Choosing a Tattoo Design

If you’ve made the decision to get a tattoo, you’ll understand what a commitment it is.  Although tattoo removal is possible, it can be a lengthy treatment and if you’re choosing to get tattooed, you should only do it if you plan on keeping the design forever.  Here are a few things you should consider when choosing a design for your tattoo.

Why?  

Most people have a reason for getting inked.  But you really must make sure that your reason is good enough.  For example, are you doing it because it’s the current ‘thing to do’?  If so, that might not be the best inspiration for some fine body art.  Whatever your reasons, make sure they are solid and will stand the test of time.

What?

Be sure to nail exactly what it is you want to convey with your tattoo.  If you choose something faddy, that fad will fade and you’ll be left with something old fashioned or meaningless.  It’s always best to go for timeless designs.  This is also the best way to ensure you won’t be just another in the huge crowd of people with exactly the same design.

Where?

It’s best to be absolutely sure where you would like to have your tattoo.  It’s advisable to consider all facets of your life if you’re choosing to be tattooed somewhere visible.  For example, if you work in an office and want a full sleeve, will your employers be happy with you unveiling your tattoos on summer’s days?  And even if your current employer has no problem with tattoos, what about your future career?  Wherever you end up settling on, make sure it’s somewhere that won’t affect your life negatively in any way or you can quickly come to resent the design.

What (again)?

Are you absolutely certain what your design means?  If you’re using foreign symbols (Chinese symbols for example), be certain of the translation before committing.  Similarly, if your design has a cultural meaning, be absolutely certain what it is before going ahead.  Offending people from the very culture you respect is sure to be something you want to avoid.

When?

Do you absolutely have to have the tattoo right now?  If not, you have the time on your side to really think about your design and be sure about it before you go ahead.  And considering that a tattoo is a life-long commitment, surely it deserves some serious thinking time.

How?

You have plenty of options with tattooing and not all of them are permanent.  There are henna tattoos which are very temporary and can offer you a testing period for various designs.  There are also semi-permanent tattoos which can fade over time – usually after a few years.

The bottom line with any tattoo is research.  As long as you truly know what you want and how you want it, chances are you’ll be very happy with your ink and display it proudly for the rest of your life.  It’s crucial to choose a design that you’ll love forever so enjoy researching your options, asking your friends, searching online and just generally reviewing your many options.