Help me design my tattoo

[Twodogsonthecouch]

Help me design my tattoo
1 reply

Twodogsonthecouch · Today 16:19
I’m about to turn 59. My daughter gave me a Christmas present of a voucher for a tattoo from the same artist that did hers. This will be my first tattoo and I know I would never have done it if she hadn’t given me a push. I’m now excited and nervous.
This was triggered by me fighting the stereotype of middle aged menopausal women who tend to become invisible in society. I’m really lucky; I have a great job which is well paid. I’m a partner in the job so was able to take 8 weeks off last year and used this to walk the Camino de Frances solo from St Jean to Santiago. I have a very supportive husband and 4 adult children that I am very close to. Despite all this I can still feel invisible at times!
So back to that tattoo. I want a tattoo to commemorate my Camino. I want it on my forearm because I want to see it myself and if I’m getting one I refuse to compromise and hide it away. I want a simple, minimalist line tattoo incorporating the symbols of the Camino: mainly a shell, arrow and a path. A friend of my daughter’s, who is a graphic designer, is going to help me and obviously I will chat to the tattoo artist but I would love to hear from experienced tattoo people 😊
I’m thinking of something like this

Shameless repost for traffic

Do you have pinterest? Its good for tattoo ideas.
Not a tattoo expert (only have 1) but in process of designing my second.

I like the one connected to this (aware its not especially "simple" but came up in a search)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Man-Camino-Tattoo-Searching-sanctuary/dp/1910044172

That’s actually really cool

So I think I’m there. Will obviously have to see if there are any changes for technical reasons when I meet the tattoo artist

Final result. Very happy 😁❤️

Looks fab

Hey, first of all, huge respect for doing the Camino solo. That’s an incredible journey and a powerful reason to get your first tattoo.
Your story hit home for me, especially the part about fighting invisibility. Tattoos can be such a beautiful way to reclaim space and identity, and it sounds like this one will carry so much meaning.
For the design: minimalist shells, arrows, and winding paths can look amazing on the forearm. I’ve seen some done with a single fine line that subtly morphs into the shape of a shell or arrow; it’s clean, symbolic, and super meaningful. You might even consider adding coordinates of Santiago or a small date from your journey.
Also, when I was researching ideas for my own piece, I came across some really helpful tips from artists trained by the Certified Tattoo Academy they focus a lot on meaning and balance in minimalist designs, so maybe mention your story to the artist and see how they can capture that in line work.
And honestly, don’t stress the age thing; tattoos aren’t just for 20-somethings. They’re about marking your story, on your terms. This is going to be such a powerful piece.