An increasingly popular choice for tattoos for all kinds of people is to use stylized tattoo lettering, script or text. As with all tattoos, the choice of lettering should reflect something about the person or their interests. A tattoo is a permanent creative expression that reflects the person. Deciding on your tattoo lettering is just as important as when choosing an image. Differences in lettering, script or text can convey a mood, a message, and overall feel. You want to choose something that is important and lasting to you, so let’s take a look at the various criteria involved.

Textual tattoos

These are growing popularity and are a wonderful way to ink a permanent message to yourself and the world about what it is that interests you, and what speaks to you. They are words or phrases that are often used to convey life philosophies/words that you live by. Here are some of the cool choices for text:

* Bible verse or other religious/spiritual text
* Philosophical saying – words from a great philosopher that you admire
* Favorite line from a poem, book, movie, or song
* Your own original saying/words
* Words that a loved one wrote to you
* Individual or group philosophy – example: “Live Strong” or “Just Do It” or “Just Keep Livin’”

Tattoo Lettering Style

Deciding on a tattoo lettering style can radically alter the look of a tattoo. Choosing something modern may be great for a short phrase. If you are getting the words to a song inked, you might want a font that seems lyrical or sweeping. A bible verse will be well-suited to the old English style of font or script lettering.

Body Area

Choosing the area of your body for your tattoo lettering is as important as the lettering itself. Deciding on the words or phrases you want will give you an idea of the range of sizes that will suit it, and the body area that can accommodate it. You won’t want the lettering too small, you want the words or phrase to be legible. Your tattoo artist will also be a great guide in this.

Shoulder blades, ribs, back, and arms are ideally suited for tattoos that will be several lines or longer phrases. If you have a short phrase, say three to five words, the feet, wrists, ankles, or back of the neck are also great options.

When choosing your tattoo lettering, give it a great deal of thought. Ensure it is something that speaks to the larger ideas/ideals you have about yourself and the world. Don’t choose something based on fad, something too generic, or that will be a flavor of the month. You want something eternal, that has spoken to you for a long time, and will be something you live by forever. You want to be proud of it and identity with it whether you are 18 or 80. The choice of tattoo lettering style is equally important, you want it to be aesthetically pleasing, and that suits the message.