In the early days of tattooing, it was already considered decent work if a lettering tattoo didn’t look completely awkward and the letters were roughly the same size. These were the TOO TOUGH TO DIE, DEATH BEFORE DISHONOR, MOM, DAD classic, old-school phrases. This was where the lettering revolution began.
Early days
In the 1990s, tattoo magazines started becoming available, and stereotypes slowly began to fade. Many people realized that tattoos weren’t only for criminals. Clients started looking for quality, and tattoo artists appeared who could finally pull clean, straight lines.
After the internet
With the explosion of the internet, the world opened up. Font collection websites appeared where anyone could browse and choose freely. One of the most popular platforms was: DAFONT.COM
A huge variety of fonts became available in one place — almost too many to choose from. Over time, however, it became clear that despite hundreds of pages of options, people tended to pick from the same few styles they had already seen on singers, models, or celebrities.
Today
In recent years, there has finally been a growing demand for custom lettering. Under the names calligraphy and lettering a distinct tattoo style has emerged. It’s no longer enough to pick a generic font from the internet — people want truly custom text designed specifically for their body and placement. Sometimes these designs can be harder to read, but visual impact is just as important as the message itself. In some cases, looking good is enough — the wearer already knows what the text means.
Masters of lettering
Within the Everest Tattoo team Évi and Bogi specialize in lettering. Every design they create is unique and tailored, to the individual client and the specific body placement. The process usually starts with sketching the design on paper or digitally. Once the client approves the concept, the tattooing process follows.
Check out some videos on how these masterpieces are made:
Have you ever seen someone getting a tattoo on their forehead?
A wonderful inscription was made on Dzdiiza's back.
This is how you should decorate a hand...
Reality check
You’ll often see photos online of tattoos placed in unusual areas (side of the hand, edges of the foot, inside the mouth, certain finger placements), typically lettering. Fresh photos can look impressive, but the healed result is often very different. The truth is that extreme placements are rarely ideal for tattoos. If you saw how many of these pieces look after a few months, you might not be so eager to go through the process.
Ultra-fine lettering has also become trendy. However, on certain skin types and areas, these delicate lines can blur or thicken over time. Many images online are taken immediately after tattooing and don’t reflect the healed result..
Another crucial aspect of lettering tattoos is spelling and grammar.. If you’re unsure, ask for help. If you’re choosing a quote in a foreign language, automatic translators may not provide the best result. Take the time to research — it’s usually worth it.
If you’d like to explore international artists working in different lettering styles, we recommend checking out: Mystik, Sam Taylor, Pierroked