Original Tattoo Ideas

Tattoos are a personal expression that will stay on your body for life. They express a feeling or a statement that you want to make to the world. Many people go into a tattoo studio and choose a design from the flash on the wall. A more personalized statement that will mean more to you for years to come is one that you design yourself. You don't have to be a great artist, but you do have to know how you want the finished design to look. A good tattoo artist can make just about any design as long as you can provide the details.

Lyrics

Many people have a favorite song, one that has been a favorite for years. Choose a short line in one of your favorite songs and incorporate it into a tattoo. Three- or four-word phrases are best, as they won't be as expensive as longer verses, and will pack more visual punch.

Combination

Take two or three of your favorite things and combine them into one tattoo design. If you love hockey and Tigger, make a goalie Tigger. A wine bottle sitting in a garden might be perfect for a gardener who loves wine. Three or more objects, such as numbers, hearts or keys, can be combined if you work with your tattoo designer.

Family Crest

Consider a tattoo of your family crest, if you have one. Or change some of the design elements to create a new one. What symbols do you feel represent your family best?

Classic Art

Take some design elements from classic artists and incorporate them into your own tattoo design. The swirls of Van Gogh's "Starry Night" or the stark geometry of a Mondrian work might spark a design idea for a new tattoo. Study the classics from the early 20th century for the most diverse designs.

References

• Tattoo Finder.com