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.
Start with visibility, not the design
Moderate: forearm, shoulder, upper back, stomach — some nerve or movement involved, but generally well tolerated.
Outer forearm
Tattoo aftercare step by step: the first 24 hours, days 2-14, what is normal versus a problem, touch-ups and long-term care.
A forearm piece can be covered with long sleeves; a hand tattoo cannot.
Large — up to about 30 cm Detailed compositions across a forearm, calf or thigh.
Easy, flat areas like the outer forearm or upper arm are faster.
Inner forearm, upper arm, shoulder, back and ribs hold fine work well.
What common tattoo symbols mean - animals, flowers, objects, mythical imagery - why context changes the reading, and real examples.
Old School (American Traditional) tattoos: bold lines, a limited palette and classic subjects - fit, aging, cost and how to spot good work.
Neo-Traditional tattoos: Old School structure with richer colour, depth and illustrative detail - fit, aging, cost and quality signs.
What a tattoo is: how ink sits in the skin, how permanent it really is, what a session feels like, what you pay for and what makes it good.
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
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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.