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YOUR DESIGN
Tattoo placement and size: give your idea the right space
A tattoo is not a separate picture on a flat sheet of paper. It becomes part of your body. Placement, size and the direction of the design are therefore decisions worth considering together.
In this article
Start with how you want to experience the tattoo
Would you like to see it easily yourself? Should it fit beneath your usual clothing? Or would you like it to be a visible part of how you express yourself? Your everyday life and preferences offer a starting point.
You do not need to justify that choice. A placement that feels perfect to someone else may not feel right for you. Start with your own wishes, and mention any existing tattoos near the area you are considering.
Consider the shape of the area
A narrow vertical area offers different possibilities from a broader surface. A design can follow a line of the body, wrap around an area or stand deliberately on its own. The direction of the image makes a difference.
When showing a reference, explain where you imagine it as well. An artist can discuss which parts might need adjusting to make the design work with that placement.
Let the size and design support each other
“As small as possible” is a preference, but it is not yet a complete design. How many elements do you want to include? Which details matter most? How much open space would you like? These questions help clarify the choices a smaller or larger piece involves.
Give a rough size in centimetres and stay open to comparing options. You may prefer a simpler design, or a larger composition may be closer to what you had in mind. The aim is to make an informed choice, with a clear understanding of the proposal.
Think about the next chapter
This may remain your only tattoo, or you may eventually want a sleeve or another larger composition. If that possibility is already in your mind, mention it in the first conversation. It can inform the direction of the design and how the space is used.
At Bunker Tattoo, placement and size are part of the design conversation. Send us your idea and the area you have in mind. Still deciding between two placements? That is useful information too; you can narrow it down once you understand what each option offers.
Keep exploring
Have an idea, but are you unsure of the placement?
Send your idea, preferred placement and any references. We will discuss the next step together.