What Makes a Good Tattoo?

A good tattoo isn’t just about a cool design—it’s about how that design works on your body, how it holds up over time, and whether it actually looks as good as you imagined once it’s healed. If you’re serious about getting a tattoo that lasts, here’s what really matters:

1. Strong Black Lines (Yes, They Matter!)

Black lines are the backbone of a solid tattoo. They give the design structure, help it hold up over time, and keep it from turning into a blurry mess down the road. If a tattoo is all soft shading with no solid foundation, it’s a gamble on how it’ll age.

2. Bold, Simple, and Built for Skin

Tattooing isn’t the same as drawing on paper. The best designs are made with skin in mind—strong shapes, readable details, and enough contrast to stay clear even decades later. The more complicated or tiny the design, the higher the risk of it blurring together as your skin changes.

3. Placement & Flow

A tattoo should look like it belongs on your body, not just slapped on like a sticker. Good placement follows the body’s natural lines, moves with your muscles, and feels intentional. This is where working with your tattooer (instead of micromanaging) makes a huge difference.

4. Color & Contrast That Lasts

Not all colors age the same. Bold reds, yellows, and deep blacks tend to last the longest, while light colors and soft pastels fade quicker. High contrast—dark against light—makes a design pop and keeps it readable as time goes on.

5. Healed vs. Fresh (Big Difference!)

A tattoo doesn’t just need to look good the day you get it—it needs to look good after healing. Some styles rely on super delicate details or light shading that might disappear once the skin settles. A good tattooer knows how to balance their work so it heals strong, not just Instagram-ready.

6. The Right Tattooer for the Job

Not every tattooer does every style, and that’s a good thing. If you want something bold and built to last, go to someone who specializes in that—not someone who just says yes to everything. Look at healed work, ask questions, and trust your artist’s expertise.

Final Thoughts

A good tattoo isn’t just “cool art”—it’s good tattooing. Strong black lines, solid contrast, and placement that fits your body all make a difference. If you’re investing in a tattoo, make sure it’s built to last.