The Art of Tattoos: A Guide to Design, Placement, and Aftercare

When Leo Messi lifted the World Cup for Argentina for the second time, you could not miss the tattoo on his arms besides the Cup. From celebrities to the girl-next-door, tattoos have proven that beauty can be skin-deep.

Different tattoos have different meanings. Some work as skin adornments, while others can be a style statement or symbolic representation of your character.

And if you change your mind about it, you can always get it removed! Laser tattoo removal results in hassle-free, complete removal of the tattoo ink. 

Read on to have a fair idea about the art of tattooing, the different designs, and the valuable aftercare that helps you retain this skin art for a longer period after you get a tattoo. 

Tattoo Designs: Basic To Intricate – Each Has A Meaning

Tattoo designs range from a basic dotted pattern to more intricate figures, objects, geometric shapes, and even landscapes. Different designs have their respective significance.

While more compact tattoo designs like tigers, wolves, compasses, and crosses are popular among men, women prefer lighter, smaller designs like flowers, butterflies, quotes, or dreamcatchers.

Let’s look at some stunning tattoo designs and their meaning.

Roses And Butterflies

The red rose symbolizes love, passion, and loyalty, while butterflies symbolize transformation. Together, both mean to transform one’s life with abundant love.

Sword And Snake

Known to represent mortality in many cultures, a snake signifies fierceness, strength, and intelligence, while a sword means bravery and courage.

Angel Wings

Considered one of the most versatile tattoo designs, a pair of angel wings have different meanings. It primarily depicts strength, perseverance, purity, and courage.

Phases Of The Moon

Moon represents feminine power and beauty. The different phases of the moon signify the circle of life, death, and rebirth.

Tattoo Placement: Which Part Of Your Skin Should You Adorn?

Choose a skin portion where there are less or no bones. This is because a needle pierce hurts more on bony areas rather than muscular portions.

Tattoos are a form of self-expression, some of which you can show off. Others can signify your deepest desires, which are exclusively your own. For each, choose a skin area wisely.

Let’s check out some of the basic tattooing areas of the body.

Nape Of The Neck

This is a relatively moderate tattooing space. Adorn the nape of your neck with a sword-and-snake tattoo, a short quote, or a phoenix. You can expose or cover the area as and when you wish. 

Collarbone 

Collarbones are complex tattooing areas because of their bony structure. Flying birds, dainty dandelions, or scattered designs are done specially for prominent collarbones.

Chest 

Landscape designs, detailed patterns, or compact tattoos are perfect for the chest—a relatively easy tattooing skin portion, for that matter.

Forearm 

From a small snowflake to a more detailed pattern, forearms are a tattoo artist’s delight.

Ankle 

Swallows, angel wings, compasses, and olive-and-thorn anklet designs best suit the ankle. Like the collarbone, ankles are also difficult working areas for tattoo artists.

Tattoo Care: What’s Next After You’re Inked?

Tattoo artists suggest getting inked during the winter season. Sweat releases saline water along with toxins that are harmful to tattoos.

 So, what are the basic tattoo aftercare rules?

Use Antimicrobial Soap Water

Tattoo areas are susceptible to infections because of constant needle pricks. Using antimicrobial soap water is recommended to clean the area.

Apply Vaseline

It is important to keep the tattooed area hydrated and soft until it dries out. Applying Vaseline is a great way to do that. 

Wear Sun-Protective Clothes

Please keep it away from sunlight for the first few days until your tattoo dries up. UV rays can negatively affect your inked area.

Final Thoughts

A tattoo becomes a part of your identity when you choose the right design and place and devote enough time to maintain its originality. However, if you decide to part with it, there are options for Edmonton tattoo removal to consider.

Take some time to think whether or not you want to get inked, and then choose the right artist to do the job.

FAQs

1. At what age can I get tattooed?

Generally, you can get a tattoo after you are 18. Before that, parental consent is mandatory.

2. Are there any side effects of tattoo colors?

Yes, you can get allergies or skin infections if the tattoo color is not pure.

3. What if I get hurt by needles?

The chances of getting hurt by needles are low because the needles prick only the skin’s dermis.

4. Can I use shampoo to clean my tattoo?

Yes. You can use mild or baby shampoo to clean your newly crafted tattoo.