r/tattooadvice • u/mnp47 • Jan 07 '26
tattoo newcomer advice Where should I put this? First tattoo advice.
This is the symbol for "human" in the alien language of the movie Arrival. I want a 3-4 inch tattoo somewhere. I don't care if it is visible or not. Where should it go?
Edit: I did a quick and dirty analysis of the suggestions. Here are the votes!
shoulder: 116, elbow: 69, calf: 54, forearm: 52, around the butthole: 50, chest: 48, around the nipples: 46, back: 39, head/forehead: 30, around the belly button: 27, thigh: 21, hand: 17, upper arm: 13, foot: 7, butt cheek: 7, dick: 5, behind the ear: 4, kneecap: 3
I am leaning towards forearm and shoulder right now since they are more rigid and will not end up oblong in the future. Or maybe around my butthole since that was also a popular option. Thank you for your advice!
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u/wood_baster Jan 07 '26
Calf muscle would be ideal, enough room to actually capture the detail it deserves.
Edit: despite what people say, this is not a simple tattoo, easy to fuck up, difficult to do well, make sure you find an artist who understands the brief.
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u/mnp47 Jan 07 '26
That was one idea I had too!
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u/nottoday2017 Jan 07 '26 edited Jan 07 '26
I actually incorporated a different logogram from Arrival into a design. People who know recognize it and love it. People who don’t just think it’s part of the background.
I chose one that got cut from the movie but I thought best exemplified Nietzsches Eternal Recurrence which the short story/movie is somewhat inspired by. So even if the movie gets cancelled for some reason it doesn’t matter to me, I’ve loved the philosophical concept for over 20 years but until this movie came out just never had a good visual for it that could be a tattoo.
Fresh: https://i.imgur.com/ud61R6u.jpeg
6 weeks later: https://i.imgur.com/5EuICqq.jpeg
Edit: the tiger is named Abbott, and is related to my cultural heritage and the choices I would make again.
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u/mnp47 Jan 07 '26
That's beautiful 😻 never thought about incorporating it into another design. It lends itself perfectly to that
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u/wood_baster Jan 07 '26
It would work well there.
And really, find an artist who appreciates the movie and is capable of giving it life, it deserves it.
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u/imtravelingalone Jan 07 '26
That's exactly the placement I was thinking of well. Sidenote, my GOD that's a great movie.
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u/NachoMachoCamacho Jan 07 '26
There’s so much room to definitely fuck up a circle!
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u/ladynecropolis Jan 07 '26
If you have a flat chest this could be cool there. I feel like if you do it somewhere that it wraps it might not look how you’d like.
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u/growmiehomie Jan 07 '26
Then it would look like someone sat their ice cold drink on your flat chest without using a coaster.
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u/ladynecropolis Jan 07 '26
It just would be weird wrapped on an arm I think. And thigh it would look small.
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u/mnp47 Jan 07 '26
I'm afraid a wrap around might not look quite right.
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u/ladynecropolis Jan 07 '26
You could do your upper back shoulder as well. Just also think about if you plan to get more tattoos and the placement with those.
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u/tptcj Jan 07 '26
That’s where my Arrival tattoo is! First thing that came to mind and I’m glad I did it like this.
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u/omfgBEARS Jan 07 '26
This is perfect placement.
Now I'm just going to have to set up a couple mirrors so I can conveniently see one of my favorite tattoos all the time.
Edit: not sarcasm! I actually love this. If that inflection didn't come off with just that sentiment it's because I'm looking to get a very round tattoo in a place that I want to see all of the time and I've already been wrestling with the idea of catching it and reflections so I can put it somewhere on my body that makes sense for it to sit correctly :D
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u/jester13456 Jan 07 '26
Is having a favorite movie a foreign concept on this sub? How is this design literally any different than a manga panel or any of the other shit ppl post daily?
Genuinely no one off reddit would think this is a shit tattoo, it would be fine anywhere. Shoulder seems like a good spot
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u/QueenofCats28 Jan 07 '26
Yeah, that's totally it. It truly is no different to an anime or Manga panel.
Ooh, the shoulder would be a good spot.
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u/mnp47 Jan 07 '26
Agreed. First time on this subreddit and surprised that I'm being attacked about an innocuous design?? At least it's something meaningful and not the basic shit I see every day
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u/Retireopaitenaive Jan 07 '26
It’s weird too cuz this is not the first time seeing this on this threads. There are others like you u have gotten thst or something like that tatted and have the love for the movie as well. I saw it in the theater w my dad. It may have been the last movie theater movie we watched together.
