Tattoo Sketch Guide: Tips to Present Your Design to the Artist
Sometimes you have a clear idea of what you want your tattoo to look like, but it can be difficult to express it. Whether your tattoo concept is crystal clear or still evolving, effective communication with your tattoo artist is essential. Even the best tattoo ideas need a consultation with a tattoo artist to make sure they turn out well.
So what’s the best way to communicate your custom tattoo designs with a potential artist? Often, people will come to the tattooist with a sketch. Sketching works well because describing an idea with words alone is difficult. A sketch gives the artist something tangible to work with.
Are you interested in learning how to create a compelling sketch that accurately reflects your vision? This article explains everything you need to know about creating the perfect tattoo sketch. Read on to learn more about bringing your tattoo idea to life.
Understanding Your Design
First things first, you need to understand your design. After all, you can’t explain what you want if you’re unsure yourself. It could help to think about the reasons you want a tattoo.
Is it a meaningful symbol, or a way to remember a family member who passed away? Or, maybe there’s no profound meaning, and you just want something that looks vibrant and appealing. Ultimately, tattoos are a form of expression, and deciding what you want to communicate is the first step in creating a perfect tattoo sketch.
This process should allow you to identify some key themes and elements. For example, if it’s a tattoo relating to your family history, it could make sense to incorporate visual elements from your cultural background. For example, someone with Japanese roots might be interested in custom tattoo designs featuring koi fish, cherry blossoms or creatures from Japanese mythology.
Once you have some inspiration, you can start thinking practically. You’ll need to decide on the style. Tattoo style is about more than just aesthetic appeal. Most tattoo artists work within a narrow stylistic niche, so your choice will have a huge influence on who you’ll work with.
Style also affects the longevity of the tattoo. For example, watercolor style tattoos tend to look great initially, but over the years they fade and only retain a shadow of their former glory.
When you have identified a style that resonates with you, you should explore as many artists as possible who work in that style. Start building up a collection of reference images to show potential artists.
Once you’ve built up a sizable collection of examples, you should schedule a consultation with a tattoo artist. Look for someone who’s renowned for working with your chosen style. Show them your examples, and describe your ideal tattoo vision.
Always be open to feedback and try to understand the artist’s perspective on your ideals. A good tattoo artist will give you valuable insights you can incorporate into your tattoo sketch.
Preparing Your Sketch
Once you’re set on an idea, and you’ve gotten feedback from a pro tattooist or two, you’re ready to begin your sketch. If art isn’t your strong point, it may help to go over the fundamentals of drawing. You should be comfortable creating outlines and shading them, and you should have a basic grasp of proportion.
If you’re struggling with the basics, don’t worry. Your tattoo artist isn’t expecting a sketch that looks like it came from Leonardo da Vinci. A good tattoo artist has the vision to bring your idea to life with only a relatively basic sketch.
The key to a good sketch is to start off with simple shapes. These shapes are the foundation of your sketch, and you’ll use them to assist in creating the more complex elements of your design. If you’re skilled enough, you can use this technique to create a sketch with correct proportions and good balance.
It makes sense to begin with pencil sketches, as you can easily correct your mistakes. But, a tattooist works with ink. Once you’re happy with your progress, you can use finer liner pens to create clean and clear outlines.
If you want to abandon physical drawing in favor of a more high-tech approach, there are plenty of digital tools available. Apps like Adobe Illustrator and Sketchbook are flexible and effective ways to produce detailed, highly polished tattoo designs.
Detailing Your Design
When doing your line work, focus on creating smooth and clean lines. Consistent line work is essential for a bold and professional-looking tattoo. The finer details won’t matter if the line work looks sloppy. While the line work needs to be clean and precise, it shouldn’t be too uniform.
Make sure to vary the thickness of the lines to add depth and emphasis to different parts of your design. Thicker lines can make certain elements stand out more, while thinner ones provide background components and small details. Remember, skin is a different medium than paper or a digital screen.
You’ll need to avoid overcrowding your design with too many lines. Over time, line work can fade and become muddled or blurred, making the tattoo harder to see. Don’t go overboard with line thickness if you want a tattoo that looks great decades from now.
If your tattoo requires a sense of depth, apply shading techniques like cross-hatching or hatching. These techniques are crucial for making your design look true to life and dynamic. Shading offers a sense of perspective, highlighting the details you want to draw attention to.
Color Choice
Think carefully about your color choices. Colored tattoos look more vibrant and offer a wider range of aesthetic options, but they don’t age as well as black and gray tattoos. The choice between colors and black and gray comes down to your preferences.
If longevity is your priority, choose black and gray. Or, if you prefer a more vibrant tattoo, opt for color. If you decide on a colored tattoo, ensure the colors don’t clash. Select a cohesive color palette, and use online tools and websites for guidance if needed. Keep in mind that colors fade over time, with reds and yellows being the most prone to discoloration.
