Tattoos are a fun and unique way to express yourself and your individuality. Many times, a tattoo is one-of-a-kind and while it may be similar to another, you’re the only person with that particular design. However, coming up with these designs isn’t always the easiest thing to do. If you want a tattoo, you might be feeling overwhelmed by the possibilities. 

Looking for the perfect tattoo design could be an overwhelming task, especially for those who are getting inked for the first time. With so many different styles and options available, you might find yourself endlessly scrolling through social media or flipping through tattoo magazines, wondering: where can I find tattoo designs that truly speak to me?

But fear not, because inspiration is out there! Whether you’re seeking something bold and colorful, sleek and minimalist, or somewhere in between, there are countless unique tattoo designs just waiting to be discovered. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore some of the best sources of inspiration for tattoos, from classic imagery to cutting-edge styles, and help you find the perfect design that truly reflects your own personal style and attitude. So strap in, get ready for a wild ride, and let’s start exploring the world of tattoo designs together!

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While the internet is useful, it can sometimes seem like an endless void. There are plenty of places to go for ideas, but it can be hard to find the best ones. The artists at a tattoo shop will do what they can to help you, but even their imaginations are limited without some base ideas. Read on to learn some of the best places to find tattoo designs. 

How to Find The Best Tattoo Designs 

There are a few different ways you can go about finding the design for your new tattoo. If you have no idea at all what you want, a good place to start is the shop. 

Most tattoo shops will have what they call “flash” designs. These are pre-drawn tattoo designs that are available for anyone. They are usually small and are cheaper than a custom design because they are already drawn. They are not usually very complicated or detailed but are easy to apply.

Flash designs have many benefits. They are quick, can almost always be done as a walk-in, and will generally cost less than $100. 

Tattoo shops might have some general flash that all artists will do, and some artists might have their own individual selection of flash designs. Either way, the designs will be ready for you to choose from. Many shops or artists will also break them down into themes or categories.

This can be anything from horror, comedy, movies, music, logos, animals, occult, or tribal. With flash designs, you do need to keep in mind that they are not one-of-a-kind. This means that even once you get the tattoo, the design will stay available. There could be hundreds of other people walking around with the same tattoo.

That doesn’t mean a flash tattoo is a bad idea, it just means it won’t be original. For some, this matters while others don’t care as long as they like it. 

If you do want a more individualized tattoo and/or your shop doesn’t have any flash that appeals to you, you can try hitting the internet for some more ideas.

Social Media

If you’re turning to the internet for inspiration, a good place to start is social media. Artists and clients are alike post their favorite designs and artwork on their personal pages. Finding a style that you like and browsing what’s already out there is a great way to get inspired. 

If you have an idea of what you want, start looking for tattoos that include your desired elements and style. Find a few you like and send them to your artist as a baseline reference. 

Start with a few that you like, and tell them what you like about it. It’s also a good idea to find some things you don’t like. Send some of those pictures, and tell them specifically what you don’t like about them. 

This helps your artist design a tattoo that is perfect for you. If they don’t know that you don’t like a certain thing, they might include it if they think it looks good. They will, of course, take it out upon your request. But, if they already know you don’t like it before starting, it saves everyone time and effort. 

There are also countless Instagram and Facebook pages that are dedicated to sharing beautiful artwork and designs. They aren’t affiliated with a certain artist or client, they just share great tattoos. These are good places to go for more general inspiration. 

If you don’t have any idea what you want at all, browsing multiple styles should be your starting point. 

Tattoo Websites

Much like social media pages that dedicate themselves to sharing beautiful artwork from all over, there are websites that do this as well. 

A quick Google search will bring you to many tattoo websites dedicated to helping you find your new favorite design or style. They will break their designs down into categories. These can include several things: 

  • Broken down by style – new school, black and grey, traditional, etc. 
  • Tattoos for women. 
  • Tattoos for men. 
  • Broken down by placement – shoulder, back, chest, thigh, etc. 

You can browse through these categories and see hundreds of designs to inspire you. 

Commission an Artist 

Another option is to commission an artist to design something for you. Of course, you can always have your tattoo artist draw something for you. This is what most people do. 

But sometimes, you might find a different kind of artist whose work you just love. Maybe it’s a watercolor artist who draws beautiful animals. Perhaps it’s a digital artist who creates mystical, unique new creatures.

Whatever it may be, you might want to have their art tattooed on you. Most of these artists will be more than happy to draw something specific for you. It is unlikely they will do this for free, though. You will have to pay their regular commission rates, which is only fair considering they’ll put as much time into it as any other piece. 

If you don’t want to pay for an original but still love their style, they may be willing to give you permission to use one of their existing pieces as your tattoo. This will usually come with a much smaller fee if any at all – it will depend on the artist. 

Recommended: Timeless and Meaningful Egyptian Tattoo Designs

Can You Use Someone Else’s Tattoo? 

It happens all the time. You’re browsing the internet, and you see the perfect design. It’s the exact style you’re looking for and it includes every element you want. It’s a perfect size and it fits the body so beautifully, you just have to have it. 

But, it’s already on someone else’s body. Someone already has the exact tattoo you want. Unfortunately, if you bring this picture into a tattoo shop and ask for it exactly, you will likely get turned down. 

