The Ultimate Tattoo Placement Guide

Understanding tattoo placement is essential because it's about choosing where on the body a tattoo will go. Yet, this decision is more than just picking a spot; it's about ensuring the tattoo looks like it's meant to be there. In fact, the correct placement can enhance a tattoo's design, while a poorly chosen spot can detract from even the most stunning artwork. In this guide, we'll explore these choices together. By the end, you'll be equipped to select tattoo placements that not only suit your style but also complement the body's natural contours, ensuring your tattoos always look great.

Tattoo Placement and Design Size: Finding the Right Fit

When deciding where to place a tattoo, it's smart to think about the size of the design. Just like you wouldn't put an oversized sofa in a tiny living room, you don't want to cram a large tattoo onto a small part of the body. And on the other hand, a tiny tattoo on a large area might not make the impact you're hoping for. Here's a quick rundown of the best spots for different-sized tattoos:

Small Tattoos

Small tattoos are ideal for compact, simple designs or basic shapes. These work best in areas where the skin surface is limited. Ideal locations for small tattoos include:

• Above the elbow
• Ankle
• Back of the palm
• Behind the ear
• Fingers
• Knee
• Top of the foot
• Wrist

Medium Tattoos

Medium-sized tattoos offer more flexibility. They're perfect for designs that are a bit more intricate, including flash tattoos, script, or artwork that fits nicely on a long, narrow space. Great places for medium tattoos include: 

• Calves
• Forearm
• Inner thigh
• Neck
• Shins
• Shoulder
• Shoulder blade
• Sternum
• Upper arm

Large Tattoos

Large tattoos allow for detailed designs with multiple elements, providing a broad canvas. These tattoos can effectively cover:

• Chest
• Hip
• Lower back
• Ribs
• Stomach
• Upper back
• Upper thigh

Extra-Large Tattoos

Extra-large tattoos can cover multiple body parts, providing a large canvas for complex and detailed designs. These large areas include:



• Chest and stomach
• Full arm sleeve
• Full back, buttocks, and back of thighs (especially for traditional Japanese body suits)
• Full leg sleeve
• Upper and lower back
  

Tattoo Placement: Women vs. Men

When it comes to tattoo placement, the line between masculine and feminine can be influenced by the tattoo's design and placement. While design is a primary factor in determining the overall feel of a tattoo, certain placements have gained popularity among men and women for different reasons. Let's take a closer look: 

Best Tattoo Placements for Women

• Large Tattoos: Many women choose placements that highlight their curves. For instance, a popular choice is a design that begins on the upper or outer thigh and elegantly wraps around the hip.

• Small Tattoos: Women often choose discreet locations that mimic the effect of jewelry. For example, a wrist tattoo can resemble a bracelet, a sternum or collarbone tattoo can mirror a necklace, an ankle tattoo can give the impression of an anklet, and a finger tattoo can mimic a ring.

Best Tattoo Placements for Men

Men generally are a bit more predictable than women in tattoo placement. Why? Because men typically gravitate towards larger designs, requiring plenty of space. Popular spots include half-sleeve, full-sleeve, neck, calf, chest, or back tattoos, offering enough area for elaborate artwork.

Do Tattoo Placements Ever Have Meanings?

The short answer is no, not really. The meaning of a tattoo is a personal thing and often has more to do with the individual's story than where the tattoo is placed. For example, someone might choose to place a significant tattoo over their heart or a quote about direction on their foot to symbolize their life's path.

However, it's worth noting that society often has its own take. And with this, tattoos in highly visible places like the face, neck, or hands might prompt people to form immediate opinions or assumptions. So, it's something to consider when deciding on tattoo placement.

Tattoo Placement Guide for Artists: Helping Clients Choose the Right Spot

As a tattoo artist, it's crucial for you to guide your clients through the process of selecting the right tattoo placement. Because ultimately, the location of the tattoo can significantly affect the design, longevity, and overall satisfaction with the artwork. Before you get started with consultations, here's what you need to know to help your clients make informed decisions about where to place their tattoo. 