Consider your color choices and make sure that you understand the implications of what your tattoo might look like decades down the line. Always communicate with your tattoo artist about your color choices to make sure you understand how your chosen palette will affect the tattoo.
The key to working out the details is making iterative and continuous refinements to the design. Get as much feedback as possible, from both tattoo artists and friends and family.
Remember, this is a permanent mark on your body, so no feedback is too much. The more positive feedback you receive right now, the less likely you are to regret this tattoo in the future. Finally, when it comes to detail, you’ll need to consider how those details are going to look if the tattoo design will be scaled down.
A sketch that looks impressive at A4 size might not look great, if squashed into a tiny space on your wrist. Remember, the more you scale down the design, the simpler it needs to be to remain clear and recognizable.
Presenting Your Design
Once you’ve finalized your sketch, it’s time to present your design to the artist. Be sure to have a clean and polished version. If it’s a hand drawn sketch, ensure there are no superfluous marks or pencil lines, the design has to be as clear as possible.
If you’re presenting a digital image, make sure you have a good way to display it. Making high-quality printouts is the best choice, but failing that you should at least have a high-resolution device like a tablet. A phone screen isn’t really going to cut it if you want the artist to see all the nuances of your sketch.
Whatever form your sketch is in, having multiple copies is always best. This ensures you can have a detailed discussion about what you want without having to crowd around a single page or screen. You can also leave a copy for the artist so he has a reference to review the design or make changes later on.
Remember, the presentation stage is about more than just showing your sketch. It’s likely the artist will ask about the meaning of your design. An artist who understands and connects with the deeper meaning behind your symbolism will do a better job, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared to explain your inspiration.
Considering Placement and Size
One of your main concerns about tattoo placement should be its visibility. Think carefully about how overt you want to be. Neck or face tattoos are highly visible, and unless you’re prepared to wear a balaclava, there’s no hiding them.
Such a tattoo can have a profound impact on your personal and professional life. So much so, that many artists will refuse to do this kind of tattoo for someone who doesn’t have much ink. Back or thigh tattoos are a fairly safe choice, as these are easily concealed.
You should also think about the natural contours of your body. Unlike a flat piece of paper, your body has curves and lines that can seriously accentuate the details of a tattoo. Skilled use of these natural features can make your tattoo look more fluid and lifelike.
The final consideration for tattoo placement is your pain tolerance. Getting a tattoo always involves some degree of discomfort, but the location you choose has a significant impact on how much it will hurt. Generally, more bony areas like your spine or ankles are the most painful.
Collaborating with Your Artist
The key to getting a great tattoo is to work with a great artist, and to trust their knowledge and skill. Even if you’re a skilled artist yourself, you should trust your tattooist’s expertise on what will look best on your skin.
It’s ok to disagree with your tattoo artist on matters of aesthetic taste, but you shouldn’t ignore their perspective on the technical side of the business. Be flexible, and accept that designing a tattoo usually involves a little compromise.
The majority of tattoo artists are passionate about their craft, and they want you to get the best tattoo possible. By deferring to their expertise on what works and what doesn’t, you’ll get a great-looking and long-lasting tattoo.
Practical Considerations
Of course, when presenting your sketch to an artist, there are some practical considerations. Your sketch ideas have a huge influence on how much the tattoo will cost. Generally, the more complicated the design, the more expensive the process will be.
Getting a tattoo also involves investing time in the process. If your sketch is quite detailed, your tattoo could take multiple sessions to complete. In some cases, multiple sessions might not be practical, for example, if you’re visiting a tattoo studio while traveling.
A Tattoo Sketch Helps Bring Your Vision to Life
Tattooists are visual artists, but unlike other art, all tattooing is collaborative. When you’re getting a tattoo, you’re also a key part of that artistic collaboration.
Artistic cooperation requires clear communication and thoughtful planning. It’s crucial that both you and the artist are open and receptive to feedback. The more insight you can give the artist about your tattoo concept, the better.
Try to have the best possible sketch to demonstrate what you want, and also, be prepared to explain the meaning and significance of the piece. While you shouldn’t compromise on things like meaning and symbolism, you should be open to practical recommendations.
Find an Artist You Can Trust
When it comes to things like color choices, placement, and size, you should trust your tattooist’s wisdom. The best tattoos are usually those that were approached thoughtfully by both the artist and the customer, forming a powerful blend of their skills and talent with your inspiration and vision.
Are you looking for a tattoo artist who can bring your artistic vision to life in Las Vegas, Henderson, Nevada, or on Mau? Skin Factory Tattoo would love to hear from you. Our roster of seasoned artists are committed to giving you ink you can be proud of.
Bring us your tattoo sketch, and we’ll translate your ideas into the perfect tattoo. Contact us today to get started.
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
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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?
Are 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
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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.
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A Complete History of Tattoos
Tattoos have become a massive part of our culture both in the United States and around the world. You might think that the artform or craze only started a century or two ago. However, that’s not the case.
