Tattoos: Placement

Determining the placement of your tattoo can be as important as the design itself. A little bit of consideration and planning will keep you loving your tattoo long-term.

First off, here is an excerpt from another one of my articles, Tattoos: Choosing a Design (since it pertains here as well).

Think long-term. Tattoos are forever - for the most part. Yes, you can have them removed in an expensive and painful process that still leaves a mark, but as you consider tattoo design and placement you should consider them as a permanent addition to your overall appearance.

So, while it might be hard to really know where you are going to be in 10 years, you probably have some idea as to whether you will be vying for a position as CEO of a major corporation, working for yourself, or caring for someone's children or parents.

That scary snake might look hot writhing down your arm while you are in college and working at the local independent bookstore, but it might come back to bite you when you go for that Senior Manager position in eldercare.

Now, maybe you are the type that wouldn't want a job that wouldn't appreciate your personal expression and full sleeves of koi and mermaids, but, at some point your priorities might change and keeping a roof over your family's head might outweigh your anti-establishment principles. I know, it's hard to believe, but I've seen it happen.

So, go big and express yourself - but pay heed to that little voice in the back of your mind that keeps asking, "Will people really elect someone with 666 tattooed on the side of their neck?"

Other things to consider:

Size and Shape- Depending on the size and shape, your design will fit and look better on different parts of your body. Long, narrow designs generally look best on forearms or calves, wider designs might work best on upper arms, extra large designs are probably best on your back, etc.

If you have chosen your design, but aren't sure about location - or if you know where you want it, but aren't sure how to make the design fit - ask your tattoo artist, s/he will have suggestions on what will look best.

Aging - Wrinkles, gravity and other natural results of aging are going to affect the look or your tattoo ten, twenty or forty years from now. Keep this in mind, particularly if you are considering placement in areas that tend to change even more with age - chest, face, neck, etc.

Climate/Usual Style of Dress - Your climate and style of dress determine how much skin might be showing at any given time. For example, if you typically wear clothing that shows your arms, or if you live in a climate that is too hot for long sleeves, make sure that you are okay with your tattoo(s) showing most of the time if you are considering placement on your forearms. Or, if you have short hair, or typically wear your hair up, consider this before placing a tattoo on your neck.

Future tattoos - Even if you think you are only going to want one, most folks who have tattoos can tell you that will likely change. So, while you may not know what the future holds, at least give some thought to how your current design and placement will compliment or contrast with possible future tattoos. For the best, most cohesive look, consider maintaining complimentary styles (and always attempt to use the same artist if you are happy with his/her work).