Guide
Tattoo design and placement: fine line, lettering, colour, scars and size
Design and placement decide how a tattoo looks today and in twenty years. A few rules of thumb help.
Last checked 2026-10-14. General information, not medical advice.
Questions and answers
Do fine-line tattoos last?
They can, if the artist is experienced and the placement suits them. Very thin lines and tiny details blur and fade faster, especially on hands, fingers and joints. Ask your artist to be honest about what will last.
Can I make a detailed design very small?
Only up to a point: ink spreads slowly over the years, so tiny details merge. Your artist may suggest making it a bit bigger or simpler.
What should I check with lettering?
Spelling, language, font size and line spacing — and have someone else read it. Small text blurs over time; give it room.
Does colour look different on different skin?
Yes. Skin tone changes how colours appear; light colours often show better on lighter skin, black and grey works on all. Tatspire’s skin tones in the body studio give a first idea.
Should I think about my job when choosing the place?
Yes — hands, neck and face are visible in almost every job. Many people start somewhere that clothes can cover.
Can I copy another artist’s tattoo?
Please do not. Artists put their work and their name into a design, and many will not copy another artist’s piece. Bring references for style and ideas and let your artist draw something new.
Can I tattoo over scars, moles or stretch marks?
Scars and stretch marks can be tattooed once they are fully healed and mature (often a year or more), but ink may look different. Moles are normally worked around, not tattooed over. Always ask your artist and, for moles, a doctor.
Each question also has its own page: Do fine-line tattoos last? · Can I make a detailed design very small? · What should I check with lettering?