Factors to consider when choosing where to locate a new tattoo

Eric Stevens

Choosing a site on the body to ink a tattoo is one of the two biggest choices that people planning a new tattoo have to make. It is crucial to consider that each area of the body has its own set of unique characteristics, and that these characteristics need to contemplated before a final decision is made. This article focuses on the most fundamental factors to think about when planning where on the body to ink a new tattoo.

Different body areas present unique canvas sizes for tattooing. I therefore recommend that tattoo enthusiasts carefully deliberate the design as well as where it is to be inked. If, for example, you plan to have a big tattoo inked, you will need to pick a body area that provides a large enough canvas size. The back, chest, arms, and legs provide the biggest areas for inking tattoos, while small tattoos can be sited pretty much anywhere. Some areas of the body, the wrist for example, are only suitable for inking the smallest tattoo designs. Neck tattoos are also limited to small sizes due to the restrictions imposed by the small canvas size of the neck area. Tattoos sited on the neck can however be extended down the shoulder and back if desired. Other body areas are large enough for big designs, but people most commonly ink small designs on them. For example, the stomach is a relatively large body area, but belly button tattoos are usually comparatively small in size.

Another hugely important factor to deliberate is the ease with which your tattoo can be concealed, or shown off. many people planning a new tattoo have employers that enforce a strict no tattoo policy. It is consequently important for many people to be able to easily cover up their tattoos while at work. On the flip side, some tattoo enthusiasts choose to be able to show off their tattoo, prefering to ink body sites that are more exposed.

Pain is another important factor for many tattoo enthusiasts. The pain associated with getting a tattoo varies depending on the body area being tattooed. Generally speaking, fleshy areas such as the calf tend to be less painful to tattoo than very bony areas such as the ankle. Another essential aspect to deliberate is the size of the design. Big and complex tattoo designs take longer to tattoo than smaller designs, the result being that the associated pain has to be endured for a longer period of time.

As there are such a vast number of options for siting a new tattoo, I highly advise that people planning a new tattoo take thier time to think about what they really want. I suggest simultaneously thinking about the tattoo design itself, as well as where it will be inked, to make sure that the design and body area are compatible with each other. I also consider consulting with a reputable tattoo artist an essential part of planning where to ink a new tattoo. The most fundamental thing is to take your time making a decision. Remember, tattoos are permanent, and people who dont carefully plan thier tattoos often live to regret thier choices.