I haven’t got a clue on a design
I’ve not read the whole thread. Getting my first one took years. The design came first, and spent a long time getting drawn and redrawn (I draw – not brilliantly, but well enough to show someone else what I want). I’ve had two more since, including a full back. Those have taken less time, but even so I am not letting anyone draw just something into my skin unless I definitely like what they’re actually drawing.
The lad who did my back will take a deposit and will draw a design for me which he won’t be bothered at all if I don’t go through with (as long as I don’t take it to someone else local). I’m busy working up a design at the moment. If I decide I want it, I’ll pay him to make it perfect, and then we’ll see about getting it inked in.
I’m not judging anyone else’s process for this stuff, but that’s how I go about it. And I’m completely free of regret about any of mine.
🙂