02 Apr Where Do You Tattoo?
Whether you’re on your first tattoo or your fifteenth, getting a tattoo is a big deal.
And one of the key factors in whether your tattoo rocks or sucks is placement. Putting your tattoo in the right spot will not only enhance your tattoo, but your body part as well.
So before you ink, ask yourself a few questions:
How big is the tattoo you’re considering? This is really the first thing you should consider when thinking about tattoo placement. Obviously, the bigger the tattoo, the more space you’ll need for it. Large designs work best on the back, chest, and sides, while smaller designs would be lost on such a vast area.
What design are you thinking about? There are some designs that just lend themselves better to certain body parts than others. For example, a tattoo with a lot of curves and movement works well on a larger area, or perhaps incorporated into the curve of a shoulder or around the arm or thigh. Harmony between your tattoo and your body part is a joy to behold for everyone.
How timid are you about a tattoo? If you want your tattoo to be your little secret, then you’ll want to place it somewhere invisible to everyone but you (and those with whom you want to share your secret). On the other hand (or ankle or forearm), if you’re a let-it-all-hang-out kind of person, then you’ll want to pick a visible area.
Do you want to see your tattoo? For example, a beautiful tattoo on your back will only be visible to the person standing behind you, while a tattoo on the back of your hand can be seen by everyone. Likewise, you need to decide if you want your tattoo placed where you can see it right side facing you, but it looks upside down to someone else. Most tattooists suggest a tattoo be inked facing others, but it is entirely up to you.
What’s your level of pain tolerance? Remember, tattoos are applied by inserting a needle into the upper layers of skin, so there’s going to be a little pain involved no matter what. But the degree of pain depends on how well you tolerate pain in general, as well as on the area being tattooed. Generally speaking, some areas are more sensitive than others, but…the pain is only temporary and having a tattoo exactly where you want it lasts the rest of your life.
Regardless of where you decide to place your tattoo, it’s important to work with your artist from the beginning. S/he can help walk you through the process and provide good recommendations for your consideration. At Ink On Ink Off, first consultations are always free, so give us a call when you’re ready to take the next step.
INK ON INK OFF IS A CLINICIAN-LED TATTOO CENTER LOCATED IN CLEVELAND, OHIO, THAT SPECIALIZES IN CLINICAL ARTISTRY, TATTOO REMOVAL, TATTOO REDESIGN / ALTERATIONS, AND NEW ARTISTRY.