Log on to a tattoo design website. TattooDesign.com, CreateATattoo.com and TattooLettering.net are some examples of websites with design templates. TattooLettering.net offers free conversion of text into various tattoo text design. TattooDesign.com and CreateATattoo.com provide templates for tattoo art. Both of the websites require a user to create an account with a password to have access to their online design programs. Open the program after creating your account. A design window will open with a blank page in the center and design templates in the right side of the window.
Choose a base design. A base is the predominant image in your design such as a skull, a flower or a name. Select your design and drag it to the blank page in the center of the window. You can adjust the size and color using the toolbar along the top of the page.
Add detail to your design. Use less prominent designs to accent your base design. For example, a flower design can be used to offset a Day of the Dead mask. A tribal symbol can frame a name or piece of text.
Download your completed design. Save your work and print a copy. Hold the printed copy up to the area of your body you want tattooed. Remember a tattoo will lay on the curvature of your body differently then it lays on the paper.