Do you want to get a tattoo, but you’re not sure what to get? I’ve been there. For years, I wanted a tattoo, but I didn’t know where to even start or how to choose a tattoo. Then, my sister started giving me lots of ideas and I began looking on Pinterest to see what was out there. However, I still didn’t know what I wanted.
At some point, I found some unique tattoos of paw prints. I eventually got the idea to get my sugar gliders hand and feet prints tattooed. But even then, I did not know exactly where to put them and how to go about it. Next, I did some research, cause that’s what I do best, haha. So, I want to share some tips that I have found helpful along the way. When choosing a tattoo, you should consider things like the design, placement and which artist you want to design that specific tattoo.
Choosing a Design
What I did not know prior to my research, is that you don’t just “get a tattoo”. There are actually various styles to choose from. Tattooing is an art in and of itself. In addition to this, there can be a mix between the styles as well.
Fine line tattooing is a more delicate style that tends to take a minimalistic approach. These tattoos likely have more intricate details and delicate patterns.
Blackwork uses solid black ink to create designs, including flowers. These tattoos make a bold statement and can include geometric patterns.
A watercolor tattoo can be any design that uses colored ink to create a look mimicking the appearance of a typical water color painting. In addition to this, water color tattoos are characterized by soft color gradients and fluid transitions between hues, creating a more artistic look.
Traditional tattoos tend to be created with thick bold lines and solid colors. This prominent style of tattooing focuses on recognizable, straightforward imagery with minimal shading.
In addition to picking which style you want, you also need to think about what it means to you personally. Is there a special date that you always want to remember? Did a loved one pass away and you want your tattoo to be in remembrance of them? Do you like a specific quote or song that has helped you a lot throughout the years? Think of things like that.
Placement of the Tattoo
After you choose which style you want your new tattoo to be, then you need to decide where to place it. You will need to consider how big or small you want the tattoo to be. You also will want to think about how it will look on your body.
For example, a tiny tattoo does not always look good in the middle of the thigh, whereas it may look AMAZING when placed just below the ankle bone. In contrast to this, a very large tattoo may not look super great on the lower leg by the ankle, but it may look AWESOME on the upper thigh or across the back.
I decided to do the inhale/exhale tattoos on the inside of my forearms because I tend to hold my breath and stop breathing. I do this on a consistent basis, so I wanted a nice reminder where I would see it constantly. At the same time, I did not want it to be widely seen because it is specifically for my personal benefit.
Therefore, I chose the location to be on the side of my inner forearm, a place that faces me every time I look in the direction of my hands. I also wanted this particular one to be a delicate fine line as well.
Picking an Artist
Each artist has their own unique style that they prefer. Some love to do watercolors. Whereas, other artists like to stick with the traditional style. And yet, some artists lean towards the tribal or realistic styles.
There are so many different kinds of styles, so you want to pick an artist that creates designs with the technique that you prefer. You can start by reviewing their work on their website online or in person. Then, spend time talking to them and ask for a consulting visit. They can help you choose a tattoo.
My First Tattoo
After researching tattoos, I finally made a decision! I chose to have my male Sugar Glider’s hand and feet prints placed on my left shoulder. Bullet LOVES to sit on my left shoulder and look around the room. He’s a very curious little pocket pet who enjoys EXPLORING! Because he likes to perch on my shoulder, I felt this was the perfect place to tattoo his hands and feet.
How did I get his prints, you may ask? Well, that was a little tricky. I had my daughter hold him while he was sleeping and then I tickled and spread apart his hands and feet and quickly took pictures of them. After that, I took transparent sticky notes and placed them on the phone screen. Next, I very carefully traced the hand and feet prints and transferred them onto a piece of paper. Then, I laminated the paper and sent it to my niece, Megan, who is a tattoo artist. I LOVE her work, so I asked if she would design my first tattoo. She of course said yes and the results are below. Did she do an AMAZING job?!!
Tattoo of Chestnut
Later on, I decided that I had better choose to get a tattoo of my female Sugar Glider, Chestnut, before she became too jealous! So, I began creating a design that suits her personality. Chestnut is a princess, so she needed a tiara. I love hearts and flowers, so I wanted to incorporate those into this particular tattoo.
Pictures look good in groups of three, so I chose three main flowers: a Sunflower, a Daisy and a Lily, with some Lavender in the mix. I picked these particular flowers because my daughter, grandma, grandpa, and myself really like them.
Then, I sent my designs to a tattoo artist and she turned my creation into an amazing layout! I decided to have this particular tattoo placed right above my ankle on the outside of my right leg. The reason for this placement is because Chestnut always runs down my right leg and jumps off off me at that exact spot. She then sprint/hops all the way across the room until she reaches her cage.
When it’s all said and done, choose to get the tattoo that YOU want! Enjoy the time creating what you want. It’s super FUN and EXCITING!
Click here to download a FREE printable checklist on how to Choose a Tattoo! https://lifewithcathy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Choosing-a-Tattoo-Checklist.pdf
Click below to learn more about my Sugar Gliders!
What kind of tattoos do you have or want? Do you have any ideas that you have been mulling over? I would love to hear about them! Please share below in the comments.
One thought on “How to Choose a Tattoo”