A study performed by Catehrine M. Kahl for Loyola University shows that tattoos increase the apparent masculinity of men and women alike. But while all visible tattoos change societal perceptions of you, tattoos do not necessarily cause a change in your self-image. Therefore, some might suggest aligning your tattoos with the positive parts of your self-image, rather than correcting the negative aspects. For example, if you think of yourself as a smart weakling, a tattoo of bear claws on your arm won't necessarily make you feel stronger.
When selecting a tattoo design, ask yourself: what do I like about me? Make sure your tattoo design expresses that aspect of yourself.
As a teen, your new tattoo has a longer estimated lifespan than a new tattoo on an 80 year old. Therefore, you want to make sure your tattoo stays timeless, meaning fads and events won't change your tattoo over time. For example, a tattooed heart with your high school sweetheart's name might not give you the same feeling when you reach 50 as it did today.
For a simple, timeless tattoo idea, try one of the following: tattoo a famous and uncontroversial quote on your body or tattoo a contemporary art piece that moves you. Avoid fad-like interests, such as your love for "Eclipse," when selecting your tattoo.
Patterns tend to change in fad less often than images, boyfriends or band names. Therefore, a pattern won't necessarily lose its meaning as it becomes the next hot trend. While not all patterns can escape the pressure of popularity (Celtic knots and tribal, for examples), certain lesser known patterns tend to skip societal notice and remain interesting throughout your life.
When looking for patterns, explore patterns from unknown cultures, especially those you have a strong relationship with. For example, if you love writing, look at the Sumerian patterns from one of the earliest known literary works: "The Epic of Gilgamesh."
Look to your family history for tattoo ideas. This works in two ways: you obtain a timeless tattoo while impressing your loved ones.
When selecting a family-inspired tattoo, consider a family tree climbing up your back or a heart over your chest, with your grandmother's name in it. Also, you could use symbols from your family history; for example, if your great-aunt served during WWII, consider tattooing an image from that era.