Once you have settled on a tattoo idea, the hardest question usually follows: where? The same design looks completely different on a wrist than on a back. Placement directly affects how much it hurts, how visible the tattoo is, how it heals and how it will look years from now. It is also one of the things people looking for a Bursa tattoo artist think hardest about.
Pain: what changes from area to area?
Pain varies from person to person; your pain threshold, the length of the session and how you feel that day all play a part. Even so, there are general differences between areas: spots close to the bone and with thin skin are usually more sensitive.
- More comfortable areas for most people: the outer forearm, outer upper arm, calf and the front-outer thigh, where there is more muscle and fat.
- Moderate areas: the wrist, shoulder, upper back and around the shoulder blade.
- Usually more sensitive areas: ribs, spine, top of the foot, ankle, inner elbow, around the knee and the collarbone.
Treat this as a guide, not a strict ranking. Some people breeze through a rib piece and struggle with a wrist. What matters is going in prepared if you choose a sensitive spot and agreeing on breaks in advance for longer pieces. For sensitive areas it also helps to arrive rested and having eaten; not being under the influence of alcohol or drugs on the day is a requirement anyway.
Visibility: who will see it, and when?
Do you want your tattoo on show every day, or tucked away somewhere only you know about? Your workplace, the way you dress and the relationship you want with your tattoo will help you answer this.
The wrist, hands, neck and forearm usually stay visible, and in summer almost everything does. The back, ribs, inner upper arm and hip area are easy to cover. Choosing a visible spot takes a little courage, but meeting your tattoo's eye every day has its own joy. A covered area can be a calmer start, especially for a first tattoo. For very visible areas such as the face, neck and hands, it is wise not to rush the decision, particularly if it is your first piece.
Change over time: sun, friction and body
A tattoo lives with your skin, so it is worth thinking about tomorrow as much as today:
- Sun: On areas that get constant sun (back of the hand, forearm, shoulder, top of the foot), colours and fine lines generally fade faster. Sunscreen should be a habit here.
- Friction: On fingers, palms and the sides of the feet, which are used constantly and regenerate quickly, ink can fade sooner and touch-ups may be needed.
- Weight and muscle changes: The stomach, hips and inner upper arm can be more affected by changes in weight. This will not ruin a tattoo, but it can shift its proportions a little.
- Movement: On joints such as elbows, knees and wrists, the skin stretches constantly, so healing can take a bit more care.
Fitting the design to the body's flow
Good placement means thinking about the design together with the body's natural lines. A long, vertical design flows beautifully along the forearm or spine; a round mandala sits in balance on the shoulder blade or the centre of the back. A small symbol may look elegant on a wrist and get lost in the middle of a back. Rather than choosing a design first and looking for a spot later, thinking about both together gives the best result. That is why placing the stencil on your skin and checking it in the mirror from different angles before tattooing is such an important step.
Think about future tattoos, too. If you might one day want to build your arm or back into a larger piece, it can be smart to place your first tattoo where new pieces can connect to it. Small tattoos scattered at random can make a cohesive composition harder later on.
If you can't decide
If you are unsure about placement, we can talk through the options one by one at our Nilüfer tattoo studio. On the appointment form you can note the area, size and style, and list any alternative spots you are considering in the description.
Take a look at work from our studio in Özlüce, Nilüfer, Bursa on the portfolio page, and reach us through the appointment page whenever you are ready.
