How to choose
Start with what the tattoo should feel like, then the place on your body, then the size. The style usually follows:
- A face, a pet, an animal you love: realism.
- A large piece with a story, a sleeve or a back: oriental.
- Something precise and symmetrical: geometric and mandala.
- A graphic piece that breaks the rules: surreal and sketch.
- Something that should glow: colour and watercolour.
- A first, small or shared tattoo: fine line.
- Words, names and dates: lettering.
Many pieces combine two styles: a compass with a line of script, a phoenix in colour over oriental clouds. The Idea studio suggests three directions from work we have already made.