Choosing the perfect tattoo involves thinking about your lifestyle and narrowing down your options until you find a style that resonates with you and your preferences. You’ll also want to take your time to find a tattoo artist who can help design a custom tattoo that fits your vision. Working through these steps helps you feel confident as you settle into the chair.
Get a Custom Design From a Tattoo Artist
Tattoo artists often specialize in specific styles, and the best ones take pride in their work. Asking to see a portfolio of past tattoos can give you a better idea of how their style fits your plans. Once you find an artist that you trust, schedule a consultation to discuss custom tattoo designs. Having your artist draw a truly custom tattoo that fits all of your preferences ensures that you’ll love your brand-new ink. Browse artists’ galleries and social media to see what kinds of different art and tattoo styles there are. For example you can find tattoos in unique style here, that are very unique.
Contemplate the Meaning
Some people get tattoos to commemorate a milestone moment, while others may just want to add a vibrant design to enhance their body. Take a few moments to reflect on why you want a tattoo. Whether you want to reinforce your personal beliefs or show off your hobby, this is a great starting point for finding tattoos in unique styles that tell your story. As you think about your purpose, you’ll also want to consider if a quote, picture or simple symbol is what you need to highlight your reason.
Think About the Placement
The location you choose on your body for the tattoo can influence the overall design. For instance, you might need a smaller tattoo if you might need to conceal it at work. Alternatively, fine line tattoos might age faster on your hands, where they are exposed to constant sunlight and friction. An experienced tattoo artist can make recommendations for the placement to ensure that your custom tattoo design looks its best.
Explore Different Art Styles
Similar to other forms of art, you’ll hear tattoo artists reference specific styles. For instance, many people are familiar with tribal tattoos that are rooted in indigenous culture and have bold, geometric lines. American traditional tattoos are ones that will also seem familiar. These tend to use iconic motifs such as roses, anchors and birds. Modern tattoo styles include watercolor versions that soften the overall effects of the ink. New school tattoos have cartoonish, vibrant effects that pop against your skin’s natural tone.
Find a Few Reference Images
After you find a few tattoos in unique styles, you’re ready to share your vision with an artist. You can bring a few pictures of tattoos you like to the studio. If you’re artsy, then you might do a rough sketch to show your tattoo artist. However, you don’t have to sketch a complete plan for your tattoo, since professional artists will often provide this service during your consultation.
The perfect tattoo is different for everyone. While some people love fine line tattoos, others prefer realistic styles that show every detail. Either way, working closely with an artist who understands your vision makes it easier to find the ideal tattoo to complement your personal style.