The Tattoo Shop

Back in June, we talked about how tattoos are gaining acceptance in everyday life, and how important it is to choose the right design. Today, I would like to expand upon this idea a little bit and talk more about tattoo design choice.

For many, getting a tattoo is an exciting time, but it is very easy to get fixated on a specific idea or tattoo design. It is important however, not to become blinkered. Therefore, always take the time to assess whether your chosen design is something you will be able to live with for the rest of your life.

To help anyone thinking about tattoo designs, here are our top five tips on choosing a tattoo that will stand the test of time:

1.Find a design that has a personal meaning

Choosing a tattoo design that has personal significance means there will be a much greater chance of you still being happy with it twenty years from now. Be careful when choosing a tattoo that incorporates a name. If there is a chance that a breakdown in relationship may occur then it is perhaps best to avoid these kinds of tattoos.

2.Find a traditional or timeless design

When looking at tattoo designs, it may be better to consider an idea that is less likely to date. There are many traditional styles and designs that are timeless. Choosing a traditional tattoo design will help ensure that, as you grow older, your tattoo will not look out of place.

3. Don’t follow trends

Due to the growing popularity of tattoos, there has been a shift in certain aspects of tattoo culture. Currently, stars, Sanskrit, and ambigrams, are amongst some of the “cool” tattoo designs, but who knows what next year will bring? Tattoos that are “in vogue” are not necessarily bad, but I would give a lot of thought to make sure you will not tire of them when trends move on. Always choose a tattoo because it is something you really want, not because it’s in fashion.

4. Research, Research, Research

I can’t stress this one enough. The more time and energy you can put into the choosing process the better as far as I’m concerned. Even if you have a design in mind, do some extra research to see all the different ways that particular subject can be portrayed. For instance, you may have decided that you want to invest in a dragon tattoo but what kind of dragon? The fact that there are so many options available means that the research process is invaluable.

5.Talk to a tattooist

Spend some time discussing your ideas with the tattoo artist that is going to carry out the work on your body. It is becoming more normal these days for artists to provide bespoke or customised designs whereas in the past, people would have been more likely to choose a stock design.

Although these tips may all seem like common sense, bearing them in mind may save you from wanting to undergo laser removal treatment or tattoo cover up at a later date. If you haven’t already, don’t forget to check out our design gallery, and featured artists sections for tattoo design inspiration. Finally, for those of you that already have tattoos, why not send us pictures of your tattoo designs.