Build a tattoo brief your artist can use
Turn a folder of references into one design direction. Separate the subject, placement, must-haves and details you are happy to change.
Start with the feeling
Write one sentence about the idea behind the tattoo. Then name the subject you want to see: a flower, a word, a creature or a shape. Keeping meaning and imagery separate gives your artist room to interpret both.
Give each reference a job
Save a few references and annotate the part you like. One might show the line quality; another might show the flow. Say what you want to avoid as clearly as what you love. Use references to explain a direction, rather than asking for an exact copy of someone else’s tattoo.
Make the handover easy
In your journal, choose a favourite version, add your preferred body area and an approximate size. Put practical requests in Artist notes. Your personal notes remain private when you create an artist link. Ask the artist what they would adapt before treating the image as a finished design.
Try it in your own journal.
Start with a thought, a reference or an image you already love.
Start my tattoo