Choose a Tattoo Shop

Choose a Tattoo Shop

How to Choose a Tattoo Shop: Everything You Need to Know

Did you know that people have been enjoying the art of tattooing for more than 3,000 years? Since then, people have loved the idea of getting tattoos, and today, there are tattoo shops in just about every town and city. However, it may not be as easy to choose a tattoo shop as you might think.

This is because there are many factors that you need to consider when choosing between tattoo shop options. After all, the last thing you want to do is end up in some filthy tattoo shop where you might walk away with a disease and a bad tattoo. Keep reading and learn how to choose the right tattoo shop for you.

Check the Tattoo Shop’s Online Customer Reviews

Suppose that after some time browsing on the internet for good tattoo shops, you come across one that has a nice website and a wide array of tattoo styles and designs. The look of such a website might seem professional, and so you might be tempted to give that tattoo shop some business. But upon closer inspection, you find that the tattoo shop has a whole mountain of negative reviews.

Even though a tattoo shop’s website might appear professional, that doesn’t always mean it is. More than that, a stylish website doesn’t mean that the tattoo shop values its customers. If you find a shop with a lot of negative reviews, needless to say, it would be a bad idea to get a tattoo from such a shop.

Reading online reviews is beneficial for several reasons. For one, you can save yourself a lot of time and money by exploring a tattoo shop through the eyes of someone who has already been there. If you find that a lot of the reviews are complaining about unprofessional tattoo artists and bad results, you can be sure that the tattoo shop is not a great choice.

What You Need to Know

On the other hand, the story is quite different when you find a tattoo shop with plenty of positive reviews. In this case, you might find previous customers enthusing about the professionalism of the tattoo artists and the high quality of the tattoo designs. This, of course, is a good sign that the tattoo shop is a good choice.

Positive reviews show that a tattoo shop cares about its customers and wants to make them happy. On the other hand, a tattoo shop with many negative reviews doesn’t care much about its customers at all. Reading the individual reviews in-depth can also help you know what you should expect when going to the tattoo shop for the first time.

Some reviews might mention particular people who work there or what the tattoo shop is like on the inside. Whatever the case, you should always read a tattoo shop’s customer reviews before even considering going to that shop. That way, you won’t have to waste your time going to a shop only to find that it isn’t what you were hoping for.

Compare Different Tattoo Costs

Different tattoo shops will always have different tattoo costs. Comparing tattoo costs isn’t a difficult task, but you will find that the costs will vary depending on a variety of factors. For example, the location of the tattoo shop, the experience of the tattoo artist, and the complexity of the tattoo itself will all change the cost of the tattoo.

Suppose that you plan on going to a large and established tattoo shop in Miami. This tattoo shop is obviously going to be more expensive than your typical, tiny tattoo shop on the corner in a small town. In general, establishments in big cities will charge much more compared to similar establishments in smaller cities and towns.

Does this mean that you should always opt for small tattoo shops to save some money? Not necessarily. For example, even though a Miami tattoo shop (or a shop in any other large city) may have high prices, it also is more likely to have more experienced tattoo artists.

This is because professional tattoo artists tend to flock to larger cities. The main thing to consider is how much you want to spend on a tattoo. For example, if you want a very realistic and detailed tattoo, you need to expect to pay much more compared to a more cartoony or simple tattoo.

Colored tattoos are also much more than typical monochrome tattoos. And, of course, the size of the tattoo will make quite a big difference. A small tattoo on the inside of your wrist, for example, will not take very long and won’t require much labor on the part of the tattoo artist.

For that reason, such a tattoo won’t cost very much.

The Details

It’s a different story when you want to get your entire back tattooed. The back is a very large area, and it can take hours for a tattoo artist to complete.

In some cases, you might have to go back for several sessions before your tattoo is complete. Obviously, such a large tattoo will require much more time and labor and will cost a lot more as a result. For that reason, you will want to think ahead about the cost of the tattoo you plan to get before you actually go to a shop to get it.

If you don’t do your research beforehand, you might end up spending far more money than you expected or wanted to spend. This could make you regret your choice of getting a tattoo in the first place. However, if you do some research and think about how much you want to spend (and compare the prices of different tattoo shops), you can better determine how much you will end up spending.

As long as you’re satisfied with the amount you plan to spend, you will be satisfied with the results.

Visit the Tattoo Shop in Person

There’s only so much you can know when researching a tattoo shop online. At a certain point, you will need to visit the tattoo shop in person and see if you get the right vibe. More than that, you will also want to examine the tattoo shop and make sure that it looks like a safe environment to get a tattoo.

The last thing you want is to walk into a tattoo shop and find that it’s filthy on the inside. A tattoo shop should be in a very clean location. The people who work there should be concerned about cleanliness as well.

After all, a tattoo shop is where people use needles to puncture your skin and create a design. If those needles aren’t clean, or if the people who handle those needles aren’t following all the necessary precautions, you could easily contract a bad infection from dirty needles. This is the last thing you want to deal with when trying to get a nice new tattoo.

Fortunately, you can tell a lot about a shop’s cleanliness just by walking inside. Take a close look at the shop’s interior and compare it to online pictures. Online pictures tend to be edited to look better than the shop actually is in real life.

If the online pictures look nice, but the real shop is filthy, you should leave and find another shop. On the other hand, if the shop looks quite clean and modern, it is worth sticking around a bit longer. Check to make sure that the floors and windows are spotless.

Also, look around for the right kind of equipment. For example, a professional tattoo shop should have professional beds and chairs especially made for tattooing customers.

Organization and Cleanliness

There should also be plenty of sanitary supplies such as nitrile gloves for the tattoo artists, along with disinfectants and other materials.

