3. Showing off your tattoo

Do you want your tattoo on display for everyone to see? There’s no right or wrong answer. Sometimes tattoos can have very personal, deep meanings – so if you don’t want to share that with strangers on the street, choosing a more private placement is advantageous.

Some private tattoo placements include your inner thigh, sole of your foot, breasts, and even your scalp where you can grow hair back over the tattoo. Anywhere that’s usually covered by clothing is a good private place.

See our list of discreet tattoo placements above.

4. Seeing your tattoo yourself

A full back tattoo might make your detailed artwork look fabulous, but you won’t get to see it all that much!

Think about why you want your tattoo. Is it all about the meaning, so it doesn’t matter if you can’t see it 24/7? Or do you want a tattoo so you can decorate your body and admire some stunning artwork?

Areas of your body that are visible to yourself can be private or public places. There are also some compromise areas. Your wrist, for example, might seem like a very public place to put a tattoo… but it’s also one of the easiest tattoos to cover up with a watch or jewelry. You wouldn’t even need to wear long sleeves all the time.

5. 3 Dos and 3 Don’ts

First of all, do talk to your tattoo artist for their opinion. They will know best and may even have some placement ideas you haven’t considered yet. But don’t feel pressured into a particular placement by the artist or anyone else. After all, it’s you that has to live with it!

Do take as long as you need to decide on your tattoo and placement. The best tattoos are rarely rushed. From finalizing the design with a tattoo artist to getting the placement just right, to booking in the sessions. It takes time. Don’t rush into a professional tattoo parlor and expect to instantly be tattooed.