Tips on How to Choose a Tattoo Design

 

You''ve heard it a hundred times, but it is true. A tattoo is, for the most part, permanent. If you don''t invest time and energy into finding just the right design, you could end up regretting your choice in the near future.

 

Don''t underestimate what it takes to pick a really good design you''ll be happy with for life. Whole books have been written on the subject of how to choose a tattoo design idea, like as Terisa Green''s Ink: The Not-Just-Skin-Deep Guide to Getting a Tattoo. Here''s a quick run down of what to consider when looking for the tattoo design that''s ideal for you.
 
Consider your reasons
Forget design for a minute and ask yourself why you want to get a tattoo in the first place? What is it about being inked that appeals to you? Do you want to express your dedication to something? Do you like the idea of turning your body into a work of art? Or maybe you just want to look tough. Your final goal will influence what kind of design you choose.
 

Symbolism
While there''s nothing wrong with getting a tattoo just because you liked the design, keep in mind that you''ll be asked (over and over again) what your tattoo means. Are you ok with answering, "Oh, nothing, I just liked the design."?

A better way to pick a tattoo design idea is to think of the things closest to your heart. It might be your heritage, your religion, a group you''re affiliated with, such as a branch of the military, a loved one who passed away, or any other highly personal theme.

That''s why it''s better to steer clear of "trendy" tattoos. If you''re getting a tattoo of a traditional symbol, such as one of the currently popular Chinese or Irish designs, make sure you know the meaning and origins of that symbol.
 

Writing
Think long and hard before deciding to get any kind of writing, in any language. Double check the meanings of any words or characters of a language you aren''t fluent in. Double check the origins of quotes and ask a few friends for their opinions, so they can catch any potential puns or double entendre you didn''t notice.

While Chinese and Japanese characters can provide meaning and an attractive design all in one, many have double meanings, nuances, and associations that can express things you might never want to express on purpose.
 
Location
Where you want to have the tattoo put on affects what kind of design you can get. You should choose the design of the tattoo according to the spot where you want it to be. Also give some serious thought to whether or not you want a tat in a highly visible spot. These tattoos cause regret so often that some tattoo artists won''t even do hand, feet or face tattoos on people who don''t already have visable tattoos.
 
Size and color
Once you''ve decided on the location, you can think about the size and color. Do you want full-color or black and grey? Do you want a detailed design that may need touch ups in the future or a simple bold pattern. 

Once you''re fairly sure about the design you want, a tattoo artist can sketch it on so you can get an idea of whether or not that''s really what you want. You may find you''d rather have something, say, a little bigger or a little less detailed.
 
Do the time test
Think back to what was important to you 10 years ago. If you''d gotten a tattoo back then, what design do you think you''d probably have chosen? If you think you''d have regretted getting that design then, consider why (eg. too childish, too visible, not meaningful enough). Could that same reason apply to the design you''re contemplating now?
 

And a final tip...
Always get a temporary done of the design you want, in the location you want it, before going for the permenent version. That will give you a chance to see not only whether you can stand to look at it every day, but how other people will react to it, too

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