Find Your Perfect Placement
This is where you'll decide where on your body to get your tattoo. We know pain is a concern for many first-timers—we'll be honest about pain levels and help you find comfortable options.
Remember: Many people start with less painful areas for their first tattoo. That's totally normal and smart!
Tip: Click on any two placements to compare them side by side!
Find Your Perfect Placement
Not sure where to get your tattoo? Take our quick survey and we'll recommend the best placements for you based on your pain tolerance and visibility preferences.
Complete Placement Guide
Explore all placement options below. Each area includes pain level, visibility, and what works best for that location.
Arms (Upper & Forearm)
Overview
Popular For
Easy to show or hide with clothing. Great for first tattoos. Forearm is less painful than upper arm.
Considerations
Sleeves, script, symbols, small to medium designs
Click to select for comparison
Wrist
Overview
Popular For
Visible most of the time. Can be covered with watches or bracelets. Sensitive area with thin skin.
Considerations
Small symbols, words, bands, minimalist designs
Click to select for comparison
Hands
Overview
Popular For
Extremely visible. May affect job opportunities. Requires frequent touch-ups. Very painful.
Considerations
Small symbols, words, finger tattoos
Click to select for comparison
Chest
Overview
Popular For
Can be easily hidden. Sensitive area, especially near sternum. Good for larger pieces.
Considerations
Large designs, chest pieces, symbols over heart
Click to select for comparison
Back (Upper & Lower)
Overview
Popular For
Large canvas for big designs. Easy to hide. Lower back can be more sensitive.
Considerations
Large pieces, back pieces, full back tattoos
Click to select for comparison
Shoulder/Shoulder Blade
Overview
Popular For
Less painful area. Can be shown with tank tops or hidden easily. Good for first tattoos.
Considerations
Medium designs, symbols, decorative pieces
Click to select for comparison
Ribs/Side
Overview
Popular For
Very painful area with thin skin over bone. Easy to hide. Popular for meaningful quotes.
Considerations
Script, quotes, medium designs
Click to select for comparison
Stomach/Abdomen
Overview
Popular For
Sensitive area, especially near belly button. Can expand/contract with weight changes.
Considerations
Large designs, decorative pieces
Click to select for comparison
Legs (Thigh & Calf)
Overview
Popular For
Large area for big designs. Thigh is less painful than calf. Easy to show or hide.
Considerations
Large pieces, leg sleeves, decorative work
Click to select for comparison
Ankles
Overview
Popular For
Visible with shorts or skirts. Sensitive area with thin skin. Can be covered with socks.
Considerations
Bands, small symbols, decorative pieces
Click to select for comparison
Feet
Overview
Popular For
Very painful. Fades faster due to friction. May need frequent touch-ups. Visible with sandals.
Considerations
Small symbols, words, decorative designs
Click to select for comparison
Neck
Overview
Popular For
Extremely visible. May affect job opportunities. Very sensitive area. Can be partially hidden with collars.
Considerations
Small symbols, script, decorative pieces
Click to select for comparison
Placement Tips
- Start with Less Painful Areas: If you're new to tattoos, consider starting with areas like upper arm, thigh, or shoulder
- Consider Your Lifestyle: If you need to hide tattoos for work, choose easily concealable placements
- Think About Future Tattoos: Consider how this placement fits with potential future tattoos
- Mirror Test: Use a mirror to see how the placement looks from different angles
- Consult Your Artist: Experienced artists can suggest the best placement for your design
- Size Matters: Some designs need more space—don't cram a large design into a small area
- Body Changes: Consider how weight changes, pregnancy, or aging might affect the tattoo
You're doing great! Now let's talk about pricing. We'll help you understand costs and find affordable options that work for your budget. Don't worry—there are ways to get quality tattoos without breaking the bank.