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Tattoo Placement Guide: What to Consider Before You Choose a Spot

Choosing a tattoo design is only half the battle, figuring out where to put it is just as important.

Tattoo artist in gloves working on a tattoo in a grayscale image. Close-up of equipment and skin details in blurred background.

At 808 Studios in downtown Halifax, our artists help clients think about placement not just from a style perspective, but also from a longevity, comfort, and flow point of view. Whether it’s your first tattoo or you’re adding to a sleeve, here’s what to keep in mind when deciding where your ink should live.


⚔️ 1. Pain Levels: Let’s Be Honest

Pain shouldn’t scare you away, but it’s good to be informed. Some areas are more sensitive due to:

  • Thin skin

  • Less fat/muscle

  • More nerve endings


Generally more painful spots:

  • Ribs

  • Elbows/knees

  • Neck/throat

  • Feet and hands


Easier spots:

  • Upper arm

  • Thigh

  • Shoulder

  • Calves


808 Studios is set up to make any spot more bearable, with pillows, headphones, snacks, and slippers to help you settle in.


🧠 2. Longevity: Will It Still Look Good in 10 Years?

Some areas hold ink better than others. For example:

  • Hands and fingers fade faster and often need touch-ups

  • Feet are exposed to friction and moisture

  • Stomach or biceps can stretch over time with weight changes


At 808, we give honest advice about how your tattoo will age, especially important for realism work, which thrives on sharp lines and soft gradients.


👀 3. Visibility: Your Tattoo, Your Rules

Some people want their tattoo front and center. Others need to keep things under wraps for professional or personal reasons.


Ask yourself:

  • Do I want this always visible?

  • Will it interfere with work or family?

  • How will it look with certain clothing?


We’ve helped tons of clients strike the perfect balance, and we’ll never pressure you to “go bigger” unless you want to.


↪️ 4. Flow and Future Tattoos

Think about how this piece fits into your long-term vision. Will it:

  • Be a standalone piece?

  • Connect to other tattoos later?

  • Complement or compete with your current ink?


At 808 Studios, our artists consider how the tattoo flows with your body and how future pieces could fit in. Especially with realism, layout and balance make a huge difference in how the full look comes together.


💭 5. Still Not Sure? That’s What We’re Here For.

You don’t need to have all the answers when you walk in. Our team is here to guide you through:

  • Placement ideas

  • Sizing and scale

  • How the design will work on curved or moving areas of the body


And if you’re working with one of our artists who offers free consults, it’s the perfect time to test-drive a few ideas before committing.


Placement Isn’t Just About the Map. It’s About the Journey.

Where you place your tattoo tells part of the story, and choosing with intention ensures it’s one you’ll be proud to wear every day.


At 808 Studios, we combine expert design, artist insight, and an ultra-comfortable studio vibe to help you make the right choice for your next piece.

 
 
 

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