The organization is also important. There is nothing good about a tattoo shop that has supplies scattered all over the place in a messy and haphazard way. The inside of a tattoo shop should be very professional and clean.

Of course, it should be stylish as well. While you’re visiting the tattoo shop, take a look at the decore and the tattoo designs on the wall. This can give you an idea of what kind of tattoos the shop covers and what kind of style the tattoo artists are skilled at.

Keep in mind that some tattoo shops won’t let you walk right in, especially busier and more established shops. In this case, you’ll have to make an appointment to visit the shop. Also, while you’re in the shop, try to see if you can catch any tattoo artists tattooing a customer.

That way, you can see what the process is like and how professional the tattoo artist really is. As mentioned before, the artist should always wear nitrile gloves while tattooing a customer to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.

Make Sure the Tattoo Shop Covers the Tattoo Style You Want

There are many types of tattoos and tattoo styles out there. Most tattoo shops cover the most basic designs, such as a classic skull or some tribal designs. However, if you want a very specific design or a certain style of tattoo, you will likely need to find a special tattoo shop for the job.

If you try to go to your average, small tattoo shop, you will find that your options for tattoos will be quite limited. Suppose that you want a very specific and detailed tattoo of a dragon. If you try to go to an average tattoo shop for this task, you will find that the tattoo artists there might not have the skills to give you the results you’re looking for.

For that reason, you’ll have to go out and do some research to find a tattoo shop that does the kind of tattoos that you’re looking for. Some tattoo shops are specialized in doing very particular types of tattoos. For example, some tattoo shops might be skilled at only doing 3D or realistic tattoos.

Specialized Tattoos and Tattoo Shops

On the other hand, other shops may specialize in more cartoony tattoos. Whatever the case, there is a tattoo shop for just about every kind of tattoo. The main challenge is to find a shop that can tackle the kind of style you want.

The last thing you want is to go to a tattoo shop and end up with a sloppy tattoo because the tattoo artist wasn’t skilled in the style that you wanted. This would be a nightmare because not only would you have a bad tattoo, but it would be very difficult to get rid of or cover that tattoo. To avoid this problem, try to choose the right tattoo shop in the first place.

To make sure that you’re choosing the right shop, you should ask the tattoo artist a few questions. You could also bring in some pictures of other tattoos that you like to give the artist an idea of what you’re looking for. The artist will tell you what kind of tattoos he can do and whether or not he can help you with the tattoo that you want.

How to Choose a Tattoo Shop

Learning how to choose a tattoo shop isn’t as difficult as you might expect, but there are some things you need to keep in mind. For example, you need to read the customer reviews, take the price into consideration, and make sure that the tattoo shop is clean and organized. As long as you do all that, you shouldn’t have any trouble choosing a good tattoo shop.

To learn more, contact us here.

Henderson Tattoo Shop

Maui Tattoo Shop

Hawaii Tattoo Shop

New Tattoo Trends

New Tattoo Trends

Art, Design and Style: Your Guide to the New Tattoo Trends

Are you looking to get a new tattoo?

Nothing beats the feeling of getting a new, clean art piece on your skin. For many tattoo collectors and enthusiasts, tattoos are a part of their identity. With the variety of styles in tattoo design, you’re unlikely to ever run out of ideas for your next tattoo.

Many tattoo designs are timeless and are sure to age with grace with you. However, there are also plenty of new tattoo trends that we and many others have fallen in love with. Studies show that the tattoo industry is the 6th fastest growing industry in the US.

Are you looking for inspiration for a new tattoo?

We got you! This article covers some of the most trending tattoo designs of 2022. Read on to find out more!

Fineline Tattoo

Is it your first time getting a tattoo? You may already have a collection of fineline tattoo inspiration in your gallery! Fineline tattoos consist of simple and small designs.

This tattoo trend is perfect for those who are looking for something elegant. Many clients who get fineline tattoos are also first-timers. These people like the idea of tattoos but aren’t sure if it’s right for them.

This type of tattoo design allows people to see if they like getting tattooed and can commit to it. These tattoos only take about 15 to 30 minutes to complete. Shading in the tattoo is often lighter and softer if there is any shading needed at all.

If you’re looking to get a fineline tattoo, ensure to get an artist who specializes in this style. To get that clean linework, an artist must use single needles instead of the standard 3-5 round liners. You don’t want to risk a blowout or wobbly line work with the wrong artist.

The good news is that fineline tattoos are much easier on the skin. There’s less bleeding and pain. Fineline tattoos take less time to heal, and cases of crusting during the healing process are little to none.

Red Ink Tattoo

Do you want a striking tattoo that can stand out? Many celebrities took part in starting the red ink tattoo trend. In addition, red ink is pleasing to the eye and will surely add a special touch to your tattoo collection.

Red ink tattoos often have no shading and consist of a simple silhouette. If it is a more complex design, there is no shading done. This helps the ink to stand out more and appear cleaner.

However, if you’re planning to get a red ink tattoo, there are some things you need to know. First, red ink is more likely to cause allergies than any other tattoo ink color. Allergic reactions to red ink also tend to be more severe than in other colors.

If you wish to avoid ruining your next tattoo experience because of an allergy, it’s best to get an allergy test. After an allergy test, you’ll receive a list of components or ingredients your body may be allergic to. Then, ask your tattoo artist about their ink and compare the list with its ingredients.

Red ink tattoos will also require touchups every few years as they are more prone to fading. However, with the right care, you’ll have a tattoo you’ll love forever.

Take It Back to the 90s

2022 seems to be the year for ’90s nostalgia, evident in current makeup and fashion trends. The tattoo community is also picking up on ’90s-style tattoos, but with a modern twist. You can expect thinner lines and a softer gray wash in shading.

