I Want A Tattoo But Dont Know What To Get?
Deciding what tattoo to get is a life-changing decision – after all, without expensive and painful removal surgery, they’re going to last forever. And while getting an important name or date etched on your skin will likely remain poignant for years to come, if you’re going to get creative there are a number of factors to consider.
- For those that already have something in mind – perhaps stolen from Pinterest – it is typically a good idea to have an artist give a second opinion, and then put a unique twist on the design;
- After all, like the once-unique infinity sign or Harry Potter symbol, tattoos are bound to become repetitive;
For those who want a tattoo but have no idea what to get, we spoke to tattoo artists for some advice. Dina Dicenso, the owner of Gristle Tattoo in Brooklyn, New York, told The Independent that you should start by finding an artist whose work you like. “For people who don’t know what design to get, they should start by finding an artist whose style they love and ask to see their books of work for ideas,” she told us.
- “Artists usually have sketchbooks with lots of designs they’ve drawn up that they would love to tattoo on prospective clients;
- ” Thousands descend on the International London Tattoo Convention However, Dicenso does admit it is ideal to at least have a rough concept of what you want tattooed on your body;
“Ideally, it’s best to have at least a general idea of a theme or elements to include in the piece and then work with the artist to customise it into a piece the individual will be happy with in the long-term,” she said. Luki from Good Times Tattoo in London also advises doing some research beforehand before committing to a tattoo.
- “We could suggest thousands and thousands of designs, but ultimately, it needs to be something they will be happy with forever, so it’s not something to be rushed into,” she told us;
- Once you have decided on the type of tattoo you want, choosing an artist is the next step – which requires careful consideration;
While most artists are adept at tattooing the basics – flowers, birds, important names – some artists are more skilled than others, especially when it comes to certain techniques such as portraits or geometric work. Instagram is an excellent outlet to find a specialist artist whose work you like, and most tattoo artists suggest you look at their past work before deciding.
If you are aiming for a tattoo that isn’t easily seen, the ribs, behind the ear or neck, and ankle are all well-hidden spots. The rise in fine-line tattooing also means tattoos can be especially dainty – with the artists from West 4 Tattoo telling us that fine-line tattoos are “something the everyday person can take on.
” If you prefer for your tattoo to be seen, your fingers, arms, legs, chest or back are all places to consider – as they offer a large canvas for bigger tattoos or more tattoos, such as a sleeve. For those who aren’t sure, a small tattoo is a good place to start – as you can always get more or add to it in the future – for example to build up a sleeve tattoo.
If you want a tattoo but are worried about the pain, the good news is some locations are less painful than others. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events For those with a low-pain tolerance, artists from New Wave Tattoo suggest avoiding the ribs, elbow and top of the foot – as well as the inner arm area, such as the inner elbow.
And the sternum and kneecaps are also likely out – as artist Kerri said they are easily the most painful locations. If your biggest concern is uniqueness, do your research beforehand to avoid any of the common tattoo trends – which means opting out of a lower-back tattoo.
Additionally, think twice before committing to Harry Potter movie references, tourist landmarks, roses or finger tattoos – as they are all unfortunately overdone. For those equally concerned about the type of ink being placed permanently into their bodies as they are about the design, vegan ink is worth looking into.
Although widely available, it is important to double-check with your artist beforehand that the ink they use is vegan. According to Peta , non-vegan tattoo inks get their colour from ingredients such as bone char to insect parts. If a vegan tattoo experience is essential to you, make sure to also confirm that the supplies such as the ointment, stencil paper, soap and razors used by the tattoo shop are vegan as well.
Fading is also something to consider before deciding on a tattoo location, so it is worthwhile to ask your artist for advice if you don’t want to get your tattoo retouched. Finger tattoos and mouth tattoos are the most prone to fading, but over time most tattoos will fade at least a little, especially if they are subjected to sweat, sun, or friction.
If you are worried about a tattoo fading in the future, use sunscreen and try to keep your skin moisturised. This article was originally published in January 2019..
Contents
How do you get a tattoo if 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. 
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. 
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.
How do you decide what tattoo you want to get?
How do you know for sure if you want a tattoo?
Where should a beginner get a 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.
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 tattoo spots hurt most?
What does getting a tattoo feel like?
– It’s no surprise that getting a tattoo often hurts. Getting one involves receiving many microwounds over a concentrated area of your body. But there are different sensations of pain. Just think of the difference in sensation between a bruise and a cut. Tattoo pain will usually be most severe during the first few minutes, after which your body should begin to adjust.
If your tattoo is particularly large or detailed, the pain can become intense again toward the end, when pain- and stress-dulling hormones called endorphins may begin to fade. Some people describe the pain as a pricking sensation.
Others say it feels like bee stings or being scratched. A thin needle is piercing your skin, so you can expect at least a little pricking sensation. As the needle moves closer to the bone, it may feel like a painful vibration.
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.
Who shouldn’t get a tattoo?
Why you should not get tattoos?
Know the risks – Tattoos breach the skin, which means that skin infections and other complications are possible, including:
- Allergic reactions. Tattoo dyes — especially red, green, yellow and blue dyes — can cause allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This can occur even years after you get the tattoo.
- Skin infections. A skin infection is possible after tattooing.
- Other skin problems. Sometimes an area of inflammation called a granuloma can form around tattoo ink. Tattooing also can lead to keloids — raised areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue.
- Bloodborne diseases. If the equipment used to create your tattoo is contaminated with infected blood, you can contract various bloodborne diseases — including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
- MRI complications. Rarely, tattoos or permanent makeup might cause swelling or burning in the affected areas during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams. In some cases, tattoo pigments can interfere with the quality of the image.
Medication or other treatment might be needed if you experience an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink or you develop an infection or other skin problem near a tattoo.
Where do tattoos hurt the least?
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.
Should you 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.
How do I prepare for tattoo pain?
How long do small tattoos take?
Expect about half an hour to an hour for a simple, small tattoo. Keep in mind, however, a small tattoo with lots of color, line work, details, or a tricky placement could take several hours. Small tattoos are great for people who don’t want to go through a lengthy tattoo process, but still want some cool ink.
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.
So You Want a Tattoo But Dont Know What You Want… This Video Is For You! | Tattoo Talk Show
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..
Does Billie Eilish have tattoos?
‘ I have three tattoos, now,’ Eilish admitted. ‘I have one here that says ‘Eilish. ‘ Yes, I love myself,’ she said pointing to her chest.
Where can I find tattoo ideas?
What can you not do if you have a tattoo?
