Behind the Words: Tattoo Fonts
Whether by themselves or as part of a bigger image, words are popular tattoos. Words can literally say anything-from names to bits of lyrics, entire poems or sayings in foreign languages, word tattoos never loose their meanings even as times change. However, when deciding on a tattoo, finding the right quote is only the first step of the process. In fact, sometimes, know what to say is nothing compared to deciding how to say it.
Tattoo fonts are as important if not more important than the actual words that comprise the tattoo. A tattoo is a visual art, and since the words are not going to be read aloud, how they look can sometimes say a lot more than the words themselves. For that reason, deciding which tattoo fonts to use for a word tattoo is a nerve-wracking experience, but when the right match is found, the result is tattoo perfection.
A Picture Says a Thousand Words
Tattoo fonts are important for a number of reasons. When a tattoo is only words, the font makes the art-the font gives the words character and deeper meaning, and especially when the tattoo is in a foreign language, especially an ancient language, it helps bring to life the culture. A Gaelic tattoo not written in some kind of script would not have the impact a Gaelic tattoo written in cursive or flowery fonts would.
Tattoo fonts give words life, a visual meaning-they transform words into art. However, the tattoo fonts used must still be legible. Sometimes individuals get too carried away with the visual impression of their tattoos, rendering the actual words in the tattoo unreadable. Word tattoos especially cannot be too small, especially if the font used is a little more intricate.
Also, sometimes words are only a part of the bigger picture. Maybe they are inscribed on a banner, or encircle an image. In this case, the tattoo fonts chosen must reflect the attitude of the picture. Otherwise, the tattoo will seem disjointed. Tattoo fonts should look like they belong in the image-they should not stick out.
For instance, if the tattoo is subtle or innocent, the font used should not be bold or angry. It should flow in cursive or script. On the other hand, if the tattoo depicts the grim reaper or some other kind of angry icon, than the font can be a little harsher. In this case, cursive tattoo fonts would completely ruin the mood of the tattoo.
