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.
Most dog lovers show off their love for man’s best friend by wearing dog t-shirts or hats or putting a sticker on their car. We here at Skin Factory Tattoo, however, think there’s no better way to proclaim your puppy love to the world than by getting a dog tattoo.
The possibilities are endless for dog lovers. Here’s a look at eight inspired dog tattoo ideas. One of these may just be your next tat.
1. Your Dog
The most obvious tattoo design for any dog owner is to get a rendition of their beloved fur baby. The only drawback is that as tattoos are permanent you have to be OK with seeing a reminder of a deceased pet on your body every day. Although, this can also be a wonderful way to memorialize a beloved part of your family.
For this type of tattoo, it’s best to take photos of your dog and narrow them down to two to three possible shots to show to your tattoo artist. You may want them to capture an exceptionally cute or funny expression that shows off your dog’s personality.
2. Go Abstract
Your tattoo artwork doesn’t have to be highly detailed and show every hair on your dog to be beautiful. Many tattoo artists can take an image and interpret it in an abstract, modern way. We’re not talking about drawing an unrecognizable Picasso-esque version of your dog, but maybe incorporating bright colors, hard-edged shapes, and patterns into the image for a design that really pops.
3. Go Minimal
Maybe you don’t want a big, colorful, splashy tattoo of your dog covering a lot of skin. The good news is dog tattoos can be minimal, too! The perfect dog tattoo for you may consist of a few black lines that form your dog’s face and expression, or your favorite breed.
Or you may want something as simple as the outline of a heart tattooed along with a short sentimental quote about what pet ownership means to you. How about the dog constellation Canis Major with an outline of a dog superimposed over it? Going minimal is a great option for the person who wants a more subdued tattoo design.
4. Paw Print
If you don’t want an image of a dog on your skin but still want to convey your love for all things canine, a paw print tattoo may be the perfect compromise.
And we’re not just talking about cute little cartoon-like paw prints (unless you’d like a trail of those along a body area) but a large, realistic-looking paw impression. Many owners with big dogs even opt for a life-sized rendition of their pooch’s paw print on an arm or leg.
Tattoo artists can get very detailed with this idea by inking in the texture of your dog’s toe pads or making it look like they stepped in mud before they stepped on you. Or they can incorporate your dog’s face into the paw print.
Artists can get surprisingly creative with this tattoo design, so this is definitely one idea you may want to explore.
5. Multiple Dogs
What’s better than one dog tattoo? Several, of course! A really cute idea is to have three or four dog heads tattooed on your lower back, inner arm, or calf area.
If you own more than one pet, this is a great way to include them all in your tattoo design.
6. Your Dog’s Name
Another classic tattoo design is to simply have your dog’s name tattooed. You can choose to have their profile illustrated along with the name, or opt to just have the named inked. You can choose a simple, black and white font, or go for a more decorative and colorful one. The possibilities are endless, and the choice is up to you.
Your artist can also incorporate dog imagery with the lettering—such as a paw print or dog bone—so people will know the name is referring to a loved pet. Some people get a tattoo design depicting a heart-shaped dog tag that has their dog’s name.
7. Flowers and Other Decorative Touches
The beauty of tattoos is what they allow you to get as creative as you like, and that means you can include decorative elements in your dog tattoo such as flowers, stars, or other embellishments.
You could also get a tattoo that pays homage to your dog’s roots, such as showing pine trees behind an Alaskan husky, or a Bavarian mountain behind a German shepherd.
8. Your Dog’s Alter Ego
Do you think your dog sees himself as a superhero, keeping your yard safe from squirrels and alerting you to strangers? Or maybe he has an inner rock star, as evident by his howling each time you play music.
You can get playful with your tattoo design by incorporating a bit of your best friend’s personality into the artwork. Your tattoo artist can render your dog wearing sunglasses or include superhero tattoo elements such as a cape and mask.
Explore These Dog Tattoo Ideas
Dog Tattoo Ideas
As you can see, dog tattoo ideas are really only limited by your imagination. Your tattoo artist should also have plenty of other ideas to help you find the perfect way to show off your love of your dog, or dogs in general, to everyone.
Thinking of getting a dog tattoo, or a tat to symbolize another pet or animal? Contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your tattoo ideas with us. Our artists will make your vision a reality.
Taking A Look At Some Of Today’s Amazing New Tattoo Techniques
Diving into some of the wildest and new tattoo techniques making a splash in 2020. See all the unique things being done with a modern tattoo gun.
Getting a tattoo is one of the most personal decisions you will ever make. Not only is it a permanent marking on your body, but it is also a representation of something significant and unique to you.
The stigma of having a tattoo is long gone. Once only spotted on the muscled arms of bikers or those in the military, they now show up on celebrities, sports figures, and the PTA mom next door.
The possibilities are endless and range from the intricate design sleeve no one can ignore, to the subtle and simple piece strategically placed.
