Article: Size is an important consideration for tattoos because it limits what kind of designs you can choose from. For instance, a very detailed portrait will not work for a very small area of skin. Alternatively, a very basic design like a music note might look odd if it is stretched out over a large part of the body.  Consult a tattoo artist for advice on size, design, and placement of your next tattoo. If you have a low tolerance for pain, opt for a smaller tattoo that will take less time. Before deciding to get a tattoo, you should decide how visible you want it to be and how it may be altered as your body ages. If you are not free to display your tattoos at work, do not choose an open area of your body to tattoo, such as your hands, wrists, ankles, lower arms, or neck. Ask your tattoo artist for advice about placement to avoid tattooing an area of the body that will stretch out and distort your tattoo, such as your lower abdomen. You should decide right off the bat what color scheme you want your tattoo to have. If you want a more subdued tattoo, a white or black and gray design is your best bet. If you want something bold, colorful, and fun, a full color tattoo is a great choice.  If you are unsure about this decision, note that you can always add color to your tattoo down the line. Before contacting tattoo artists to start planning your tattoo, you should know how much you are willing to spend on it. Good tattoo artists may charge $250 or more per hour for their work, and some tattoos will require multiple sessions. Be clear with any artists you speak to about how much you have to spend and get estimates for what the tattoo you envision will cost in total. Factor in a tip amount of at least 20% for your tattoo artist. Before settling on a tattoo design, make sure that it is something you will enjoy looking at for the rest of your life. If you love nature, for example, a tattoo of a sunrise, bird, tree, or butterfly will reflect your personal  affinity for the outdoors. Avoid settling on anything popular or trendy that does not actually bring you joy. When you have a few options sketched out, take your time and just look at all of them. Which one brings you a sense of pleasure? Which one feels like it's about you? Go for that one.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Figure out how large you want your tattoo to be. Choose the placement of your tattoo. Decide between a full color, white, or black and gray tattoo. Work out your tattoo budget. Make sure to choose a design that makes you happy.