Some 90s trends to look out for are lower back tattoos or tramp stamps and tribal tattoos. Suns, dolphins, and barbed wire tattoos are also making a return this year. So far, butterfly tattoos have gotten the most requests from clients.

Modern Tribal Tattoos

Tribal tattoos are a classic and will always remain a cornerstone of tattoo history. Polynesian tattoos take the most credit for the inspiring tribal tattoos. The original Polynesian tatau took great pride and care in choosing the placement and symbols used in the tattoo.

Each component has a significant meaning to its wearer and community. It tells the story of the wearer’s roots, ancestors, family, and journey through life. Asia also has a major influence over tribal tattoos, like the Igorot tribes of Luzon.

Modern tribal tattoos incorporate different designs, images, and patterns. You may see images of animals, like wolves, deer, or lions.

Modern tribal tattoo designs often consist of more flowing shapes. Tribal tattoo designs were more on large sections of solid black similar to the modern blackwork we know today.

Colored Tattoos

Black and gray tattoos will always have their place in the tattoo community. However, colored tattoos have been on the rise and are one of the biggest trends. In the past, people avoided getting colored tattoos because of their inferior longevity.

Thanks to evolved techniques and equipment, people can go bright and bold without fear. Watercolor tattoos are a fantastic example of this. More and more clients are getting full-blown portraits. Your colored tattoos could last as long as your black and gray pieces with proper care.

Patchwork Sleeve Tattoo

Are you on the fence about getting a sleeve? A full sleeve is a huge commitment, and if you love getting new styles all the time, it can be hard to commit to a full sleeve. Patchwork tattoos can help you achieve that full sleeve without binding yourself to a single huge piece.

A patchwork sleeve refers to a sleeve made of separate pieces instead of one big picture. It’s also a great option for clients who want a sleeve but have a bunch of other small tattoos on their arms. It can help you fill in small spaces without looking like filler.

You can opt to stick to a theme or go completely random! You can still achieve a balanced look without choosing a color scheme or tattoo style. All you need to do is find the right tattoo artist for the job.

You also don’t have to rush to get your sleeve done! The beauty of patchwork sleeves is that they consist of small, separate, finished designs. You can mix and match as many styles as you want and grow your collection over time.

Holographic Tattoos

Some talented artists in the community have curated a unique style called holographic. Holo has made its way into various industries, from stationary to nail art. While colored tattoos are in trend this 2022, holographic tattoos are taking it to the next level.

Pair it with a psychedelic theme, and you have a head-turning tattoo. Expect to see bolder imagery and more neon colors this year!

Blacklight Tattoos

Minimalist and fineline tattoos were the standard when it came to hideable tattoos. When blacklight tattoos came into the media, you can bet it took the community by storm. As the name implies, these tattoos are invisible under regular sunlight but in UV light.

Blacklight tattoos use ink with fluorescent dye. Imagine walking into a club and getting entirely new tattoos than the ones you walked in with. The process of getting a blacklight tattoo is the same, but the ink is much thinner.

Though they come in different colors, it’s much harder to blend UV ink.

Blacklight tattoos are the newest in the scene, meaning there’s more discussion about whether it’s safe. People with blacklight tattoos have reported various skin issues. This includes burning, pain, rashes, and blistering.

While getting a blacklight tattoo is a cool concept, it’s worth weighing the pros and cons. If you do end up getting a blacklight tattoo, find an artist you trust and know what’s ahead of you.

Hairline and Eyebrow Tattoos

Tattoos are no longer only for aesthetic reasons; they’re also functional! Hairline tattoos, also known as scalp micro pigmentation, have become the new solution for hair loss. Studies show that most men experience some form of hair loss by 30.

A hairline tattoo could be your solution if you’ve been struggling with hair loss or visible thinning. Technicians use a microneedle to create the illusion of fine hair follicles. This is possible with the pointillism technique.

Trained technicians know how to match your hair color with the right pigments. Thanks to scalp micro pigmentation, you can address any hairline issues, from thinning areas to bald patches. Many also turn to hairline tattoos to construct a more flattering hairline for their features.

The best candidates for this are those who don’t mind keeping their hair short. When completed, the procedure will result in a short buzz-cut appearance. Most clients will need to cut their hair every one or two weeks to keep it as natural as possible.

Eyebrow tattoos are also trending as a more permanent alternative to microblading. Microblading requires regular touchups, usually every 18 months.

Choosing an Artist

We’ve talked time and time again about getting the right artist for the job. Tattoos are forever unless you’re willing to pay for laser removal. If you want a tattoo you won’t regret, take the time to pick an artist who can give you what you want.

Regardless of the style you choose, the right artist won’t let you leave the studio without a tattoo you’re happy with. Some trending styles today are pretty niche, so you may need to canvas new artists. So, how do you find the right one?

Look at Portfolios

If you want to get a specific style of tattoo, look at the artists’ portfolios. This gives you a good idea of whether they’ve worked with your desired style of tattoo before. It also gives you a chance to see if they understand the fundamentals, like clean linework and shading.

Clean and Sanitized Workstation

It’s worth visiting a tattoo studio before booking an appointment. The right tattoo artist should be more than happy to show you around. They should also be able to answer any of your questions regarding cleanliness and safety.

You want an artist that has a clean workstation free of clutter. Ask them about their process when preparing a client for a tattoo session.

Do they wrap up their working area in plastic? Do they use new clean needles and wear gloves whenever they work? It also helps to know if your artist works from a reputable location.

Certifications and Reviews

Tattooing has become an accepted practice over the years. Nowadays, it’s standard for your tattoo artist to have proper certification. This shows that your artist is knowledgeable in their field and has the skills to give you your desired tattoo.

