Tribal tattoos are a popular design in which images, usually all black, are rendered in stylized shapes characterized by sharp points and curvy lines. You may find that a tribal-style scorpion will be more understated and represent the spirit of a scorpion without being as distasteful to those who have a fear of the arachnid.
If you prefer a more totemic approach to your scorpion tattoo, consider tattooing yourself with large images of scorpion anatomy in a manner that roughly suggests a sort of costume. This may include scorpion claws on your forearms, a scorpion tail running up your back, a scorpion's exoskeleton underbelly on the front of your midsection, or any combination of these.
If you value the image of a scorpion due to its connection with the astrological symbol, Scorpio, consider a tattoo that reflects the connotations of this use of the animal. To indicate Scorpio, choose a stylistic drawing of a scorpion of the type used in horoscope calendars or combine your scorpion image with the Scorpio symbol (resembling the capital letter "M"). You might also incorporate words, in English or foreign characters, describing the personality traits of a Scorpio.
For a scorpion tattoo using a more realistic image, decide whether you want a line drawing or a representation with shading. Also, figure out if your scorpion will have color or not. A realistic scorpion will have the most potentially shocking effect, but is also significant if you take a genuine entomological interest in these creatures.
If you have, or someday plan to have, "sleeve" tattoos (dense, intricate tattoo designs covering the arms or forearms), consider a scorpion tattoo design that can connect with the other elements you have or want to have in your sleeve design. Consider the ways in which your scorpion could be standing on, fighting with, or otherwise interacting with the other shapes and images.