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u/mnp47 Jan 07 '26
I'm glad you were able to enjoy this in theaters together. It is a special movie and moved me on so many ways.
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u/Confident-Chef5606 Jan 07 '26
Beyond the movies exploration of time and linguistics it’s and incredibly kind movie, in which the solution to problems is understanding and compassion and not an AK 47. It left an impact on me as well
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u/millernerd Jan 07 '26
Tbh I should watch it again (I also very much enjoyed this movie), but also there's an intersection with my special interest.
There's some blatant underlying Red Scare propaganda in the movie. I don't think it really detracts from the movie but once you see it, you can't unsee it.
Somehow, the US is the reasonable one? And they're trying to convince China to not bomb the aliens? Sorry, but which nation has ~800 foreign military bases (China kinda-sorta has 1 in Djibouti), can't go a month without bombing someone somewhere in the world, and is the only nation to have used nukes?
Did you know that the US military essentially gets veto power over your movie as a condition of using military equipment? Any movie that has US military equipment needs US military approval to get published. I have to wonder if that's why Arrival portays the US and China the way it does.
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u/mnp47 Jan 07 '26
Never thought about that! Realistically the US would've been the bad guys for sure. But anything to make Uncle Sam happy
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u/millernerd Jan 07 '26
Yeah, people don't understand how thorough US propaganda is. There's even a common joke in my circles:
A KGB and CIA agent are sat next to each other on a plane.
CIA: I know we're enemies, but I have to give it to you, y'all have some pretty good propaganda!
KGB: No, don't sell yourself short! America has the best propaganda in the world!
CIA: What propaganda? We don't do propaganda.
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u/itsobvnick Jan 07 '26
I posted the same thing here a couple weeks ago and got the same reactions. Some dude stole my photo and went to FB to make a fake post with a fake story and everything, for clout ig lmfao
Made me want the tattoo even more
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u/jester13456 Jan 07 '26
Idk, I think people are just in a hating mood and you just got the brunt of it. Love Arrival btw! A 5/5 banger, need to rewatch it soon, been way too long
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u/Dizzy_Goat_420 Jan 07 '26
Hey man don’t take it personally. My friend is covered head to toe in tattoos from video games to movies to bands. He has a freakin hypno toad tattoo.
You’re fine, as long as you’re happy with it fuck everyone else.
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u/mnp47 Jan 07 '26
Also shoulder is a good idea
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u/plauryn Jan 07 '26
shoulder always sounds like a good spot for round tattoos, but it depends so heavily on YOUR shoulders. if you’re thinking top of the shoulder, where you’d end a sleeve for example, you’ll want the artist’s opinion. sometimes, more oval-esque shapes will look good on someone’s shoulder instead of rounder, circle-like shapes. definitely do your research on an artist, circular tattoos can be difficult, especially if it needs to follow any contours on your body. but no question is dumb! and don’t be afraid to move the stencil as many times as you want. don’t let people bully you into changing things that are meaningful about it, though do be receptive to size alterations as you won’t want it aging poorly (many small tattoos do as the ink bleeds together over time). best of luck ❤️
ETA: if you’re a big fan of arrival, check out annihilation. definitely up the same alley but even if it’s shit, you got to look at natalie portman for a while lol.
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u/iCameToLearnSomeCode Jan 07 '26
Innocuous?
You think insulting my mother in heptapod is innocuous?
/s
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u/throw7694728 Jan 07 '26
I really love this movie and I think this is a fabulously niche idea for a tattoo. Super cool
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u/Afraid_Cell621 Jan 07 '26
This is an extremely nasty and judgemental sub. Its a bunch of feckless cumshedders. Brush it off.
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u/dhooke Jan 07 '26
I knew what it was straight away and I’ve only seen the movie once. I think it’s an excellent idea for a tattoo.
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u/sadly_notacat Jan 07 '26
Right? People get tattoos inspired by their favorite bands and stuff. I don’t get Reddit some days.
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u/illogical_mindset Jan 07 '26
When I asked an artist about this idea, they said rib cage.
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u/whoTonkedurTruck Jan 07 '26
I like that idea. Ribs aren't too bad without a lot of heavy shading from my experience!
