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.
Upper arm and shoulder
Classic choices are the sternum and underbust, the spine, the back of the neck, forearms and hands, shoulders and knees.
New School tattoos explained: exaggerated cartoon shapes, saturated colour and bold outlines - who they suit, how they age and what to look for.
Inner forearm, upper arm, shoulder, back and ribs hold fine work well.
How to choose a tattoo placement: visibility, pain, how each area ages, working with body shape, and how size and placement go together.
Old School (American Traditional) tattoos: bold lines, a limited palette and classic subjects - fit, aging, cost and how to spot good work.
Look for how well the design follows the body's actual contours — good tribal work is drawn for the specific arm, shoulder, or back it's going on, not…
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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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.