There is a huge variety of different design styles available for tattoo enthusiasts these days. Choosing a design can therefore be difficult as we really are spoilt for choice. Design styles range from abstract tribal tattoo designs inked in black, to very colourful butterfly tattoos. Different designs and iconography within designs have a variety of associated meanings and cultural significance. It is important to select a tattoo design that really means something to you.
Other important factors to consider when choosing a tattoo design are the colours used in the design, as well as the size of the design. If you plan to ink a very small tattoo, large and complex designs won't really be appropriate, although designs can often be scaled down and simplified by a tattoo artist. If you plan to have a very colourful tattoo, tribal and Celtic designs are probably not very appropriate as they tend to be inked in black, with very limited use of colour.
For many tattoo enthusiasts, the cost of a new tattoo is a big factor in the decision making process. While this is understandably an important factor, I personally recommend that people don't compromise on their chosen designs too much in order to cut costs. Tattoos are for life, and I believe that it is better to wait and save up some more money to get the design you really want, rather than inking an inferior design just because you can afford it now.
Great places to find tattoo designs are tattoo art books, collections in tattoo shops, as well as online. Using the internet is a fantastic way to browse tattoo designs from the comfort of your home, and there are thousands upon thousands of designs available online. Be aware that there are also many low quality designs around on the internet, and many hours can be wasted trawling search engines for free designs. A better method is to subscribe to some reputable online tattoo galleries. These galleries usually cost a few dollars for a membership, but you can be sure that the thousands of designs you will get access to will be top quality tattoo artwork. As your new tattoo will be with you forever, it really is worth the extra investment.
Once you have found a selection of great designs that you really love, the next step is to have a consultation with a reputable tattoo artist. Take your favourite designs along with you, and ask your artist for their advice. Take some more time after this consultation to really think about your design ideas. Only commit to being inked once you are 100% sure that the design is right for you, and that you will love the design forever.