Most tattoo studios today also have their own websites, so be sure to pop in for a visit! Don’t stop at looking at the number of stars next to the studio name. Take the time to read reviews and see what past clients had to say about their artists.

If you have a friend or family member with the tattoo style you want, ask them for a reference! There’s no better way to acquire a good candidate than with referrals from a loved one.

Is the Artist Approachable?

Looking for a new tattoo artist can be a daunting experience. At the end of the day, only you will be able to determine if an artist is right for you. When you walk into the salon, do you feel welcome?

Is your artist friendly and accommodating? You should always feel safe working with a new tattoo artist. If you feel apprehensive or are having second thoughts, there’s no harm in looking elsewhere.

New Tattoo Trends of 2022

new tattoo trends

new tattoo trend

If you’ve been looking to get a new tattoo, check out these new tattoo trends! You have plenty of options, from minimalistic red line tattoos to full-color pieces. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas and creativity with your tattoo artist.

Have you decided on your next tattoo? Dive in and take the next step with Skin Factory Tattoo! Contact us today to get a consultation.

custom tattoo design

custom tattoo design

Your Custom Tattoo Design Guide: Tips, Tricks and Mistakes to Avoid

Did you know that the practice of tattooing is around 6,000 years old? That’s right, when you’re working with a tattoo artist, you’re participating in an ancient tradition.

Maybe you’ve gotten pre-drawns or flash pieces in the past, but now it’s time to get a custom tattoo design of your very own. How do you even start the process?

We’re here to talk about it. Read on to learn all about designing a tattoo with your tattoo artist.

First: Pick Your Style

People who are new to getting custom tattoos may not be “in the know” about various styles of tattooing. When you’re trying to have a custom design created for you, it’s a good idea to know the type of tattoo that you’re going for. This will help you narrow down and artist and explain your desires more clearly.

There are so many styles of tattoo art to choose from. If you browse the web, you’ll see near endless options. Some of them are more popular than others, however.

Here are a few of the most common styles of tattoos and what makes them unique.

American Traditional

When you think of tattoos, American traditional tattoos likely come to mind first. These tattoos operate under the principle that “bold will hold.” They have dark and bold lines and (usually) bright colors that will stand the test of time.

If you think of old-school tattoos that sailors would get, you’re thinking of American traditional tattoos.

You can get anything in the American traditional style, but there are a few common tattoo subjects that you can find on any flash sheet (and they’re things that any American traditional tattoo artist should be able to do.

Lady heads, tigers, anchors, roses, snakes, and other common tattoo motifs are all readily available when you choose an American traditional tattoo artist. Some artists prefer to stick with those traditional motifs, but many welcome new and unique ideas, even if they don’t have examples on display in their portfolios.

Fine Line

Fine line tattoos have boomed in popularity over the past decade. They’re popular among celebrities, influencers, and “average people” alike. They’re dainty, elegant, and easy to hide.

For fine line tattoos, you want to find a great artist. Even when done correctly, it’s possible for these tattoos to fade over time. You want to give yourself the best possible chance of a long-term tattoo.

Common fine line tattoos include script, small symbols, and flowers, but people have done fine line tattoos of everything.

New School

New school tattoos are bright, bold, and cartoonish. Try to imagine a combination between cartoonish digital artwork and classic tattoos and you’ll get New School.

This tattoo style was popular in the early 2000s and it’s since faded into the background, but that doesn’t make it less valuable. These tattoos are bright, bold, and long-lasting as long as you pick a great artist.

Common new school tattoo subjects are cartoon characters, “embroidery tattoos,” flowers, and lady’s heads, but again, you have countless options if you pick a great artist.

Neotraditional

Neotraditional tattoos are similar to American traditional tattoos, but with a bit of extra “flair.” Often, artists will start off with traditional tattoos, but then add their own special touch.

Neotraditional tattoos have the same general motifs as traditional tattoos, but modernized. Lady heads may look more like art nouveau portraits, for example.

These tattoos are stylized and detailed, but not hyperrealistic. They’re genuine art pieces. They tend to resemble oil paint or digital art, but without the shine and bold colors of new school tattoos.

Japanese Traditional

Japanese traditional tattoos are also similar to American traditional tattoos, but with Japanese motifs and subjects. The styles are both bold and strong, but Japanese traditional tattoos resemble old woodblock prints.

There are still lady heads, but they often resemble Geishas. Snakes, dragons, frogs, and tigers are all common in Japanese traditional tattoos, but again, you can have anything tattooed in this style.

Many Japanese traditional artists like to do large-scale tattoos that are characterized by dark backgrounds and bold and colorful foregrounds.

Realism

For anyone who wants a true portrait, realism tattoos are the way to go. These tattoo artists tend to meticulously trace or replicate photos to make sure that their clients get exactly what they’re looking for, and then use their own expert shading techniques to bring the images to life on skin.

This is a difficult tattoo style that will require a lot of time in the tattoo chair. In other words, this style of tattoo is a commitment (moreso than many other types of tattoos).

Blackwork “Styles”

Blackwork often just refers to any tattoos that are black, but there are a few things that set apart “blackwork” as a style rather than just a color scheme.

Blackworkers often use unique shading styles that resemble pen and ink shading. Stippling, line shading, and cross-hatching are common for blackworkers.

These tattoos can be bold or dainty. It’s common to do “sacred geometry” tattoos in this style, but other common blackwork subjects include flowers, snakes, architectural drawings, and so much more.

Many blackworkers started with another style and then modified it for blackwork, so you’ll see hints of American traditional, neotraditional, and more.

Pick Your Color Scheme

Speaking of blackwork and black tattoos, have you thought about your color scheme yet?

