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.
What fine line tattoos are, what they suit, how they age over 5-10 years and how to pick an artist who does them well - with real examples.
Thin, delicate skin
Consider the shape too: long, narrow designs fit forearms and calves; round or wide ones fit the upper back, chest and thigh.
Realism or fine line? What the two styles share, where they split, how they age and which one fits your idea - with real examples of both.
Watercolor tattoos: soft washes and painterly colour - the honest truth about aging, who they suit, cost and how to spot good work.
Realism tattoos: portraits and scenes that look like photographs - fit, sessions, aging, cost and how to spot a skilled realism artist.
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.
11 guides
10 guides
4 guides
6 guides
4 guides
4 guides
5 guides
1 guide
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.