Mastering Tattoo Artistry
Tattoo HQ is a go-to resource for tattoo inspiration, meanings, and advice. We cover popular tattoos like minimalist, Samurai, and Viking designs. We also provide guidance on tattoo placement, sizing, costs, aftercare, and cover-ups.
Design Matters
Find Your Next Great Tattoo
Meet your instructor
Tattoo HQ was founded in 2018 by Bella Jiang.
After graduating in 2010 from Xi’an Academy of Fine Arts, one of the top art colleges in China, Bella worked as a designer at a game company until 2014. She started her tattooing career in 2015 and opened her private studio in Hangzhou 3 years later.
The journey has been challenging. In this country, tattoo artists are often seen as a marginalized group and their work is misunderstood. Most of Bella’s college classmates settled into .com jobs or civil service roles. Bella instead opted to take the more difficult path of tattooing, not for money or fame, but to deliver on a promise she made to herself as a little girl.
Common Questions
Our Most Popular Tattoo Inspiration
Explore the top-read galleries and trending designs from our community. See what tattoos our fans can’t get enough of and let the stunning artistry spark your next great tattoo idea. Whether it’s realistic portraits, sacred geometry, floral motifs, or classic styles reimagined, dive into the dynamic showcases that have our readers obsessed. With thousands of designs to marvel at, find a popular style that speaks to your creative spirit and pursuits. What will capture your imagination today?
Why Do Tattoos Turn Green (2023 Updated)?
Thick black strokes or delicate thin lines – whichever you choose, are you prepared for your tattoo to turn green over time? It’s a common problem with very old tattoos and definitely one you should know about before you get inked. This quick guide will explain why ink may turn green, which inks turn green,…
What Does Solid Black Armband Tattoos Symbolize?
The widespread acceptance and popularity of body ink have inspired people to look at different places to find the most authentic and detailed tattoo ideas for their bodies. However, not everyone is interested in using colorful or abstract ink. Many people pursue tattoos that are simple to make, won’t hurt too much, and are minimalistic….
Getting A Face Tattoo: Is It A Good Idea? (2023 Updated)
Getting A Face Tattoo – Good Idea? Okay, so if you ever bring up the idea of a face tattoo with your friends, at least one of them is gonna try to convince you it’s a bad idea. Because, let’s be honest, it could be. Your face is your identity, it’s public, it’s on display,…
9 Best Fake Tattoo Sleeves: Ultimate Buying Guide (2023 Updated)
Tattoo sleeves exploded in popularity 10 years ago. They became even more popular in recent years. Starting from celebrities, to ordinary people, everyone wants to flaunt their tattoo sleeve. Even employers and different companies became comfortable with their employees wearing them. Still, what to do if you’re in love with the tattoo sleeves, but don’t…
How Long Do Stick-and-Poke Tattoos Last?
Many consider stick-and-poke tattoos to be mainly done in a DIY manner. Because of this, it is only fair to worry about the duration of such a homemade tattoo. But, the same question always comes up, with regular tattoos or hand-poked tattoos done by a professional tattooist. So, how long do these poked tattoos last?…
Can I Make My Tattoo Look Darker? – Tattoo Darkening Options
So, there’s that one tattoo you’ve gotten a long time ago and you want to give it a fresh new shine. Lucky for you, this is the right place to learn how! In the following paragraphs, we’ll talk about something people tend to forget when it comes to tattoos; they will eventually start to fade…
Should I Use Vitamin E Oil for My Tattoo Aftercare?
When it comes to tattoo aftercare, it is safe to say that we’re getting pretty overwhelmed with all the do’s and don’ts, especially when it comes to products we use for skin care. Sure, as an investment that will last you a lifetime, it is important to pay attention to your tattoo and the products…
30+ Best Arrow Tattoo Design Ideas For Both Women And Men (2023 Updated)
Arrow tattoos are not too common of a choice at tattoo shops, wouldn’t you agree? A lot of men and women stay away from them since they are so unusual and not as straightforward when it comes to their symbolism. However, if you are someone who wants to stand out and you prefer different and…
Best Tattoo Shops in Houston: Look For The Best Artists
Your tattoos will tell the world where you have been, who are your beloved ones, what memories you want to keep with you for life, and, finally, what artist is wearing its signature on your skin. Tattoos are speaking so much by following only some fine lines. They are talking about where we were born…
Etiquette For Contacting a Tattoo Artist: How To Email the Tattoo Artist?
