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?
13 Best Armband Tattoo Design Ideas (Meaning and Inspirations)
Armband tattoos are some of the most popular arm tattoo choices as of late. The design has been popular for a long while, especially among the Native American tribes, but the design shares a rich cultural origin. There are various designs, ranging from those easier to make, to highly complex patterns that take time to…
Top 30 Meaningful Evil Eye Tattoo Design Ideas (2023 Updated)
Evil eye tattoos are some of the most and easily recognizable ones. You’ll enjoy them yourself if you get informed about their meaning, culture, as well as symbolism. Keep on reading and find your next and best evil eye tattoo idea concept down below that will suit you, especially if you are a picky person…
70+ Best Fine Line Tattoos For Minimalism Enthusiasts 2023
Although complex, detailed tattoos can be true masterpieces, well, not all people would like to have some large pieces of body art. As such, for open-minded yet minimalist lovers, fine line tattoos are always the best option. This type of body art is clean and follows only single black lines to make that bold statement….
The 7 Best Tattoo Shops in Florida (Our Favorite Tattoo Parlors You Have To Check Out)
When looking to get a tattoo, one of the most important things one has to decide on is which tattoo parlor will they choose for this journey. The tattoo parlor or the tattoo artist one chooses can truly make or break a tattoo. Sure enough, there will always be tattoo artists people consider good or…
Tattoo Etiquette 101: Things Tattoo Artists Love (Do’s and Don’ts)
Going to a tattoo studio for an appointment generally seems pretty straightforward. You go in, you talk about the tattoo design, you get tattooed, then pay, and you leave. However, between those main events, you as a tattoo client need to be informed about certain etiquette, expected from every client in every tattoo studio around…
How Many Needles Are There In a Tattoo Gun?
Tattoo guns are the essential equipment for every tattoo artist out there. Learning how to operate and use the tattoo gun is the ultimate challenge for rising tattoo artists as well. If you’re tattooing yourself, you probably know that tattoo guns aren’t as simple as they seem to be. There are all these kinds of…
10 Best Tattoo Power Supply 2023: Ultimate Buying Guide
If you’re looking for equipment for your tattoo studio and aspiring to become a distinguished tattoo artist, know that your tattoo machine won’t work without a power supply. Luckily, this article will teach you everything you need to know about quality power supplies for tattoo machines. Additionally, you’ll get to learn about the 10 best…
Safety Precautions Checklist before Getting a Tattoo (How to Prepare for your Tattoo)
Getting your first tattoo is super exciting and a truly fun and unique experience. However, many do tend to take things lightly when it comes to tattooing. People assume that you can just walk into a tattoo studio, sit down and get your tattoo done without an issue. But, when it comes to tattooing, preparation…
Are Finger Tattoos a Bad Idea?
With an increasing number of celebrities getting finger tattoos, an increasing number of people are also following the popular trend. Finger tattoos look great, and they seem to suit anyone. They’re small, cute, can be discreet, and generally interesting, especially if you want a tattoo but don’t want any major or drastic changes to your…
Pink and Blue Ribbon Tattoo Meaning: Show Your Support and Care
Tattoo trends come and go, especially in the modern-day time where people set new tattoo trends almost every day thanks to social media. And generally, these trends just seem to be a type of ‘spur of the moment’ tattoos that don’t really carry any depth or specific meaning. We believe that tattoos should be unique…
Flower Tattoos For Guys: Blooming Body Art For Passionates
Who said that men cannot enjoy some of the most popular yet visually attractive tattoo designs? Once you are passionate about flowers, it’s a pity not to show your dedication to nature by tattooing yourself with these symbols. What makes flower tattoos so versatile is their mesmerizing appeal. Moreover, there are tens of different plants…
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…
30+ Best Lily Tattoos and Their Meanings
Are you someone who enjoys different tattoos? How about flower tattoo ideas? If you’re interested in trying out a lily tattoo, just know that you’re exactly where you need to be. In this article, we will show different lily tattoos that will suit everyone’s style and preference. They are ideal for men and women, so…
Laser Tattoo Removal Aftercare Instructions (5 General Instructions And 7 Equally Important Tips)
There isn’t a tattoo removal procedure as effective as laser tattoo removal. This is currently the only way one can get rid of unwanted ink and actually have incredible results without any skin damage (if the procedure is done correctly of course). Considering that approximately 11% of all tattooed people eventually get their tattoos removed,…
Can You Fly After Getting a New Tattoo: Traveling With Fresh Ink
With the COVID restriction finally loosening up and traveling having a huge comeback, we’ve decided to tackle a rather important question for all the people with fresh ink out there; can you really board a plane and fly away after getting a new tattoo? Chances are if you’re reading this, you probably thought of this…
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…
Laser Tattoo Removal Before and After: Ultimate Guide 2023
Whether that tattoo just doesn’t look great anymore, or it brings up bad memories, getting it removed will be on your mind. And there’s nothing wrong with that. You should feel happy with your body – whether that means adding tattoos or removing them. So, how exactly do you go about getting tattoo removal? Well,…
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+ Tattoos That Symbolize Peace (2023 Updated)
Are you someone who loves to show off your peaceful side? Do you feel like you’ve been struggling lately to come at peace with yourself? A lot of people love to show their sentimental side through different & unique tattoo ideas. If you stand for peace & uniqueness, as well as deep bliss and pure…
Is It True That Tattoos Cause Liver and Kidney Damage?
