How do you turn references into your own design?
Tattoo ideas for men can include a small symbol, a colour illustration or a larger composition. Start with what you want on your skin and how much space you want to use. Compare motifs, style and placement. If you plan more work, consider it before getting the first piece.
Which tattoo designs should you consider?
Choose a motif for your interests and the effect you want. An animal, lettering or a character can carry personal meaning or simply appeal to you visually. The examples below are directions for a discussion, rather than finished designs to copy.
- Animals and portraits. Decide whether resemblance to a particular person or animal matters, or whether you want a graphic interpretation. Identify a detail you want to keep, such as an expression or silhouette.
- Skulls and fantasy characters. Compare realistic shading with illustration. A comic character, dragon or skull can form part of a scene or stand alone. The size should allow the main features to read clearly.
- Steampunk, cyberpunk and Nordic motifs. Explain which elements interest you: mechanical forms, futuristic details or ornament. Check a chosen symbol's origin and meaning rather than assuming it has a universal interpretation.
- Lettering and simple symbols. Choose the words, then their style and arrangement. Check spelling, especially in another language. Assess the lettering at its actual size rather than only on an enlarged screen.
A design does not need an elaborate story. If personal meaning matters to you, explain it in your own words. References show a direction, but the composition needs to suit your chosen placement.
Forearm tattoo ideas: how do you choose the design?
Consider the forearm together with orientation, size and layout. An elongated motif can run along the arm, while a scene can cover more of its surface. Show the artist the area and view the proposed design with your arm lowered and rotated. Check how the main elements look in both positions.
For a portrait or animal, decide what should draw attention. Numerous small elements may require simplification or more room. Compare pieces of a similar scale in the forearm tattoo gallery. Mention plans for a sleeve before settling the design's position.
Forearm lettering needs a decision about reading direction. Should it face you or the person opposite you? Try both arrangements. Ask to see the spacing between letters and the size of the complete text. Ornamental lettering should still convey your chosen words.
Arm tattoos or a larger body composition?
On the upper arm, you can plan one motif or the beginning of a larger piece. Decide whether it should sit on one side or wrap around the arm. Compare ways of using the area in our arm tattoo gallery.
For the chest or back, establish whether the composition should be central, asymmetric or extended later. Prepare a photo of the whole intended area for the consultation. Do not transfer proportions from someone else's photo without trying the design on your body.
Small tattoos: which details should you keep?
Start a small tattoo with one clear idea. Decide which details are essential to recognising the motif and which can be omitted. A miniature does not need to be a scaled-down version of a large illustration. Ask the artist to assess the drawing at its intended size and compare healed work.
One motif or the start of a sleeve?
If you plan a sleeve, discuss the direction of the whole composition before the first piece. Talk about the main motifs, style and space between designs. Separate tattoos can remain distinct, but their positioning will affect future connections.
Our guide to planning a tattoo sleeve explores layout and stages. If you want one self-contained piece, say so clearly. You do not need to reserve the entire arm for a future project.
How do you choose a style for your motif?
Realism, old school, neo-traditional, fine line and blackwork offer different ways to depict the same subject. Choose an effect you like rather than assigning a style to a gender. Our guide to choosing a tattoo style compares linework, shading and colour. Explore old school and neo-traditional tattoos separately.
What should you send before a Dirty Lust consultation?
Prepare the motif, approximate size and placement. Specify colour and plans for future additions. Include a photo of the area and references with a note on what you like in them. Check who made the work you like in the studio portfolio.
Our guide to original designs and inspiration helps you describe references without requesting a copy. Send your idea to Dirty Lust to start a discussion about your design in Warsaw.