How to Customize Your Own Tattoo Design
Tattoos are works of art that can reflect the wearer's personality. They can embellish the body or be used to make a statement. Custom tattoo designs can be created to express a person's interests. Draw your own tattoo by referencing designs, symbols and other artwork that have meaning to you.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Magazines
- Books
- Internet connection
- Pencil
- Paper
- Black pen
- Black marker
Instructions
-
-
1
Decide where on your body the custom tattoo will be inked. Choose an area where the tattoo can be seen or where it can be hidden under clothing. Selecting the tattoo site will help you determine the size of the piece, as well as how it'll be angled on the body.
-
2
Search for symbols or designs that appeal to you. Look in magazines and books or on tattoo websites. Consider cultural or religious symbols that reflect your views or that you find interesting. Choose images that can be combined or manipulated easily, and make a copy of them to reference during the creative process.
-
-
3
Draw the images you've selected using a pencil. Incorporate them into one design by drawing the main symbol first and the second and third images around the the first one. Keep the art clean by erasing any intersecting lines that won't be a part of the finished tattoo design.
-
4
Outline the tattoo design with a black pen or marker. This will make viewing the drawing easier for the tattoo artist. Eventually, the tattoo artist will make a copy of the design and transfer it to your body.
-
5
Take your drawing to different tattoo shops and artists. Inquire about having the drawing inked, and ask them for their input on your custom design, where you want it placed and what colors--if any--should fill in the spaces. View the portfolios of the tattoo artists to become familiar with their level of artistic ability.
-
6
Make an appointment to have the custom tattoo artwork done. Walk-ins may be accepted at some shops, but you may have to wait if there are people ahead of you.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Avoid selecting tattoo shops or artists who aren't licensed by the state and county health departments. Such establishments or artists may not enforce or follow sanitation guidelines and procedures, which could lead to infectious diseases being transmitted to the client.
References
- Photo Credit tattoo woman image by ennavanduinen from Fotolia.com
