Where Should You Place Your Next Tattoo?

Modern Apartment and Young Woman
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Whether you're on your first tattoo or your fifth one, you still might be having difficulty deciding where to place it. It's only reasonable—the right spot will make your tattoo look its absolute best, while also highlighting your personal physique in the most attractive way. For example, a tattoo with curvature and movement, like a large koi fish, would look most suitable on a large, prominent area of your body, such as the legs, arm, or thighs. A small tattoo would be lost on such a large area, maybe even to the point it looks like it's floating in space.

In fact, the scale of the design should be your first consideration surrounding where you place your tattoo. Remember: if you're opting for an elaborate piece, your tattoo will need to be large enough to accommodate the fine lines and details that it demands. Lettering tattoos are a good example of detail that tends to need a bit of room. A script or verse tattoo, however small in your mind, will need to be adjusted so that it is legible once it is tattooed. The best person to help you determine the best scale for your tattoo without sacrificing your overall vision for the piece will be your artist. For a small design, fewer details will yield a better result—however, small tattoos offer the most flexibility in placement. A small tattoo one can go in a barely-hidden place like the outer rim of your ear, inside your lip, around a finger, or the nape of your neck for a surprise effect. 

Next, consider the visibility of your tattoo. If you want a design you can hide, the hips, lower back, and  upper thighs are all good options. If you'd rather show your art off, choose the arms, wrists, upper chest, or maybe even your hands, neck, or face. 

Something just as important to consider is how easily you want to be able to see the tattoo yourself. You won't see a beautiful design on your back very often unless you take the time to turn around and glance at it in the mirror. If you want to see your tattoo and enjoy it daily, remember to place it where that's easiest. This also provides something to think about regarding orientation—on a place like your arms, which direction do you want the tattoo to be facing? Outwards or inwards? Most tattoo artists will recommend outwards, but ultimately it's your body, whether you want your tattoo upside down, sideways, backwards, or right side up.

Try not to ignore your artist outright if they advise against a tattoo placement, and instead ask them to explain why. They do this all the time, and more importantly, they're aware of their own capabilities. A good and communicative dialogue with your artist will not only ensure that you're happy, but that you have a well-thought-out tattoo that you feel happy showing off.