If you’ve seen practically any movie or television show lately, you might be under the impression that certain types of people get certain types of tattoos. Women get butterflies or flowers; men get tribal armbands – at least according to the media. But if you look closely, you’ll see that there’s lots of flexibility, especially for small cross tattoos.
A cross tattoo is a good choice for both men and women. If you’re a man, you might feel pressured to choose a large design. But a nice tattoo doesn’t have to be one that covers your entire chest or back. You can make a statement that’s equally powerful if you select a small design.
One important thing to keep in mind is that you have more freedom to choose where to place a small tattoo. Big tattoos necessarily require large patches of skin, but a small tattoo can be placed almost anywhere. If you want to place a tattoo on your arm or leg, for example, a smaller design will fit more easily than a large one.
For ladies, a small tattoo is probably the more intuitive choice. Women are usually smaller than men, so they have less skin to work with. Also, because their bodies are more curvaceous, it can be hard to find an area that can be tattooed relatively easily (and relatively painlessly)! A smaller tattoo is often seen as more feminine.
But you don’t have to sacrifice style for size. A small tattoo can still make a big statement. Try embellishing the edges of the cross design with vines, flowers, or intricate lines. You might not be able to include an entire passage from the Bible, but you could reference the verse.
Perhaps the best way to make your small tattoo really stand out is by using color. Inks in various colors can draw attention to even the smallest of tattoos. A splash of red can be particularly dramatic. Even if you prefer the monochromatic look of black and gray inks, you can still use shading to make your tattoo really pop.
Finally, the key to being happy with your small tattoo is choosing the right place on your body. The lower back is a great choice for women, because it can draw attention to your feminine curves, but you can also cover it up for work or a trip to grandma’s. The ankle is a great option for both men and women, especially if you’re looking for something discreet.
Whatever tattoo design you ultimately choose, remember that you will have to live with it forever. A cross design is a great choice because it will stay strong, just like your faith. Remember that you can use color and position to customize small cross tattoos. Joanne R. Graham
