Getting a tattoo involves several big decisions. This is especially true if it’s your first time under the tattoo machine. If you’re trying to find the way to pick the right tattoo, then you’ve probably already made the big decision. Now comes the hard part.
By now you’ve probably decided that you want a tattoo. There’s a good chance that you even know where you want it done. That’s a good start. However, let’s talk about placement.
Now, I’m not here to tell you what to do. I’m probably not your dad. However, keep some things in mind. If you’re planning on getting something visible, you have to think about work. You can’t fuel a tattoo habit if you can’t get a job. It’s a sad fact that you’re still going to miss out on some jobs with visible ink. I’m not some clean-skinned nerd behind a desk telling you this, either. No, I’m speaking from experience. Being covered from your fingertips to the top of your head makes employment opportunities harder to come by. Trust me on this.
Okay, now that I’ve gotten my old, tattooed, man advice out of the way, let’s get into what you came for.
Tattoos are pretty much permanent. Sure, you can get a cover-up or even spring for laser removal if that’s more your speed. However, other than that, they’re on there for good. So, it’s important to be sure that you pick the right tattoo. Don’t overthink it. The whole process starts with one simple thing.
You Can’t Pick the Right Tattoo if You’re Not Honest with Yourself
First and foremost, you have to be honest with yourself if you’re going to pick the right tattoo. Ask yourself why you’re getting a tattoo. Remember, there are no wrong answers. It’s your body. If you want to get some ink because it looks cool that’s fine. Do you just want one to say that you have one? That’s fine too. Maybe you want to commemorate a big event or tragic loss. Well, that’s just fine as well.
Remember. Just because it’s a big step doesn’t mean it has to be gravely serious. If something funny or cheesy is the right tattoo for you, pick that. It’s your body. If you want a joke tattoo, get one. You’ll be glad you did.
Once you know why you’re getting a tattoo, you know what kind to pick. If you’re doing it just for the hell of it, you probably want to start small. If you’re getting one because you like the look, you’re going to want something flashy. However, if you’re getting something with meaning, size doesn’t matter but style does.
Now, you have to be honest about your style. Don’t try to pick a tattoo that everyone else will this is right. Pick what you like. Do you like cartoony-looking stuff? Then get a brightly colored “new school” style piece. Are you into the darker side of things? Black and grey works great for horror-themed ink. What about those cool old sailor tattoos? If that’s your thing, you need an American traditional tattoo.
Style is important because there are several of them. Most artists can cover all of them but they usually have their favorite style to do. Or, they have one style that they do best. So, you don’t need to pick the right tattoo. You have to pick the right artist.
Choosing a Design
Now, you know that you want a tattoo. You know where you want it. Most importantly you know why you want it. So that’s all narrowed down. The last step is the biggest. If you’re going to pick the right tattoo design, you still have to be honest with yourself. After you know what style of tattoo you want and you’ve found a shop, you can probably look through a book with your artist. Look until you find something that speaks to you. At the same time, make sure it fits with your placement and purpose.
This is especially true if you’re just getting a tattoo as decoration. You could possibly pick the right tattoo for you right off the flash sheet on the wall. Who knows, maybe something there will resonate with you. Then, it will go from getting a tattoo for fun to getting something that speaks to who you are as a person. If not, just find something that looks cool to you.
If you’re getting something deep and meaningful, you may want to sit down with your tattoo artist and work something up from scratch. This is going to hit your pocket a little harder. However, it will let you have a hand in creating your body art. Then, you’re not just picking the right tattoo, you’re creating it.
Once you’ve done that, you’re ready to jump in the chair and get inked. Now, you won’t have to think so hard about how to pick the right tattoo next time. Or the time after that.