Portrait tattoos are lifelike renderings that can memorialize or pay homage to family members, loved ones and other heroes. They can be extremely detailed and usually require a large, flat surface to display adequately. Depending on leg size, the outer thigh is usually an ideal spot for a portrait tattoo. This is an extremely difficult style of tattoo and should only be done by a very skilled and experienced hand. Always check an artist's portfolio before employing him to do a portrait tattoo.
For any scripted tattoo, you can choose from a multitude of fonts and styles, or design it yourself. For calf initials, place one letter on the back of each calf, signifying your first and last name. Each letter does not have to cover your entire calf muscle, but it should be easily viewable -- usually about the size of a credit card. You can also have the letters shaded to portray different artistic textures or completely filled to symbolize a permanent stamp.
Most musicians have a favorite piece of music, whether a classical symphony or a modern hip hop beat. Obtain a copy of the sheet music and have the image of a particular portion of the song tattooed to either of your outer thighs. If you want to tattoo the entire song, tattoo the musical notes in a winding rotation as far down your leg as you want.
A tattooed anklet can be a charm bracelet with each charm carrying its own significant meaning, such as family member initials, religious idols and other symbols. Athletes may wish to tattoo birds on their knees as a sign of swiftness. Any tattoo covering a joint must be vigilantly cared for, even more so than a regular tattoo. That is because the skin in those areas is constantly expanding and contracting due to body movement. These tattoos can require up to two weeks to heal completely.