So, you’ve got the perfect tattoo idea. The design is locked in, the meaning is personal, and you’re buzzing with excitement. But one big question remains:
Where should it go?
At Victims of Ink, we know that tattoo placement is just as important as the design itself. The spot you choose can affect how your tattoo looks, how it heals, how it feels — and how it fits into your lifestyle. Whether you’re getting your first piece or adding to a growing collection, this guide is here to help you make the best decision for your body, your art, and your future.
What to Consider Before Choosing Placement
Tattoo placement isn’t just about what looks cool (although we’ll get to that). It’s about how visible you want your tattoo to be, what kind of pain you’re comfortable with, and how the design will age with your skin over time.
If you’re getting your first tattoo, you might prefer a lower-pain area that’s easy to keep clean and heal. If you’re expanding your body art, you may be more interested in how a new tattoo flows with existing work or contributes to a full sleeve or bodysuit.
There are also practical things to think about. Will the tattoo be visible at work? Will clothing rub against it during healing? Will it stretch or distort in the years ahead? These are the kinds of questions we go over in every consultation — and this guide will give you a strong foundation to start from.
Forearm Tattoos: VISIBLE, VERSATILE & BEGINNER-FRIENDLY
The forearm is one of the most popular places to get tattooed — and for good reason. It offers a flat, even surface that’s ideal for everything from intricate linework to bold black and grey realism. The pain level is relatively low, making it a comfortable option for first-timers, and it’s a highly visible area that lets your artwork shine every day.
Because it’s such a public spot, forearm tattoos are perfect for people who wear their stories with pride. Whether you go for a name, a symbol, or a full wraparound piece, this area gives you plenty of space and flexibility. It also integrates beautifully into larger compositions if you’re planning a full sleeve down the track.
Forearm tattoos are perfect for:
First-timers looking for a comfortable spot
Clients who want their tattoo on full display
Detailed linework, blackwork, or realistic portraits
Pieces that may evolve into sleeves later on
Designs that benefit from a flatter surface and easy healing
Thinking about starting with a forearm piece?
This placement is one of the most balanced and artist-friendly areas to tattoo — visible, meaningful, and made to last.
Upper Arm & Bicep Tattoos: CLASSIC PLACEMENT WITH CREATIVE POTENTIAL
The upper arm is a classic tattoo placement that works well for both small standalone designs and larger sleeves. It’s slightly more discreet than the forearm, which makes it a great middle-ground option for people who want the ability to cover up if needed.
The outer arm has thick skin and good muscle padding, which makes it one of the less painful areas to tattoo. The bicep, especially the inner side, can be more sensitive — but it’s still manageable for most clients. This area allows for great flow and shape, particularly for pieces with curves or movement, and works well for traditional, illustrative, or colour-heavy designs.
Upper arm & bicep tattoos are perfect for:
Clients who want a balance between visibility and discretion
Larger, flowing designs that wrap around muscle shape
Traditional, illustrative, or bold colour tattoos
Building into half or full sleeves over time
A lower-pain option with maximum versatility
Thinking long-term?
The upper arm gives you creative flexibility now — and a strong base for future tattoo plans.
Thigh Tattoos: A PRIVATE CANVAS WITH MAXIMUM CREATIVE FREEDOM
Thigh tattoos are a favourite for people who want something bold but private. They provide a large, mostly flat canvas that’s perfect for highly detailed work — from florals and animals to surrealism and anime pieces. Because this area is usually covered, thigh tattoos tend to age really well with less sun exposure and less wear and tear from daily life.
Pain levels here are generally moderate. The front and outer thigh are the most comfortable, while the inner thigh can be more sensitive. Healing is straightforward if you wear loose clothing and avoid intense movement in the first week. If you’re looking for a placement that gives you creative freedom without being “on show” all the time, the thigh is an excellent choice.
Thigh tattoos are perfect for:
Large-scale designs with flow and movement
Clients who want bold artwork that’s not always visible
Realism, floral, fantasy, or anime-inspired styles
Long-lasting tattoos with minimal sun exposure
Comfortable healing with less rubbing or skin stress
Thinking of going big, but keeping it personal?
The thigh gives you the space to go all in — on your terms.
Rib Tattoos: ELEGANT, INTIMATE & NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED
Rib tattoos are infamous for one thing: pain. There’s no sugar-coating it — this area is one of the most sensitive places to get tattooed. But for many people, the results are well worth the discomfort. Rib tattoos are elegant, intimate, and often incredibly striking when done well.
Because the ribs move with every breath, your artist needs a steady hand and a calm canvas — which means you’ll want to come in well-rested, hydrated, and ready to breathe through the session. Fine line and script work are especially popular here, but the long vertical space also works beautifully for snakes, florals, and ornamental patterns.
If you’re prepared for the healing process (loose clothing is a must), a rib tattoo can be one of the most powerful and personal placements available.
Rib tattoos are perfect for:
Clients who want a private but impactful piece
Fine line work, script, or long vertical designs
Elegant, flowing artwork that follows the body’s shape
Symbolic tattoos with deep personal meaning
Experienced clients ready for a more intense session
Ready to go deep — artistically and mentally?
Rib tattoos demand focus, but the result is often unforgettable.