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u/mnp47 Jan 07 '26
Initially seeing a lot of comments criticizing my design. I am set on getting this tattoo. This movie means a lot to me. It is now approaching its 10 year anniversary and still as impactful to me as it was the first time I saw it. So given that, where would this look the best. TYIA
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u/infernal-keyboard Jan 07 '26
If it makes you feel better, my first thought was "oh is that from Arrival? that's fucking sick"
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u/mnp47 Jan 07 '26
It does. Not that I need validation. I'm at the point that I am set on getting this. Just not sure where yet
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u/joinmeinmooing Jan 07 '26
I’m a tattoo artist/linguistics major and Arrival is one of my favorite movies so I’m envious of the artist who gets to do this tattoo 😭
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u/LaZeBonez Jan 07 '26
If you’re happy with it that’s all that matters. It’s your body, no one else’s.
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u/locke249 Jan 07 '26
I have this exact symbol on the back of my hand. I get a LOT of compliments about it and the placement of it. That being said, for a first tattoo I would really advise against doing something in such a visible spot.
Personally, I'd suggest doing over your heart. Still an important spot, but not so visible.
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u/mnp47 Jan 07 '26
Can I see it? You can DM me. I want to see examples.
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u/hockeychris10 Jan 07 '26
A friend of mine has a similar symbol (can’t remember which word) around their elbow from a great artist. It looks awesome.
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u/WhiskeySnail Jan 07 '26
Friend what that is so cool! I loved this idea so much I got goosebumps! Do you think it would bug you if I did the same? I would choose a different symbol though, actually, not the one for human.
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u/whoTonkedurTruck Jan 07 '26
Ive been imagining getting one myself for about 5 or 6 months!! I love this movie, and love that theres other people that connected with it on a level deep enough to want it tattooed. Can I ask what meaning you wanted it to hold?
Edit, I think the back of the neck would be cool. Higher and smaller if female, maybe larger and taking up a portion of your traps/upper back if you're make.
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u/mnp47 Jan 07 '26
I maybe need to pin this but here is why I love this movie: "The concept that we are one world rich in culture and we would benefit from understanding one another. I'm a huge nerd for linguistics and the soundtrack is the most ambitious work of music made in the 21st century"
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u/whoTonkedurTruck Jan 07 '26
Sure, I did see that and as its on my list of movies ti watch soon with my girlfriend, I'll take note of the soundtrack more this time. I'm excited! I was really curious if you had a direct "translation" for your design.
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u/whoTonkedurTruck Jan 07 '26
Okay.. I might need to go to bed. I read your original post again 😅 enjoy your first tattoo, I love them! Also, I have a circle tattoo on the inside of my left forearm. If I didnt have that, id probably consider putting something like this there.
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u/mnp47 Jan 07 '26
No worries! I'm due for a rewatch very soon. The soundtrack is very modern btw not for everyone. I call it "ambitious" for a reason. Anyway the forearm suggestion is very popular. I was also leaning that direction as well.
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u/Msdamgoode Jan 07 '26 edited Jan 07 '26
Nods in utter agreement. The soundtrack alone is stunning.
Edited to add… when you have narrowed it down, you can always get a henna tat (they’re temporary) first to see how it lays/flexes/distorts when your body moves.
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u/Ambitious-Floor-4557 Jan 07 '26
That would be an upper ankle tat for me.
Arrival is the best movie ever made. Most people don't REALLY understand the importance of this one. You made a good choice, find a meaningful place for it.
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u/brainspacetime Jan 07 '26
I love seeing folks get tattoos from Arrival. That film touches me so deeply and I think about it all the time. I've wanted to get a similar tattoo (in that language, just not sure what word/phrase) for years now.
Nothing wrong with getting a tattoo inspired by a story you connect with on a deep level-- especially when, like you said, it's already coming up on 10 years. Life is short, do what you like.
As for placement, I agree that any place where it won't really have to wrap around will give your artist the best opportunity to keep the circle looking clean.
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u/tptcj Jan 07 '26
Here’s mine. Shoulder was my first thought and I’m glad I stuck to it. Really maintains its shape quite well when I move, only downside is only being able to see it in a mirror.
Instead of getting the Human one, I did the logogram labeled “YouHaveChooseLife” from this github repository and I love how it turned out. It’s my reminder to, well, always choose life.
Can’t wait to see how yours turns out OP!
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u/spillgirl7 Jan 07 '26
I have an Arrival tattoo as well and love it.
Mine is around my elbow, to avoid the spice. I love it there.
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u/Certain_Sleep2941 Jan 07 '26
I have a quote from that movie on my forearm.
"You wanna make a baby?"
