For example, the top of your arm to your elbow is called a “half-sleeve,” while your entire arm from the top to your wrist would be a “full-sleeve. " If you were interested in a smaller arm piece that would be covered by a short-sleeved shirt, you could ask for a “quarter-sleeve,” which ends mid-bicep. As another example, a back piece traditionally goes from the bottom of your neck to below your buttocks. Understanding where these pieces traditionally go will help you tell your tattoo artist exactly what you want. By visually breaking up your body into sections, you can figure out which designs work best in each place. You’re looking for the best small and large areas on your body where tattoos can go.
For a large design, such as a portrait or a character, choose areas of skin that are easy for your artist to access without making you contort yourself, such as your back, thigh, or upper arms.
For an extra bit of whimsy, consider the forward helix (on your ear) or the inside of your lip!
For instance, a long, thin tattoo might look good down your spine, along your forearm, or down your leg. They may also look great going down the sides of your back or stomach, but keep in mind that their shape can change as you gain weight or if you have a baby. You can wrap some designs around a limb, such as a tribal band or the string of rosary beads. Choose an area that will allow the artist to complete the design evenly, such as the upper forearm, the bicep, or just above the ankle.
For instance, if you get a small symbol in the middle of your shoulder blade, you can’t get a larger tattoo there later unless you incorporate that symbol into the design or cover it with an entirely new design.
For instance, you’re less likely to gain weight on the backs of your shoulders than you are on your stomach. In fact, stretch marks from having children may obscure the tattoo completely. Therefore, your shoulder blade may be a better option. Similarly, you’re not likely to gain much weight in your wrists or feet, so they may be a good option. Even though your feet may occasionally swell or can get bigger, tattoos usually maintain their shape.
For an in-between option, pick a place that you can see without a mirror but that can be covered with clothing.
For instance, if you have a tattoo on the trapezius muscles between your neck and shoulders, you can cover it up with a collared shirt or choose a shirt with a low neckline to show it off. You may also be able to do this with tattoos on your thighs, upper arms, back, and your feet.
You can also try your upper chest, lower back, collarbone, or behind your ankle joint.
The sun also makes your skin age faster, which can decrease the beauty of your tattoo. Protect both your skin and your tattoo colors with a broad spectrum sunscreen.
You could also try your upper thigh, shoulder blade, back, or side, as those areas are usually hidden by professional clothing.
The forearm or back of the shoulder is also a good choice. However, you may want to skip the inside of the upper arm if you have a low pain tolerance, as it has too many nerve endings to be very comfortable.
The wrists also fall into this range, but they are slightly more painful.
These areas hurt because you don’t have as much flesh between the needle and the bone. However, you might prefer to start with these areas to set your pain tolerance at a high level.
