Lettering tattoos are classic and timeless. They range from bold to delicate, large to small. Whether it’s a single letter, a solitary word, or a phrase, this style of tattoo is one of the most gorgeous and most popular.
They’re also the one’s you see most often on those “biggest tattoo fails” list.
Make sure you don’t end up on there by following these tips.
Size Matters
Size matters, especially when it comes to tattoos. Even the most experienced and skilled tattoos artist’s work will smudge and bleed over time. It’s a natural part of a tattoo aging. Most of the time it won’t impact the design, but for a small script, smudging can make it unreadable. The point of lettering tattoo is to be able to read it. Make sure you pick a font and size that will still be readable even after years.
Fonts Carry Meaning
Just like with symbols, certain fonts carry certain meanings. So if you fall in love with a certain style, make sure you know what others will interpret it as. For example, gothic calligraphy is often associated with prisons and gangs.
Double, Triple, Check Grammar and Spelling
The easiest way to land on that list of tattoo mistakes is not checking grammar and spelling. It’s up to you to double and triple check this, not your tattoo artist. Tattoos are permanent, so don’t end up looking permanently stupid with a spelling mistake on your arm. It’s a good idea to have someone else look it over to catch mistakes before getting it tattooed on.
Translate Properly
It’s incredibly popular nowadays to get tattoos in other languages. We get it, some language just looks prettier than English. Just please, PLEASE, make sure you translate it correctly. That goes for spelling and grammar too! Don’t rely on Google Translate or your cousin that took one semester of Latin, either. Make sure you get a native speaker to help you out. Otherwise, you’ll end with a Chinese symbol that says “trash”.
Pick the Right Font
Picking the right font for your letting tattoo is important. Ever see one where at first glance something looked off? Even with the right size, spelling, and grammar, some fonts can make certain words look like something else. You’ve probably seen those tattoos where an innocent work gets turned into something dirty because of the font choice. Once you get stenciled, take a step back and make sure it’s clear as to what it says.
Choose Placement Wisely
Placement is always important. A single word can fit almost anywhere, but phrased need more room. Phrases tend to look good length wise on arms and backs. While it is possible to get a bracelet style, with it wrapping around an arm or leg, be prepared for people to awkwardly twist your arm going “wait, what does it say?”
The Meaning
Tattoos don’t have to have meanings, but lettering tattoos more than any other style usually do. Whether it’s an inspirational word, a favorite phrase, or a loved one's name, these tattoos can have a special hold. Be prepared for people to ask what the meaning behind your tattoo is- but you don’t have to tell them!
Pick the Right Artist
We always stress getting the right artist because that can make all the difference. Artists usually specialize in certain styles. People often forget that lettering isn’t just a design; it’s a style too. Make sure you look at artist portfolios to see past lettering work. It might look simple, but it’s one of the hardest styles since there is little room for error. A skilled and experienced artist can give you advice on placement, design, font, size and other elements so that your tattoo looks its best.
Contact a Toronto Tattoo Shop today to get your new lettering tattoo!
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