The dream tattoo: How to choose a design that is 100% you

Regardless of whether you are an experienced tattoo enthusiast or a beginner, it is important to find a design that truly resonates with you. So, let’s dive into this exciting topic together!

Choosing a tattoo design can be a challenging yet incredibly rewarding process. Many may feel pressured to find something that not only looks good but also holds special meaning. Often, we limit ourselves by thinking about what is possible, what goes well together, or what will look best on our skin. But in this article, I want to encourage you to set all those thoughts aside and instead focus on what truly matters to you.

Tattoos are more than just art on the skin; they are an extension of your personality, your experiences, and your dreams. So how do you find the perfect balance between aesthetics and personal significance? How can you ensure that your tattoo becomes a masterpiece that truly represents who you are?

Let’s start by exploring the concept of the "dream tattoo." It’s about diving deep into your own thoughts and feelings to find the design that truly resonates with you. I will guide you through a process that helps you uncover the most personal and meaningful aspects of yourself and how you can translate these into a fantastic tattoo design.

Don’t Think About What’s Possible

First and foremost, don’t limit yourself by thinking about what is possible, what goes well together, or what will look best. Trust us, most things are actually possible. Are you dreaming of getting a tattoo but struggling to visualize the design? Let’s explore the concept of the "dream tattoo."

Instead of focusing on the tattoo itself, let’s imagine a daydream. Close your eyes and think about what makes you happiest, what inspires you, or what you love most. Where are you? What do you see in front of you? What’s happening around you?

What is the main motif in your dream?

Think about the main motif or theme in your dream. Is it a person or several people? Someone you know, a celebrity, or a public figure you admire? Is it an animal or multiple animals, or perhaps plants and flowers? Other key words that might help you include figures, objects, landscapes, emotions, situations, qualities, hobbies, activities, places, time of day, season, weather, and more.

Consider the timeframe of your dream. Is it set in the past, a memory you cherish? Or is it the present, reflecting something that interests you today? Perhaps it’s a vision for the future, a reminder of the direction you want to take. Is it daytime with a blue sky and sunshine? Is it nighttime with a misty crescent moon and a starry sky? Or do you see the sunrise or sunset, with the beautiful colors that follow?

Write down your thoughts

If you have trouble imagining a daydream like this, it might help to write down various things you love, like, or are interested in. Perhaps you’ll come up with more if I ask about your hobbies, something you study, the music you enjoy, the movies you prefer, or the books you like. And one of my favorite questions: What makes you different from those around you? What makes you, you? How would others describe you?

I like to frame the design so that it truly belongs to you and only you. What is the connection between you and the theme/motif? Imagine that someone is making a movie about you and your connection to the “dream.” What would the movie poster look like? What are your first thoughts about your vision?

Reference images and other inspiration

The more reference images you can show your tattoo artist, the better. The more time you spend on this, the more time—and thus money—you save in the design process.

When searching for images online, remember to search for pictures of a specific object and avoid using the word "tattoo" in the search field. For example, if you want to find a lion, search for "lion photo" instead of "lion tattoo." Also, try to be specific in your search by using multiple words in the search field, such as "calm lion mother protecting her cubs."

Feel free to find at least three images per motif so we can choose the best ones together. Remember that all images can be edited, so as long as there’s something in the picture that makes you happy, we can most likely use it in the design.

I prefer that all the images are of good quality and size, but some exceptions are of course fine. When it comes to personal photos of family members for portraits, the sentimental value and joy of the picture are more important than the quality and size.

Pinterest Rabbit Hole

Also include objects/things that might not necessarily be on your list but suddenly come up during the search process and make you happy or give you a good feeling.

Placement and Size

Think carefully about where the tattoo will be placed and how large you are willing to go. The larger a tattoo is allowed to be, the more detail will be preserved in the future.

There are many ways to find the perfect motif. Whether you are inspired by a daydream, a favorite season, a special person, or an important event, you now have the tools to dive deeper into your own creative process. Don’t be afraid to experiment and explore different ideas. And remember, the most important thing is that the tattoo feels right for you.

We at Masterpiece Tattoo Family are ready to help you realize your dream tattoo. Our goal is to create artworks that not only look fantastic but also have a deep, personal meaning for each client. If you feel inspired and ready to start your tattoo journey, we are here to guide you through every step of the process.

Thank you for taking the time to read this guide. We hope you feel inspired to take the next step toward getting your dream tattoo. Let your creativity flow, and remember that the most meaningful artwork is the one that comes from the heart.

Electric Linda