Most people have never heard of Otzi. He was a European Tyrolean Iceman who died around 3250 BC. When scientists discovered his body, they found 61 tattoos across his body. This discovery shows humans have been obtaining tattoos for centuries. When doing so, they used this body art to display their status, personal beliefs, or life experiences.
Today, humans use tattoos as a form of self-expression. There are as many reasons for getting a tattoo as there are people today. What many individuals don’t realize, however, is that there is a psychology of tattoos.
Individuals may choose from numerous tattoo styles. Some men and women prefer traditional designs, while others want modern pieces. A person might choose an American classic tattoo or one that highlights a momentous occasion in life. When choosing a tattoo, the person must consider the meaning behind the image. Personal memories often contain fine lines and look like watercolor paintings. Tribal tattoos and those celebrating the person’s cultural inheritance frequently contain bold colors and symbols associated with their heritage.
Each tattoo is used to tell a story. In many cases, the image reflects the wearer’s psychological motivations. To fully understand the tattoo and its meaning, a person must know why the wearer got it, what it symbolizes, and how it shapes their identity.
Reasons Why People Get Tattoos
People choose to get tattooed for various reasons. Every person is unique, so their decision to get a tattoo is also distinct. Nevertheless, specific themes appear repeatedly when people are asked why they choose to get inked.
Countless individuals get tattoos as a form of self-expression. They choose a tattoo that shares information about who they are and their beliefs and values. One person might select a tattoo that challenges societal norms, while another may get inked to reclaim their identity. For example, a religious person might get a tattoo that symbolizes their belief in a higher being.
Other men and women get a tattoo to celebrate a milestone in their lives or commemorate an event. The tattoo could remind them of an experience or be used to memorialize a significant life event. These tattoos have sentimental value and allow them to preserve a meaningful memory permanently.
Cultural and spiritual tattoos remain popular with individuals. These images connect them to their faith, heritage, or traditions. They use body ink to link them to their roots. Polynesian tribes often have tribal body ink, and those who follow the teachings of Buddha may choose to be inked to let others know their spiritual beliefs.
However, some people use tattoos as a means of self-healing. The tattoos allow them to feel empowered following a trauma. The image symbolizes their strength and resilience and shows they have grown and overcome hardships. It might also be used to mark a new beginning in their journey through life.
Some get a tattoo simply because they love the image and want it to adorn their body. The human body is the perfect canvas for images, allowing the wearer to share their appreciation for art and creative expression. The wearer might choose several images from one artist or pieces from various artists to build a tattoo collection.
Certain individuals get tattoos spontaneously. They do it on a whim because it looks like fun, they fall in love with an image, they rebel against authority, or they want to memorialize a special moment. While these tattoos may not be planned, they can take on a deeper meaning over time.
When working with clients, tattoo artists often discuss the meaning and motivation behind the tattoo. They want to learn more about the client, why they are getting the tattoo, and what it means to them. Doing so allows them to create a meaningful tattoo that will satisfy the client.
Finding a Meaningful Tattoo
To find a meaningful tattoo, individuals should consider their interests and values. The image should highlight something important to them, such as an image related to their core values or interests. Tattoo artists should talk with clients to learn more about the selected designs and why they were chosen. They can use this information to discuss possible images with the client. This conversation helps ensure the client gets a design that satisfies them completely.
Images are often used to symbolize important life events, including the birth of a child or a significant milestone. These events help shape the person. Art, music, or literature may inspire the tattoo, or the idea for the image might come from family and friends. A person might create a design and ask the artist to recreate it on their body.
People should take time to find the right image. A tattoo is permanent, so this decision cannot be made lightly. Choose an image and wait a few weeks or months before scheduling an appointment with a tattoo artist. Individuals who allow this waiting period know they are making the right choice regarding their tattoo. They will be satisfied with the image when the process is complete and the tattoo is a permanent part of who they are.
Tattoo Placement and Meaning
Where a person gets a tattoo also plays a role in its meaning. Common places where a person might get a tattoo include the arms, back, chest, wrists, and legs. What does each location say about the person and their intentions?
Men and women who get their arms tattooed are often confident and love sharing their identity with others. They want people to see their tattoos and view them as bold, resilient, and willing to confront life head-on. Athletes and creative people often choose arm tattoos. Long, narrow designs are ideal for the arms.
Much like arm tattoos, inked images on the wrist and hands are meant to be seen. They show the person to be bold and open. Wrist and hand tattoos often have a message that resonates with the owner. The message may be a quote, a spiritual passage, or inspirational words and phrases. When the person needs a reminder or a boost, they can look at their wrist or hand and read these words.
Back tattoos are more private. They aren’t typically seen by others, which the wearer appreciates. They see the tattoo as a personal reflection that shows they are introspective and want to hide elements of their personality from others. Large, intricate back tattoos often tell a person’s story.
Chest tattoos are often located over the heart. These tattoos have a deep emotional connection for the owner and may include symbols of love or devotion. The ink may symbolize a relationship or their spiritual beliefs. Men and women who have undergone a significant life change might have a chest tattoo showing their journey or an emotional milestone.
Leg and ankle tattoos are also common. People view these tattoos as a sign of freedom and adventure. Men and women with leg and ankle tattoos often like to travel and view life as an ongoing journey. They see the ink as a symbol of their personal growth. Athletes and dancers prefer leg tattoos, seeing the inked images as signs of strength and perseverance. The legs are also an excellent canvas for long, narrow designs.
When working with clients, tattoo artists should discuss placement options. A person might walk in with a tattoo and a placement in mind. While the artist should respect the person’s wishes, they should talk with the person to learn why they selected that image and placement. Working through any uncertainty with the client before the inking begins helps increase customer satisfaction.
Pain threshold plays a role in tattoo placement. People who choose a fleshy body part, such as the arms or legs, find the process less painful. Areas with thin skin, including the spine and ankles, hurt more when inked. People must consider their pain threshold when determining where to place the selected design.
Finally, people must consider how the tattoo will impact other areas of their lives. For example, some employers require individuals to hide their tattoos. A person must consider how the tattoo placement might affect their work.
Furthermore, they must consider the design and which body part will allow it to appear in its best light. For instance, an intricate design will not be appropriate for the hand, wrist, or ankle because these body parts have limited room for complex designs. These designs should be placed on body parts with more surface area.
Avoiding Tattoo Regret
Tattoo regret is common. In 2023, Pew Research found that 24 percent of inked individuals regretted one or more of their tattoos. How can a person avoid finding themselves in a similar situation?
Talk with others regarding the desired image and placement to learn their opinions. Their perspective is helpful when making a decision that will last a lifetime. Choose a meaningful design and ensure the selected tattoo artist has the experience and skill to do the design justice.
People should not get a tattoo on a whim. They must reflect on what is important to them to ensure they choose a design that will delight them for life. Take time to compare different images and determine how they appear on various body parts. An experienced tattoo artist helps clients determine the feasibility of their design, placement, size, and style. When people consider all these factors, they will end up with a meaningful design that speaks to who they are and what is important to them.