Back Tattoos: THE ULTIMATE CANVAS FOR BIG IDEAS
Your back is the ultimate blank canvas. From full Japanese bodysuit work to symmetrical spiritual pieces or custom black and grey compositions, this area allows for some of the most ambitious and awe-inspiring tattoos around. It’s also a fantastic placement for people who want large tattoos that they don’t have to see every day — or that can remain hidden under clothing when needed.
Pain levels vary depending on the specific area. The upper back is relatively low on the pain scale, while the spine and lower back can be more intense. Because back pieces are often large, they may require multiple sessions to complete — but the payoff is a tattoo that truly makes a statement.
Back tattoos are perfect for:
Large-scale work, full backs, or multi-session compositions
Clients who want dramatic, detailed, or spiritual pieces
Black and grey realism, Japanese, or biomech designs
Tattoos that are easy to hide and low-maintenance once healed
People ready to commit to bigger projects with serious visual payoff
Thinking big?
Your back gives you limitless space to turn vision into art — and statement into legacy.
Chest Tattoos: PERSONAL, POWERFUL & SYMMETRICAL
Chest tattoos are deeply personal. For many clients, this is where they choose to place designs that mean the most — memorials, spiritual symbols, or artwork that represents their core identity. The chest offers great symmetry, which makes it ideal for centered or mirrored designs like mandalas, sacred geometry, or wings.
This area can be moderately to highly painful, especially over the sternum and collarbones. Healing can also be a bit tricky if you’re used to sleeping on your stomach or wearing tight shirts. But with the right design and a skilled artist, chest tattoos can be some of the most powerful work you’ll ever get.
Chest tattoos are perfect for:
Memorials, spiritual designs, and highly personal artwork
Centered or symmetrical tattoos with strong visual balance
Sacred geometry, mandalas, animals, or script
Clients who want powerful placement with deep meaning
Experienced clients prepared for moderate-to-high discomfort
Want something close to the heart — in every sense?
Chest tattoos offer intensity, symbolism, and a striking visual center.
Hand Tattoos: HIGH IMPACT, HIGH COMMITMENT
Hand tattoos are bold. There’s no hiding them, and that’s exactly the appeal for many clients. From finger tattoos and minimalist lines to full top-of-hand pieces, these tattoos are often expressive and visually striking. But they’re also a big commitment.
Because the hands are exposed to water, sun, and friction almost constantly, tattoos here tend to fade faster and may require touch-ups over time. They can also be painful to apply, especially on the knuckles and sides. We recommend hand tattoos for experienced collectors who understand the care and maintenance involved — and who are ready to wear their ink proudly every day.
Hand tattoos are perfect for:
Bold, expressive clients with visible tattoo experience
Minimalist designs, sacred symbols, lettering, or blackwork
Statement pieces that reflect identity and lifestyle
Those who are comfortable with potential fading and touch-ups
People ready for a high-visibility, high-impact tattoo
Considering a hand tattoo?
This area is for confident collectors who are ready to wear their art — 24/7.
Foot & ankle Tattoos: SUBTLE, MEANINGFUL & DELICATE
Foot and ankle tattoos are subtle, elegant, and often highly personal. They’re great for small designs like fine-line florals, symbolic imagery, or minimalist script. While the visual payoff is beautiful, the process can be tough — the skin here is thin and close to bone, which makes this one of the more painful placements.
Healing also requires some care. You’ll need to avoid tight shoes and socks while your tattoo heals, and be prepared for some sensitivity when walking. But once healed, foot tattoos can be a stunning way to keep something meaningful just for you — or just under the surface.
Foot & ankle tattoos are perfect for:
Small, delicate designs with personal meaning
Florals, symbols, fine line script, or micro tattoos
Clients looking for elegant and subtle placement
Those prepared for higher sensitivity and detailed aftercare
A tattoo that feels like a secret — or a subtle surprise
Want something understated and unique?
This placement may be small, but it makes a lasting impression.
Neck Tattoos: FEARLESS, VISIBLE & UNMISTAKABLY BOLD
Neck tattoos are for the bold. This is one of the most visible and personal placements, and it’s not for everyone — but for the right person, it can be a stunning extension of their identity. Whether it’s ornamental designs along the sides, minimalist fine line work under the ear, or full throat pieces, neck tattoos demand attention.
This is also one of the most painful areas to tattoo, and it comes with social and professional considerations. But for those who have already committed to visible tattoos and want to take it a step further, the neck offers a powerful statement that blends strength and artistry.
Neck tattoos are perfect for:
Confident, experienced clients with visible tattoos already
Bold symbolic work, elegant linework, or statement lettering
Designs that follow natural curves or frame the face
Those comfortable with pain, visibility, and long-term care
People ready to turn their body into a complete artistic expression
Thinking about taking it all the way?
Neck tattoos are fearless, intentional, and unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right placement is more than a technical decision — it’s part of the story your tattoo tells. At Victims of Ink, we work with every client to find the perfect balance between body flow, design, comfort, and meaning. Whether you want something bold and visible or personal and private, we’re here to help you make the best choice for you.
Ready to Book
Drop by our studio in South Yarra or book a free consultation online. Let’s talk design, placement, and make sure your next tattoo is one you’ll love for life.
