To choose the right tattoo design, you need to consider your personality, interests and appearance. Pay attention to your lifestyle before choosing a tattoo size, location and color. Set a budget and seek information about local tattoo artists whose work you enjoy. Tattoos can be a beautiful way to remember important moments in your life, or to express your identity and interests.
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Method 1 of 5: Looking for Design Ideas
Step 1. Look for tattoo pictures on the internet
You can browse pictures or tattoo designs in galleries or online photo collections. Images are usually grouped by category and can save searching time if you already have a basic idea. Save your favorite photos in a folder on your computer or Pinterest.
Step 2. Take a look at the collection of photos in the tattoo studio
Most tattoo studios have portfolios displaying the work of their tattoo artist in the waiting room. Visit one of the photo studios and check out this portfolio to see what each tattoo artist has to offer. Many photo studios also publish their tattoo artist portfolios on their websites.
Step 3. Make an appointment with one of the tattoo artists
If you find a tattoo artist whose work you like, make an appointment with him or her to discuss the possibility of getting a tattoo for you. Bring a picture, design or photo of a tattoo you like so the artist can get an idea of what you want. Discuss the size of the tattoo and where you want the tattoo so that the artist can create an appropriate design.
Method 2 of 5: Determining Tattoo Details
Step 1. Determine the size of the tattoo you want
Size is a very important criterion in choosing a tattoo because it determines the type of design that can be applied. For example, full-detail portraits cannot be taken on very narrow skin areas. On the other hand, a very simple design such as a musical note may look odd if it is spread over a wide area of the body.
- Ask the tattoo artist for recommendations on the size and location of the tattoo that is right for you.
- If you can't stand the pain, choose a small tattoo that doesn't take long to work on.
Step 2. Choose a tattoo location
Before deciding to get a tattoo, it's a good idea to first determine how open you want to show your tattoo to the world and how the tattoo will change as you age. If you can't show your tattoo freely at work, don't get it on an exposed body part, such as your hands, wrists, ankles, forearms, or neck. Seek advice from a tattoo artist to avoid areas of the body that have a tendency to stretch that would damage the design, such as the lower abdomen.
Step 3. Choose a tattoo color
Decide if you want a colorful, white, black or gray tattoo. You should define this color scheme from the start. If you like soft tattoos, white or black and gray designs are the best choices. If you want something bold, colorful and fun, a full color tattoo is a great choice.
If you're not sure, know that you can still add color to your tattoo at a later date
Step 4. Determine the budget for the tattoo
Before contacting a tattoo artist to discuss your dream tattoo, find out how much it will cost. Reputed tattoo artists can charge around IDR 1.5 million for an hour of tattooing, and some tattoos may require several sessions. When consulting with a tattoo artist, ask for clear information about your costs and calculate the total cost for the tattoo you want.
You may also have to factor in tips for tattoo artists (about 10-20%)
Step 5. Choose the design you like
Before deciding on a tattoo design, make sure you will be happy to see it for the rest of your life. For example, if you love nature, a tattoo of a sunrise, a bird, a tree, or a butterfly will express your interest in the outdoors. Don't choose a design just because it's popular or trendy, when you don't like it.
Once you have a few design options, take some time to look at them. Which design excites you? Which design fits your personality best? Well, choose that design.
Method 3 of 5: Remembering Important Events
Step 1. Get a date tattoo that has meaning to you
An important event can be remembered with a date tattoo, whether it's plain text, numbers, or Roman numerals. Show an image of the specific design you want for the special date, or look for samples of different fonts that can be used. You can also ask the tattoo artist to draw the date in beautiful lettering for a more artistic style.
Step 2. Make a portrait tattoo
A portrait tattoo is a beautiful way to honor a loved one, whether after his death or while he is still alive so he can appreciate the act. Find a tattoo artist who specializes in portrait tattoos and schedule an appointment to discuss what you want. Make sure you choose a photo that is clear and has full details to serve as a basic overview of the tattoo and give it to the artist as a guide to doing his job.
- A portrait tattoo is also a great way to pay homage to a personal hero or favorite celebrity.
- A portrait tattoo can also be made in memory of a beloved pet.
- You can choose to frame the portrait with a brim or a Victorian cameo design.
Step 3. Spell out your loved one's name
Tattoos can be a powerful way to honor a parent, sibling, child, or spouse. Consider getting a tattoo of just his name, or a name surrounded by a design that reflects his personality. For example, if you are tattooing the name of your partner, who likes gardening, you can add a rose next to his or her name.
Wait for a long time before deciding to get a tattoo of your partner's name on your body. This kind of tattoo tends to be an object that is often tried to be hidden later on
Method 4 of 5: Reflecting Your Identity and Interests
Step 1. Choose a design that reflects your cultural background
Showcase your cultural background by choosing a tattoo inspired by artwork or traditional symbolism. For example, if you have Javanese or Balinese blood, you can choose a batik or barong design. To give a direct respect, you can choose a tattoo of the national flag or the symbol of the country.
Step 2. Get a tattoo inspired by your favorite movie, TV show or comic
Express your appreciation for elements of popular culture by borrowing from TV, movies, or literature as a tattoo design. Choose something you have been passionate about for a long time and will continue to enjoy in the future. Bring a photo of a specific logo, character, or screenshot to the tattoo artist so he can get an idea and discuss your specific idea with him.
For example, you can opt for a Batman tattoo if you've always been a staunch comic book fan
Step 3. Choose a tattoo design inspired by literature
You can choose a tattoo that represents your favorite book or author by selecting a specific quote or creating a design based on a specific work. If you choose a written quote, choose a font or writing style that you like. If you have artistic design ideas, bring pictures of the various elements you want to include in your tattoo when you consult and discuss your ideas with the tattoo artist.
For example, you could get a raven tattoo in honor of Edgar Allen Poe
Method 5 of 5: Choosing a Classic Tattoo Design
Step 1. Make a retro nautical tattoo
Sailors were among the first people in the United States to have tattoos, mostly in memory of their service. Anchor, ocean liner, swallow, and starfish are timeless tattoo designs that are still popular today. Look for a tattoo artist who specializes in ancient tattoos and choose the ocean-inspired symbol that you like best.
Step 2. Choose a flower tattoo
Flowers can be a beautiful tattoo design and can also carry many meanings. For example, daisies are often used to symbolize purity and innocence, while red roses are a symbol of true love and passion. You can choose your favorite flower tattoo, or a flower combination that looks visually compatible.
Step 3. Consider an elegant abstract design
Ask the tattoo artist to draw some shapes or patterns that you like. Consider a simple shape design, with perfectly placed straight lines or dots. Choose an abstract geometric design, or a geometric representation of your favorite object, animal, or character.
- If you're drawing your own design, use a ruler or protractor to create perfect lines or circles.
- Simple shapes will look cool with jewelry. So, consider getting this kind of tattoo on the wrist or just below the collarbone.
Tips
- Once you have a design idea, take some time to think about it before getting a tattoo. Hang a picture of the design on a mirror or refrigerator to see if you still like it after a few days or weeks.
- If you want to tattoo a word or phrase from another language, make sure you get an accurate translation before proceeding.
- Some tattoos need to be updated in the future so they don't look blurry. When discussing with a tattoo artist, ask how long before you have to do this update.
- Laser tattoo removal is an expensive, painful and time-consuming procedure. Having this option should not make you tattoo your body without thinking about it seriously.
- Covering the tattoo is possible, but difficult if the tattoo is large with a striking design.
