I want a tattoo, but I don’t know what I want!
A guide and questionnaire for someone looking for tattoo ideas, that doesn’t involve looking at any imagery.
I’m not just designing tattoos—I’m designing identities, symbols, and personal mythologies.
I am acting as both an artist and a guide, helping people surface what’s meaningful to them.
The questions I ask are thoughtful and evocative.
Here are some of them that you can use to go deeper and open different creative doors:
Start to think of words for your vibes like “cyberpunk,” “forest witch,” “ghostly romantic,” “vintage rebel,” “soft chaos,” etc.
What comes to mind when I ask,
• “What’s your vibe?”
• “Who are you in this world?”
• “What subset of society do you represent?”
• “Who were you in High School?, Is that still you?”
⸻ Here are some categories in which you can find questions to guide you on the path of some creative answers that I love to turn into tattoos! -Adam
Personal Symbolism & Story
• What’s something you’ve overcome that you’re proud of?
• Are there any memories, dreams, or moments that feel “core” to who you are?
• Is there a symbol or image you’ve always felt drawn to but don’t know why?
• If your life had a logo, what might it look like?
• What is a reoccurring symbol, item or story in your life that brings you joy?
• If your life was a novel, what would the title of your memoir be?
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Mood & Aesthetic Vibe
• If your energy had a color, texture, or pattern—what would it be?
• If you had to wear one color for the rest of your life, what would it be?
• What kinds of music, movies, or books do you feel most “seen” by?
• Do you identify more with chaos or order?
• Earthy or digital? Ancient or futuristic? Playful or Rigid? Fun or Serious?
• Maximalist or minimalist? Bright and Loud or Reserved and Demure?
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Spiritual & Archetypal
• Do you feel connected to any animals, elements, or mythologies?
• Is there a goddess, god, or archetype that reflects your vibe?
• Do you relate more to the hero, the healer, the wanderer, the rebel, the magician?
• Is there a life message you wish to share with every new acquaintance?
• Is there a building, structure or icon that you resonate with on an archetypal level?
• If you were a shape, a color, or a word, what would that be?
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Playful & Unexpected
• What would your video game character be? Whose ass are they kicking? What is their weapon of choice? Do they have a cool tattoo or scar? Special haircut?
• Do you have a power color? If not distinguished yet, what color comes to mind?
• If you had to wear the same outfit every day for a year, what would it be?
• What three objects would you put in a time capsule to represent your soul?
• Do you see yourself as a confident or shy life player? Are you a risk taker?
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Visual Language & Style
• What kinds of art, design, or fashion do you find beautiful—even if you don’t wear it?
• Do you like bold lines or subtle detail? Minimal or full scenes?
• Would you rather your tattoos feel like armor, jewelry, scars, graffiti, or whispers?
• Do you picture your future tattoos going with your clothing or hide underneath your every day appearance?
• Would you rather your tattoos feel like armor, jewelry, scars, graffiti, or whispers?
“You don’t need to know what you want. You just need to know who you are.”- Adam , Fine Line Willy
