Tattooing operates on the same design principles as architecture, graphic design, or any other creative field. Whether you're working with skin, structures, or pixels, the design fundamentals stay consistent across all mediums.
BALANCE AND COMPOSITION: GUIDING THE EYE
In graphic design, balance ensures a layout is visually cohesive. In tattooing, balance ensures the work flows naturally with the body’s contours. Great tattoos aren’t forced—they blend with the body’s movement and flow. Just like an architect considers a building’s surroundings, tattoo artists take the human form into account when designing, making sure the piece feels at home on the skin.
PROPORTION: THE FOUNDATION OF EVERY PIECE
Proportion applies across the board. Whether it's the scale of a logo or the size of a building, the concept remains the same. Tattooing thrives on proportion—knowing how to scale a piece to fit the body without overwhelming it. The key is creating harmony between size, placement, and detail.
CONTRAST AND HIERARCHY: DIRECTING ATTENTION
Good design directs the viewer’s attention. Tattooing is no different. Strong contrast enhances a tattoo’s depth and dimension, guiding the eye to key details. Hierarchy matters too—it's the artist’s way of telling you what’s important, whether through bold lines or subtle shading. This is how tattooing ensures a visual impact that resonates over time.
THE GRID: A FRAMEWORK FOR EXECUTION
Grids aren’t exclusive to architecture or design—they’re critical in tattooing. Whether for geometric precision or aligning intricate patterns, grids provide the structure needed to execute clean and well-balanced tattoos. The best results come from thoughtful planning, allowing the final piece to have clarity and structure without chaos.
TEXTURE AND DEPTH: BUILDING DIMENSION
Tattooing involves creating depth through shading, stippling, or fine-line work. Much like an illustrator adds depth to a flat page, tattoo artists bring dimension to the skin, creating rich textures that breathe life into the design. It’s about layering details to create a dynamic, dimensional piece that invites closer inspection.
DESIGN THINKING: A PROCESS THAT GOES DEEP
Tattoo artists aren’t just applying ink—they’re solving visual problems. Design thinking—concept development, iteration, and execution—drives every piece. The process is thoughtful, and every decision made serves the larger vision. Like architects and designers, tattoo artists take a holistic approach to ensure the end result is more than just an image—it has purpose and meaning.
TATTOOING IS DESIGN
Tattooing is deeply rooted in design principles, from proportion and balance to contrast and texture. At Velours, we see tattooing as a fusion of art and strategy, blending aesthetics with intention.