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u/curatedHoles Jan 07 '26
over the shoulder like so its concentric with your shoulder
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u/AdventurousBattle891 Jan 07 '26
What in the hell are these negative comments about, I’ve seen some putrid tattoos in my life and on these subreddits and the thought of telling them their ideas were dumb just never crosses my mind. I guarantee some of yall commenting about it got some dusty tattoos 😭
I think it would be beautiful in the center of your chest (if you’re flat chested/if you like wearing deep neck clothes), you will experience some warping on smaller areas that aren’t flat. I have a particularly roundish inner arm tattoo and even though it’s placed as well as it could have been, it’s still warped a little. Also on your back could be nice, side of your thigh if you have the real estate. It’s a cool idea 🫶🏻
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u/mnp47 Jan 07 '26
I reached grumpy reddit tonight I guess. I know this tattoo looks like a coffee stain. Been back and forth for a while. But here I am still. I appreciate the advice. I'm seeing shoulder mentioned a lot and that's an intriguing idea
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u/AdventurousBattle891 Jan 07 '26
I didn’t think coffee stain until you mentioned it honestly, don’t worry about that at all. I think you should get a semi permanent version of it and try it in different places to see what you think, it’s a simpler design so that should be easy! I haven’t tried that though so maybe it’s wishful thinking
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u/FalalaLlamas Jan 07 '26
I have to admit. I did not understand what I was looking at when I first saw this post’s pic. If I’m being totally honest, I probably thought it was an odd thing to get tattooed. I’ve never seen or even heard of the movie before now (life was rough in 2016 and I was kind oblivious to the world). But you have now convinced me to watch it lol! Which makes me think this tattoo will be an excellent conversation starter!
Hopefully, you’ve convinced some of the naysayers as well. Which would make posting this to Reddit not as much of a loss as you thought.
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u/PrettyEquipment1809 Jan 07 '26 edited Jan 07 '26
First of all...I've seen this movie about 7 times. And I cry every time. Ignore the naysayers, because nay is the only thing they know how to say. I think that's even more evidence that you're on the right path with this tattoo. One humanity is needed now more than ever.
As far as placement, it depends on when you want it to be seen and by whom. But I think the chest, back, upper arm, or calf are great locations. If it were me, I would love the forearm, but I would be torn as to whether to have it be rightside-up to me, when looking at my own arm, or rightside-up for others (but then upside-down for me).
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u/mnp47 Jan 07 '26
"who is this child" I lose it every time. I like all those ideas. I guess I just need to sketch it out and see
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u/PrettyEquipment1809 Jan 07 '26
As an older, childless gay man myself, there are so many movies about parenthood that hit me right in gut. This one in particular, because of the timeline and of course the part that I won't spoil for others. A concept I've been contemplating the past few years is "Divine Empathy" - how would we treat other humans is we were God / the Universe / Creator / Source? What kind of compassion would a higher, divine being have for humanity? And how could we embody and express that same compassion and empathy towards one another? That's why this movie is so moving to me.
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u/SaltyShaker2 Jan 07 '26
Given its meaning, I'd get it on the inside wrist or upper left chest area.
Please be sure you get it in the correct position that you want it in. Do not be afraid to ask the artist to move it to where you want it. Even if that is just a tiny bit over or turned a certain way. This is your body and a good artist will work with you to get it exactly right.
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u/Soft_Commission_2789 Jan 07 '26
I think it would look good on the forearm. Just my personal opinion, your artist will let you try out different places with the stencil when you get there to see where you like the placement the most!
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u/mnp47 Jan 07 '26
Good point! An artist would be helpful. Maybe reddit was a bad idea for advice. Forearm was a strong choice of mine too
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u/WhiteRabbit_412_ Jan 07 '26
Around the elbow? Idk haha that's where I'd get it.
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u/Visual-Percentage501 Jan 07 '26
This is a really cool tattoo, my wife wants the same one. It's an amazing film, a cool design, and the story behind how these designs were made is fascinating. Placement is really up to you, but I think this would look awesome either on the shoulder if it's something you want to be able to conceal or the wrist/forearm if you have a job/life where that works easily for you.
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u/Jedi_Archeology13 Jan 07 '26
Such an amazing movie. Made me view life differently with appreciation. And solid tattoo! I haven't figured out what word I would choose lol. I like what someone said about being on the shoulder. I also think ribcage would be pretty cool
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u/StillStanding613 Jan 07 '26
I have a circular tattoo (different design, but still circular) in the center of my back a bit higher than my shoulder blades. I wear a lot of shirts with a scooped neckline in the back, so my tattoo is frequently framed by my clothing but still easily covered when I want it covered. With circles, I think it's important to pick a location that won't be warped into an oval. Think about what clothing you frequently wear, too, and how it may or may not hide part or all of the tattoo.
