Tattoo subjects
Pick a theme and see how it is drawn at different sizes and on different body areas.
Subjects are ordered by how often people look for them.
Turn a subject into a useful tattoo brief
A subject is only the starting point. A flower may be a single front-facing bloom, a botanical stem or part of a larger sleeve. An animal can be a portrait, a moving full-body figure or a simple silhouette. Choose the version before discussing line weight and colour.
Collect references for separate reasons. One image may show the pose, another the amount of detail and a third the placement. Tell the artist what you want to combine instead of asking for a direct copy. This creates a specific brief while leaving room for an original drawing.
Use the subject pages to compare the same motif across several placements and sizes. If the design becomes unclear when reduced, move to a larger body area or simplify the supporting elements.
Meaning can be personal without making the visual brief vague. Write the story in one sentence, then separately list the subject, pose, viewpoint and any symbols that must appear. The artist can respond to both without guessing which details are essential.
When several subjects appeal to you, compare their outer shapes on the intended placement. The option that fits naturally with less cropping or bending usually gives the artist more room to create a clear composition.