Visibility

When a client desires a tattoo that's easily hidden, it's essential to consider the impact on placement. Tattoos on the torso, upper thighs, and upper arms offer a degree of concealment, making them ideal for those seeking discretion. In contrast, tattoos on the forearms are more visible and harder to hide.

What to Know About Hard-to-Hide Tattoos or "Job Stoppers"

The stigma around tattoos is evolving, but tattoos on the hands, face, and neck, often labeled as "job stoppers," still carry significant implications. These placements can lead to increased scrutiny at customs, encounters with law enforcement, and restrictions at certain venues. 

Moreover, they can limit career prospects, particularly in corporate settings where visible tattoos may not be welcomed. For clients who are not heavily tattooed or are younger, it's advisable to think twice before opting for a tattoo in these obvious areas.

Size and Detail

The tattoo's size and intricacy should complement its placement. In this, large, detailed designs are not suitable for small areas like the wrist, as they can lead to blurring over time. Alternatively, a collection of small tattoos on a large area can disrupt the overall aesthetic. If a client's desired tattoo doesn't suit the intended area, guiding them toward a more suitable placement is crucial.

Aftercare

The tattoo's outcome heavily depends on the aftercare process. Proper care ensures the longevity and appearance of the tattoo. Therefore, it's vital to educate clients on how to maintain their new ink.

Pain Tolerance

Pain tolerance plays a significant role in tattoo placement, especially for first-timers. Suggesting less painful areas, like the thigh or outer bicep, may be wise for beginners. The size of the tattoo and the individual's pain threshold should also be considered. For those with lower pain tolerance, discussing the use of numbing creams can be beneficial.

Future Plans

Bodily changes over time can affect a tattoo's appearance. If a client anticipates significant changes like weight loss, pregnancy, or muscle gain, it's important to consider how these changes might impact the tattoo. For this reason, advising against tattoos in areas prone to stretching or distortion during such transitions is highly recommended.

Tattoo Goals



For clients planning extensive body art in the future, such as full sleeves, strategic placement of current tattoos is vital. This foresight ensures that future tattoos can be seamlessly integrated or expanded upon without the need to cover up or work around existing tattoos.

A Tattoo Artist's Quick Guide Design and Placement



Ultimately, designing for tattoo placement is an art in itself. As you set out on your creative journey, remember it's not just about the ink; it's about how the design becomes one with the body. So, as we leave you with this info, here are some additional considerations for design and placement for tattoo artists: 

• Embrace the Body's Contours: Your design should complement the body part it adorns. Whether it's a half sleeve or a forearm tattoo, ensure it fills the space without overcrowding or overlapping. Respect the body's natural shape.

• Flow with the Muscles: A tattoo should look like it belongs on the body. This can be achieved by designing it in harmony with the body's musculature. Tattoos that flow with the muscles give off a natural elegance.

• Follow the Body's Lines: For slender designs, like script tattoos, let them trace the body's lines. Placing them along the spine or down the inner bicep can create a sense of alignment with the body.

• Orientation Matters: Traditionally, tattoos should appear right side up when the person is standing naturally. This orientation maintains the design's integrity and visual appeal.

• Faces in Design: If your tattoo includes a face, position it to either face inward, towards the body's center, or forward, depending on its location. This directional choice adds to the tattoo's overall balance.

As a final note, always engage in open dialogue with your clients. If they suggest a placement that doesn't align with these principles, gently guide them in the right direction. This is easily done by explaining that the design's fit and flow are crucial for a tattoo they'll love for a lifetime. 

At the end of the day, your expertise is not just in inking but in crafting a piece of art that complements their unique canvas – their body. So, remember, it's all about the right design in the right spot!

Frequently Asked Questions: Tattoo Placement Guide