This AI illustration shows tattoo motif concepts on sheets of paper. It is not a photograph of actual work or the portfolio of Dirty Lust artists.
How can you show an artist what you like?
Photos saved on your phone can show an artist what appeals to you. They do not have to become a pattern to reproduce exactly. Someone else's tattoo may have a designer, a photographer and a composition made for another person's body. A useful conversation starts with which features you want to keep as inspiration and which should be designed afresh.
What can you bring to a consultation?
Prepare two or three examples. For each, say what matters: the subject, layout, outline, palette, contrast or mood. You might say, “I like how the leaves lead the eye, but I want a different flower and placement.” Describing the features gives an artist more to work with than “make exactly this”.
Add a photo of the intended placement and an approximate size. A design drawn for a large upper arm may not work as a small wrist tattoo. An artist can change proportions, simplify details and propose their own solution.
Inspiration and copying: why does the difference matter?
Poland's Polish Agency for Enterprise Development explains that original elements in how a photograph is expressed can be protected. A publication of the Polish Patent Office also discusses tattoos as possible protected works. Not every simple idea is protected, but faithfully transferring a creative composition may raise legal questions.
Do not decide who owns a particular image by counting how many similar motifs appear in search results. If you want an exact picture, illustration, logo or character, tell the artist where it came from and ask whether permission is needed. This article is not legal advice.
How is an original design developed?
Typically, you settle on the motif and the hierarchy of its elements, then on style and size, and finally on how the design fits the body. An artist can bring your ideas into a new arrangement instead of copying a finished tattoo. Ask about the number of changes and when to request them before booking, because studio policies differ.
If a reference has personal meaning, explain exactly what it represents. The new design can preserve that meaning without repeating another person's drawing. Instead of duplicating a dog portrait from the internet, for example, bring a photo of your own dog and discuss its distinctive features.
What about a ready-made flash design?
Flash is a design an artist has prepared in advance for tattooing, but its availability varies. Some pieces are intended for one client; others may be repeatable or open to changes. Ask the artist about the particular design. Do not assume that a flash sheet found online is free for another studio to use.
A photograph of a finished tattoo has rights too
Even when a design was made for you, publishing a photograph may require separate arrangements involving the photographer, artist and your consent to show the pictured part of your body. Before placing it in a portfolio, the studio should clarify rights and permission. If you use someone else's photo as a reference, do not present it as your own work.
When browsing Dirty Lust’s portfolio, check the artist credit. Before publishing a photo, clarify who can grant permission to use it. The image accompanying this article is an AI illustration, not a Pinterest reference.
A short brief you can send
Example message: “I would like a swallow and a branch on my forearm. In the first reference I like the bold outline; in the second, the arrangement of the wings. I do not want to copy either piece. I would like an original composition roughly the size of my hand.”
A clear brief starts a design conversation without leaving the artist to guess what may be borrowed. If you do not know the style, explore our guide to choosing a tattoo style. The process page explains how the work proceeds.
Common questions
Can I show an image from Pinterest?
Yes, as a reference. Explain what you like and discuss a new design with the artist.
Can I copy a tattoo if I change its colour?
There is no simple rule. Changing one feature may not be enough; legal doubts call for an individual assessment.
Is flash always a one-off design?
No. The artist sets the terms for each design.