Tattoos and tattoo artists have also kept up with the times. There are innovations and new tattoo techniques showing up everywhere.
Let’s take a look at some of the new tattoo technology available today.
The Ink Has Improved
One of the biggest concerns in the past was the long term effects of permanent ink on the skin.
In recent years, there has been an effort made to improve the quality of the ink and the use of high-grade ingredients.
Top tattoo artists look for, and purchase, from ink dealers with a proven reputation for quality ink that reduces any chance for damage to the skin.
Regardless of the look or style you are going for, here are some great tips in tattoo etiquette.
Glow-In-The-Dark Tattoos
Who doesn’t love anything that glows in the dark? Did you know a tattoo could now do that?
Actually, this type of tattoo is used with ink that reacts to UV light, so they don’t really glow in the dark. They are visible only under a blacklight but are still very distinct and cool looking.
The ink for these types of tattoos used to contain phosphorous, but due to health concerns, most tattoo artists have switched to ink that is phosphorous free.
Glow tattoo ideas are very popular with those who are into the club scene and enjoy lighting up the night.
The Disappearing Tattoo
Have you always wanted a tattoo but were afraid in five or ten years you would regret it or think it might not suit your lifestyle then? What if you could get a tattoo that would disappear?
Today that is certainly possible. There are ink brands developed to disappear or fade over time. They are applied the same way, but the ink dissolves naturally.
You can request a timeline from around one year to five years. These are approximate times because everyone’s skin is different. Some disappear quicker, and others last longer.
While this may seem like the perfect solution for you, keep in mind that the look of the tattoo will also fade as the ink does. The image may not stay as sharp. However, there are advances made all the time to improve this type of ink as well.
So if you want a tattoo today, but not for your grandchild’s christening, this may be the way to go.
The Healthy Tattoo
For years people with diabetes were warned against getting tattoos. If their blood sugar levels were not properly managed, the tattoo could take longer to heal and could increase the risk of infection.
While proper precautions should be taken by anyone wanting a tattoo, there is actually tattoo technology that can help a diabetic track their insulin levels!
Researchers have developed ink with biomarkers that change colors as the blood sugar levels rise and fall.
There is also ink technology working to alert to other health concerns and monitor kidney function, among other things.
It is absolutely not a substitute for accurate monitoring of a condition but can be a quick reference for someone to handle a situation before it gets worse.
After you go home with your new skin art, here are a few tips to take care of it.
Modern Tattoo Ideas
So you have decided to take the plunge and get a tattoo. You want something cutting edge and modern. Here are some great state-of-the-art tattoo techniques to choose from.
3D Tattoos
If you want a tattoo that literally pops off your skin, then the 3D tattoo is for you!
There is a process known as Tatoue that works with your specific texture and contours of the skin for a creation that is uniquely you.
Stitching Tattoos
Skin stitching is pretty much what it sounds like. It has its origins with the indigenous population in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
This type of tattoo is more involved and a bit more painful than traditional tattooing. It involves soaking thread in the ink, threading it through a needle, and literally making stitches through the skin.
The thread is removed, but the ink stays, forming the tattoo.
If you are worried about the pain, here is what you should know about tattoo numbing cream.
Watercolor Tattoos
Traditional tattoos were black and often simplistic designs. The artistry of tattoos has taken a huge leap in recent years.
One popular trend now is watercolor tattoos. Almost any design can be transformed by adding the watercolor feature.
Colors of all kinds, from neon to pastel, have opened up the possibilities of skin art.
Dotwork Tattoos
Dotwork tattoos are created by simply using dots to form the image. The shape, depth, and intensity of the dot give this art form a unique look.
While many dotwork styles are done all in black and grey, some color can be thrown in to make a particular feature pop.
Quote Tattoos
Many people have a favorite quote or saying they use for inspiration. What better way to remind yourself of it than by having it as a tattoo!
Quote tattoos are very trendy and can be designed in any font, size, and color to match your personal style.
New Tattoo Techniques – The Choice is Yours
Deciding on a tattoo is an extremely personal choice.
For most, it is a lifelong commitment to body art, and you want to make sure you are pleased with the result.
New tattoo techniques give you a variety of options and styles to pick just the right tattoo to match your lifestyle and personality.
For more information on our tattoo services and designs, reach out.
The Americas have a rich tradition of tattooing. Continue reading here to find out more about the history of tattoos in America.
Thinking about getting a tattoo? Do it! You’ll be joining the many that have come to understand the rich art that is tattooing.
Though, tattooing wasn’t always viewed that way.
Before you go jumping the gun, let’s take a look at the history of tattoos in America. You’ll be surprised to find how this art form has developed, and may even find inspiration for your next piece!
Let’s dive in.
