How to Design the Perfect Minimalist Tattoo

Tiny tattoos that make a statement, but are still small enough to either cover up at work or at the very least avoid controversy with more conservative parties, have taken over.

Once relegated to the uber-progressive, alternative pocket niches, Millennials are coming out in force and lining up at tattoo parlours to get inked. It’s not only become fashionable to ink yourself up, but fairly acceptable.

However, as in all things, Millennials are trying to figure out how to be individual and still exist and thrive in professional spaces. And so we have the rise of the minimalist tattoo.

But how do you choose the perfect one for you?

The Big Why
Are you getting matching tattoos to state a bond? Sibling tattoos, parent-children tattoos, friendship tats, and couple tats are a great idea, but just be sure your piece stands alone, too. You can always get the same exact tattoo, but why not get a piece that functions together?

Then there are the fairly more obvious small-font quote tattoos and star signs. These make a statement that really can’t be interpreted any other way. Is there a single quote that’s going to make sense your entire life?

I’m a big fan of geometrics, because the shape stays the same and the meaning can change. It’s also a great conversation starter. Why the diamond? Why the symmetry? I don’t know, I just think that’s pretty neat.

And then there’s always: you just want to put art on your body. Totally valid and some of the best work gets done when you tell the artist you’d like a minimalist tattoo, but go nuts. Tattoo artists are, after all, first and foremost artists. And after a day of tattooing cartoon ladybugs, you can better your bottom dollar that they’ll be excited for the chance to just create some art.

Location, Location, Location
And you do have to think about the where. It’s still a little taboo to get facial tattoos. But again, it’s your body, you go human being! Behind the ear and on the collarbone seem to be fairly new, exciting spots to place tattoos, if only because they’re still pretty visible, but are easily covered by hair and necklines.

Choosing Your Artist
READ THE REVIEWS. The internet is a wonderful place. This is an investment. Avoid walking into a random parlor and getting work done that day. Call up. Make an appointment.

If you are going to walk in, make sure that things don’t just look clean, but you’re watching artists open up new kits. Medical gloves should be involved. Trace paper should be used unless you’ve had a long discussion about freehand work.

But for the most part: talk to your friends. If you love somebody’s tattoo on the train, ask where they got their work done. You can have the best idea in the world, but if you’re not working with a safe, professional, and artist who understands what you want and how to execute it, it’s not going to matter.

Happy Designing! Do you have any minimalist tattoos? Let us know in the comments!