How to Choose a Tattoo Design

Co-authored by Burak Moreno

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 References Approved

To choose a tattoo design, you should reflect on your personality, interests, and appearance. Take your lifestyle into account before choosing the tattoo size, placement, and coloring. Work out your budget and research local tattoo artists whose work you like. A tattoo can be a beautiful way to commemorate an important life moment, or to express your identity and interest.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Getting Design Ideas

1
Look up tattoos online. Visits image banks or galleries online to view images of different tattoos or designs. Images are usually grouped by category, which can reduce your search time if you have a basic idea in mind. Save your favorite images in a folder on your computer, or on a Pinterest.
- It might be helpful to consider your long-term tattoo plans, too. If you want your initial design to be part of a larger sleeve tattoo, then look for images that show individual tattoos used within a broader sleeve.
2
Check out binders at a tattoo shop. Most tattoo shops will display portfolios of their regular artists in their waiting area. Visit a shop and peruse these binders to acquaint yourself with what each artist has to offer. Many shops will also make their artists' portfolios available on their website.^{[1]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Book a consultation with a tattoo artist. If you find a tattoo artist whose work you like, book an consultation appointment to discuss a possible tattoo. Bring along pictures of artwork, designs, or other tattoos you like to give the artist a sense of what you want. Discuss the size of tattoo that you want and where you want to put it so that the artist can generate a fitting design for you.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Burak Moreno
Tattoo Artist
Expert Interview. 11 October 2019.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Deciding on Tattoo Details

1
Figure out how large you want your tattoo to be. Size is an important consideration for tattoos because it limits what kind of designs you can choose from. For instance, a very detailed portrait will not work for a very small area of skin. Alternatively, a very basic design like a music note might look odd if it is stretched out over a large part of the body.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Consult a tattoo artist for advice on size, design, and placement of your next tattoo.
- If you have a low tolerance for pain, opt for a smaller tattoo that will take less time.
2
Choose the placement of your tattoo. Before deciding to get a tattoo, you should decide how visible you want it to be and how it may be altered as your body ages. If you are not free to display your tattoos at work, do not choose an open area of your body to tattoo, such as your hands, wrists, ankles, lower arms, or neck.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Burak Moreno
Tattoo Artist
Expert Interview. 11 October 2019.} Ask your tattoo artist for advice about placement to avoid tattooing an area of the body that will stretch out and distort your tattoo, such as your lower abdomen.^{[5]
X
Research source}
3
Decide between a full color, white, or black and gray tattoo. You should decide right off the bat what color scheme you want your tattoo to have. If you want a more subdued tattoo, a white or black and gray design is your best bet. If you want something bold, colorful, and fun, a full color tattoo is a great choice. ^{[6]
X
Research source}
- If you are unsure about this decision, note that you can always add color to your tattoo down the line.
- Keep in mind that white and yellow tattoos tend to fade the fastest.^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Burak Moreno
  Tattoo Artist
  Expert Interview. 11 October 2019.}
4
Work out your tattoo budget. Before contacting tattoo artists to start planning your tattoo, you should know how much you are willing to spend on it. Good tattoo artists may charge $250 or more per hour for their work, and some tattoos will require multiple sessions. Be clear with any artists you speak to about how much you have to spend and get estimates for what the tattoo you envision will cost in total.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Factor in a tip amount of at least 20% for your tattoo artist.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
5
Make sure to choose a design that makes you happy. Before settling on a tattoo design, make sure that it is something you will enjoy looking at for the rest of your life. If you love nature, for example, a tattoo of a sunrise, bird, tree, or butterfly will reflect your personal affinity for the outdoors. Avoid settling on anything popular or trendy that does not actually bring you joy.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- When you have a few options sketched out, take your time and just look at all of them. Which one brings you a sense of pleasure? Which one feels like it's about you? Go for that one.

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Commemorating Important Events

1
Have a meaningful date tattooed on yourself. An important event can be commemorated with a tattoo of the date, either in regular text, numbers, or Roman numerals. Bring a picture of the specific design you want for the date, or look for samples of different fonts to use. You can also ask your tattoo artist to draw the date in ornate script for a more artistic flair.^{[11]
X
Research source}
2
Get a portrait tattoo. Portrait tattoos are a beautiful way to honor a loved one, either after their passing or while they are present to appreciate the gesture. Look for a tattoo artist who specializes in portraits and schedule a consultation to discuss what you want done. Be sure to choose a clear, detailed photograph to base your tattoo on and give it to the artist to work from.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Portrait tattoos are also a good way to pay homage to a personal hero or favorite celebrity.
- Portrait tattoos can also be done to commemorate cherished pets.
- You can opt to frame the portrait with a border or a Victorian cameo-style design.
3
Spell out the name of a loved one. Tattoos are a great way to honor parents, siblings, children, or spouses. Consider getting their name tattooed by itself, or surrounded by a design that reflects their personality. For instance, if you get a tattoo for your spouse, an avid gardener, you could add a rose next to their name.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Wait a long time before having the name of a significant other tattooed on yourself. These tattoos tend to be the ones that are most frequently covered-up later in life.

