Tattoo placement isn’t just where the tattoo goes—it’s how the design lives on the body. A killer piece can fall flat if it’s slapped on the wrong spot, while a solid design can level up fast with smart placement. Whether you’re mapping a palm-sized banger or planning a full-body flow, this guide breaks down tattoo placement in a way that’s practical and easy to explain to your clients. Let’s get into it. What Is Tattoo Placement (and Why It Matters) Tattoo placement is the intentional positioning of a design on the body, based on anatomy, movement, size, visibility, and long-term wear. Why it matters: It affects how the tattoo flows with muscles and joints It determines visibility (job-friendly or loud and proud) It impacts aging, fading, and healing It can make or break how cohesive the tattoo looks over time Overall, placement is just as important as the design itself. Planning Tattoo Placement by Size Not every body part plays nice with every tattoo size. Here’s a quick breakdown to keep things balanced. Small Tattoos Best spots: Wrist (inner or outer) Ankle Collarbone Behind the ear Side of the finger (with proper expectations) Pro tip: Small tattoos need breathing room. Dropping a tiny design in the middle of a huge flat area (like the thigh or back) can make it feel lost. Medium Tattoos Best spots: Forearm Shoulder cap Upper arm (inner or outer) Calf Upper chest panels Medium pieces are the sweet spot—enough space for detail, still easy to frame with anatomy. Large Tattoos Best spots: Back Thigh Ribcage Full upper arm Chest This is where planning really matters. Large tattoos should follow the body’s natural lines instead of fighting them. Extra-Large / Full Coverage Best spots: Full sleeves Back pieces Leg sleeves Torso panels Big projects need a long-term placement strategy, especially if future additions are coming. Balancing Client Preferences and Visibility Some clients want a tattoo everyone can see from across the room. Others want something they can hide under a T-shirt. Your job during the consult: Ask about work, lifestyle, and future plans Explain which placements are easy to conceal vs. always visible Be honest about how “just a little visible” usually turns into very visible Helpful framing: “This spot looks great, but it will show in short sleeves—are you cool with that long term?” Considering Pain and Comfort Zones Pain tolerance is real, and placement obviously plays a huge role in how much pain your client's gonna feel. Generally More Intense Areas Ribs Spine Collarbone Hands, feet, and ankles Areas with thin skin or lots of nerve endings Generally Easier Areas Outer arm Thigh Calf Upper shoulder Forearm (for most people) Pain shouldn’t decide everything, but it should be part of the conversation, especially for longer sessions. Placement and Tattoo Flow A tattoo should move with the body, not sit on it like a sticker. Good flow means: Designs wrap naturally around limbs Lines follow muscle direction Movement doesn’t distort the image If you want a deeper dive on this, check out How to Make a Tattoo Flow,which is a must-read for good layout planning. How to Balance New Tattoos with Existing Work Adding to an already tattooed body? That’s where placement skills really shine. Key techniques: Use negative space to connect pieces Echo shapes or themes from existing tattoos Adjust orientation so new work complements old work Avoid awkward gaps that box you in later Sometimes the best move is not filling the obvious empty spot. Longevity and Healing Considerations Here’s the truth: any body part can be tattooed. There’s no “wrong” placement—just placements that need a little more planning, care, and long-term maintenance. Not all areas age the same, though, and clients don’t always think about how daily life affects their ink. That’s where your guidance comes in. Higher Wear & Fade Areas These spots are totally tattooable, but they’re more likely to fade faster or need touch-ups over time: Hands and fingers Feet Inner thighs Areas with constant friction or heavy movement Generally Longer-Lasting Areas These areas tend to hold ink better and stay crisp longer with standard aftercare: Upper arms Back Shoulders Outer thighs Other Factors Clients Should Consider No matter the placement, remind clients that longevity is also affected by: Sun exposure (hello, forearms and chest) Clothing friction (tight waistbands, socks, bras, work gear) Stretching and body changes over time The takeaway? Smart placement doesn't have to be limiting. However, you should always set realistic expectations. Some tattoos may need extra love, sun protection, or the occasional touch-up based on size, detail, and placement. And that’s totally normal. When clients understand how placement impacts healing and aging, they’re more confident in their choices, and way happier with their tattoos long term. Using a Tattoo Placement Chart A tattoo placement chart is usually just a simple body outline. You've seen them before hanging from a shop wall. Its job isn’t precision, it’s orientation. What placement charts are good for: Narrowing down general areas (inner vs. outer forearm, upper vs. lower arm) Comparing relative sizes between body parts Helping clients communicate what they mean during consults Setting expectations for visibility and coverage What they don’t do: Show how a tattoo moves, wraps, or ages on the body Account for individual anatomy or body shape For actual body mapping, digital tools like Procreate let you visualize designs on life-sized body parts. More on that below in Digital Tools for Planning Tattoo Placement. Consultation Tips for Tattoo Placement Great placement starts with great communication. During consults: Explain to your clients the pros and cons of each placement option Respect the client’s vision, but guide with experience & expertise Set clear expectations about pain, visibility, and aging Most of all: Don’t rush this part (it saves headaches later) Empowering clients with information builds trust, and overall better tattoos. Digital Tools for Planning Tattoo Placement Digital tools make placement planning cleaner and more flexible than ever. Popular uses: Mocking up designs directly on body photos Testing scale and orientation Adjusting flow before stencil time If you’re using Procreate, check out our guide: Step by Step Instructions for Tattoo Design with Procreate. All in All, Placement Is Part of the Art When you know how to plan tattoo placement, use a tattoo placement chart effectively, and explain placement tradeoffs clearly, you’re doing everything you can to create body art that lasts. Take your time. Map it out. And trust your instincts. Your future self (and your clients) will thank you.
