| Tattoo inspiration can come from anything, at any | | | | relation to his own talents, abilities and limitations. |
| time. You might be sipping a cappuccino and enjoying | | | | Trust his judgment in regard to these issues. |
| some free Wi-Fi at the local Starbucks when | | | | Because placing both your trust and your precious |
| somebody's crazy graphic tee sparks your interest. | | | | skin in the hands of some strange tattoo artist can |
| You could become captivated by a lush landscape | | | | often be nerve-wracking and worrisome, performing |
| scene while vacationing in Hawaii, or find yourself | | | | a bit of pre-ink research is ideal. You'll want to |
| exceedingly intrigued by the ethereal beauty of a | | | | identify the tattoo shops in your area and determine |
| delicate geisha woman when traveling the streets of | | | | which ones are reputable establishments known for |
| Japan. A cheesy horror movie might get your | | | | producing quality work. Have a thorough look through |
| creative juices flowing, and re-reading a familiar book | | | | artist portfolios online and in person, noting strengths |
| or personal journal may send your tattoo thoughts | | | | and weaknesses, and consider the way that those |
| spinning into overdrive. There are a billion and one | | | | strengths and weaknesses might translate into your |
| sources of inspiration out there. Just look around. | | | | piece. If you're in the market for a unicorn tattoo, |
| No matter what tattoo idea you may wish to | | | | find an artist with impressive fantasy works in his |
| implement and make reality, one thing is for certain: | | | | portfolio; if you're searching high and low for the |
| The finished product needs to look great. Not just | | | | ultimate pinup girl tattoo, pinpoint a local tattooist |
| "OK" or "good," but great. (We're talking about a | | | | whose many satisfied customers can attest to the |
| lifelong commitment to a piece of art, here.) Now, | | | | beauty of his pinup tattoos. Do your homework. |
| that might seem like a given, and it might seem like a | | | | Once you've chosen an appropriate artist and |
| piece of cake for anyone to achieve, but the | | | | scheduled your appointment, be bold. Be open and |
| unfortunate fact is that it's not. Millions of Americans | | | | honest about what you're looking for, and don't be |
| are going about their daily lives unsatisfied, with | | | | afraid to speak your mind. The tattoo shop is no |
| mediocre - or worse, god-awful - tattoos that don't | | | | place for timidity, unless you intend to allow others' |
| quite capture (or worse, completely mangle) the | | | | ideas and opinions to influence your designs. You'll |
| ideas they'd originally envisioned. If you're wondering | | | | need to explain yourself as clearly as possible to the |
| how to prevent this type of unsightly mishap from | | | | person doing the drawing, be specific, and be |
| occurring in your own life, read on. | | | | completely sure. It's perfectly fine if your tattoo |
| The size and location of your tattoo are incredibly | | | | artist (or the shop's apprentice) ends up having to |
| important elements in maximizing the attractiveness | | | | sketch a couple of similar images several times. This |
| of your finished artwork. Detailed pieces require more | | | | happens on a regular basis with all kinds of customers |
| space, and very detailed pieces require a lot more | | | | and, after all, your tattoo IS going to be a |
| space. Avoid downsizing an intricate tattoo piece | | | | permanent fixture (that's pretty darned important). |
| whenever possible. If you're truly committed to inking | | | | Don't feel bad about being choosy. In fact, insist upon |
| a detailed image, ask your tattoo artist's opinion on | | | | getting your way. |
| the size and placement. Visualize and contemplate | | | | Remember these few tattoo tips and you'll be able |
| things for a moment, and then try to go with the | | | | to effectively side-step the most common ink |
| flow. An experienced tattoo artist knows where and | | | | blunders in today's tattooed world. Good luck, and |
| at what scale your artwork will look best, especially in | | | | happy tattooing! |