First, decide whether or not you’re going to want color in your tattoo at all. It’s common for people to stick to black tattoos once they have their first one to make their art all cohesive regardless of the styles that they choose.

There’s nothing wrong with color tattoos, however.

Most tattoo artists will recommend bold colors rather than washed-out watercolor tones, though you can do either. Soft pastel colors are less likely to hold long-term. That said, it’s your body and your art, so do what feels right for you.

The style of tattoo will help dictate your color choice, but it doesn’t have to. Tattoo artists tend to be flexible and they often love a challenge, so don’t be afraid to ask about unique colors and color combinations.

Have a General Idea in Mind

When you’re getting custom tattoo art done, you want to start with at least a vague idea. Tattoo artists are artists, so they can work with something loose, but if you don’t give them anything to go off of, they won’t know what you want.

Do you already have other tattoos that you’re trying to match? That might be enough to get your artist started.

Does your artist have other pieces that somewhat resemble what you’re looking for? That’s also a good enough place to start.

Sometimes it’s as simple as having a “theme” and a few images in mind that your artist can work with. For example, you could say that you want a blackwork tattoo with a knife and a flower.

You’re giving your artist the freedom to choose the type of knife and flower, but you’ve given them a base idea to work from.

If you have a specific image in your mind, you’re going to have to private specific images and instructions. We’ll talk about how you can do that later on.

Consider Making an Inspiration Board

So you know that you want a custom tattoo, but you’re not sure what you want. You don’t want to get a pre-drawn design, but you’re overwhelmed with options. You don’t even know where to get the tattoo!

It might be time to browse the web and create some kind of inspiration board. You can do this easily on sites like Pinterest and Tumblr.

Look for tattoos that fit a style that you’re looking for and start collecting them. You can also look for photos and drawings of a few themes or subjects that appeal to you, even if you haven’t yet narrowed down a final idea.

Seeing all of these images in one place might help you decide which elements of each image you like.

Where Is Your Tattoo Going?

Remember that you will be (slightly) limited by the location of your tattoo. You won’t be able to get an intricate piece on a small area, like a foot or wrist. Artists aren’t magicians.

You can ask your artist to switch tattoo locations before they start tattooing you, but remember that the locations should be comparable in size. For example, you can’t move a large back piece onto your calf (or vice-versa).

Sketching a Design: Yes or No?

This is a tricky issue. Should you sketch your own design or have another artist sketch it before you go to the tattoo artist?

If you want something hyper-specific, it’s okay to sketch it out ahead of time. If you’re paying another non-tattoo artist for their work to get it put onto your body (make sure that you have explicit permission to do this and that you’ve paid them for their time), then a sketch is also appropriate.

You can always provide a loose sketch for your artist that just shows placement and a general idea, even if you’re not a good artist yourself.

With this in mind, remember that your tattoo artist is a genuine artist. You don’t need to provide them with a sketch as long as you’re able to convey your thoughts about what you want.

Pick the Right Artist

Speaking of your artist, make sure that you take your time when you’re making your decision! Tattoo artists aren’t a monolith, and different artists have different styles and subject preferences. While they’re versatile, it’s a good idea to pick an artist who has plenty of experience with the style that you’re looking for.

Check shop and artist portfolios online. Many artists (most, even) have Instagram accounts where you can see up-to-date portfolios with all of their current work.

Many of these profiles will also include booking information so you can get in touch with your artist as soon as they’re ready to take on new clients.

Be as Clear as Possible About Your Wants

Once you’ve chosen your ideal artist, gather all of your inspiration images and ideas and bring them to the (metaphorical) table. You want to give your artist as much information as possible so that they can make your ideal art piece.

But what can you include?

You can include images of their other tattoos if you like a specific style that they’ve done in the past. You can also include other tattoos, but note that a good tattoo artist will not copy someone else’s work. They can use it as inspiration.

If you have other tattoos, especially if they’re near the location of your new custom tattoo, it’s a good idea to show those to your artist as well. This will give them an idea of how they can arrange their design so it complements the rest of your art.

Photos and other images are also great for letting your artist know what you want, even if they’re more or less symbolic.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Changes

Many tattoo artists won’t show you the finished design until the day of your appointment. While this may be stressful for you, know that you are able to request changes. This is going on your body forever, and your artist will understand.

Minor changes can often be made on the same day, but if you need a significant change, your artist may request that you make a new appointment so they have enough time to bring your ideas to life.

What Will Your Custom Tattoo Design Look Like?

custom tattoo designAre you ready to have a tattoo artist come up with a custom tattoo design for you? A good tattoo design is a collaboration between you and your tattoo artist. Gather your ideas and make a consultation appointment (or do an email consultation) as soon as possible!

At Skin Factory, our artists are ready to bring your ideas to life. Find our artists on social media or fill out our contact form to start the tattoo process.

 

To learn more, contact us here.

Henderson Tattoo Shop

Maui Tattoo Shop

Hawaii Tattoo Shop

Sibling Tattoo Ideas

Sibling Tattoo Ideas

18 Meaningful Sibling Tattoo Ideas

18 Meaningful Sibling Tattoo Ideas

You and your siblings may have fought as kids, but now you’re the best of friends. If you want to show your love for your family, you should research some sibling tattoo ideas.

Then, you can decide on the best designs for you and your siblings. Some designs are more simple, while others require a bit more time and work.

Read on to learn about some tattoo designs you may want to get.

1. Two Halves of a Whole

You’ve probably seen friendship or sibling necklaces, where both necklaces fit together. You can turn that concept into one of the best sibling tattoo ideas, especially if you have one sibling.

You can get as creative as you want, so you don’t have to keep it simple. However, you could each get a tattoo of half of a heart, and you can make a full heart when you place the tattoos next to each other.

