How do I narrow it down as to what to get for a tattoo?

Wait until something you see really moves you and you just know “I want to wear that on my skin for the rest of my life, even when it’s wrinkled and saggy.” In other words: not “I want a tattoo, but what?” but rather, “I love this image/symbol/saying—oh, wow, tattoo!”

I’ve thought about a tattoo off and on for decades, but that little test always stops me.

Don’t get something that someone else has. A lot of tattoo artists will draw you up something original which will be much more impressive than the ones that are hanging on the walls as displays.

Go to websites to get ideas and have your tattoo artist modify them to make them original.

If you plan to get more than one tattoo, make sure they will fit together nicely. Nothing says disgusting like someone with random junk all over that doesn’t go together.

Perhaps a fluther jelly? =)

If you ask, then you’re not sure. So hold out. You’ll know when you’re ready.

For example, I want an owl on my wrist. I’ve known that for years, but it isn’t a priority, and I don’t have much money, so, so far, it hasn’t got done. But if chance smiles, it will happen.

This will be a decision you make all your own, without outside intervention. (unless you join some mob or some shit XD)

In my experience, tattoos aren’t something that an over-planner will ever get. It takes some guts to get something permanent put onto your body. The type of people who take years or decades to decide on what to get are the type who will likely outgrow the idea of a tattoo before they get one.

Agree with exactly what @digitalimpression said. My tattoos are all impulse but still relate to things in my life.

Anyway, you shouldn’t be posing this question to randomers on fluther, a tattoo is what’s personal to you, its on your skin. No one elses.

@Symbeline

“I want an owl on my wrist.”

I guess this might be a moot point, but would you get that tat on the back of your wrist?

Just curious, @digitalimpression no snark intended, honestly what is “your experience”? That is an intriguing phrase to use in this context…

@digitalimpression I disagree, at least this might be the case for some people but not everyone. I took several years deciding on both of my tattoos but I knew exactly what I wanted (I even designed & drew the second one myself). The only thing holding me back was having enough money to do it, and as soon as I could afford it, I did it. 12 and 16 years later, no regrets.

My opinion is, if you want a tattoo but you don’t know what you want, you’re not ready to have one.

Maybe these examples will help you decide what not to get.

Find a good tattoo artist in your area to do a consult with. Try to have an idea, even the most basic, barebones idea and s/he’ll help you flesh it out. My first tattoo was a koi fish. I went in to talk to my guy knowing that I wanted a koi fish, but I wasn’t sure about any other details. I told him where I wanted it and a month later, saw the drawing he did and it was just about the most beautiful thing I could imagine. Keep us apprised!

I agree that you should wait until you find something with significant meaning to you. I second what @downtide said. Great advice!

@JilltheTooth My experience is that I began as an over-planner. I had traveled to dozens of countries in which I really wanted to get a tattoo to remember my travel there. I never knew what I wanted to get. I continued to travel and continued to pass up opportunities until one day something very painful and life-changing occurred which pushed me over the edge . I dislodged the over-planner inside myself and went and got the tattoos I had always wanted. So, in a sense, the over-planner can be defeated I suppose.. but had it not been for this event occurring, I’m certain I never would have gotten one. And that’s why I said, In my experience. =)

@downtide There is nothing defacto or definitive about what I said. Of course everyone is different.

Design it yourself…

@Brian1946 On top. Apparently that’s a sensitive area to get a tattoo around, but eh.

I faced this question for a long time before finally realizing that it doesn’t matter. See, the thing is, nothing stays in style. Eventually the new will wear off and it’ll be a horrible reminder that nothing is infinite or your tattoo will just become a part of your skin that you only occasionally notice, usually when people comment on it in a positive or negative way.

My suggestion is for you to concentrate less on what you want to get and more on who you want to put it on you. A good artist makes the difference in a tattoo and artwork. Then, when you find your artist, start talking to him/her about ideas and see what they can do for you.

A lot of advice about getting a tattoo sounds like preparing to have sex, but it’s good advice. Don’t get one until you’re ready and it moves you. Figure out something that is important to you, as part of your identity. Then search for images associated with that.

@Randy: Oh, that is very true. A good tattoo artist can take a mediocre image and make it amazing and a shitty artist can ruin even the most beautiful image. It’s also worth noting with tattoos that unless you happen to know the artist or have an “in” with him/her and thus will get a discount you really do get what you pay for. That hundred dollar an hour artist may seem over-priced, but look at his work. I’ll bet it’s the kind of stuff you won;t mind having on your body for the rest of your life.

Before I got my first tattoo, a friend of mine a much older and wiser friend with a blue blob that used to be a panther on his arm told me that I should never get anything that I wouldn’t mind hanging in my bathroom. I didn’t really understand what he meant then, but I totally get it now. It’s good advice.

These are me.

Something like these.

Caged bird

@Jude – I like both of those! But go for more color! Tattoo inks are much more stable than years ago and won’t turn into splotches of purple.