Ah, the tattoo. The tattoo, once a symbol of rebellion, deviance, and defiance is now highly valued as a way to express yourself and remember. Nearly 50% of the population have at least one tattoo. In the past two weeks, I have given several people their very first tattoos. From 18-year-olds to those over 60 years old.
There are a lot of people who want to show off their artwork and history. Tattoo regret is very real, even though the desire to get one is increasing. It is important to choose the correct place for your tattoo. There are many things to think about.
What Is the Space You Have?
On smaller parts of the body, you should usually place smaller tattoos. Think wrists, ankles, behind the ears, etc. A smaller tattoo is easier to apply than a bigger one. The right placement of a tattoo will help you in the future when you plan a bigger one.
Fit it to Your Body
The shape is important. Is it flowing along your body? You can get script lines along your forearms but not on your shoulders. Round shapes, ovals, etc. They look great on the shoulders, chest, and back. If your piece is going to wrap around, consider this. Visualize how the piece will look on various parts of your body.
Is It for You?
People will ask questions about your ink if they can see it. Consider whether you want everyone to be able to see your ink. You’ll want the world to see a memorial piece. Get ideas by standing in front of the mirror. Think about how it could affect your career. Even in 2024, your boss may still be apprehensive about tattoos.
How Much Will It Hurt?
The pain of a tattoo is an unavoidable evil. It is inevitable. Some places hurt more than others. While it might seem like an excellent idea to get a tattoo to commemorate a trip to the seaside, you may find that you are uncomfortable in the process. Remember that the softer parts of your body will hurt more than the harder ones.
Does It Age Well?
The increasing number of tattoo requests I receive are either impossible to achieve or will look terrible in a few months. The less detail a tattoo can have, and still look great, the smaller it is. The more closely the lines are placed, the more they blend over time.
You should not let that stop you from choosing a neotraditional, realistic, or new school design. Consider how long the design will last. You can work with an artist who can create a design that will last.
This post was written by J Michael Taylor. J Michael Taylor is an artist and owner of Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery. Black Amethyst is the best among the tattoo shops in Clearwater Florida. They provide an art-first approach to custom tattooing in a gallery setting.