If you want to be more creative, you could each get a tattoo of, for example, a child. Each tattoo can have a dotted line leading off the side of your body that connects to the other tattoo when you and your sibling stand next to each other.

2. Birth Order

If you and your siblings want a more subtle tattoo, you can do something that relates to your birth order. A simple option is to get a tattoo in Roman numerals, so the oldest would get a I, the second would get a II, and so on.

However, you can also use this concept to get tattoos of other things, such as shapes. A set of three siblings could get a tattoo with a line of three circles or stars.

Have the tattoo artist color in the circle or star according to your birth order. Then, you can remember your siblings any time you see the tattoo.

3. Birthstones

Some of the best tattoo designs involve color, so you could use this to your advantage. You can get a tattoo of your and your siblings’ birthstones based on the month of everyone’s birth.

Of course, this means your tattoo artist needs to have different colored inks. However, you should be able to find someone who can make your tattoo idea come to life.

If you just have one sibling, you could get each other’s birthstones as tattoos. Or you could include the birthstones for all of your siblings in one tattoo that each of you can get.

4. Western Zodiac Signs

Another tattoo idea that uses your birthdates is tattooing your western zodiac signs on your body. You can use everyone’s birthday to figure out your sun signs, which is the sign most people know.

Then, you can either get a tattoo of the animal or being, such as a lion for a July birthday. Or you could get a more simple tattoo that uses the symbols that represent each sign.

As with the birthstone idea, you can combine all zodiac signs into one tattoo. Sibling pairs could also just get a tattoo of the others’ zodiac sign or their own.

5. Chinese Zodiac Signs

Most Americans think of the Chinese animal of the year when they think of the Chinese zodiac. Just like western astrology, these animals can make for some of the best sibling tattoo ideas.

There are 12 animals, so most sibling groups won’t have overlap unless you’re born far apart. That means you can each get a unique tattoo if you decide to get tattoos of your respective birth years.

Alternatively, you can combine the animals of your siblings’ birth years. You can get tattoos of each animal, or you can combine them, such as a tattoo of a pig with a snake for the tail.

6. Birth State

Getting a tattoo of your birth state is best if you and your siblings were all born in the same place. However, you could also get tattoos of the birth states of all of your siblings.

This is especially great if you and your siblings were born in bordering states. You could get a tattoo of the states in question so that you remember where you all came from.

If you want to add a little something to the tattoo, add a heart near the city of everyone’s birth. As with different states, if siblings were born in different cities, you can add a small heart or dot for each.

Whenever any of you feels homesick, you can think about your tattoo.

7. Current State

If you or any of your siblings have moved to different states, consider using those for a tattoo. You may have seen mugs that have multiple states on them with a dotted line tying them together.

Make that sort of design permanent, and get a tattoo of your current state and those of your siblings. Of course, this idea works the best if you’ve all settled down and don’t intend to move.

For siblings who are still in college or are just out of school, stick to your birth state. Or you could get a tattoo of the states where all of you have lived and add to it as you move around.

8. Sibling Initials

You can also get a simple tattoo that includes the first initial of everyone in your sibling group. Make the initials go in a line, and write out the letters in birth order.

If you have three siblings, you can get the four initials in a cross. Sets of three siblings could do a triangle, so find ways to make the tattoo look unique.

When doing a triangle or square, put your family’s last initial in the center. That can help represent your connection to each other as a family, even as you get older and start your own lives.

9. Add in the In-Laws

As you and your siblings get married, you can incorporate the initials of your siblings-in-law. Add them next to their spouse to show how they connect to the rest of the family.

This is a great way to include people who marry you and your siblings. You can also incorporate your in-laws into any of the other sibling tattoo ideas.

10. Memorial Tattoo

If you’ve had a sibling pass away, think about some sibling tattoo ideas to remember that sibling. For example, you could get a tattoo of their initials or of their birth and death dates.

Maybe you remember your sibling’s favorite animal or flower, so you get a tattoo of that. If your sibling passed due to mental health, get a tattoo of a semi-colon, which represents the importance of mental health.

You could also get a tattoo of a nickname that you had for that sibling or that they had for you. There are a lot of ways you can immortalize your siblings when you go to a tattoo shop.

11. Fictional Siblings

Consider if there are any fictional siblings that remind you of you and your family. When deciding on sister tattoos, you may get a tattoo of Elsa and Anna from Frozen.

If your family contains two sisters and a brother, you might get a tattoo of the siblings from the show Bob’s Burgers. Getting a tattoo of cartoons will probably be easier than of live-action characters.

Your tattoo artist won’t have to recreate an actor, so the tattoo may look better. And you can keep from associating the look of the tattoo with the actors.

12. Shared Interests

If you and your siblings like the same things, get that as a tattoo. For example, maybe you all played instruments in band or orchestra when you were kids.

You could get tattoos of musical symbols or clefs. Of course, you could also get tattoos of the instruments you all played, especially if you still play music today.

Or maybe you and your siblings like art, so you get something that relates to that as a tattoo. Then, you can get matching tattoos, or you could make each one slightly different to represent yourselves as individuals.

13. The Other’s Interest

One of the best sister or brother tattoos for sibling pairs involves the other sibling’s interests. You can each get a tattoo of something the other person loves.

Perhaps you have a sibling who’s a feminist, so you get a tattoo of the women symbol. You might like animals, so they get a tattoo of your favorite animal.

Take the music and art examples, so one of you gets a musical tattoo, and the other gets one of art. You could get the tattoo of the instrument your sibling plays, and they could get a tattoo of art supplies.

14. Shapes in Color

If you want a simple yet colorful tattoo, use colors that your siblings like. For example, you could get a tattoo of a heart, circle, or some other shape that’s easy to do.

