Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Finding inspiration
• Method 2 of 4: Drawing the tattoo
• Method 3 of 4: Collaborate with a tattoo artist
• Method 4 of 4: Figuring out the logistics

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

To step

Method 1 of 4: Finding inspiration

1. Search online for tattoo ideas and themes. Use Google to search for tattoos with a similar idea or theme to the one you may want to get. For example, if you want a travel themed geometric tattoo, look for these types of tattoos specifically. Looking at photos of others with these tattoos can inspire you, even if you eventually decide to go for something different with your own design.
   • Also check on social media. You can find many great ideas on Pinterest, Tumblr and Instagram.
   • You can also view the portfolios of tattoo artists online.
2. View tattoo magazines. This is a great way to learn about the innovations in the tattoo world and also get inspiration for your own tattoo. You can find popular tattoo magazines such as "INKED", "TATTOO" and "Skin Deep" online and possibly at your local bookstore.
3. View art books. Spend a few hours here at your local bookstore or library. Art books, and in particular books that focus on tattooing, are a good way to expose yourself to different types of designs as well as to learn about the history of various advancements in art, which can help you add depth and meaning to add to your own art.
   • View books from different art periods that you are interested in to find inspiration and themes.
   • Buy or borrow the book if you can. If that is not possible and you have permission, take pictures of the images you are interested in, or make copies of the pages containing those pictures so that you can refer to them at home.
4. Brainstorm what is meaningful to you. While you may want to get a tattoo simply because you like the design, designing a tattoo with a personal meaning behind it can be a very satisfying experience. Consider getting meaningful dates tattooed, such as birthdays or weddings, or your zodiac sign, a portrait of someone important to you, or one of your favorite quotes.
   • Other ideas include your favorite flower, animal, or character, something that has meaning for your family or place of birth, or something you never want to forget.

Method 2 of 4: Drawing the tattoo

1. Write down your ideas in a notebook. Now is the time to get creative! Cut magazines to create a collage that represents the color palette or mood you want in your tattoo. Create an inspiration board that evokes the feeling you want to convey with your design. You can also write words in your notebook that come to mind when you think about the design you want to create.
   • This can be very helpful if you want your tattoo artist to design or draw your tattoo for you.
2. Sketch the design. If you can draw, sketching your tattoo is a great way to give your tattoo artist a clearer idea of ​​what exactly you want to get done when you go to the studio. Take a sheet of paper and draw the tattoo to scale. Don't be afraid to make multiple sketches - you're drawing something that will be permanently on your body, so take your time and work on your sketch until it's just right.
   • You can make a rough sketch and take it to your artist. Your tattoo artist can then sharpen your vision and bring the design closer to what you have in mind, as well as advise you on the options and costs.
   • If you can't draw, ask a friend to draw it for you or hire a freelancer. Otherwise, use a site like Fiverr to help you out. You can even partner with a tattoo artist by explaining to him or her what kind of design you want and asking for advice on the placement, color, and ink that will be best. You will have to explain your vision very precisely and clearly and probably work through several designs until the drawing is just right.
3. Go for timelessness. Trends come and go, but a tattoo is permanent. Find out if the tattoo will age properly by asking yourself questions like: How likely is it that I will have the same interests and beliefs in 10 or 20 years? Am I making this decision impulsive, or have I thought about it well and long? It is good 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.
   • Another way to test timelessness is to stick the design to your wall and look at it every day for several months. While this may seem like a long time, during this time you can find out if you are getting tired of looking at it so you can reconsider whether you really want the design permanently on your body.
4. Order a custom temporary tattoo. If you'd like to try out your idea before committing to the design, you can order a custom temporary tattoo online from a site like Etsy or Momentary Ink. Submit your design online and the seller will create a temporary tattoo for you.
   • You can also ask your tattoo artist if he or she can transfer your design onto your skin first. Ask about this during your first meeting.

Method 3 of 4: Collaborate with a tattoo artist

1. Select a number of possible artists. Check out the websites of local tattoo parlors and view the portfolios of various artists in your area. Each tattoo artist will have his or her own individual style, and you want to make sure that your supplies match your artist's field.
   • Check that the performers are licensed and licensed. You should only choose an artist who is qualified to get tattoos. Ask to see the permit when you visit the tattoo parlor.
   • Refine your list of artists based on their area of ​​expertise. For example, if you know you want to get a portrait tattooed, only include artists in your list who have experience with portraits.
2. Make an appointment for a consultation about your design. Most tattoo parlors offer free consultations on an appointment basis, so take this opportunity to get to know the artist and get a sense of whether you feel comfortable with him or her to have him or her tattoo you. It is very important to trust your artist when getting a tattoo because you want the artist to focus on you and not be easily distracted.
   • Some artists will require a deposit for the consultation. The money will go towards the time it takes your artist to create the design and tattoo you.
   • Ask the artist any questions you have, from the degree of pain to how many sessions it will take to complete your tattoo. You want to choose an artist who calmly and patiently answers all your questions.
   • After the visit, think about how comfortable you felt in the salon and the artist's attitude. Think about whether the artist was enthusiastic and agreed with your vision for your tattoo, as well as consider the cleanliness and tidiness of the salon.
3. Explain your vision. It's important to go to a design consultation with a clear idea of ​​the tattoo you want, or at least a concept you want to bring to life. Otherwise, it can be easy to be influenced by an artist's design, so you can end up with a tattoo you didn't really want or envision. During the consultation, show the artist your inspiration board, sketches and words you wrote down.
   • Find someone who understands your vision and can bring it to life. The last thing you want is to get into conflict with an artist who doesn't share your vision.
   • Ideally, you and the artist should work together to create a design that you love and will enjoy creating and putting together. If you can't come to an agreement, find another artist. You don't want your artist to be questionable or unenthusiastic about getting your tattoo.

Method 4 of 4: Figuring out the logistics

1. Decide where on your body you want to get the tattoo. When choosing where you want your tattoo you want to think about visibility, sensitivity and discretion. This choice will impose restrictions, such as size, on your design. Think carefully about whether you want your tattoo to be visible to everyone - in this case you can think about getting your arms or legs tattooed - or whether you want to keep the tattoo a bit more private - in this case you can for example getting your lower back, shoulders or stomach tattooed.
2. Think about the pain. A larger, more complex tattoo that is done with multiple sizes of needles is also likely to hurt more, especially since thicker needles are usually more painful than thinner ones because they break more skin. Also keep in mind that different places on the body have different degrees of sensitivity. Bony areas of the body, with less fat, are generally more painful. For example, the wrists are very sensitive so it can hurt more to get tattooed there.
   • Pain differs. Some say the first line work is the most painful part of the tattoo, especially when it is your first tattoo experience, while others say that shading is more painful because the artist has to re-tattoo the same spots over and over to get ink in. stop. However, if you want to avoid shadows, it's good to choose a simple, minimalist design.
   • Pain is part of the process, so prepare yourself. Remember it's worth it - you'll end up with a unique tattoo!
3. Decide what color you want. The color of a tattoo can affect its design - for example, color tattoos can sometimes go better with smaller designs so that fewer touch-ups will be required. Black and white tattoos age better with time than color tattoos, are usually less expensive, and take less time to finish. Color tattoos allow for more creativity, are good for covering existing tattoos, and are a strong contrast to light to medium skin tones.
   • Ask your tattoo artist for his or her advice on what kind of color to take.
   • You may also want to consider getting a tattoo in white ink, depending on the type of design you want to create and how visible you want your tattoo to be. White ink tattoos are usually less visible than monotonous or colored tattoos.