Tattoo artists are super busy, and that is generally well known. So, between the tattooing sessions, design creation, client consultation, and overall preparation for tattooing, tattoo artists have little to almost no time to read potential client emails. But, when they do, there are a few things or rather information they want to have right…
50+ Bad Luck Tattoos and Their Meanings
Every tattoo has a meaning, and not all of them are positive. If you’re someone who is superstitious or spiritual, then you may want to avoid these tattoo designs as they are considered bad luck. Some tattoos have a universal negative meaning, others it depends on the culture and location. Read on to learn more…
Do Tattoo Artists Use Numbing Cream: Why Dont Tattoo Artists Use Numbing Cream?
Remember the first time you seriously thought about getting a tattoo? You were probably super excited about the idea and started immediately searching for the perfect tattoo design. But, there was one thing you realized a bit later; tattoos hurt. And yes, generally speaking, tattoos do hurt to a certain extent. Usually, people experience discomfort,…
Guide to Father and Daughter Tattoos: 80+ Best Design Ideas
If you are lucky enough to share a strong father and daughter bond, the get a tattoo to celebrate it. From meaningful portraits and quotes to funny cartoon characters, there is a father and daughter tattoo design for everyone. Father and Daughter Tattoos: 80+ Best Design Ideas (And Meanings Behind Them) Whether you want to…
30+ Koi Fish Tattoo Designs (And The Meaning Behind Them)
Koi fish represents one of the most iconic symbols of Asian tradition and traditional Asian tattoos. This wonderful symbol carries many incredible meanings and can be adjusted for breathtaking tattoo design. If you want to get a Koi fish tattoo, we recommend you continue reading for a better understanding of the symbolism and how the…
Best UV Tattoo: Everything You Need To Know, In One Place
With new trends popping up every day, it can be hard to keep up and try to stay up-to-date and in touch. This applies to almost every industry in the world, but especially to the world of beauty and body art. When it comes to body art in particular, tattoos as a whole are always…
Top 30 Meaningful Yin Yang Tattoo Design Ideas
Do you believe in the power of yin and yang? Have you ever heard of it before? Most people worldwide believe that this concept can make up for an amazing tattoo idea. Yin and Yang speak about the attraction and force between two different personalities, two different souls, as well as different and opposite personas….
What Do Tattoo Artists Use To Wipe Away Ink?
If you’ve ever been tattooed, you have probably noticed that the whole process can be a bit messy. As the tattoo artist is doing their work, it is inevitable to have a bit of extra ink scatter around. And, in the end, your tattoo ended up looking super clean and neat? How? Cleanliness and attention…
Will My Hair Grow Back After a Tattoo?
If you’ve ever gotten a tattoo, you know that you’re required to shave the area where the tattoo will be placed (if the area has any hair, of course). This is a common requirement before tattooing so that the tattoo artist can do their work without any hindrances. Hair can prevent the stencil from properly…
35 Best Ankle Tattoos For Women (2023 Updated)
Have you ever gotten a tattoo before? Are you a fan of feminine placements? If so, ankle tattoos are the perfect go-to idea for you! Ankle placements are quite playful & sensual, and these tattoos look great with time and as they age. Find your perfect & next go-to tattoo design down below! Do Ankle…
100+ Pretty Birth Flower Tattoos And Their Symbolic Meaning
Finding a unique tattoo design in the endless sea of repetitive designs can be extremely hard. Sure, using your imagination to create that one perfect, completely unique design should make it unique enough, but oftentimes we see others sharing the same ideas and getting similar tattoos. Nevertheless, one thing all of us share but are…
Can You Take Painkillers Before A Tattoo?
Let’s be honest here; one of the main reasons people avoid getting tattoos is the fact that tattoos hurt. Now, the general assumption that tattoos hurt is true, of course, but because different people have different pain tolerance levels, it can sometimes be hard to truly describe the tattoo experience to someone who has never…
Can You Use a Regular Printer For Tattoo Stencils?