Then, you can color in that shape with your sibling’s favorite color. If you have more than one sibling, you can use the colors all of your siblings like.

A good tattoo shop can do colorful tattoos and use white ink or any other color of ink you want. Then, you can make the tattoo represent you and all of your brothers and sisters.

15. Family Name or Crest

Of course, another excellent idea for a sibling tattoo would contain your family’s last name. Even if you have changed your name after getting married, your birth name will always be a part of you.

It’s also something that connects you to your siblings. If you want to take things a step further, ask your parents if you have a family crest, and you can get a tattoo of that.

A family crest tattoo can become a good icebreaker when you meet people. You can use it to share a bit about your background, and you can show it off to your kids if you choose to have any.

16. Family Pets

If you grew up with pets, consider developing some tattoo designs from those animals. Maybe you had a dog during your childhood, and you and your siblings loved the dog.

You could get a tattoo of the dog’s face or body, depending on what you want. Another option is to get a tattoo of their paw print if you happen to still have the pet.

Now, this may not work well if your siblings are far apart in ages since you may have had different pets. However, you could get a tattoo that includes multiple animals.

17. Parents’ Names

Of course, the biggest thing that connects you with your siblings is your parents. You can get tattoos of one or both of your parents’ names or initials.

If you have half-siblings, you can get a tattoo of just the parent’s name or initials that you share. Step-siblings can get tattoos of the day their parents married, officially making you siblings.

Tattoos of your parents’ names or initials is another good choice if one or both of your parents have passed away. You and your siblings can get the tattoos to help remember your parents.

18. Outline of a Childhood Picture

Go through some of your pictures from childhood, and look for one of you and your siblings. You can take the picture to a tattoo shop and ask if they can recreate the outline of you all.

That can lead to a simple tattoo design that you can put on almost any part of your body. Of course, this type of tattoo may need to be a bit larger, especially if you have a larger family.

However, you can keep it relatively simple or make it more complex. You could just get the outline, or you could color it in to make it look more like a silhouette.

Which Sibling Tattoo Ideas Will You Try?

If you want to connect with your family, you should consider a few sibling tattoo ideas. You can get as creative as you want or keep things simple.

Be sure to consider what type of tattoo you all want and if you want the same one or something different. Then, you can look for a tattoo artist to bring your ideas to life.

Are you ready to get a sibling tattoo? Contact us to learn how we can help.

Henderson Tattoo Shop

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couple tattoo ideas

couple tattoo ideas

Couple Tattoo Ideas

Did you know that about 45 million Americans have tattoos? We don’t blame them! Tattoos are a wonderful way to express yourself and hold a special meaning near to your heart.

Speaking of special meaning, one meaningful type of tattoo is to get a tattoo with your significant other. Couple tattoos say “I love you” like nothing else, and they look great, too!

1. Always and Forever

One cute couple tattoo that you can try is a scripted tattoo reading always and forever. In this tattoo idea, one partner will write always on their wrist while the other partner’s wrist reads forever.

These can be great tattoos for married couples. They’re a lovely way for you to remember why you got married in the first place and what commitment you made to your spouse!

2. Mismatched Tattoos

One of the coolest tattoo ideas for couples we’ve seen is to try mismatched tattoos. With mismatched tattoos, you’ll keep the tattoo along the same theme, but they don’t have to exactly match.

What’s fun here is that there are tons of ways that you can make the tattoos mismatched. For example, you could have the same tattoo in two different tattoo styles.

Or, you could have one tattoo in black ink while the other is in color. No matter what it is you choose, this is a great way to get creative with your couple’s tattoo.

3. Minimalist Tattoos

Another fun couple tattoo idea to try is to get minimalist tattoos. Minimalist tattoos are great because they’re simple but still pop against your skin.

Minimalist tattoos also look great no matter where you put your tattoo. That makes them great for couples who need to cover their tattoos for a job.

4. L-O-V-E

L.O.V.E. is a popular Frank Sinatra song, but those same four letters can look great in a tattoo! This idea is a simple yet sweet couple’s tattoo idea for anyone wanting to share a special piece of ink with their partner.

In this tattoo idea, one person gets a tattoo of the letters ‘L’ and ‘O’ while the other completes the set with ‘V’ and ‘E’. It’s a sweet and slightly subtle way to show your love for someone.

5. Get a Cultural Tattoo

Now, this tattoo only works if you’re in a relationship where you and your partner come from different cultures. However, if that’s the case, it can be a sweet nod to your partner’s culture.

For this tattoo, select an element from your partner’s culture. Then, get that tattoo design as a nod to where your partner is from.

The significance of the cultural tattoo is enhanced by the fact that for you, this reminds you of your partner. You can get creative here and make the cultural element you choose significant to your relationship or to love as well!

6. Gamer Tattoos

If you love video games, sports, or board games, you can get some cute gamer tattoos! For these tattoos, pick some elements in your favorite game and get them as tattoos!

You could, for example, get soccer ball tattoos if that’s what brought you together. Or, if you’re more into the digital world, consider getting tattoos of your favorite video game couple (Sora and Kairi, anyone?).

7. Lock and Key

When you love someone, they hold the key to your heart. Why not give them a literal key to hang onto as well?

This darling tattoo idea is for one partner to get a lock and the other to get a key image. The images fit together perfectly without being exactly the same.

You can get really creative here and make your lock and key stylized, too. That can be a fun way to add some extra personality to your tattoos.

8. Written in the Stars

Another cute couple’s tattoo idea that you can try is to put the other person’s star sign on your body. This is a lovely yet subtle way to show someone that you love them.

