From Inspiration to Ink: Navigating the Tattoo Design Process

Getting a tattoo is an exhilarating experience, and it holds true regardless of whether it's your first or tenth tattoo. When you're getting a tattoo, you should understand the significance of its permanence on your body. It is important to choose a thoughtful design, something that holds emotional weight to you.

If you're looking for a premier tattoo studio in Austin, TX then Vice and Virtue is where you should go. With talented artists and decades of experience between them, you are sure to get a tattoo that you can be proud of, today and in the years to come.

 1. Finding Your Inspiration

Inspiration is usually where everything starts. When you're getting a tattoo, you should opt for something that is close to your heart. The most interesting themes for a great tattoo are personal stories, life experiences, or even a remembrance.

It could also be something that is culturally significant for you or something to do with nature or animals. Whatever you choose, remember to sleep on it for a day or two before finalizing on the subject.

 2. Choosing the Right Style

Once you've got your inspiration, it's time to choose how you're going to bring it on to your skin. There are several types of designs that you can choose from. Tattoo styles can be broadly classified into traditional and modern styles. During this phase, don't restrict your imagination and let it run wild. Mix and match various themes and designs to see what jumps out and grabs you.

Realism vs. abstract, black and gray vs. color, and minimalism vs. detail are all different schools of tattoo styles that you will have to choose between here. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's a good idea to get other people's thoughts on what your end result should be.

 3. Working With Your Tattoo Artist

Once you've got a gist of what you want, it's a great time to get in touch with your tattoo artist at Vice and Virtue. This is where you should do your research on what you're looking for from an artist. This includes customer reviews, portfolios, and even discussions to understand more about the artist you are going to hire.

Remember that you can talk to multiple artists and see for yourself who can execute your vision the way you want it. See how open they are to changes to design suggestions and their general demeanor. If an artist is as excited to be working on your tattoo as you are about getting it, it's a great sign.

4. Sketching the Idea Out and Refining

Once you've chosen the artist, then it's time to refine your design. This is where you will have to work closely with your artist to choose the best iteration of your vision. Like the design phase, feel free to bounce ideas off your artist because that's exactly what they're expecting of you as well.

Since this is one of the most important phases of tattoo design, take your time to mull over it. Show it to a few close and trusted people to get their thoughts on it. When you get a design that you think would be perfect, that's when you decide on where it goes on your body.

 5. Placement - Where Should You Put It?

Tattoo placement is another area which is not talked about enough, and this is especially true of inexperienced tattoo artists. When you're deciding where you want the tattoo, it is important to consider the visibility and sun exposure. The placement of the tattoo also depends on the type of tattoo you're getting.

The more detailed or photorealistic a tattoo is going to be, the less exposed and flatter the area should be. If this is your first time getting one or you have high pain sensitivity, then choose an area which is more comfortable for you like the arms. 

 6. Finalizing Your Appointment

Once you've got all of this down, then it's time to fix an appointment with your tattoo artist. Again, the schedule is going to depend on how much work your tattoo needs. For an elaborate tattoo, you might be looking at multiple sessions and should plan it around your work or personal commitments. Use this time to prepare mentally and physically for the upcoming sessions.

While there is nothing to be afraid of, you should communicate your expectations of the session with your tattoo artist. They can help correct any false assumptions that you might have and set the right expectations so everything goes smoothly.

7. Tattoo Care and Maintenance

Once the tattoo is done, it's time for aftercare. One of the most vital parts of keeping your tattoo looking good and lasting long is through proper maintenance. The most general tips for tattoo care is to ensure that you keep it out of the sun and moisture for at least the first couple of weeks. Your tattoo artist will have a lot of vital tips that can help keep it in great shape. Depending on the complexity of the design it might also need maintenance afterwards.

Do you want an exquisite looking tattoo from the best in the business? Look up Vice and Virtue in Austin, TX and get an appointment with us!