I'm a tattoo artist. Here are 5 mistakes people make when getting tiny tattoos. (2024)

I'm a tattoo artist, so I know there are a lot of factors to consider when getting small body art.

If done correctly, your tattoo should heal and last beautifully for years — though there are some common mistakes people make when getting small designs.

Listen to your tattooer to make sure it's not too small

Ink naturally spreads in the body over time, so a tattoo that's too small will likely blur together as the skin ages.

Your artist should suggest the best size for the integrity of the tattoo.

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In general, you should take into account your artist's suggestions, but always speak up if you have any questions or concerns.

Make sure you go to an artist who specializes in micro tattoos

I'm a tattoo artist. Here are 5 mistakes people make when getting tiny tattoos. (1)

Many people assume that all artists can do fine-line work, but finding someone who specializes in micro tattoos is very important.

Not every artist has experience using single needles or small-needle groupings, which can lead to poor line work or blowouts (when the ink spreads underneath the top layers of skin and blurs).

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Designing a small tattoo also comes with its own set of challenges, so finding an artist that has this experience is key.

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Small tattoos can't have too much detail

Although details can be added to small tattoos, there's a limit to how many.

Trying to fit too many ideas into a small piece can be difficult. When the ink bleeds, those details will inevitably bleed together.

I suggest working with your artist to find a compromise on the best design and size.

Check your artist's profile for healed photos

I'm a tattoo artist. Here are 5 mistakes people make when getting tiny tattoos. (2)

Most artists will post photos of healed tattoos on their Instagram highlights or website.

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Checking to see how their work heals will give you insight into what to expect since tattoos never look as vibrant and crisp as they do when they're freshly done.

Carefully consider where you want to place the tattoo

All placements aren't created equal. Picking a good spot will aid with the longevity of your tattoo, especially with smaller designs.

Areas that tend to bend, stretch, or rub against clothing — such as hands, feet, ankles, elbows, inner elbows, and inner wrists — will typically be trickier to tattoo and heal.

I also suggest not placing small pieces in the middle of a large muscle group — like your bicep or back — since they can get in the way of future tattoos.

I'm a tattoo artist. Here are 5 mistakes people make when getting tiny tattoos. (2024)

FAQs

I'm a tattoo artist. Here are 5 mistakes people make when getting tiny tattoos.? ›

Ink naturally spreads in the body over time, so a tattoo that's too small will likely blur together as the skin ages. Your artist should suggest the best size for the integrity of the tattoo.

Why won't tattoo artists do small tattoos? ›

Ink naturally spreads in the body over time, so a tattoo that's too small will likely blur together as the skin ages. Your artist should suggest the best size for the integrity of the tattoo.

What to know about tiny tattoos? ›

Micro tattoos are small and delicate, so they are prone to fading and can easily be damaged by sun or wear and tear over time. On top of that, the shape of the micro tattoo may change as the skin ages and stretches, and the ink may blur.

Is it normal for tattoo artists to make mistakes? ›

No one likes to think about making mistakes - especially when it comes to tattooing. But we are human, and when you're first starting out, you'll make mistakes. However, you can avoid a lot of the biggest mistakes that tattoo artists make if you know what actions to take.

Should I get a tiny tattoo? ›

If you're concerned about the pain of getting a tattoo, tiny tattoos are a good solution. As they are so small, they take less time and tend to be much less painful. This means you can get a feel for your tattoo pain tolerance without having to commit to a large design.

What is the problem with micro tattoos? ›

Ink tends to naturally spread under the skin over time, even when done by highly skilled artists. Therefore, designs with details that are too tight or too close together run the risks of blurring together or 'blobbing up' eventually. Micro tattoos are no exception to this simple fact.

How long should a tiny tattoo take? ›

Answer: A small tattoo can take anywhere from under an hour to a few hours, depending on design complexity.

What is a tiny tattoo called? ›

Micro tattoos are tiny designs that are usually less than an inch in size. They can be as small as a quarter of an inch! That's smaller than a dime!

Do tiny tattoos age well? ›

Larger tattoos are more likely to age well compared to smaller tattoos. Certain tattoo styles that feature bolder linework stay looking vibrant for longer. Highly-detailed pieces retain the original style's design integrity more easily over the years compared to minimalist style tattooing.

Do tiny tattoos need aftercare? ›

Tiny Tattoo Post-Care Instructions. The initial state of tattoo healing begins immediately after your tattooing session is finished. You should look at your tattoo as an open wound, and treat it accordingly. Your artist will gently wash the area and put a protective bandage on it to protect it from bacteria.

What annoys tattoo artist? ›

Here's a handful of bad habits that are top of the list of things tattoo artists hate.
  • Not Showering Beforehand. ...
  • Micromanaging the Process. ...
  • Comparing an Artist's Work to Someone Else's. ...
  • Negotiating or Criticizing the Tattoo Price. ...
  • Acting Like a Know-It-All. ...
  • Bringing a Bunch of Friends. ...
  • Asking an Artist to Copy Someone's Work.

What is the regret rate for tattoos? ›

According to a national survey by Advanced Dermatology in Illinois, tattoo regret builds over time. Six months to a year after getting one, 15% of those asked said they regret getting body art. After two years, that number jumps to 51%.

What to do if a tattoo artist messes up? ›

Tattoo artists, like other professionals, owe their clients a duty of care. You can sue a tattoo artist—and the shop where the artist works—over an infection, injury, or unsatisfactory work. Tattoo artists and shops can defend themselves against potential lawsuits by having clients sign a waiver.

Why don't tattoo artists like doing small tattoos? ›

"An issue with smaller tattoos is that the client often wants 'everything but the kitchen sink," Bean said, adding that, over time, all of those details "will bleed together."

How popular are tiny tattoos? ›

Tiny tattoos have become increasingly popular for a few reasons. Firstly, they offer a unique way to express your personality and style without the commitment of a large tattoo. They can also serve as a subtle reminder of something important to you, whether it's a meaningful phrase or a symbol of hope.

How much does a tiny tattoo cost? ›

BASIC TATTOO COSTS
TYPESIZECOST
Tiny TattoosUnder 2 inches$50 - $100
Small Tattoos2-4 inches$50 - $250
Medium Sized Tattoos4-6 inches$150 - $450
Large Single-Piece Tattoos4-6 inches$500 - $5,000
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Jan 29, 2022

Do employers care about small tattoos? ›

Tattoos are generally accepted in the workplace as long as they're not offensive, unprofessional or distracting. In fact, nearly 3 out of 4 employers say they don't mind hiring tattooed workers. However, visible tattoos are not appropriate for every profession and may not match your company's vision.

Do people regret small tattoos? ›

Size matters.

Apparently, the smaller your tattoo, the more likely you are to regret it. We found that 63 percent of people with a tattoo smaller than the palm of their hand regret it.

Should I get a small tattoo for my first tattoo? ›

Size. It is recommended that you start with a smaller tattoo to learn what the tattoo experience as well as pain tolerance will be like for you personally. BUT… we caution you about going too small. You can have a small delicate tattoo if desired but the smaller your tattoo the less detail it should have.

What are the problems with fine line tattoos? ›

However, there are also some risks associated with fine line tattoos. Because these tattoos are done with smaller needles, they can sometimes result in blowouts - this is when the ink spreads outside of the desired area, resulting in blurry or faded lines.

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