Collector’s Guide: Getting a Small Tattoo
Whether you're getting your first tattoo or just adding another piece to your collection, small tattoos are a great way to express yourself.
Fine line citrus stamp tattoo by resident artist Mark Kalinskiy.
At Ink & Dagger, we believe every tattoo—no matter the size—deserves thoughtful design and expert execution. Here’s everything you need to know about getting a small tattoo with us.
Why Go Small?
Resident artist Michel Parisay tattoos lettering on his client.
Small tattoos are a great idea for many since they’re super versatile. They’re perfect for first-timers who want to test the waters or for seasoned collectors looking for something subtle yet impactful.
Here’s why our clients get small tattoos:
Quick and easy – Most small tattoos take less than two hours.
Budget-friendly – They are cost efficient, usually falling under $500 depending on size and detail.
Great for any spot – Perfect for visible or hidden placements.
Quick healing – Less trauma to the skin means quicker recovery.
Types of Small Tattoos
Small tattoos come in a variety of styles, each with its own unique charm. Here are some of the most popular types:
Lettering & Symbols – Minimal and timeless, these tattoos often feature initials, meaningful words, or tiny symbols like stars, hearts, and astrological signs.
Traditional – Classic bold lines and vibrant colors make even the smallest tattoo stand out.
Fine Line – Fine line tattoos are minimalist and modern. It takes a high level of precision to achieve these more delicate designs, so they typically take more time to tattoo.
Illustrative – A mix of bold and fine lines with shading gives small designs more depth. This style opens the door to endless possibilities.
Picking the Perfect Design
Snoopy tattoo by resident artist Michel Parisay.
Just because a tattoo is small doesn’t mean design doesn’t matter! Here’s what to keep in mind:
Keep it simple – Small tattoos means lines are closer together. A simplified design can help ensure the tattoo is readable and has longevity.
Black and gray vs. color – Let your artist know your preference and ask for their advice for your unique skin.
Make it personal – Even small tattoos should mean something to you, whether deep or just for fun.
Figuring Out Placement
Where you place your tattoo plays a big role in how it will look over time.
Some popular spots include:
Arms & legs– Easy to show off and great for long-lasting artwork.
Minimalistic cat tattoo by resident artist Mark Kalinskiy.
Ankles & feet – Looks great, but choose your placement wisely.
Ankles are a great spot for tattoos because they can be easily shown off or covered based on your preference.
As for foot tattoos, we recommend placing your tattoo on the top of the foot. Avoid the tougher skin on the sides for best results.
Minimalistic Pikachu tattoo by resident artist Bryn Riihimaki.
Fingers & hands – Trendy, but there are a few things to consider.
First, think about your current or future career—some workplaces still have policies about visible hand tattoos.
Second, ink has a higher risk of falling out of the skin on fingers and hands during healing. To get the best results, we recommend avoiding the sides of your fingers and the palms of your hands, as these areas tend to lose ink.
Minimalistic finger tattoos by resident artist Amber Grey.
What to Expect
Getting a tattoo at Ink & Dagger is a breeze! Here’s the process:
Consultation – Even for small tattoos, a quick chat with your artist ensures the best results.
Finalizing the design – We’ll tweak the design to make sure it looks great at a small size.
Tattoo time! – Small tattoos are quick, but we take the time to make every line perfect.
Aftercare tips – We’ll send you home with proper care instructions and products to keep your tattoo looking fresh.
Booking Your Small Tattoo
Fine line bunnies tattoo by resident artist Mark Kalinskiy.
Whether you’ve got a design in mind or need help figuring it out, our artists are ready to bring your idea to life.
Ready to book? Get in touch with us by visiting Booking and sending in a form!