Tattoos have been around in some way for over 5,000 years. If you want to learn a complete history of tattoos, read on.
Otzi – The Iceman
Archaeologists discovered the first tattoo or oldest dating tattoo in September of 1991. Otzi, a mummified human, gets his name from the place two German hikers found him. The Oztzal Alps of Europe near the Italian and Austrian border.
Researchers discovered a total of 61 tattoos on Otzi. The tattoos are from soot or ash from a fireplace. They’re divided into 19 groups in different areas of the body.
Otzi was about five-foot-three inches tall and somewhere between 30 and 45 years old.
Otzi’s tattoos are on his ankle points, knee, and spine. How he died is a mystery, but they think his death was a violent one.
There’s one extremely interesting thing. The markings on Otzi align with traditional Chinese acupuncture points. That can’t be a coincidence, can it?
But, Otzi was alive 2,000 years before the earliest evidence of acupuncture, and he was very far from China for the time period.
After Otzi – Egyptian Mummies
Until Otzi was found, evidence showed that the earliest tattoos came from about 4,000 years ago. There was a group of Egyptian mummies that are from the time the great pyramids were being made.
There’s some indirect evidence that may or may not conclude that tattoos or tattooing may even be older and more widespread than the Egyptian mummies.
The indirect or inconclusive evidence is that of engraved statuettes that can sometimes be put in the same context as needles and clay discs with ochre.
What Historical Cultures Practiced Tattooing?
Historical and Ethnographic texts have shown that tattoos have been done by almost every known human culture, including Ancient Greeks who used tattoos in the fifth century to communicate with their spies.
After that, the Romans used to mark their slaves and criminals with tattoos.
Your first criminal offense in Japan way back when meant you got a line tattooed across your forehead. A second offense meant you got an arch tattooed above the line.
If you were guilty of a third offense, you got another line, and it completed the symbol for “dog.”
Of course, we can’t talk about ancient tattoos without discussing the Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas. They would have big tattooing rituals.
Then there’s the Norse, Danes, and Saxons who would tattoo their family’s crest across their chest. And the Britons also had tattoo ceremonies.
Tahitians also like their tattoos, and the word tattoo comes from the Tahitian word “tatau,” which means strike or mark. And tattoo means tapped as most tattoos back then were tapped into the skin by bone or wood.
In the Arctics, they pulled carbon thread under the skin with a needle. They could make designs with this method, almost like needlepoint.
Tattoos in Europe
Of course, the history of tattoos in Europe starts with Otzi but, there was evidence found showing that people may have been experimenting with tattoos before the last ice age nearly 12,000 years ago.
In 1867, at Grotte di Fées in Châtelperron, France, researchers found flintstone tools and bowls with red and black pigments.
But, this doesn’t mean the tools and paints were used to tattoo humans. They could have been used to draw on the walls in the caves. So, Otzi is the first or earliest proof of tattoos on humans.
In the early 300s, A.D., Constantine, the roman Emporer at the time, banned facial tattoos.
He did so because criminals wore them; while so did his own soldiers and gladiators. Constantine would have none of that and put the ban in place.
Other Europeans, such as the Vikings, didn’t seem to care. You could find them in the 1100s A.D. covered with tattoos.
In the 1700s, a British naval Captain by the name of Cook brought back native Polynesians with tattoos. The soldiers liked the idea and proceeded to get tatted up.
Alfred Charles South, from London, created the first twin coil tattoo machine in 1899. It was so heavy it had to be suspended from the ceiling to work correctly.
Tattoos in America
The history of tattoos in America can be a bit complicated. The origins of the English word tattoo are from the 16th century.
But the earliest proof of tattoos in America comes from a picture or pictograph of a Seneca trader. The Seneca traders’ tattoos were a bird and snake, which represent freedom.
There is also the picture of The Four Indian Kings from that same era. The King of the Maquas, a Mohawk tribe, is in that picture after returning from a European voyage.
His chest and lower part of his face were covered in black lines that were tattooed.
The origins of the first tattoo machine in America started with Thomas Edison. He created an electric stencil maker.
In 1891, a man named Samuel F. O’Reilly used Edison’s design to create the first electric tattoo machine. O’Reilly patented the machine on December 8th of that year.
Both the design O’Reilly used, which is like a rotary machine, and the coil machine from Europe are still used today to some effect. Nowadays they’re cooler looking, lighter, and much easier to handle with a lot of accessories.
The History of Tattoos and Today’s World
Tattoos and tattoo machines have come a long way since Otzi. We still use the rotary and coil methods, but they’re a lot smaller, lighter, and easier to maneuver.
Modern-day tattoo artists have several different tools/accessories they can use for different tattoos, but they all stem from past centuries of the art of the tattoo.
If learning about the history of tattoos has given you the itch for one, contact us now for an appointment.
To learn more, contact us here.
Henderson Tattoo Shop
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