When You Want a Tattoo But Don’t Know What to Get, Read This
Craving new ink but unsure of what to get? It happens to every tattoo enthusiast at some point in their life. Because tattoos are permanent, you want to make sure you are getting inked with tattoos you honestly love, meaning you typically don’t want to select a design willy-nilly. The good news is that there are ways to move beyond your tattoo block and choose a tattoo that you definitely won’t regret.
Do Some Research
There are thousands, if not millions, of options out there when it comes to tattoos. However, there are two main styles you can study to gain some inspiration: flash and custom designs.
Flash Tattoos
Flash tattoos are pre-made designs that are often available the same day and organized by theme. Even if you don’t want a flash tattoo, going online and browsing the flashes available on Instagram and even sites like Etsy can give you a lot of inspiration.
Flash tattoos are also a good way to learn about the different styles of tattoos. From American Traditional to Tribal, you can find flashes that suit your unique aesthetic. When you find something you like, bookmark it or print it out. Consider bringing the samples of flashes you like to your consultation with a tattoo artist, as well.
Custom Tattoos
A custom design is usually drawn by your chosen tattoo artist according to your specifications. Tattoo artists will often have samples of their previously accomplished designs in a portfolio that you can browse for inspiration. Additionally, similar to flashes, you can scour social media to see what custom tattoos others have gotten.
Take a Moment for Self-Reflection
If doing research isn’t helping you, don’t worry. There will be times when nothing you see inspires you. The important thing is not to rush your decision. Too often, people select a generic tattoo to satisfy their itch and then end up detached from it later on. As cheesy as it may sound, sometimes you need to reflect on who you are before finding the inspiration needed for your new tattoo.
Some questions to ask yourself include:
- What are my hobbies?
- What are my favorite lyrics or quotes?
- Has anything significant happened in life recently that I want to commemorate or memorialize?
- What is my favorite movie or book?
- What do I feel strongly about?
Once you have your answers, write down the things that you would possibility want as a tattoo. Do another round of research to see if any of the themes you have listed have enticing designs or flashes.
Conduct a Brainstorming Session
Even if you don’t have a solidified idea yet, you can still consult with a tattoo artist about size and placement. Sometimes when you can’t decide on what kind of tattoo to get, deciding where and how big the new tattoo will be can help narrow down some options. For example, if you want a back tattoo, then a minimalist design may not be the best choice.
Tattoo Ideas to Help You Decide
Looking at the random tattoos on your social media feed can be time-consuming and also overwhelming. Here are some ideas to give you a spark and, hopefully, provide you with some guidance about what you would like to get:
Quotes
Express your favorite mantra, motto, or inspirational phrase in a beautiful script or typography that speaks to you. Whether it’s a line from a beloved book, a lyric from a meaningful song, or words of wisdom passed down through generations, a quote tattoo can serve as a daily reminder of what matters most to you.
Portraits
Immortalize a loved one, role model, or historical figure with a portrait tattoo. Whether it’s a tribute to a family member, a famous icon, or a beloved pet, a well-executed portrait tattoo can capture the essence and personality of the subject, preserving their memory forever.
Symbolic Imagery
Explore the rich symbolism of various cultural, religious, or mythological symbols with a tattoo that holds personal meaning for you. Whether it’s an ancient symbol of protection, a sacred geometric pattern, or a mythical creature, symbolic imagery tattoos can convey deep spiritual or philosophical beliefs.
Geometric Designs
Embrace the elegance and precision of geometric shapes with a tattoo that showcases intricate patterns, lines, and symmetry. Whether it’s a minimalist geometric tattoo or a complex geometric mandala, these designs can represent balance, harmony, and connection.
Astrological Signs
Explore the cosmic mysteries of the zodiac with a tattoo inspired by your astrological sign. Whether you’re a fiery Aries, a grounded Taurus, or an intuitive Pisces, astrological sign tattoos can reflect your personality traits, strengths, and spiritual connection to the cosmos.
Comic Book Heroes
Pay homage to your favorite comic book characters and superheroes with a tattoo inspired by comic book art, icons, and symbols. Whether it’s a classic superhero emblem, a dynamic action pose, or a detailed portrait of your favorite character, comic book hero tattoos can celebrate the timeless appeal and heroic ideals of comic book culture.
Looking for a Custom Tattoo in Philadelphia?
When you don’t know what to get for a tattoo, remember: There is no rush. Choosing the ideal tattoo will take time and some reflection before you select a design that is meaningful. The good news is that there is inspiration wherever you look! Whether you know exactly what you want or are still trying to figure out the theme, book your consultation with an artist from Oracle Tattoo Gallery in Philadelphia today. You can also check out our Instagram to see loads of fresh ink.