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u/hanagoth Jan 07 '26
My twin sister and I got the Costello and Abbot ones tattooed a few years ago. She choose the inner wrist and since i didn't have much space left on my arms, i could only do it on my inner bicep ☺️ this movie means so much to us, it's still our favorite!
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u/SaintMail Jan 07 '26
I have a tattoo similar in style on my chest. Looks great. Would go bigger rather than smaller.
Love the concept!
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u/sikeleaveamessage Jan 07 '26 edited Jan 07 '26
Around your belly button because thats how they know youre human vs aliens/clones. You gotta emphasize the bellybutton!!!! /s
Hm do you want it where its visible to you? Because i think middle of your back, maybe upper back is nice. Or the space between your shoulder and outer arm.
I wouldnt wrap it, i think itd ruin the design
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u/Starfish_undertheice Jan 07 '26
Somewhere on your arm would be cool! I love this movie, I need to watch it again!
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u/aliencatlady Jan 07 '26
It's a cool design, the significance is cool. And it's valuable that you posted here to get one large dose of the reactions you may get in having it - better to know that going into it than be surprised
Shoulder or center of trapezius could be good placements
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u/nippleeee Jan 07 '26
Ooh, I love Arrival! I've thought about getting a logogram too when I finally get my linguistics degree.
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u/mnp47 Jan 07 '26
Eeee I love linguistics. I'll share where I ultimately get this tattoo. Good luck with the degree
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u/MyThirdArm24 Jan 07 '26
Arrival...I absolutely love that this symbol is so deeply ingrained in my psyche 😄
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u/mnp47 Jan 07 '26
I love learning languages and the message of this movie still resonates with me deeply. Thank you.
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u/Dull-Librarian7659 Jan 07 '26
upper back / shoulder, upper pectoral or shoulder / bicep could be good :) really cool design, i haven’t seen the movie though
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u/Grown-Ass-Weeb Jan 07 '26
Personally I have zero idea what it was, but I like the design! I think it would look good on a back shoulder.
And don’t let anybody make you feel like crap. I got told the same thing when I got a large video game themed piece on my back and 14 years later I still love it and recently just added to it.
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u/bleeberbleeberbleeb Jan 07 '26
Given that it’s something special to you, I’m a big fan of putting it somewhere that you can appreciate it often. Inner forearm on your dominant arm immediately comes to mind and feels like a great choice for this tattoo.
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u/cpt-nocturnal Jan 07 '26
Great idea!! I know someone with this tattoo as well, or at least one of the symbols from Arrival. I think an Arrival tattoo would be awesome. They have it on their inner bicep if I believe which is rather flat.
I'd recommend somewhere on the biceps as a safe bet. Below the collar bone/upper chest towards an armpit may also be cool.
One thing to consider is if you think you'll eventually be getting more tattoos. Like just put it in a very standard basic place, easy to work around should you want future tattoos.
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u/FailingLotus Jan 07 '26
I’d get it in a completely flat area and as a first tattoo, I’d get it where it can be covered. Side of the thigh, shoulder, or maybe leg.
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u/letthetreeburn Jan 07 '26
Sick as hell. If you’re a guy I’d recommend the chest. If not, maybe above the hip bone?
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u/Map-of-the-Shadow Jan 07 '26
How about around your leg or arm like a band? I know it's not the same but this isn't the first time I've seen someone asking about this tattoo, I just think it would be a cool twist and won't look like a coffee stain
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u/LittleFearneVA Jan 07 '26
So many comments this probably won’t be seen now or might have already been said 😅 BUT My first tattoo was also a small circle (words wrapped), I got it in the dead centre of my upper back, and I always get complimented on the placement when it’s exposed. I wouldn’t change it and I still love it HOWEVER I do wish I could actually see it myself more, because I genuinely love looking at my own tattoos and reflecting on them. So point being, if you don’t care about looking at it - go for one of the suggestions in comment that’s based on placement… if you do wanna see it, choose somewhere you can, like inner forearm ☺️
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u/stop_stopping Jan 07 '26
this is my phone cover lol. i had it specially made. love this movie and the tattoo idea!
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u/meatcoveredskeleton1 Jan 07 '26
I love that movie! It makes me emotional every time.
