Daily Dispatch Online

One of the most satisfying things that a graphic artist or designer can experience is designing something which is later turned into a tattoo.  Seeing your artwork on either your own body or someone else’s is a truly filling feeling.  If you are contemplating designing your own tattoo either for yourself or a friend, there are a few things that you will want to keep in mind. What and Where? The first thing that you will need to decide is what sort of tattoo you want to design.  This could be anything from a Celtic armband to a small butterfly to a tattoo that is large enough to span the whole of your back.  When deciding on the tattoo you want to design you will need to think about the aesthetics, and work with these in mind. Secondly you will need to determine where you would like to place the tattoo.  Depending on the area of the body that the tattoo is planned for, you will have a set amount of space to work with, and this will influence the design.  For example you may plan an illustrious dragon tattoo which would be great for your arm, but would the tattoo still look as good if it was placed across your torso or would you need to alter the design to make it fit better? Skin Types If you are thinking about designing a tattoo that includes anything other than black pigment, you will also need to keep in mind the skin colour of the person who will be having your tattoo.  People with fair skin do tend to be allergic to coloured ink (although not always), and if the same tattoo is placed on a person with dark skin, the vibrant colourings that you were hoping for may not work at all.  If you are designing a tattoo for someone else you might want to talk to them about this and listen to their opinions. Consult a Tattooist If you have never designed a tattoo before, you might want to think about consulting a professional tattooist after you have a few ideas on paper.  Mock up a few designs and take them in to a tattoo parlour to give your tattooist an idea of the style that you would like.  Not only will your tattooist be able to tell you whether they are suitable for converting into a tattoo but he should also be able to make improvements on your designs or draft up some more sketches for you to look over.  Many tattooists are happy to unleash their artistic nature and you could find that you come up with something great when you work together. Designing a tattoo either for yourself can be a great way to really show off your creative talents, but there is more than just a nice design to keep in mind as we hope we have shown you.  When done correctly however, the right design can be something that you are proud to display for life.

The full story can be read/found on Body Art Fun