Tattoo stencils are used to help a tattoo artist transfer a tattoo design onto the skin and continue tattooing without making mistakes. The stencils are super useful, especially if a tattoo artist is gaining experience and building their skills. When tattoo artists start working at a professional level, freehanding a tattoo is a no-go, that…
10 Things You Should Know Before Becoming A Tattoo Artist
Being a tattoo artist seems easy; you got the needle and some ink and you’re good to go. However, doing tattoos requires much more work than it may seem at first. When we say ‘more work’, we mean hard work that could last for years, and might not even pay well or at all. However,…
30+ Amazing Mushroom Tattoo Design Ideas (and What They Mean)
Mushrooms can either have a deep meaning or be an homage to your favorite cartoon. This versatile tattoo has lots of different meanings, making them a unique tattoo to have inked into your skin. No matter whether mushrooms remind you of nature, your favorite childhood storybook or a videogame, they make excellent imagery for tattoos….
Offensive Tattoos: Designs You Didn’t Know The Meaning Of
Tattoos generally seem pretty harmless. People use them for self-expression and to show off their artistic creativity, which is always a cool thing to do. However, some tattoo designs, no matter how cool they may seem at first, are actually pretty offensive and dangerous to wear if you don’t know what they mean. From cultural…
16 Best Infinity Heart Tattoo Design Ideas (2023 Updated)
Thinking of getting a beautiful and unique tattoo that can show your love and appreciation for the other person? Are you in love? Either way it may be, you will appreciate this article. Here, we will talk about different infinity heart tattoos that you can browse through and explore. They will suit men and women…
Half Sleeve Tattoos For Men: 30+ Best Design Ideas
Guys looking out to get a perfect half sleeve tattoo, gather around! If you’re reading this, you’re at the right place. In the following paragraphs, we’ll present you with some of the best design ideas for half sleeve tattoos. The designs are truly unique and we guarantee one of the designs will speak to you….
How Do Tattoo Conventions Work: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting a Tattoo Convention
Tattoo convention is a meeting of tattoo enthusiasts and practitioners, where visitors can get familiar with certain tattoo shops, tattoo artists, and experience the world of tattooing up close. At the convention, visitors can buy tattoo-related items, or even get tattooed by available tattoo artists, on-site. Overall, tattoo conventions are a staple in the tattoo…
55 Great Cover Up Tattoo Design Ideas 2023 (Ultimate Guide)
So, you’re looking for cover up tattoo ideas? You’ve come to the right place. Not only have we compiled the 55 best cover up tattoo ideas, but we’ve also created a short guide to picking a cover up tatt as well. Furthermore, if you scroll down to the end of this article, you’ll find some…
35+ Unique Sparrow Tattoo Design Ideas (Black & White, Colorful)
Sparrow tattoos are such unique and different tattoo ideas that you’re going to like and love if you’re a fan of nature, animals, birds, or wholesome ideas. Birds or sparrows in particular are cute little creatures that you’re going to like and prefer going for if you’re a fan of the minimalistic approach. Keep on…
How To Use Tattoo Transfer Paper? – Your Go-To Guide!
Have you ever wondered how a tattoo artist turns their awesome design drawing into a tattoo? Well, they do it thanks to the transfer paper. The design is drawn onto the paper, the paper is then pressed onto your skin so the design transfers, and that’s it. Now, your tattoo artist has the exact outline…
Top 30 Calf Tattoo Design Ideas (And The Meanings Behind Them)
Calf tattoos can be anything and everything that you imagine! How creative are you and what is your imagination like? If you’re someone who appreciates subtle art and you don’t want overpowering tattoos you will appreciate calf designs. Here, we will list 30 different tattoos and we will talk about each meaning and different options…
65 Amazing Women’s Side (Rib) Tattoo Design Ideas (2023 Updated)
Also known as rib tattoos, side tattoos never go out of style. This timeless piece of ink is ideal for artistic and sensitive women who aren’t afraid to be open and honest about their emotions. Confident women also go for side tattoos and love to show them off. Considered both sexy and powerful, side tattoos…
How To Waterproof a Tattoo for Swimming? – Get Your Tattoo Ready for Summer!
So, here’s the deal; you just got a new tattoo, and with summer around the corner, you may as well be wondering whether you can actually go for a swim. We all know that new tattoos and water don’t really go together; your tattoo artist must have had a warning conversation about the dangers of…
Tattoos and COVID Vaccines: Is It Safe To Get Vaccinated Before or After a Tattoo?
It is safe to say that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made a lot of people change their plans and priorities. Whatever your plans were, we are sure you either had to cancel or postpone them, which sucked and probably still sucks. But, with the discovery of the COVID-19 vaccine, things did start to return…