How custom tattoos are designed: From idea to finished tattoo

Most people don’t walk into a tattoo studio with a finished idea.

They have a folder full of screenshots. A few tattoos they’ve saved on Instagram. Maybe a photo, a favourite flower, a game, a memory or a feeling they want to capture.

That’s usually where a custom tattoo starts.

One of the biggest misconceptions about tattooing is that the artist simply copies a reference onto your skin. In reality, that’s only a small part of the process. A custom tattoo is designed around the person wearing it. The references are there to start the conversation, not finish it.

Custom tattoo design: It starts with an idea

One of the first things we ask during a consultation is, “What drew you to this?”

Sometimes the answer is obvious. Other times it’s not.

You might like the movement in one tattoo, the composition of another and the colours in something completely different. You might love Japanese tattooing but want to include something that’s personal to you. You might not even know why you saved a particular image, only that it feels right.

All of that is useful.

The goal isn’t to recreate those references. It’s to understand what you’re drawn to so we can create something that’s yours.

References are helpful. Copying them isn’t.

Pinterest and Instagram have made it easier than ever to find inspiration. Now we're even seeing more people come into the shop with AI-generated tattoos or designs.

That’s a good thing. But those images should be treated as references, not templates.

The tattoo you’re looking at was designed for someone else’s body (or by AI), someone else’s story and someone else’s placement. It may not work on your arm, your leg or your back in the same way.

Instead of asking, “Can you copy this?” it’s much more helpful to ask, “I like this style. Can we create something similar?”

That’s where custom work begins.

Designing around the body

A body isn’t flat.

An arm gets narrower towards the wrist. Shoulders are round. Calves curve. The back moves every time you twist or bend.

That’s why a design often changes once we know where it’s going.

A tattoo that looks perfect on a phone screen might need to become taller, wider or simpler once it’s placed on the body. Sometimes a design needs more breathing room. Sometimes a focal point needs to move. Sometimes a few centimetres make all the difference.

Good tattoos don’t ignore the body.

They work with it.

Why we sometimes suggest going bigger

This surprises people.

Every now and then we’ll suggest making a tattoo slightly larger. It’s not because bigger is always better. It’s because tattoos need room.

Fine details that look beautiful on paper can become difficult to read if they’re packed into a very small space. Giving a design a little more room often means it will heal more clearly and continue looking good for years to come.

The goal is always to make the tattoo work, not simply make it fit.

Empty space is part of the design

One of the easiest mistakes to make is trying to fill every gap.

Good tattoo design isn’t just about what you add. It’s also about what you leave out.

Negative space helps create contrast. It gives the eye somewhere to rest. It helps the main subject stand out instead of competing with everything around it.

Especially in Japanese-inspired tattooing, background, movement and open space all work together. The tattoo feels balanced because every part has a purpose.

The consultation is part of the design

A lot of people think the consultation is just about booking an appointment.

For us, it’s part of the design process.

It’s where we learn about your idea, your lifestyle, your placement, your existing tattoos and what you want the finished piece to feel like.

It’s also where we can make suggestions.

Sometimes we’ll recommend changing the size. Sometimes we’ll suggest a different placement.

Sometimes we’ll simplify a design or combine several ideas into one.

Those conversations are often what make the tattoo better.

You don’t need to have everything figured out

This is probably the biggest thing we’d like people to know.

You don’t need to arrive with the perfect idea.

You don’t need to know exactly what every detail should look like.

That’s what we’re here for.

Bring the things that inspire you. Bring the ideas you’ve been thinking about. Bring the photos you’ve saved over the last three years.

We’ll help turn them into a tattoo that works for your body and feels like your own.

Why we love custom work

Custom tattooing is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.

Every person is different. Every body is different. Every conversation is different.

There’s something special about taking a rough idea that has been living in someone’s head for years and turning it into something they’ll wear for the rest of their life.

That’s why we never rush this part.

The tattoo starts long before the machine turns on.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a custom tattoo if I only have a rough idea?

Absolutely. Most people don’t arrive with a finished design. A few references and a conversation are usually enough to get started.

Do I need to draw my own tattoo?

Not at all. That’s our job. References, photos and ideas are much more useful than trying to produce a finished drawing.

How many reference images should I bring?

A handful is usually enough. It’s often more helpful to show a few images you like than dozens that all say the same thing.

Can you combine different ideas into one tattoo?

Yes. That’s one of the biggest advantages of custom tattooing. We can combine different subjects, styles and references into a single design that feels cohesive.

Will I see the design before my appointment?

We’ll discuss the design during your consultation and make sure we’re aligned on the direction. Depending on the project, the final artwork is typically prepared closer to your appointment so it’s fresh and reflects everything discussed.

Can I ask for changes?

Of course. Tattooing is a collaboration, and we’ll work with you to make sure the design feels right before we begin.

Do custom tattoos cost more?

Pricing depends on the size, complexity and time needed to complete the tattoo. During your consultation, we’ll give you a clearer idea of the cost based on your specific project.

Where can I get a custom tattoo in Johannesburg?

If you’re looking for a custom tattoo in Johannesburg, Ikigai Tattoo Studio in Northcliff specialises in custom work, Japanese-inspired tattooing, blackwork and large-scale projects. Every tattoo begins with a consultation and is designed around the person wearing it.