"How do I choose the right placement? Is this the right size? What design would best represent my idea?"
Don’t panic; I’ll offer a few tips to help you with your thinking process.
This is a non-exhaustive list and by no means an absolute truth; bring your own vision to your project to take it even further!
THE LOCATION
To help you choose the ideal location, you can ask yourself several questions:
– Do I want my tattoo to be visible?
If you are looking for something discreet, consider areas that are not very exposed (back, thigh, bicep, stomach, hip, etc.)
or easy to cover (a leg with trousers, an arm with sleeves).
Naturally, avoid areas that are difficult to cover, such as the hands, neck, or face.
If the answer is yes: treat yourself!
– Do I want to be able to see my tattoo easily?
Getting a tattoo on your back is a challenging undertaking, but it’s worth noting that you’re far less likely to grow tired of a tattoo that you rarely or never see!
People often get a tattoo for themselves, and sometimes they want to be able to see it—the inner forearm, for example, is easy to view.
– Do I want to be able to show it easily?
(without having to undress completely to show it to your friend)
– Does this tattoo have a particular meaning?
A tattoo can be placed on an area of the body that holds symbolic significance in relation to the tattoo itself.
For example, tattoos representing someone dear to us can be placed on the left side (the side of the heart) or near the heart (on the inner bicep, ribs, collarbone, etc.).
Or on a scar related to this tattoo.
Do not choose the area "based on the alleged pain"!
There is no guarantee that you will experience pain in this area (everyone is different),
You get a tattoo because you truly want it, knowing that it’s in the perfect spot.
THE SIZE
Depending on the design or style of the tattoo, the choice may, to a greater or lesser extent, become self-evident.
For example, for realism or highly detailed designs, opt for fairly large pieces.
But what does "big" actually mean? How can one visualize a size?
To help you, there are several avenues to explore:
Simply use a ruler or a tape measure: take the measurements directly on your own body (this is the most effective method)..
If you only have a ruler and need to measure a circumference (such as the size of a wrist, arm, or thigh), cut a sufficiently long strip of paper and use it like a tailor’s measuring tape: wrap it around the body part you wish to measure, mark or cut it to the exact length, and then measure the strip while it is laid flat against your ruler.
Don’t you have a ruler or a tape measure? use everyday objects that have standardized sizes (I’m sure you have that on hand):
– a bank card measures 8.5 cm x 5.5 cm
– your smartphone is approximately 7cm x 14cm
– a stamp, approximately 3 cm
– An A4 sheet of paper measures 21 cm × 29.7 cm; when folded in half along its height, it measures 21 cm × 14.8 cm; when folded along its width, it measures 10.5 cm × 29.7 cm; and when folded into quarters, it measures 10.5 cm × 14.8 cm.
All you have to do is place them on your body to quickly visualize the "space" your future tattoo might occupy.
Your tattoo needs to find its place on your body.
A tattoo that is too small will not be clearly legible and may also age less well.
(a tattoo always thickens a bit over time; lines that are close together to begin with will eventually merge and turn into a blurred blob).
If you don’t want it to look lost on your arm, leg, or back, don’t be afraid to make the design larger or add a bit more to it.
(the less empty space there is around it, the less lost it looks on your skin).
If tattoo artists tend to say "go bigger," it’s truly because it looks better.
(it’s not about making you pay ever-higher prices—we genuinely love beautiful things!)
A tattoo that follows the curves of your body and truly finds its place—that is our absolute Holy Grail!
THE MOTIVE
You have a theme or an idea in mind, but nothing very specific to represent what drives you.
I’ll offer a few points for you to consider, but ultimately it’s up to you to decide (since you’re the one who will be wearing it).
For tattoos that symbolize your love/friendship/a person:
rather than writing the person's first name, Think of something more symbolic. For example, consider the date of a significant event or GPS coordinates (or something else that represents a specific location) that holds meaning for both of you; a drawing created by the other person; or a motif that symbolizes your bond (if, for instance, you call your partner "Kitten," you could choose an image of a cat that includes a detail reminding you specifically of them). Instead of a birth date, you might opt for something that represents the month—such as a flower, an astrological sign, a fruit, or a vegetable—or the year (the Chinese zodiac, for instance, could provide some inspiration).
If you don’t have a specific design in mind—just an idea or a theme—I can certainly suggest some related concepts.
I just need to know the theme or main idea, as well as a bit about you—your personal story in relation to this tattoo project, your interests (music, films, paintings, hobbies, etc.), your personality, or anything else that might help me get to know you better, so I can suggest ideas you’re likely to enjoy.
FINAL PIECE OF ADVICE
Get this tattoo for yourself, not for others.
Do you feel ready for your future tattoo?
Choose the contact form that suits your needs to discuss this further:
