might inspire you. If you find it easier, draw it to a larger scale and reduce it in size on a computer. Below is a series of sketches of a Lion Mandala tattoo I designed. 
three stages of a lion mandala tattoo drawing.
Can you design a tattoo online?
Getting a new tattoo is always exciting, but it can be just as stressful. Especially if you don’t quite know what to get yet. If you’re someone who enjoys planning and browsing through many options before going to the tattoo artist, an online tattoo design service can be very helpful. 
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How do tattoo artists make their designs?
Credit: Sarah Harvey Whether it’s a picture from the wall of the studio or a custom design brought in by a client, successful tattoo artists transfer designs from drawing to skin. But so many often wonder how exactly they do it. Truth is, tracing is a time-honored artistic technique. Heck, the Renaissance masters would trace and transfer designs to a canvas before painting those priceless portraits and frescos in museums throughout the world.
The best tattoo artists utilize this same process as a guide to accurately create intricate artwork on the skin. Dip pens and tracing paper are valuable tools used to create what is called a “tattoo stencil,” and helps ensure a client will get exactly what they want from their ink.
After a traced design is applied, the artist can use their skills to follow the lines and fill in the blanks for the perfect tattoo. Here is how this whole thing works.
How do I turn a picture into a tattoo stencil?
What app do artists use to draw?
Adobe Photoshop Sketch – Available on iOS, Windows Adobe Photoshop Sketch, along with other Adobe drawing softwares, have been the professional’s favourite for a long time. The interface is intuitive, meaning it is easy to use, and there are many resources and a lot of support provided by Adobe.
- The huge variety in brushes, tools and effects is versatile and you can create anything that you want;
- Pressure that you apply to your stylus will translate to the page which helps to make this software great for fine artists who want to add digital elements to their art;
Adobe ID is required to use this software but this means that it’s compatible with content created across the Adobe applications. Digital art is much more enjoyable and can be made much easier with the correct stylus, such as the Da Vinci Virto Tablet Brush.
What do tattoo artists use to draw on skin?
How to DESIGN a TATTOO from start to finish using PROCREATE!
Ownest Surgical Skin Marker Tattoo Pens – Skin markers play big roles in the medical and tattoo industries. Accurate drawings and outlines that stay visible serve as a framework for a successful surgery for doctors and work of art for tattoo artists. However, not all skin markers are medical grade and hygienic. Medical grade markers have become the norm for professionals both in the medical field and tattoo artists.
- Of course, safety and satisfaction are of prime consideration in these areas of expertise;
- Several physicians and tattoo artists trust Ownest Surgical Skin Marker Tattoo Pen because of its medical-grade plastic handle, and non-toxic gentian ink which is medical grade as well;
But of course, sterility and non-toxicity are useless without versatility and durable performance. I agree with doctors and tattoo artists that these pens can accurately draw fine lines with their dual-tip of 0. 5mm and 1. 0mm. Such fine tips can accurately draw outlines and markings for eyebrows during permanent makeup.
It is waterproof and does not easily fade. Included in the package are two pens that can easily be wiped off. The rest are also washable but more durable than the two (0. 5mm and 1. 0mm single tip pens). So it is best to always read the labels before using them.
Included in the pack of 6 pens are two double heads and all pens come with a paper ruler for easy use and reference. Having a set of six pens that can be used for varying purposes adds versatility to this product. You have two pens which can be washed off easily. Pros
- Ideal for marking eyebrows
- Water-resistant
- Available in different nib sizes for various line widths
- Medical grade plastic handle and ink
- Individually packed and sterile
Cons
- Ink cannot be easily removed by one washing (two of the 6 pens are easily washable)
The rest of the markers are semi-permanent to resist standard medical prep to remain visible after each cleaning procedure. Being medical-grade ensures that these skin markers can be used safely on skin both as surgical markers or temporary tattoos.
Is it rude to show a tattoo artist another tattoo?
Let the artist take lead on the design Most tattoo artists are in fact artists. They want to tattoo you with their own art. This isn’t just a creative preference. Tattooers generally have perfected a certain style (or styles). Their best designs and their best execution will be in this style(s). They want to be confident and and proud of your tattoo.
- Don’t send them a picture of another artist’s work and say “I want this tattoo”.
- Don’t be surprised if the artist does not want to tattoo in a style that is not their own.
- Do share reference images for the subject matter you like.
- Do share reference images from the artist’s own portfolio and say “I like the style you used here. “
Be as specific as you need to be. Not more or less. Artists love it when you give them creative freedom but don’t do it unless you really do want them to make all creative decisions. If you have something specific in mind, tell them.
- Don’t tell the artist “you have complete freedom” and then come to the shop and make a lot of corrections.
- Do tell the artist any specifics you have in mind before they work on the design!
New tattoos are always a better option than “adding on” to, or modifying an existing tattoos. Most artists would rather not work with another artist’s tattoo. It adds constraints to their design potential and it forces them to either: (a) Vandalize an existing, nice tattoo or (b) Have their work seen alongside an existing ugly tattoo. Either way, this won’t be a portfolio piece and won’t get the best work from the artist.
