Everything you need to know if you want to design your own tattoo
The reasons why people choose to get tattoos are as varied as the amount of tattoo designs to choose from.
Anyone who has ever had a tattoo done on their body has a personal story behind that tattoo, ranging from it being an expression of their love for another, to the desire to be cool and different, to a desire to commemorate a special memory and more.
Whatever the reason, if you have a genuine desire to get a tattoo for the first time, you should take the time to research your options thoroughly to make sure you understand exactly what it entails and what the repercussions are.
So, let’s have a look at some things to consider BEFORE you go ahead and design your own tattoo:
Factors to Consider In Getting A Tattoo
As tattoos for the most part are permanent fixtures on your body, when you choose to get one done or design a tattoo of your own, there are some factors you should consider to help you in making the best choice.
Do you want your tattoo to be all one color or several colors? If you choose a multi-color design, will the colors you are interested in match the color and tone of your skin?
Quite often, a design that looks great on paper or a computer screen takes on a different appearance on your skin.
Also, if you have sensitive skin you should test the tattoo ink on a small portion of skin first to make sure you have no allergic or adverse reaction to its properties.
More factors to consider when you want to design your own tattoo
Other factors to think about when getting a tattoo or opting to make your own tattoo is to consider not just the present, but future appearance of your prospective design.
As skin ages it changes in appearance and characteristics – will your tattoo design still hold its attractive and distinct look five or even ten years down the line?
I know, you’re not going to design your own tattoo around the fact that at some point down the line your skin is going to, well, get wrinkles, but it’s certainly something to keep in mind when choosing both design of your tattoo and the best location for it.
This will depend on the location of your tattoo as well. In addition, will your tattoo design reflect positively on your present and/or future profession, lifestyle or career choice.
Or will it be a detriment? Though the decision to design your own tattoo is a personal one, the truth remains that what may be a symbol of personal freedom and expression to you may be offensive to someone else.
If you play a high ranking role or carry a position of responsibility where your tattoo can become a source of embarrassment or offense, this can adversely affect your professional career.
These are just some factors to take into consideration for your future when making a decision of this nature.
Tips for Choosing A Tattoo Design
The process of getting a tattoo, depending on your choice of design and ink used, can be a complex and intricate one.
Therefore it is to your advantage to learn as much as you can beforehand so you will be prepared for the final results and have a clear vision of where you’re going before you design your own tattoo.
As most body tattoos are pretty much permanent (though some can now be removed or partially removed through laser treatment), much thought and consideration should be taken into choosing your tattoo design.
There are many tattoo design companies online that host thousands of distinct designs to choose from, in hundreds of different categories.
Both tattoos for men and female tattoos are available in all sizes, colors, shapes, styles and designs as well as tattoo letters in many different languages.
And if these are not enough, if you are artistically inclined, you can design your own tattoo either from scratch or by changing an existing design to conform to your specifications.
However, for the majority of people designing their own tattoo is not something they’re able to do and — frankly — who wants to have a tattoo from a catalog or one of those giant online tattoo databases, right?
One thing you can do instead is start a little contest between different tattoo artists who design a specific tattoo just for you.
One place where you can do this is http://www.createmytattoo.com
Some people choose a tattoo design or symbol that is meaningful to them in some way, whether it reminds them of a loved one or is symbolic of something special in their lives or a special experience or memory they cherish.
Others simply want a symbol that is different and separates them from the crowd or makes them feel “cool” or good about themselves.
When perusing tattoo websites you can clearly see that there is no shortage of tattoo designs available to choose from so taking your time to make sure the final product is the right one for you is an important first step.
Many people who have either impulsively or randomly chosen a tattoo design without taking sufficient time to think their decision through or consider future repercussions have later regretted their decision.
Even celebrities have made some major mistakes in the types of designs they have chosen and face complicated laser removal treatments of the same.
Angelina Jolie, for example, who tattooed a dragon figure on her arm with the name of her now ex-husband on top later regretted the action after her divorce and had it clinically removed.
Steve-O is another celebrity who has regretted choices of “questionable” tattoos on his arm and other parts of his body which have received critical reviews from public opinion and do not now seem to fit in with his professional career.
So before making a final decision when you design your own tattoo, take the time to consider your options carefully to get the full picture both present and future of your actions.
Tattoo Galleries and Tattoo Artists
Checking the tattoo designs available through galleries and on display in books from tattoo artists is yet another method of finding the perfect design for you.
Of course, you will need to ensure the samples you see or stencils you are interested in are precise and high quality along with unique in design.
If you choose to alter an existing design, professional tattoo artists can give expert advice and counsel on any changes you desire to make as well as make the changes for you.
Choosing a qualified artist is key and by reviewing past work they have done and getting referrals you will have a greater idea of the type of work they have to offer. Plus, if they’re really good, they’ll happily help you design your own tattoo — or of course, you give them the vision and they’ll design your own tattoo with your help and ‘supervision’.
In conclusion, if you want a quality and beautiful final product, it takes a fair amount of effort and work to design your own tattoo. But taking the extra steps is well worth it as in the end you will have a representation you can enjoy and be proud of for years to come and be able to say that you did design your own tattoo.
Make sure to check out our overview over the 3 most common ways to design your own tattoo.