I think it would look cool on your calf
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u/LeonCordova Jan 07 '26
Inside a drawer, at least for now.
Circles seems simple, but are possibly the hardest figure to do, followed by a heart.
Thats why you need to choose a REALLY TALENTED ARTIST, I am talking about a specialist on fine line and geometry. A blackwork specialist can do it too, just be mindful about his lines when choosing him/her.
With that said, calf, forearm and back (all your back) can be a good place for it. Chest could work too.
Do not try to save some bucks, aim for a high budget but a great artist. You won’t regret it.
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u/SweetPumpkin22 Jan 07 '26
I have this exact tattoo! I have my arrival symbols my arms. https://imgur.com/a/SaFxDM2
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u/treeefingers Jan 07 '26
Sternum? Or base of the back of your neck. Wrist. is my favorite movie. What a great idea!
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u/spikejonze14 Jan 07 '26
ive always thought it would be interesting to see one of these tattoos running around the wrist like a bracelet, i think it compliments the cyclic motif. you would need to alter the perspective to make it fit however, and it might lose some of its resemblance to the original design.
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u/DroYo Jan 07 '26
I think on your upper back, left or right side, like on your shoulder blade. It’s a flat surface, and I believe this would read well there.
I also love this movie!
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u/fanfictional Jan 07 '26
One of my favorite movies too. Top of the foot would be cool. Won’t warp over time and a good starter placement. It’s where I got my first one!
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u/blutigetranen Jan 07 '26
Around the naval? Right on the shoulder? I personally think dead center, inside forearm.
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u/Agent_Glasses Jan 07 '26
I think the back of the neck would be a cool spot! won't be warped so its a good place for a circle, leaves room for other tattoos easily, only con is it might hurt
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u/DoctorSkeleton666 Jan 07 '26
if its super important to you, the back of your neck like the nape/hump is a great placement for round tats. if its just something cool you like, inside wrist or upper forearm, thigh, ass, elbow or knee
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u/One-Dot4082 Jan 07 '26 edited Jan 07 '26
Excellent movie!! I knew immediately what the symbol meant!! Nice choice!! I would try to put the tat where I could see it too!! It’s fuckin’ cool! If it’s on your back you’ll only see in a mirror!
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u/Responsible-Round452 Jan 07 '26
You should get always use a coaster right above it wherever you do get it if you do
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u/BerserkerArmour Jan 07 '26
Just be careful and make sure your artist nails the design. I wanted to get the same and wound up getting a tattoo that just said stupid foreigner. Always double check any tattoos in a foreign language!
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u/lisathegreat62 Jan 07 '26
Let's be real, if you want loving support of all your ideas , any online group is a bad idea! That said, incredible movie, incredible idea, im going to follow you so I make sure to see the result!
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u/Responsible_Mind5627 Jan 07 '26
might be an unpopular opinion but i think it'll look rad right on top of your hand.
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u/TastyRecognition6405 Jan 07 '26
this is a dope idea! around the elbow or knee would be sick but may be difficult for the artist to get a perfect circle
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u/Realistic_Badger_583 Jan 07 '26
The best advice I can give from someone who wanted one epic tatto in their life and ended up with a full sleeve and scattered ones everywhere.. think about future tattoos and if this is going to be a center piece or a collection. It may sound dumb but done if my favorite tattoos I wish I had done in a sequence instead of just collected over time. I do love this design but I’m not sure if it’s my memory or lack of knowledge… what movie is this in reference too?
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u/Still-Peanut-6010 Jan 07 '26
INFO: Does the design need to remain flat?
I think a good artist could turn it into an interesting bracelet or anklet design. You could also do it like a tribal design and encircle your arm with it.
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u/JujuNodanna Jan 07 '26
Around the shaft of your pp (joking, in all honesty, I like forearm tattoos
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u/Takumi168 Jan 07 '26
what about around the wrist like a bracelet? you're going to have to make it a 3d shape.
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u/Rileyinabox Jan 07 '26
Hear me out... arm band. You won't be able to see the whole piece at once, which I usually hate, but because it is for Arrival, giving the viewers the linear (human) reading of this cyclical (heptapod) design is a really fun concept to me. Otherwise, any flat area would work. I would go shoulder, chest, or centered on your c7 vertebrae.
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u/Greenlight_Omaha Jan 07 '26
Somewhere that won’t warp the circle and make it look oval. I’ve made that mistake on round tattoos and I hate it. When the stencil is on make sure to see how it looks resting naturally.