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Reflecting Your Identity and Interests

1
Choose a design that reflects your cultural background. Represent your own cultural background by choosing a tattoo inspired by traditional artwork or symbolism. For instance, if you are of Irish or Scottish descent you may opt for a Celtic tattoo, like a knotwork circle or cross. For a more direct tribute, you may opt for a tattoo your nation's flag or national symbol.^{[14]
X
Research source}
2
Get a tattoo inspired by your favorite movie, TV show, or comic book. Express your appreciation for a favorite element of pop culture by borrowing from TV, cinema, or literature for your tattoo design. Opt for something that you have been a fan of for a long time and expect to enjoy for the foreseeable future. Bring a photo of a specific logo, character, or screen capture for your tattoo artist to work with, and discuss your specific ideas with them.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- For instance, you might opt for a Batman tattoo if you are a long time comic book fan.
3
Opt for a literature-inspired tattoo. Get a tattoo that represents a favorite book or author by choosing a specific quote or creating a design based on specific work. If you opt for a written quote, choose the font or style of writing you would like. If you have an artistic design in mind, bring pictures of different elements that you would like incorporated into the tattoo to your consult appointment and discuss your idea with the tattoo artist.
- For instance, you might get a tattoo of a raven as a homage to Edgar Allen Poe.

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Choosing a Classic Tattoo Design

1
Get a retro nautical tattoo. Sailors were some of the first people in the U.S. to get tattoos, mostly to commemorate their service. Anchors, ships, swallows, and nautical stars are all timeless tattoo designs that are still popular today. Look for a tattoo artist specializing in old school tattoos and choose the navy-inspired symbol you like the most.^{[16]
X
Research source}
2
Choose a flower tattoo. Flower make beautiful tattoo designs and can also hold a lot of meaning. For instance, daisies are often used to symbolize purity and innocence while red roses are a sign of true love and passion. You may simply opt for a tattoo of your favorite flower, or a combination of flowers that you find visually pleasing.^{[17]
X
Research source}
3
Go for an elegant abstract design. Have your tattoo artist doodle some shapes or patterns that appeal to you. Consider designs of simple shapes, with straight lines or perfectly-spaced dots. Opt to get an abstract geometric design, or a geometric representation of a favorite object, animal, or person.^{[18]
X
Research source}
- If you are drawing your own design, use a ruler or protractor to make perfectly even lines or circles.
- Simple shapes look great dressed up with jewelry, so consider getting them on your wrists or right below your clavicles.

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

Do watercolor tattoos fade easily?

Burak Moreno
Tattoo Artist
Burak Moreno is a Professional Tattoo Artist with over 10 years of experience. Burak is based in New York City and is a tattoo artist for Fleur Noire Tattoo Parlour in Brooklyn. Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, he has worked as a tattoo artist throughout Europe. He works on many different styles but mostly does bold lines and strong color. You can find more of his tattoo designs on Instagram @burakmoreno.

Burak Moreno

Tattoo Artist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Watercolor tattoos fade much easier than other tattoos if they're not done properly. It's better to use the watercolor effect as a supporting element of the design instead of for the main part.
Question

Is a neck tattoo a bad idea?

Burak Moreno
Tattoo Artist
Burak Moreno is a Professional Tattoo Artist with over 10 years of experience. Burak is based in New York City and is a tattoo artist for Fleur Noire Tattoo Parlour in Brooklyn. Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, he has worked as a tattoo artist throughout Europe. He works on many different styles but mostly does bold lines and strong color. You can find more of his tattoo designs on Instagram @burakmoreno.

Burak Moreno

Tattoo Artist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

You should definitely consider your career. Keep in mind that neck tattoos are job stopper tattoos. Think about where you currently work and where you want to work in the future.
Question

How much should I expect to pay for my tattoo?

Burak Moreno
Tattoo Artist
Burak Moreno is a Professional Tattoo Artist with over 10 years of experience. Burak is based in New York City and is a tattoo artist for Fleur Noire Tattoo Parlour in Brooklyn. Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, he has worked as a tattoo artist throughout Europe. He works on many different styles but mostly does bold lines and strong color. You can find more of his tattoo designs on Instagram @burakmoreno.

Burak Moreno

Tattoo Artist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Good tattoos are not cheap, and cheap tattoos are not good. It is a classic motto between tattoo artists. The price will depend on where you are getting your tattoo. Each state/country has a different price point. In New York, for example, the standard for a decent tattoo would cost around $250 per hour.