Early History of Tattoos in America
Towards the end of the 19th century, tattoos were widely considered taboo in America. Socialite Ward McAllister had this to say about them: “It is certainly the most vulgar and barbarous habit the eccentric mind of fashion ever invented. It may do for an illiterate seaman, but hardly for an aristocrat.”
Though socialites like McAllister may have looked upon tattoos with disgust, there were many who valued tattoos for what they represented. Those in the military, especially, shared the understanding that tattoos were symbols of courage and patriotism.
Records of these 19th century-style tattoos were found in naval logs, letters, and diaries written by seaman. The designs of these traditional American tattoos developed from the artists who traded and improved upon each other’s styles. The tattoos evolved a series of stories and symbols that united soldiers and sailors across the World Wars.
The most well-known tattoo artist of the time was Martin Hildebrandt. In 1870, Hildebrandt opened a studio on Oak Street in New York City, considered the first tattooing establishment in America. He worked there for over 20 years, where he would soon see a shift in the country’s perception of tattoos with the rise of the traveling circus.
The Circus Sideshow
The traveling circus was the spectacle of the year for many small, rural towns across America. There, those who never left their homes and farms could experience such wonders and horrors that seemed out of this world.
One of these sideshow attractions was that of the fully tattooed person.
Frank and Emma DeBurdg were one of these exhibits. Along with the usual designs of patriotic insignias and religious symbols, the couple also displayed tattoos they shared to represent their relationship and bond.
Frank had tattooed on him a beautiful script with the words “For Get Me Not” inscribed above a pretty portrait of his wife, Emma. She, in return, had their names beautifully adorned and displayed prominently for all to see.
This display of affection for one another caught the attention of the public, appealing to their romantic senses. The DeBurdgs saw great success touring America and Europe, and with their exposure so did the art of tattooing gain appreciation with the public.
O’Reilly’s Invention
Traditional tattooing was a bit cumbersome for the artist.
Early tattoo artists used a needle attached to a wooden handle. They would dip this needle in ink and then manually stab the skin two to three times to imprint the ink onto a specific spot. The technique required great dexterity and mental fortitude.
Samuel O’Reilly revolutionized the practice almost overnight.
In addition to being a talented artist, O’Reilly was a skilled technician and mechanic. He theorized that if up and down motion of the needle could be automated, the artist could tattoo nearly as quickly as they could draw on paper.
In 1891, O’Reilly released his invention and offered it to the public along with enriched colored inks, tattoo designs, and other tools. Tattooing in the United States was turned on its head overnight. O’Reilly was swarmed with orders for his invention as more and more artists entered the field of tattooing.
World Influence
Working class men in America commonly adorned tattoos primarily as symbols of masculinity and pride. Soldiers and sailors that served on foreign lands, however, brought home with them a different form of body ornamentation.
While on their travels, these soldiers and sailors experienced the practices and customs of the indigenous cultures of Asia, Africa, and the South Pacific. Their individual uses of tattoos were a bit different from that of typical American art.
This caused a revival of interest in tattoos in American societies across the country. That is to say, specifically, the rebel youth culture of the late twentieth century.
The Beatniks of the 1950s and the Hippies of the ’60s gained a great appreciation for Asian tattooing practices. They admired the personal expression of spiritual and mysticism found in these cultures.
Conversely, the youth of the Punk movement in the ’70s and ’80s used tattoos as symbols of rebellion. They found solace in tattoos as a representation for their feelings of imprisonment by society’s standards for class and decorum.
Modern Tattooing Practices
While tattooing was once a taboo topic in America, now it’s a rising career field for many fledgling artists.
More and more artists are being professionally trained in academies across the country. A study done in the late 1980s estimated that the number of trained artists per year has doubled in comparison to the number of artists that graduated in the ’70s. However, not as many galleries are being built to host the works of these young artists.
But there are plenty of people looking for tattoos.
As a result, these trained artists are bringing with them the plethora of skills and techniques they’ve learned from these art programs. They carry a sense of innovation and experimentation, already giving rise to new tattoo styles such as New Skool and Bio-Mechanical.
What was previously a disdained and marginalized artform, tattooing has been undergoing a process of cultural reform the past few decades. New meanings of tattoo are being developed by gallery exhibits and critics that reframe the practice for what it is: art.
Get Tattooed Today!
There you have it—the rich history of tattoos in America!
If you’re in the area, give us a shout and we can give you an in-depth look at our history with tattooing. Our artists are always happy to give a consultation on any tattoo or design!
I have been in las vegas for 24 years, originally from southern California. Coming from an artist background I enjoyed airbrushing, murals, charcoal and pencil illustrations. When I discovered Tattooing and everything changed. Started the Skin Factory in 1995 with the goal to attract the best Tattoo Artists in Las Vegas. I enjoy all styles of tattooing but specialize in fine line realism color and black and grey
Based at both our Maui Tattoo Shop and Las Vegas Tattoo Shop. Come in for a free consultation where we can customize your next piece of art.