That’s not possible if you give excessive direction or if you force the artist outside of their core styles. Also, remember that good artists won’t copy another artist’s design so don’t ask. Consider: do you really need your existing tattoo to keep growing and becoming more and more of a Frankenstein’s Monster? Or can you offer new real estate to each artist? Cover-ups are a different story.
If you need a cover-up, you need a coverup. Not all artists are technically capable of good cover-ups and not all artists like to do them because of the additional constraint but it’s always worth asking.
- Don’t think of your tattoo as a house you are continually remodelling.
- Do think of tattoos more like paintings you are commissioning. Give the artist a clean canvas.
- Do consider going back to the same artist for modifying or touching up an existing tattoo.
Don’t design by committee There’s nothing worse than customers who bring an opinionated friend or loved one to “help” them with design decisions. You hired the artist to help you with design. Adding a third party can complicate the already-delicate balance of artist/client in the design process. The more opinions you solicit, the harder and more confusing the process will be. Only you know what you want and the artist can help you.
- Don’t bring a friend or spouse to speak for you.
- Don’t text photos of the design to friends asking for their opinion.
- Do tell your opinionated friends to quiet down if they become too involved in your tattoo design process.
Limit your party to yourself + 1 max Speaking of bringing others with you… consider visiting the shop alone for your appointment. Most shops are limited in their space and cannot accommodate your friends. Not only that, your friends might think it sounds fun to be at the shop while you get tattooed, but it’s not. Your friends will be bored.
- Don’t bring extra people with you to be tattooed without asking the shop first. Most shops don’t want your friends sleeping in the waiting area while you get tattooed.
- Do limit your party to just you or one other if you must and encourage your friends to go do something while you get tattooed so they don’t sleep in the waiting area.
Let the artist concentrate while you get tattooed Even the most experienced artists need to limit stressors during their tattooing. Tattooing requires intense concentration. Some artists love to gab while tattooing but others prefer to be quiet. Let the artist take the lead or ask them what they prefer.
- Do bring a book to read or movie to watch provided you can do it without moving.
- Do let your artist take the lead on whether or not to talk.
- Don’t stare at the tattoo while your artist is working. This is stressful.
- Don’t talk too much unless your artit is the chatty one.
Sit still! For obvious reasons, you never want to move while there is a tattoo needle inking your skin. If you might have trouble with pain, consider a numbing cream in advance of getting tattooed (ask your artist first). If you’re jumpy, you’re wasting tattooing time and risking mistakes. Generally though, you’re stressing out the artist which can mean not getting their best work.
- Don’t move unexpectedly.
- Don’t talk if you’re getting your ribs tattooed.
- Do let the artist know if you need to move or stretch.
- Do let the artist know If you think the furniture can be adjusted to be more comfortable.
- Do consider topical numbing cream in advance of your tattoo if you’re worried about tolerating the pain (ask the artist first though)
Tipping It is customary to tip tattoo artists just like (in the US) it is customary to tip restaurant wait staff. Because it’s customary, not tipping is seen as a sign of being dissatisfied with your tattoo.
- Do expect to tip when budgeting for your tattoo.
- Do tip the artist directly and in cash.
- Do tip big (e. 20%+) if you love your tattoo.
- Do talk to your artist whenever you feel something isn’t being handled well (consultation, design, etc). A small tip (or no tip) shouldn’t be the only sign that you are dissatisfied.
Aftercare There are many different aftercare procedures out there. Always follow the artist’s own aftercare instructions because you and the artist are both responsible for the quality of your tattoo.
- Do make sure to get precise instructions for aftercare from your artist.
- Do feel OK to ask questions during the healing process if something seems wrong.
- Do a little research about healing tattoos to know what’s normal. Scabbing is normal. Ink on the bandage is normal. Looking faded in the first couple of weeks is normal.
Touch-ups Most tattoos will not need touching up — at least for many years. However, sometimes ink does fall out or fade. This can happen for many reasons. The artist’s tattoo technique matters but it’s just half the story. Healing/fading is also affected by aftercare, your biology, the placement on the body (bendy parts like wrists, elbows, fingers, etc will fade more and faster).
- Do wait 30 days before even considering a touch-up. Tattoos can look less-than-perfect while healing and need 30 days to be completely healed.
- Do take good care of your tattoo following artist instructions and avoiding any strong sun exposure, rubbing, or soaking of the tattoo area while it’s healing.
- Don’t expect the tattoo ink to look as vibrant as it did the day of your tattoo. Tattoo ink sits under the top layer of skin so, once healed, you’ll be looking at the ink through the top layer of skin.
- Don’t be confrontational with the artist about your touch-up. Your artist cares as much as you do about the tattoo looking great so there’s no reason to take an aggressive posture if you have concerns about your tattoo.
Will tattoo artists copy a drawing?
Can Tattoo Artists Copy a Drawing? – While tattoo artists can technically copy a drawing and use it for a tattoo, it’s not considered best practice legally, professionally, or creatively. Most artists will prefer to make something their own, perhaps taking inspiration from a drawing or pre-existing piece of art, but adding additional creative twists and original elements. Tattoo on the right is a copy of painting by Andres on the left. Sourced from IG: tattoocopycats.
