From as far back as 3300 BC, people have been getting tattooed. Although the methods have changed a lot since then, tattoos are still an incredible form of creative self-expression that’s completely different from other art forms, primarily because they’re more permanent. 

But it’s because of that permanence that picking your first tattoo design can be so daunting. 

Yes, you could get it lasered off in a few years if you don’t like it, but ideally, you want to pick something that can withstand the test of time. 

If you’re keen to get inked but need some guidance, these 7 tips can help you decide on a design that you’ll love for life. 

Ask Yourself Why You Want A Tattoo

A good place to start when making any important decision is to ask yourself why you want it. Tattoos play a major role in the context of modern fashion, which can make it difficult to differentiate between something you really want and something that mainstream culture is telling you, you should want. 

While it’s true that some people prefer to get tattoos that are specifically meaningless, most people prefer to pick a design that has a personal meaning or symbolism to them. 

Do you want to commemorate a loved one? Remind yourself to have fun. To keep a promise to yourself? To stay on track to reach your goals? Understanding why you want a tattoo will help you pick one that is most in alignment with your preference. 

Chat To Friends That Already Have Tattoos

Chatting to people who’ve already gone through the experience may help bring clarity to your decision. Ask your friends and family members who have tattoos how they chose their first one, and find out if they have any personal tips that you may benefit from. 

Even though the decision of what tattoo to get will ultimately be one you make independently, it can be really useful to find out what other people’s experiences have been like. 

Create A List Of Things That Make You Happy 

Sometimes, it’s hard to visualize a design because you have too many ideas floating around in your head. If you can capture them on a list, it might be easier to whittle down your big ideas into something that really feels right. 

Remember, this is something that will cost a pretty penny, be visible to most people, and will likely live on your skin for the rest of your life. Pick something that you know will make you happy (or feel some sort of positive emotion) no matter how many times you look at it. 

It could be nature, it could be an inanimate object or even a reference to a piece of art you like. There are no limits other than the ones you set for yourself. 

Browse The Internet For Inspiration

There is an extensive library of tattoo ideas just waiting to be looked at online. You can gather as much inspiration as you like by looking up different tattoo styles and concepts that speak to you on a personal level and get you excited about your first ink. 

The sheer variety of tattoo styles out there is enough to glean inspiration from, so don’t be afraid to do a really thorough search. From the classic Americana style to traditional Japanese, contemporary watercolor, or biomechanical styles, there truly is something for everyone. 

The versatility and distinctiveness of each tattoo style mean that you can come up with something as unique or as classic as you like. It’s all about what sparks your interest in particular. 

Consider Positioning 

The positioning of your tattoo will play a considerable role in how it looks on your skin. Areas that have creases, joints, or folds of flesh may be prone to shifting as your body moves or if you pick up a weight at any stage. Some areas such as your feet and hands are also prone to ink bleeds, so your tattoo may look smudged over time, especially if it’s a small design.

You want to make sure the design you pick is compatible with the physical placement. 

Another aspect of positioning to consider is pain. Different parts of the body have different levels of pain sensitivity—something that may also change depending on who’s body is being tattooed. For your first tattoo, you might want to consider picking something that is:

• On a flat part of the body (i.e. not the armpits, knees, or neck)
• On a low-pain-sensitivity spot (outer thighs, forearms, or stomach)

Positioning can make or break your tattoo. The right placement will ensure your design looks good for years to come. If you’re not sure about placement, chat with a tattoo artist, as they can offer excellent insight that’s based on experience.

Think Further Than The Present 

A common mistake with first-time tattoos is picking a design based on fleeting trends or fixations. If you know you’re prone to rash decisions that you end up regretting later, this tip is particularly important. 

When it comes to choosing a tattoo design (especially your first one), you want to choose something “evergreen” that you know you’ll appreciate through every season of your life. 

Instead of basing your decision on something transitory, like a partner, best friend, or mainstream fad, try to maintain a long-term perspective. What is something that you like now, that you can realistically imagine liking for the rest of your life? 

If you’re really concerned about making a rash decision, one way to test the durability of your design is to wait a while before getting inked. Instead of a tattoo, you may want to opt for a body or facial piercing instead. It’s still a form of body modification and artistic self-expression, but it’s less permanent. If, however, you still love your design a few months down the line, you’ll know that it’s the right choice for a tattoo.   

Choose A Design That Reflects Who You Are

When it comes down to it, the most important part of getting any tattoo is choosing one that represents who you are—not anyone or anything else. 

No matter what your design idea is, aim for it to be something that feels 100% true to yourself, your personality, and your life. Even if the design has no real meaning and you just absolutely love it for its aesthetic appeal, do it for you—and you only. It is, after all, your body!

Meta Title: Seven Tips For Choosing Your First Tattoo | Fashion EditsMeta Description: Choosing a design for your first tattoo isn’t always an easy process. Here are seven great tips that can help you to decide what you want to have inked.