Okay, so I’d been thinking about getting a tattoo for ages, but nothing big or flashy. I wanted something small, something just for me, really. Something that meant something, you know? Not just a random picture.
Starting the Hunt
So, the first thing I did was just kinda look around online. Spent a good few evenings just scrolling, seeing what kinds of tiny tattoos people were getting. Lots of flowers, little symbols, words, that sort of thing. It was interesting to see the styles, but I knew I couldn’t just copy something. It had to feel personal.
I started thinking about things that actually matter to me. What ideas or moments did I want to remember or carry with me? It wasn’t about showing off; it was more like a little reminder just for myself. I jotted down a few ideas on a notepad – feelings I valued, people who are important, maybe a symbol for a big change I went through.
Narrowing It Down
This part took a while. I had a list like:
- A tiny wave – because I love the ocean and it feels calming and powerful.
- Maybe a specific constellation – something personal about family or a memory.
- A simple geometric shape – liked the clean look, maybe representing balance.
- A word – like ‘breathe’ or ‘strength’, but that felt maybe a bit too common for me.
I kept coming back to the feeling I wanted to capture. Did I want something about nature? About inner strength? About connection? I realized the meaning was way more important than how trendy the design was. I crossed off ideas that felt a bit generic or didn’t resonate deep down. Eventually, I landed on a symbol that represented growth and resilience for me. It felt right, simple but packed with personal meaning.
Finding the Right Spot and Artist
Next step, figuring out where to put this thing. Since it was small, placement felt pretty important. Wrist? Ankle? Behind the ear? Collarbone? I thought about visibility – did I want to see it all the time, or have it more hidden? I ended up choosing a spot that felt discreet but somewhere I could still see it easily if I wanted to. Then, finding an artist. I looked specifically for tattooists in my area who had good examples of fine line work and small details in their portfolios. Saw their healed work too, that’s important.
Getting it Done
Made the appointment. Honestly, I was a bit nervous, mostly about the permanence of it all. But because I’d spent so much time thinking about the meaning, it felt less scary. The actual process? Quick! Because it was so small, it didn’t take long at all. A little stingy, sure, but totally bearable. Seeing it finished, clean and sharp, felt really good. It was exactly what I had pictured.
Living With It
It’s been a while now since I got it. And yeah, I still love it. It’s subtle, most people don’t even notice it unless I point it out. But I know it’s there, and I remember why I got it. It’s a tiny piece of my story, I guess. If you’re thinking about a small tattoo, definitely spend time on the ‘why’. The meaning makes all the difference, makes it more than just ink.
