What is a backward tattoo?

A tattoo may have a  backwards look if it is placed looking towards your back (i.e., facing toward your back if it is on your arm).

"The general rule is that the tattoo

should be level, facing the front of your body

 in the shortest way possible."

One possible exception is If the tattoo is on your upper back, it could be facing towards the middle of your back.

If it is on your ankle, it should be facing to the front.

Tattoos that are "backward" tend to look a little off and are not as visually appealing as tattoos that are facing the proper direction.

This is an opinion of some artists, but may not be the opinion of every artist.  The best rule is to think about placement of your tattoo and help the artist with that placement.  You are going to wear your tattoo for a lifetime, and we will do whatever you think is best.

Click to enlarge pictures

Examples of tattoos that may look better if they were facing the other way.

Why is this man not smiling?

Maybe he just realized the tattoo artist (not Gary Mayo) put the art on his arm backwards!  For life!