If I Were a Blank Canvas: What I’d Do Differently If I Started My Tattoo Journey Over

Everyone’s tattoo journey is a little different. For some, it’s impulsive ink on a wild night. For others, it’s years of planning before finally sitting in the chair. Me? I fall somewhere in the middle. But if I had the chance to rewind, to start fresh with blank skin and a blank slate—I’d do a few things differently. And if you’re just beginning your own tattoo journey, maybe my hindsight can be your foresight.

I’d Focus on Placement First, Not Just the Design

Like a lot of people, I used to pick tattoos based purely on the design. I never gave much thought to how the placement would affect the flow of future pieces. Now, I realize how important it is to think about your body as one big canvas.

If I could go back, I’d plan out key areas—like forearms, thighs, or back—and leave room for larger pieces. That little wrist tattoo I got on a whim? It ended up making my sleeve more complicated later. Lesson learned.

I Would Have Researched My Artists More Carefully

In the beginning, I just wanted the tattoo—any tattoo. I didn’t always think about who was holding the machine. Today, I know that choosing the right artist is everything.

Each artist has a style, and it’s worth waiting for the one who aligns with your vision. If I could do it over, I’d scroll through portfolios, look for consistency, and schedule consultations—even if it meant being patient. Good art is worth the wait.

But I Did Trust My Artists—and That Made a Difference

One thing I did do right? I listened to my artists. When they recommended a different placement, color choice, or adjustment to the design, I took their advice seriously. That trust saved me from making choices I’d later regret.

Even though I didn’t know everything going in, I respected their experience—and it paid off. Most of my tattoos still make me smile when I see them, and that’s largely because I worked with professionals who cared about the outcome as much as I did.

I’d Avoid “Trendy” Ink and Think Long-Term

There’s nothing wrong with getting a trendy piece—as long as you love it. But if I could start from scratch, I’d skip the fleeting trends and focus on tattoos with deeper personal meaning or timeless design.

A tattoo doesn’t have to be serious to be significant, but it should be something you’re still proud to wear decades from now.

I Wouldn’t Bargain Shop for Tattoos

In the early days, I definitely let price dictate too many choices. But cheaper doesn’t mean better—it usually just means more expensive later.

Cover-ups, touch-ups, and regret cost way more than saving a few bucks upfront. Now I know: invest in quality from the beginning. At Southernmost Tattoo, we often explain that you’re not just paying for ink—you’re paying for a custom piece of art, built to last.

I’d Document the Process

Looking back, I wish I had more photos of the early stages of my tattoo journey. Not just the finished pieces, but the stencil process, the shop experience, the reactions afterward.

Tattoos tell your story. Capturing that story as it unfolds is part of the journey. If I could do it all over again, I’d take more photos and embrace each chapter of the process more fully.

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Final Thoughts: Every Tattoo Has a Lesson

Even with a few regrets, I don’t dislike any of my tattoos. Each one reminds me of who I was in that moment. But if you’re just getting started, take a little time to think bigger. Consider the long game. Work with a studio that values your vision and treats your skin like the canvas it is.

At Southernmost Tattoo in Key West, we help clients plan for both the present and the future. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your fifteenth, we guide you through design, placement, and aftercare with honesty and expertise. If I were starting over, I’d walk through the front doors of a shop like ours—and take my time getting it right.

–Jamie Snediker

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