It might be a character you watched as a child, a scene that still makes you laugh or a drawing you simply love. If you are thinking about a cartoon tattoo, the first question is often how to bring that image onto your skin without losing what you like about it.

A reference is a good starting point. From there, the size, lines and colour need to suit the area you choose. It is not about including every detail from the screen, but about keeping the character recognisable and making the design feel right for you.

What to keep from the character and what to simplify

Think about what makes it recognisable: perhaps the eyes, an expression, a silhouette or an accessory. Those features should still be clear when you look at the tattoo from a little distance.

If you want a small piece, you may need to remove background details or simplify the face. A clear expression often adds more than several tiny lines competing with each other.

To compare approaches to drawing, you can look at pieces by artists such as Nuria Varas. Bring references and point out what you like about each one: this makes it easier to explain the result you are looking for.

How to choose between colour and black

You do not need every colour from the original to keep its personality. A limited palette can help the different elements stand out, while a black design can put more focus on the expression or outline.

• Outline: helps separate shapes and make the silhouette recognisable.
• Colour: can highlight the most distinctive features without filling every space.
• Details: keep the ones that add something and adapt the rest to the size.

Photos can give you an idea, but colour will not look exactly the same on every skin tone or stay identical over the years. Ask about the expected finish and, if examples are available, look at healed pieces too.

Size and placement: try it before deciding

Arms, thighs and calves can offer room for a larger composition. In a smaller area, the level of detail will need adjusting. Your posture and the curves of your body also change how the drawing looks.

If you already have tattoos nearby, think about the space between pieces and which way the character faces. Trying the stencil helps you see everything together before you start. You may change your mind about the size once you see it on your skin.

After your session

Follow your tattoo artist’s instructions for cleaning, protection and moisturising. Do not pick at peeling skin during healing, and avoid direct sunlight. Once healed, protect the area from the sun to care for your skin and the appearance of your tattoo.

At Bon Vivant Tattoo Studio, on Calle Montera in Madrid, you can start with a reference or an idea that is still taking shape. What matters is that you like the character and understand why each adjustment is being suggested.