I often see lettering tattoos and have to look and look to try and figure out what the letters say and it drives me nuts! What is the point in having a tattoo with letters that no one can read? These are generally very script type letters that are swirly, curly and scripts.

When I was working with my tattoo artist on a design for my children, I made sure I stressed to him I wanted people to be able to read what my letters said. I wanted a pretty lettering style but not to swirly people had to strain their eyes trying to figure out what my tattoo said. Believe me, there is nothing more annoying than someone asking what your tattoo says becuase they can not read it!

English lettering is very popular among tattoo artists and many will dress the letters up with their own creative style. Celtic lettering is also popular.

Keep that in mind when you are looking at lettering options for your tattoo! Just because it looks cool to you today does not mean it will when no one can read what it says. I promise you that it will get on your last nerve when people start asking what it says! Most of the time lettering tattoos can not be covered with more letters, so you will be stuck with it forever!

Here is an example of a very creative lettering tattoo. This tattoo was created at  the Tattoo Studio in Crayford.

The ideas worked around the arrival of Jon’s son Noah, The cards represent the date and time of birth, separated by the suits ( the Ace represents 11 ) the diamonds are the weight. The text came from Jon’s interest in Graffiti, and the cherub in a bullet proof vest was a rework of a banksy wall art.

This is part of an ongoing sleeve, which will eventually be joined together keeping the same sort of style and theme.

I really like this tattoo and the idea behind it. The tattoo artist did a great job on conveying the message!