| Tattoos are personal and the process for | | | | tattoo itself. Ask friends who have tattoos that |
| choosing a tattoo design should be unique to you | | | | you like who did their work. If you see someone |
| as well. With the Internet it is easier than ever to | | | | with nice ink on the street or in a restaurant, |
| search pictures of tattoos and tattoo designs. | | | | don't be afraid to ask who their tattoo artist is or |
| However, there are more personal ways to reach | | | | if they can recommend someone. |
| a tattoo design decision than picking a design from | | | | Visit a handful of tattoo artists at their shops. |
| a chart. | | | | Note the atmosphere of the shop, the personality |
| Start by creating a picture board of what your | | | | of the tattoo artist, their previous work. The |
| tattoo will symbolize. Collect pictures words and | | | | decision will be made in how the artist responds |
| sayings that express in some fashion what it is | | | | to your idea. If the artist is enthusiastic and |
| you are trying to illustrate. These images don't | | | | interested in the challenge of your design idea, |
| have to exactly fit what you are thinking but | | | | you've found a good artist. |
| they will help to isolate the influences behind your | | | | Before you commit to your new tattoo design, |
| desire to get a tattoo. | | | | pay the money to have the artist draw up |
| As you think of what you are trying to | | | | exactly what you want in full color, if your tattoo |
| communicate think of how those ideas are most | | | | will have color. Put the drawing somewhere in |
| appealling to you whether by pattern, texture or | | | | your house where you will see it everyday and |
| a specific image like a bird. Really brainstorm your | | | | leave it there for a year. If you grow to love the |
| tattoo and then get ready to shop for a tattoo | | | | drawing even more and are ready to commit, set |
| artist. | | | | your appointment. If not, go back with new ideas |
| The artist you choose is just as important as the | | | | and have a new image created. |