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.
Why placement matters more than most people think
Placement Wear Forearm, hand, upper arm Short or loose sleeves, a tank top underneath Shoulder, upper back, chest A top you can take off or a button-up worn…
Inner forearm, upper arm, shoulder, back and ribs hold fine work well.
Where there's no muscle or fat between skin and bone — shins, ribs, spine, kneecaps, ankles, the top of the foot — the needle's vibration has nowhere to…
Usually covered Sometimes visible Almost always visible Upper arm, shoulder, back, chest, stomach, ribs, thigh Forearm, calf, ankle, collarbone, behind the ear Hands, fingers, neck, face See every…
How to choose a tattoo artist: match the style, read a portfolio properly, check healed work and hygiene, and spot red flags before you book.
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.