You can get even more creative with this tattoo by incorporating your partner’s name or birthday into the star sign. That can make it even more special!

Plus, there are so many options when it comes to star signs.

You can choose your partner’s sun, moon, or rising sign, or you can use their Chinese zodiac symbol. Write out the constellation itself or use the associated image instead of the symbol.

No matter how you choose to get creative here, we’re confident you’ll come up with a unique and beautiful design.

9. Pick a Fandom

Whether you’re a die-hard Harry Potter fan or you can’t get enough of the Lord of the Rings, there’s a couple’s tattoo for you.

A great idea for a couples tattoo is to pick a fandom that you love and to get a tattoo that speaks to that fandom.

For instance, if you’re both Slytherins, you could get two intertwining snakes on your arm. Or, if the two of you love Naruto, you could get hidden leaf symbols on your body.

There are so many different fandoms out there, and this is a great way for you to come up with something that’s unique to you and your partner while still keeping it as a couple’s design.

10. The Sun and Moon

If you feel like your partner is your sunshine, you can get a tattoo that plays with the concept of the sun.

What’s cute about this idea is that one person can have the tattoo filled in while the other has just the outline. Or, you can have the sun and moon rather than both getting the sun.

Another idea is to place the tattoos in different spots. Or you might want to stylize the designs slightly differently.

11. Two Halves of a Whole

You and your partner are like two halves of one whole. So, why not make your tattoo speak to that as well?

You could get two halves of a heart that fit together when you line the tattoos up together. Or, another option would be to get two puzzle pieces.

We also love the idea of two halves of an avocado or another piece of fruit. It’s a cute way to show you fit together without being too mainstream.

12. King and Queen Tattoos

Many of us feel like our partner is our king or queen. You can play that up by getting cute king and queen-inspired tattoos!

One option is to write the words “king” and “queen” on your bodies. Or, you could simply get a king’s crown and a queen’s crown.

If you choose to get crowns, this can be a fun way to personalize your tattoos. You can pick unique styles or can even let your partner draw the tattoo themselves.

13. Animal Tattoos

Animals also work well as couple tattoos. You can get the male and female animal (think lion and lioness) or can simply get the same animal!

Pick an animal that’s symbolic in your relationship. Or, find an animal that’s associated with love and companionship.

No matter what animal you choose, this can be a special way to tell your partner you love them.

14. Classic Hearts

There’s nothing like a heart to show that you love someone. This timeless symbol has been around for centuries, and is a great option for couples wanting a matching tattoo.

You can keep your hearts as simple and minimalist as you like. Or, if you’re feeling brave, you can embellish the hearts and make them big, personalized, and funky.

No matter how you choose to design your hearts, we’re confident that this will make a great couples tattoo.

You can also get creative with the placement of these tattoos. Get the hearts on your fingers so that they show off when you hold hands or come up with another special placement.

15. Disney Inspired Couple Tattoos

If your partner is your Prince Charming, Knight in Shining Armor, or your princess, then why not get a Disney-inspired tattoo?

There are tons of sweet Disney relationships that can inspire your couple’s tattoos. Perhaps you love the idea of Ana and Sven, or perhaps Flint Ryder and Rapunzel are more your style.

Regardless of what Disney couple you’re obsessed with, this is a great way to show off your fandom and your love at the same time.

16. Important Dates

Every couple has an important date. Perhaps it’s the day you got married, or maybe it’s the day you met your partner.

No matter what your special day is, getting a tattoo of it can be a special way to show off your love.

You can even get multiple date tattoos if you like. That way, you can commemorate more than one special occasion.

17. Forever Mine

This one’s best for married couples or partners who plan to be together forever.

With this tattoo, you and your partner can get the words “forever mine” tattooed. It’s a sweet reminder of the long-term commitment you’ve made to your partner.

Alternatively, one partner can get the word “mine” while the other partner gets the word “forever”. These simple and sweet words hold a whole lot of significance when they’re shared with your partner!

18. Skulls

Now, while some people might think skulls are macabre, that could be right up someone else’s alley. Skulls can have tons of different meanings depending on how you look at them!

You can customize your skulls with roses and other romantic elements to make them especially sweet. Or, you can make them more cultural and use a Day of the Dead type theme.

Skulls are a wonderful way to symbolize “til death do us part”. Plus, they can also just be simple ways to show off your relationship’s personality.

19. Anchor Couple Tattoos

For most of us, our partners anchor us down and ground us. One way you can show that is to get an anchor tattoo!

You and your partner can get the same anchor tattoo or can mix it up a bit and have one partner get the ship that drops the anchor.

These are also great tattoos for individuals who have a special connection with the sea. Whether you live by the ocean or your partner works at sea, these are wonderfully symbolic tattoos.

20. LGBTQ+ Couple Tattoos

If you’re in an LGBTQ+ relationship, then you might want to get a tattoo that speaks especially to that. It’s a great way to express your love for your partner and show off your pride.

There are tons of different designs out there, such as the double feminine or double masculine symbol. Or, you could opt for simple pride flags.

We also love the idea of double triangles. You can keep it in simple black ink, or you can get colorful to show off your personal orientation.

No matter what LGBTQ symbol or style you choose, these are wonderful ways to express yourself while celebrating your love for your partner.

Get Inspired by These Couple Tattoo Ideas

With this huge list of couple tattoo ideas, you’ll have no problem coming up with an idea for your and your partner’s next set of ink. There are tons of amazing ideas and you can work with your artist to tweak them to be uniquely yours!

So, what do you say? Are you ready to get started with gorgeous couple tattoos? Get in touch to book an appointment with our studio.

To learn more, contact us here.

Henderson Tattoo Shop

Maui Tattoo Shop

Hawaii Tattoo Shop