When you decide to get a tattoo, the first thing that you can think of is how amazing and cool it’s going to look. Few people actually think of the possible side effects of getting a tattoo. Some don’t even check whether they’re allergic to the ink, which later creates major issues causing tattoo infections,…
5 Best Tanning Lotions for Tattoos: 2023 Summer Season Tanning Lotion Review
It is the summer season and we’re all looking to get that perfect, sun-kissed tan. However, it can be really hard to do so when you’re covered in tattoos. For any tattoo to be exposed to the sun, it needs to be constantly covered in high-SPF sunscreen, which won’t work in the favor of your…
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…
30+ Best Tiger Tattoos: Check These Stunning Design Ideas (2023 Updated)
Do you believe that there is a tiger within you? How thick-skinned and brave are you? A lot of people tend to get tiger tattoos since they are so mesmerizing, unique, scary, as well as power-embracing. Are you someone who tends to seek attention and look playful with your tattoos? If this does apply to…
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…
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…
Guide to Brother and Sister Tattoos: 70+ Best Design Ideas
Brothers and sisters have a very special bond that should be celebrated by getting a unique and meaningful tattoo. Your sibling might have driven you insane and annoyed as a kid, but as an adult they can be a friend, a confidant or a protector. Brother and Sister Tattoo: Ultimate Guide And 70+ Design Ideas …
Tattooing Over A Scar: Everything You Need To Know
Scars are something a lot of people deal with in their silence. Some scars can carry positive memories, but in the majority of cases, they are a reminder of a negative experience. And many people want to get rid of such reminders. However, getting rid of a scar is extremely difficult. So, concealing a scar…
Do Tattoos Fade Over Time (And How Can You Fight Tattoo Fading?)
To get a tattoo means getting a permanent work of art on your body. But, being aware that as time goes by your body changes, you cannot help but wonder what will your tattoo look like in 20 or 30 years. Will the tattoo fade or stay the same? In the following paragraphs, we’ll take…
Can You Get a Tattoo While On Period? – Everything You Need To Know
This is a topic that is especially important for our female readers specifically; getting anything done while on our menstrual periods is generally rather difficult. It is safe to say that most of us organize our time and future plans in accordance with our period days; holidays, vacation, and even regular, day-to-day things like grocery…
How To Shade a Tattoo: Best Practices and Techniques You Need To Know About
Proper and properly executed shading can make or break a tattoo, let’s be perfectly honest. That is why it is essential to master the art of tattoo shading and make your tattoo designs come alive. Shading, however, doesn’t only make the tattoo look more 3D, but it also helps you cover up any mistakes made…
Why Are Tattoos Permanent? – The Reasons Tattoos Last Forever
As we all know, once you get a tattoo, it is pretty difficult, and sometimes even impossible to get rid of it. Tattoos are permanent body art, which will last you a lifetime. Unless you go for a laser tattoo removal procedure, the ink you get is there to stay with you forever. Now, as…
New School vs. Old School Tattoos: What’s the Difference and Which One to Get?
Choosing a design and style for a new tattoo can be a difficult process, especially if you’re having a hard time making a decision. Truth to be told, there are so many different tattoo styles and design options, so it is completely normal if you’re feeling a bit lost in all of them, Luckily, doing…
30+ Kids Names Tattoo Ideas: Cute and Sweet
Kids’ name tattoos are some of the most popular choices when it comes to deciding a design. A kid’s name can evoke childhood memories, it can help remember your kids at all times, and ultimately pay respect to them as well as showing love. For those who have a creative mind, a kid’s name tattoo…
Flash Tattoos: What’s the Difference Between Custom and Flash Tattoo?
Let’s paint a picture; you’re having a super nice day, it’s sunny and warm outside and you’re going for a walk around the city. All of a sudden you spot a tattoo parlor across the street with a giant sign saying ‘Walk-ins welcome“. And, now you’re intrigued; you’ve been wanting a tattoo for such a…
What to Do When Tattoo Is Peeling and the Ink Is Coming Off (Before and After )
The adrenaline of your tattoo session has worn off and now you’re waiting (impatiently, most likely) for your tattoo to heal fully. Then you can show it off to the world! But wait, what’s happening? My skin is peeling off. Gross! Yes, this is a very common concern from newly inked people, discovering that their…
Tattoo Gun Vs. Tattoo Pen: Which Is Better?
Tattooing is one of those things that requires a lot of equipment. Even if you don’t know much about tattooing, you have a clear image of what it looks like; dozens of needles, a tattoo gun, a lot of ink, gloves, a desk or chair, cleaning equipment, and so on. But, if you are knowledgeable…