Placement is one of the most permanent decisions you make about a tattoo and it's the one people think about least. Here's how to get it right.

Think about how the tattoo will move with your body

Skin isn't a flat canvas. It stretches, folds, and wrinkles depending on where it is on the body. A design that looks perfect flat on paper might distort when you move if it's placed somewhere with a lot of movement — like the inner elbow, the back of the knee, or the stomach. I'll always factor this in when we're planning your piece, but it helps to come in already thinking about it.

Consider visibility

Do you want this tattoo to be visible every day or is it something more personal? Hands, neck, and forearms are always on show. Ribs, thighs, and upper arms are easy to cover. Neither is better than the other — it just depends on your life, your job, and how you feel about it. Think about that before you decide.

Size and placement go together

A small delicate design gets lost on a large flat area like the back or thigh — it needs a more intimate placement like the wrist or collarbone to feel intentional. A large detailed piece needs space to breathe — cramming it somewhere small does the design a disservice. When you come in with a size in mind I'll always give you my honest opinion on whether the placement matches it.

Some spots hurt more than others

If it's your first tattoo and you're nervous about pain, avoid ribs, spine, sternum, hands, feet, and inner arm. Outer arm, outer thigh, and shoulder are generally more comfortable. I'm not going to talk you out of any placement but it's worth knowing what you're signing up for.

Trust your gut — then ask me

You'll usually have a feeling about where something belongs. Lead with that and then let me weigh in. Nine times out of ten we land on something that honours your original instinct while making the piece work better on your body.