Essential Apps and Websites for Planning Your Tattoo

Getting a tattoo is a significant decision, and proper preparation is key to ensuring you end up with a design you truly love. Below are some of the best tools to help you plan, visualize, and learn more about the tattoo process before your appointment.

InkHunter (iOS, Android)

If you’ve chosen a tattoo design but aren’t sure where to place it, InkHunter is an excellent augmented reality tool. Simply outline a space on your skin in the app, select your tattoo design, and use your phone’s camera to see a realistic preview of how it will look. Rotate your phone to view the tattoo from multiple angles, helping you decide on the perfect spot.

r/tattoos (Web)

Reddit’s r/tattoos community is a hub for tattoo enthusiasts to share their work and inspire others. Beyond browsing stunning designs, the subreddit also offers discussions and advice from experienced tattoo lovers.

Tattly (Web)

Tattly functions as an online temporary tattoo shop, featuring designs created by professional artists. Choose a design from their extensive gallery, and you can take inspiration to your local tattoo artist for a permanent version.

Tattoos Hurt (Web)

This straightforward site provides honest information about the realities of getting a tattoo. It covers everything from preparation and pain expectations to aftercare and removal options. The site includes a pain scale chart that helps you understand which body areas might be more uncomfortable during the process.

Tattoo Johnny (Web)

With over 100,000 tattoo designs sorted into detailed categories such as animal, mythology, specific body parts, and more, Tattoo Johnny makes it easy to find the perfect design. Once you’ve selected a tattoo, you can download or print it to show your artist and create a stencil.

Additional Resources

While some of the above tools may charge a small fee, they are worthwhile investments for something as permanent as body art. For free options, consider sites like Flash and Furious (available in French) and Tattoos By Design, which offers a catalog of community-submitted tattoo photos to spark your imagination.

Careful planning with these resources can help ensure your tattoo experience leads to a design you’ll cherish for years to come.