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.
Is fine line a good fit for you?
Which one fits what you're picturing?
Fine line, micro-realism and small script soften first.
Texture: often built with dotwork shading and fine linework, usually in black and grey.
How well an area holds a tattoo over time
Old School (American Traditional) tattoos: bold lines, a limited palette and classic subjects - fit, aging, cost and how to spot good work.
Colour and fine lines soften over the years, especially in the sun.
What drives the price
Read the actual style guide before you decide
Neo-Traditional tattoos: Old School structure with richer colour, depth and illustrative detail - fit, aging, cost and quality signs.
The bold outlines and saturated fill that define Irezumi tend to age well when done solidly, holding their contrast better than very fine, delicate work.
Blackwork tattoos: solid black, bold graphic shapes and negative space - who they suit, how they age, cost and how to spot good work.
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
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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.