Tattoo Lettering

Lettering Designs

If you're choosing lettering to accompany a picture tattoo, you'll probably want to choose a style that matches the artwork. You can even incorporate picture elements into the letter. For a Celtic tattoo, the letters might be formed from intricate Celtic knots. On a tribal tattoo, bold black letters will match best. A picture of a butterfly might go with finely drawn script, while a tiger might look better with stronger lines. Tattoo lettering can incorporate fire, water, or other symbols, too.

Foreign Languages

Be careful if you choose lettering in a foreign language. If you're fluent in the language, all you need to do is make sure the flash is drawn correctly. If you're not, you'll need to find a native speaker or other expert to verify that you've got it right. For examples of what can go wrong with foreign language tattoos check out Hanzismatter.com.

"Lover" Tattoo

For tattoos with drawings as well as script, you may want to make sure that the style of the artwork and the language match. Chinese writing with a Hindu design could look a bit funny, and it would be embarrassing to discover that you got the language wrong. On the other hand, tattoos are art: as long as you know what you're doing, you can combine whatever languages and styles you choose.

Getting Ideas

Your tattoo artist will probably have plenty of samples to show you. If you don't see something you like, or if you'd rather have an original design, here are some places to look for ideas:

• Computer programs and web sites with a lot of font choices. Graphic design programs have hundreds of different fonts to inspire you.
• Advertising logos. Do you have a favorite brand of motorcycle, a magazine you love, or even a breakfast cereal you can't live without? Examine the lettering that appears on the logo or packaging. Do you like it? Why? Maybe it's bold, or flowing, or stark. What emotions does it bring up? Would a similar style work on your tattoo?
• Fine art. Although most art doesn't include letters, artists often have distinct styles. If you have a favorite artist, think about why you like their work. Could their style or color be translated to a font?
• Other languages. Is there a language that's written in a way you like? The flowing script of Arabic, perhaps, or the square letters of Hebrew? Bring samples of the writing to your tattoo artist. He or she may be able to help you find a font that has the same feeling.

Lettering-Only Tattoos

A tattoo doesn't have to have a picture. Initials can show your dedication to someone who's important in your life. A single word, in English or another language, can have a powerful meaning. Dates can mark transitions or life-changing events. Phrases or even sentences, done with care by a good artist, can make beautiful tattoos.

Problems With Lettering

Lettering on the neck

All tattoos become less distinct with time as the ink migrates below the skin. Most tattoo drawings hold up well with these small changes, but tattoo lettering, especially if it involves fine lines or small letters, can become unreadable. Letters should be well-spaced and lines should be fine and even.

A good tattoo artist will be able to tell you what to expect from your lettered tattoo. Some will set size restrictions on lettering, preferring to do only larger letters so that they'll look good years down the road.

Visit the Bad Tattoos section of Tattoos by Sage to see some examples of lettering gone wrong.

Tattoo Lettering Galleries

Here are some places to look online for examples of tattoo lettering:

• Tattoo Artists.org
• BMEzine.com

• Celebrity Tattoo Pictures
• Cross Tattoos
• Star Tattoos
• Wrist Tattoos
• Heart Tattoos

• Tattoo Lettering Gallery
• Lettering Styles for Tattoos
• Calligraphy
• Old English Tattoos
• Tattoo Letters

• Body Painting Gallery
• Scorpio Tattoo Gallery
• Body Piercing Gallery
• How many tattoos do you have?
• Celebrity Tattoo Quiz