The same can’t be said for all artists, but most will not replicate a custom design that was done specifically for someone else. They are usually happy to use it as a reference or inspiration for your design, but they won’t fully copy it. 

This may seem annoying, especially if you’ve found something wonderful and perfect for you. But, try to see it from the other perspective. Imagine you worked hard to come up with something for yourself. You spent hours going back and forth with your artist and paid them or someone else good money to create the design for you. 

How would you feel if you happened to find out that some random person from the internet copied you and got your special design tattooed on them too? Chances are, it’s not something you’d appreciate. 

So, most of the time, the answer is no, you cannot copy someone else’s tattoo. There are very few situations where they might make an exception: 

  • If the design is from a movie, TV show, or other recognized piece of pop culture. 
  • If the design is a recognized logo 
  • If the tattoo is a classic design or piece of flash that has been getting tattooed for years already (think sacred heart or snake and dagger). 

Also Read: Amazing Fibonacci Tattoo Designs

Can You Draw Your Own Tattoo? 

If you’re an artist yourself and can create your own art, drawing your own tattoo is a fantastic idea! This will ensure two things: One, that you’re getting exactly what you want, and two – it will be completely and utterly unique to you. 

Plenty of people have taken it upon themselves to draw their own tattoos for these reasons, and it’s worked out great. The tattoo artist loves when this happens too because it saves them time and effort. 

If you come in with a completed design that’s ready to go, it can be a similar process to a flash design, depending on the size. Chances are, there will be someone available to do it. They will also love it for the uniqueness of the experience. 

Any good tattoo artist will love their job, but it can get a little tedious at times, doing the same flash or the same styles over and over again. If you bring them something different and personalized like this, it’ll be a nice breath of fresh air. 

If you’re not an artist but have an idea in your head that you just can’t seem to find already on paper, you can still do your best to sketch it out. It may be a terrible sketch, but it will help your artist at least get an idea of what you’re looking for and allow them to turn it into something beautiful and unique.

How to Collaborate with a Tattoo Artist for a Custom Design

Once you’ve decided to get a tattoo, the next step is to choose a design. While you can certainly find inspiration online, collaborating with a tattoo artist for a custom design can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here’s how to make it happen:

Step 1: Do your research Before scheduling a consultation with a tattoo artist, make sure you’ve done some research on their style and portfolio. Look for an artist whose work resonates with you and whose designs match the style you have in mind.

Step 2: Come prepared When you meet with the tattoo artist, bring any reference images or sketches you may have. This will give the artist a starting point and a better understanding of your vision. Be open to their suggestions and feedback as they are the experts.

Step 3: Be specific Make sure you communicate your vision clearly and be specific about what you want. From size to color to placement, being clear about your preferences will help the artist create a design that aligns with your expectations.

Step 4: Trust the artist While it’s important to communicate your vision, it’s equally important to trust the artist’s creativity and expertise. They will be able to offer unique and professional insights into the design, meaning you may choose a more refined design that still reflects the essence of the idea that you started with.

Step 5: Finalize the design Once the artist creates a design, take the time to review it and provide constructive feedback. Remember that the design can be edited until it satisfies both you and the artist.

Once you’re happy with the final design, schedule your appointment and get ready to add a one-of-a-kind, custom tattoo to your body. Collaborating with a tattoo artist for a custom design is an intimate and personal experience, so it’s essential to find an artist who you connect and trust, with whom you can work in harmony to create something that reflects your unique style and personality.

Remember, the most important aspect of getting a tattoo is to choose a design that you’ll be proud to show off for the rest of your life.

How Much Do Tattoo Designs Cost

One of the biggest questions people have when it comes to getting a tattoo is, “How much do tattoo designs cost?” The answer varies depending on several factors, such as the artist’s skill level, the size, and complexity of the design, and the location of the shop.

Most tattoo artists charge by the hour, and the cost can range from $50 to $300 per hour, depending on their level of expertise. For smaller designs, the artist may charge a flat rate, which can range from $100 to $500. However, keep in mind that the cost of the design is only one part of the overall cost of getting a tattoo.

Other factors that can affect the cost include the cost of the ink and other supplies, the cost of numbing creams, and the cost of aftercare products. Additionally, if you want a custom design, the artist may charge a fee for designing the piece. While it may be tempting to go for a cheaper option, remember that this is a permanent piece of artwork on your body.

It’s worth investing in a talented and experienced artist who can create a design that you will love for years to come. In conclusion, the cost of tattoo designs can vary greatly depending on several factors. It’s important to do your research and find a talented artist who can help turn your tattoo dreams into a reality. Don’t let cost be the only factor in your decision-making process, but rather focus on finding a skilled artist who can bring your ideas to life.

Finding the Best Tattoo Design

Our search for the perfect tattoo design doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By using a combination of online resources, tattoo artists, and your own personal preferences, you can discover unique tattoo designs that are truly one-of-a-kind.

Whether you’re searching for something bold and bright, subtle and understated, or full of intricate detail, the options are endless. So when you find yourself asking “Where can I find tattoo designs?”, just remember that inspiration can come from anywhere and everywhere.

Trust your instincts, take your time, and don’t be afraid to get creative. After all, your tattoo is a reflection of your personality and something you’ll cherish forever. So go out there and discover your ultimate tattoo inspiration today!

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