Many skull designs have other elements added to them to create new and unique tattoo designs. Sometimes it's a banner that wraps around the skull and has someone's name printed on it. Other times the skull is wrapped in flames or even flowers depending on the taste of the customer. Many tattoo shop customers want to have a skull tattoo to show that they like to live life on the edge a bit maybe. This is especially true of those people who enjoy dangerous sports or hobbies and who want to show everyone else that they're not afraid. Skull tattoos aren't just for male customers though. Many women have skull tattoos on their bodies, perhaps with flowers around the design or the skull might be smiling or a little more light-hearted than the male customer's version of the design.
The skull design that some people may bring to the tattoo shop artist may have been found in a search online going through web site databases of images. Once the customer finds an image that might look nice as a tattoo design, they take that image to the tattoo artist and have a sketch made of a unique design that has the skull image in it. The design may be altered and modified to more closely match the idea that the customer has for the tattoo, with some line or color changes.
Once the design is finalized and the artist is ready to begin, the choice of location on the customer's body needs to be made. By using line sketch copies of the actual size tattoo design and placing it on various areas of the customer's body, the tattoo artist can suggest what location may be best for the customer to have it. It's important that the choice of location on the body doesn't interfere with the person's ability to do his job properly. Some companies have strict policies against visible tattoos showing on their employee's bodies when dealing with the public. So be sure that it's all right with your boss before you get any sort of visible tattoo.