So, you’ve looked at six hundred variations of different arrow Tattoos on Pinterest and have basically become obsessed with the idea of putting an ornamental Mandala somewhere on your body, in addition to this you you’re certain you’ve found the best tattoo artist in Dublin to do it by creeping on their Instagram for seventeen hours per day.

Well don’t worry, you’re not alone. In fact you’ve joined a growing number of people who are forsaking the traditional styles of Tattooing and opting to put something a little more avant garde on their skin. Geometric, pattern-based tattoos (such as Hamsa hands and anatomically correct hearts) have really risen to prominence over the last number of years, fast becoming among the most requested pieces of artwork in most Dublin tattoo studios and even most studios internationally, but the question remains – will they stand the test of time?

While the short answer is yes, a more nuanced caveat may serve the reader better. Putting pen to paper is a very different process from putting a needle to skin. So, bearing that in mind, we should always be conscious of the fact that although some extremely complex patterns can be executed as tattoos in the short term, they may not end up looking as sharp and clinical in the long term. Why? Simply put the ink in some lines when run together too closely in the skin has a tendency to migrate, thus causing an effect wherein the lines looked like they have merged and become blurred. Armed with the aforementioned information, we should always err on the side of caution and choose patterns and designs that are not too layered or complex. This will mean that the quality of the Tattoo will be assured in the short, medium and long term.

It is essential to listen to your artist during the initial consultation period regarding your geometric or ornamental tattoo as he or she will know how detailed the piece can be without compromising the overall craftsmanship and aesthetic. Everyone wants a beautiful tattoo (regardless of the genre or motif) so do your research but be mindful of the fact that the artist that you’re dealing with will usually know best.

If they don’t, then you’re in the wrong studio.