When it comes to tattoo ideas, the world is your oyster. You can pick and choose from millions of designs and concepts. You can come up with a good idea and create something brand new. Or you can build on an existing design and get a tattoo artist to recreate or tailor it to your taste.
But coming up with design ideas, working on your pain tolerance, and booking your tattoo consultation are relatively easy parts of the process. The trickiest and often most crucial element is tattoo placement. Where are you going to place this magnificent work of art?
Let’s face it; we’ve all seen terrible tattoo placements, and making the wrong choice can affect your life, self-image, and people’s perception of you. So let’s find out how to do it properly.
How to Plan Your Tattoo Placement
So you’ve decided on your tattoo, or maybe you know what it will be. Either way, knowing where you’re going to put it is an integral part of the process. Why? Well, several reasons.
Firstly, the tattoo shape and size are limited by placement. Tiny tattoos would look ridiculous on a large body area, and big ones would look silly, all squashed up into a small part of the skin.
Your first move is to follow these steps to planning your placement.
Step 1: Do your research
You can browse through an unlimited amount of online searches to check the type of design you want and how that design looks on the body. More specifically, which part of the body it’s best suited to. Remember to try and look at people with a similar skin tone and body shape to yours to get an excellent idea of how it’ll look.
Step 2: Put your personal thoughts aside
While tattoos don’t have a fraction of the stigma they did a few decades ago, you still need to consider the other aspect of your life when deciding on your tattoo placement. For example, if you’re self-employed, what will clients think? If you have a career, would it be appropriate to have a tattoo in some regions of your body? What about your partner, spouse, kids and family?
Step 3: Make a cutout
Take a printed version of the tattoo image and move it around your body to get an idea of where to place it. You can stick the tape on the back of the paper in several places you think you might want to use it. Check out the placement in each area and see what you think.
Step 4: Get a second and third opinion
Once you’ve almost made up your mind, take some time to let it marinate a bit. And importantly, ask for a few more opinions. Check with colleagues, friends, family, and anyone who will listen. Try and get a varied opinion from different types of people.
Tips For Finding the Right Tattoo Placement
Try some of these handy tips to help you make the final decision regarding your tattoo placement.
Think About the Size of Your Design
It may seem obvious, but you need to match the size of your design with the space available. Large detailed tattoos need lots of space – Think back, chest, and stomach. Smaller, more intricate designs will be better suited to smaller bits of skin like your ankle, wrist, or neck.
Even though it may be possible to place a small tattoo on a large part of the skin, remember that it may not look right, and you’ll also be using up space that could’ve been reserved for a larger, detailed piece.
Think about How Visible You Want Your Tattoo
If you followed the steps earlier, you’d know about your tattoo’s appropriateness, which is about visibility. Do you want everyone to see it? For example, neck tattoos are always visible and make a real statement. Or do you want people to see it sometimes? For example, perhaps you can get it on your forearm and then cover it with a shirt for work.
Do you only want an intimate partner to see it? Or maybe you only want to see it yourself. In that case, you can go for something in a more private area. Either way, this will also play a significant role in determining where you place it.
Consider the Style of Your Tattoo
Think about the style of your tattoo design. Is it a small tattoo? Is it a colorful tattoo? Is it a large tattoo? Once you’ve considered the dimensions, the shape and the style, you’ll be able to determine the most appropriate placement.
Think About Which Body Part Will Make Your Design Look Its Best?
Lastly, you’ll need to think about all the areas of your body and decide which part of the body will make the design look the best. You need to consider all the elements for this final step and take that final plunge.
Remember also to get the advice of the tattoo artist – They have probably seen it all before and will give you some excellent tips.
Best Tattoo Placements for Women
Traditionally feminine tattoo placement includes:
- Ankle
- Back
- Back Of The Neck
- Breast
- Ear
- Foot
- Hand
- Hip
- Inner Wrist
- Shoulder
- Side Of The Ribcage
- Tailbone
- Toe
Best Tattoo Placements for Guys
Traditionally masculine tattoo placements include:
- Chest
- Back
- Biceps
- Forearm
- Upper arm
- Neck
- Stomach
Hopefully, you have a much better idea of your tattoo placement than before – Remember, it’s permanent, so take your time and make the right choice!