Sources of Tattoo Designs
One of the frustrations that people often run into when trying to get a tattoo design is they come up with some idea in their head and then they search the internet or look in shops to find the exact design they have in their head. Here are some great sources to help get you started.
- Bookstore - We all know about the local bookstore but these days many book stores are carrying more and more books on tattoos. In the not too far away past there was typically one or two books available. These days there are tons of books available and if you cannot find it at a local book store you could try Amazon. You will want to start be looking in the art section typically.
- Library - Library is pretty much the same thing however your resources available here are often less than in a bookstore. On the upside you can borrow them for free and copy any design and ideas you like.
- Magazines - There are at least four or five major tattoo magazine as out on the newsstand these days. In fact there are some that tailor to tattoo designs for girls even. So this is a great place to find materials and designs that you like.
- Internet - There are three different types of sites on the internet but they can both be tremendously helpful and you will find a bit about them below.
- Tattoo Design Sites - Tattoo design sites typically specialize in finding great designs and even employing tattoo artists to crank out design work. The better sites will typically charge a monthly fee where as the free sites typically have less art at a lesser quality of perfection. So with these sites it is best just to pay.
- Community Sites - Community sites like Myspace and copies of these have latched on to the whole Web2.0 craze and you can find specific member built tattoo sites. These can help in find a ton of great pictures of tattoo designs that have already been done for other people. You can also ask for help from the members.
- Search Engine - Most search engines today have a specialized search feature for images only. For example Google has a Google Image Search which will bring back only pictures of a certain type of tattoo design. These are copyrighted but you can use them still so don't worry.
How To Use What You Find
So you have been diligent and done your work and went to these sites, drove to your bookstore and went by the library and don't have much to show for it? Well, that has a lot to do with your mindset and how you are looking. This will help so read it carefully. You are probably looking for the exact tattoo design that you have in your head. Instead of just trying to find that because you probably won't ever locate it instead look for resources. These resources are just copies of designs you like or print out of pictures on scraps of paper. These can really help your tattoo artist to get a grasp on what you are after in your design. Then just let them go for it and design the tattoo. After they have done a sketch you will get a chance to approve it. If you have reservations or want something change speak now or forever hold your peace.
Finding An Artist
So that leads a person to finding a good tattoo artist. This is not really all that hard. Be open and communicate with people and you will find someone pretty quickly. It is best to visit shops in your area and see if you don't connect with one of the artists. Try to find someone you can talk with easily and express what you are looking for. Then you can start to discuss price and move forward if you are comfortable. If you get a snotty feeling form the person, they don't listen to you or you are not sure just back out. Don't ever try to negotiate on price and treat all the artist and people in the store with respect. Don't be afraid of anyone but be respectful.