Tattoos are frequently associated with expressions of identity; monograms or initials can be designed to reflect elaborate and beautiful tattoos. A basic initial tattoo is commonly placed on the lower back, chest or shoulder. Consider creating an original monogram that features the letters of your first, middle and last name. Elaborate fonts with spiralling flourishes and a combination of thin and thick lines transforms a simple selection of letters into a piece of art. Another option for a monogram tattoo is to create a monogram to commemorate a marriage in which you change your last name; the new monogram can reflect the new stage in your life and a new expression of your identity.
Words or phases in a language other than your native language create a visually interesting tattoo that maintains an air of mystery. Consult a speaker of the tattoo's target language to provide a translation of your name or other important word or phase. Languages that use characters rather than single letters to form words can be used to create images out of language. Chinese, Japanese and ancient Mayan all use characters rather than an alphabet in written language. Choose a word or name that is meaningful or symbolic to you and confirm the correct character through a native speaker before committing to the tattoo. Another option is to translate a word into a language from your heritage or ancestry. Thai, Aramaic, Greek and Hebrew all use letter alphabets but the elegance of the writing translates into a visual image that can be used for a tattoo.
Old English font styles are a popular choice for letter and word tattoos because the lettering is highly decorative. The Old English font style evokes a sense of ancient history demonstrated through a more modern medium of body art. Old English can be used for any word, though long phrases tend to appear too cluttered for a genuine Old English style. Another option is to create an illuminated letter box; illuminated letter boxes were used in ancient texts in which the first letter of the text was written in highly decorative Old English and framed by decorative lines to create a text box. Choose the first letter of your name or another significant letter to place in an illuminated box. Placement is best suited to upper arms, shoulders or the chest area.
For a more contemporary approach to letter tattoos, consider an alphabet tattoo. Alphabet tattoos are becoming more popular as a means of celebrating the written word in the same way that artists may get tattoos of paint or brushes. Alphabet tattoos can also accentuate the long lines of the body such as the length of the back or arm. Choose a recognizable font with a limited number of flourishes or write the alphabet in your own handwriting for a truly unique design.