How to Come Up with a Tattoo Idea

You've finally decided to take the plunge and get a custom tattoo, but you find yourself stuck when it comes to brainstorming a great design. Coming up with the right image can often be the hardest part of getting a tattoo, but if you want something that's special and personal to you, it's worth putting time into developing a custom design. A common mistake many people make when searching for cool tattoo ideas is to look at other people's tattoos. This limits the potential of your design since what you'll end up doing is copying another person's design instead of making something that's personal to you. Instead, just start looking at reference images of whatever you really like. It doesn't matter what you like about an image; just dump it into a folder, either printed or on a hard drive. If you want a nature tattoo, look at nature photos and store those that appeal to you. Each image doesn't have to appeal to you completely – you may only like a certain aspect, but make a note of what this aspect is. You'll soon start noticing a trend in what you like, which should be a starting point for a great tattoo idea. Once you've got your starting point, you can visit various tattoo artists whose work and style you like. Bring your inspiration photos along, as they'll help get the juices flowing as well as provide an example of what you're interested in. Good artists will be able to work with you and come up with a great idea that you will love and they'll be keen on tattooing. Don't worry if you don't immediately click with an artist. If you end up with a better idea of what you want, the time will have been beneficial. You can then use what you've learned to further refine your tattoo idea and discuss it with an artist who you do click with.

What Are Some Good Tattoo Ideas for Men?

When it comes to tattoo ideas, one of the key aspects is the style you want. Certain styles tend to be more masculine or feminine, and many men will gravitate towards larger and bolder tattoos. Good tattoo ideas for men include both small and large tattoos. A small, simple tattoo is a great place to start if you don't want it to be the first thing people see when looking at you. However, if you want something bigger, there are some timeless tattoo ideas that adorn the bodies of men the world over.

Skulls

Who doesn't love a badass skull? While it may seem a bit common, skulls are one of the most popular design ideas for a reason. They adapt well to many different tattoo styles and can be large or small. You can have a realistic-looking skull as a sleeve, or you can have a more cartoonish skull as a small tattoo -- the possibilities are endless.

Crosses

Crosses can have a religious connotation, or they may have a completely different meaning. As with many popular tattoo ideas for men, crosses are great because they're versatile and can be done in a wide variety of styles.

Animals

The animal kingdom is rich with symbolism, and many people find their personalities reflected in another living creature. You can choose between a more realistic depiction or an abstract design that evokes your inner self.

What Are Some Good Tattoo Ideas for Women?

Despite past stigmas about women getting tattoos, more and more women are queuing up to get inked than ever before. Plenty of female tattoo enthusiasts choose from the styles listed above, but there are also some popular choices unique to women.

Flowers

Flowers are an incredibly popular tattoo choice with women since they're pretty and subtle. Many small tattoo ideas take advantage of the different types of flowers and the symbolism behind them, from roses to lilies to dandelions. However, this doesn't mean that flower tattoos have to be boring. There are so many different types of flowers, and many of them are suitable for different styles, so you can still get something that's personal to you.

Lettering

When done with flair, words can be just as visually beautiful as images. A line of poetry or an inspirational message can serve as a reminder of the beauty out in the world. Just make sure to double-check the spelling and grammar!

Minimalist Tattoos

Many women are concerned about getting large tattoos that draw lots of attention. If you want something that has personal significance without drawing the eyes of everybody around you, minimalist tattoos are a good option. They're subtle and small, and can still be packed with meaning and symbolism. Minimalist designs also make for great couple tattoo ideas and can be an excellent anniversary gift.

Ideas for a Tattoo Sleeve

When people start getting serious about tattoos, they might want to get a sleeve. It's less intimidating than a full back or front piece, but there is enough space to really let an artist's creativity shine. If you're looking for tattoo sleeve ideas, you can stick to the basics, like skulls, religious icons or tribal tattoos, or you can get a bit more interesting.

3D Sleeves

When done correctly, 3D sleeves can have a massive impact. By using hyper-realistic techniques, the artist can bring biomechanical or abstract designs to life. They may be so realistic that people will want to touch your arm all the time. However, they're also really difficult to execute well, so be sure to work with a reputable artist who has a strong portfolio of 3D sleeves for best results.

Why Tattoos are a Good Idea

Tattoos are an excellent way to express your personality. They tend to cement a certain time in your mind and can help boost your self-esteem and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you just want something that looks cool or something with personal significance, getting a tattoo should be a profound and personal experience.