Tattoo background notes

Background reading on tattoo methods, skin, equipment and the practical limits that affect a design.

Blog topics

Weathered Irish standing stone beside a cream sketchbook and tracing-paper layout studies.

Tattoo background notes11 Mar 2026

Ogham Tattoo Ideas: Spelling, Layout and Placement

Online converters are not a final spelling check. I explain what a specialist should verify first, then how I plan reading direction, spacing, placement and the final stencil.

8 min read

Editorial comparison of six tattoo style studies on paper

Tattoo background notes6 Mar 2026

Tattoo Styles Explained: How to Choose a Direction

I work most often in Fine Line, Realism, Blackwork, Dotwork, Ornamental and Celtic or Irish styles. The right direction depends on line weight, contrast, colour, detail, scale and how the design sits on your chosen body area.

7 min read