Instead, the background of the tattoo can be used as the focus. Allowing the font to be created in the negative space, the background immediately surrounding the letters is shaded with black, grey, or any other color desired. This way the word or words you use are meant to bring focus to what the rest of the tattoo is all about. This is a bit tougher to do since you need to think of both the words and the primary design element, but if you can do it you could end up with a very special lettering tattoo.

The background can be colored or shaded regardless of whether or not the font is sketched in, creating a fuller and larger piece. Sometimes the coloring will make the lettering tattoo stand out a bit more, and sometimes it will simply help to keep the lettering look like it’s part of your skin rather than just a tattoo with letters in it. It’s definitely a good idea to keep everything close to the same color so you don’t take too much attention away from any parts of the design.

Names of loved ones are often rendered in elaborate script, especially when other symbols or images are not added. These are obviously very personal tattoos that are important to the owner since they are willing to put those names on their skin permanently. In these cases there is absolutely no need for extra designs around the words since the names themselves have such a strong impact. Dates of birth or death or both are sometimes added but in a much simpler and smaller font.

Another cool idea that you can use with your lettering tattoo is to make the words in the shape of a meaningful symbol or object. For example, if you are getting a love lettering tattoo, then you could get the words written in the shape of a heart. You could also get the outline of a specific symbol or object and simply place the word or quote inside of it to make it that much more meaningful.