Straight answers to the things that stop people booking a tattoo — from the first idea to a healed tattoo. Each guide points you at real, credited work in the catalogue, and health guides quote dermatologists who specialise in tattoos.
New School tattoos explained: exaggerated cartoon shapes, saturated colour and bold outlines - who they suit, how they age and what to look for.
Designs with texture — florals, animals with fur or feathers, Japanese backgrounds, dark ornamental work — hide old lines well.
Sleeve and back pieces Planned as one composition over many sessions.
Inner forearm, upper arm, shoulder, back and ribs hold fine work well.
Read the full Realism guide, browse real Fine Line work in the catalog, or go back to How to Choose a Tattoo Style.
Read the full guides — Old School and Neo-Traditional — or go back to How to Choose a Tattoo Style for the full picture across every style.
If you want the durability of a bold outline with a more classic, stripped-back look, that's the one to compare against.
Nine stages from a vague idea to a healed tattoo. Every guide ends with a link to the next step, so you can read them in order — or jump straight to where you are.
The worries people mention most — and where the honest answer is.
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Health guides quote dermatologists who specialise in tattoos word for word. New to the words? See the tattoo glossary. How guides are written and corrected: editorial policy.