Choosing the Best Tattoo Design For You

When it comes to choosing a tattoo design, you may feel a little bit intimidated at first. There are so many different designs; in a word, the possibilities are absolutely endless, depending on your tattoo artist's skill.

But, when so many options surround you, it’s no wonder that it may feel like you’re treading water at first. But, it doesn’t have to be quite as difficult as it may seem at first. There are always some tried and true steps in choosing the best tattoo design for you, whether it’s your first tattoo or your tenth.


Artist: David Vega[/caption]

First, you’re going to want to avoid making any rushed decisions. When it comes to tattoos, you have to remember that they’re permanent. It is never a good idea to go into a tattoo, thinking that you can have it removed or covered later. Remember, you should want to keep your tattoo for the rest of your life; making a solid decision before you get a tattoo can prevent any unnecessary regret later down the line.

Reasons not to get a tattoo:

• Your judgment is impaired. Do not, under any circumstances, get a tattoo while you’re drunk or high. Most tattoo artists will not disclose this information, and you should not trust anyone's discussion made under an impaired judgment.

• You’re being pressured by friends, family, or a random stranger on a dare to get tattooed. Those dare tattoos may sound like a good idea to get into your frat, but you’ll no doubt regret the ink later.

• Genitalia tattoos. That is, on or of these specific body parts. If they’re rushed into, you’re more than likely going to hold some regret.

• School mascots. While it may seem like a good idea at the time, school ends, and so too does your memories of your time at school.

• Misspelled words. Remember, there’s a dictionary or Google on hand if you’re unsure how to spell a specific word. While some responsibility rests with your artist, you, as the client, also need to spell-check your designs.

• Foreign language tattoos you’re unable to translate reliably.

• Names of those you’re in a relationship with. The only names you’ll never really regret are those who are deceased, your children, or other family members.

• Just don’t get a fad tattoo. While it may seem fun and whimsical at the time, if it doesn’t hold a deep meaning to you, don’t get it.

Think before you ink. Sit down with yourself and reflect on what the tattoo will mean to you in five years, ten years, and twenty years from now.  If the design holds a deep impact on you, such as a memorial tattoo, chances are, you’re not going to regret the tattoo. Another example is tattoos meant to give you hope or signify a significant transformation period in your life.

These tattoos are oftentimes the most sentimental that someone can get. Placement of your tattoo is also equally important; this will impact the overall layout of the design for your tattoo. If you’re not sure, ask your artist. Refine your design and choose the meaning behind it. It’s no secret that tattoos with a meaning behind them hold more value than a tattoo chosen off of the wall.

Stay away from flash, if at all possible, as you’re less likely to regret a custom design in the long run if you can draw up a rough sketch of your design or bring in examples for your artist to reference. Find a tattoo artist that you trust to do the most justice to your tattoo design. Once you’ve reached this step, it’s more than likely that you’re not going to regret getting that ink.