The memorial tattoo — honouring a person or moment
The memorial tattoo is among the most emotional categories we work on at Funky Tattoo. It honours a lost person, a pet, or a moment that changed everything. The form it takes differs — here are the most common:
- Portraits — B&G realism with the photograph of the deceased. The most technical request — requires an artist specialised in realism, with portrait experience. On the forearm, chest, or back.
- Signatures — exact reproduction of the person's signature (taken from a letter, a document, a book). Very personal, timeless.
- Dates — date of birth and death (12.05.1960 — 03.11.2023), in numeric or Roman numeral format. Placed under a symbol (cross, heart, star).
- GPS coordinates — place of death, place of burial, or a place important to that person. Format: 44.4268° N, 26.1025° E.
- Symbols — an object associated with the person (a favourite flower, an instrument, an animal), a motto they used, a quote from a beloved book.
- Fingerprints — the deceased person's fingerprint (taken from authorities or from a personal object).
- Quotes — a characteristic phrase, a last message, a favourite proverb. In clear fonts.
- For pets — paw print, portrait, name, adoption and death date.
For memorials, we always recommend a consultation session beforehand — it's an emotionally loaded piece, and we want to make sure the execution reflects exactly your intent.
Emotional guide for memorial tattoos
The memorial tattoo is a deeply personal decision, and our experience has taught us a few rules that help. At Funky Tattoo we work with sensitivity and without rush with clients who come for memorials.
- Wait at least 1 month from the event — immediate grief clouds judgment. A tattoo done in the first week after loss may reflect a transitory state, not a considered decision. Wait, breathe, and return when the emotion has settled.
- Choose something timeless — avoid long quotes that may seem dated in 10 years, trendy symbols (emoji, logos), or designs that reflect a transitory state (acute pain, revenge, regret). Choose symbols that honour the person, not your current state.
- Document your source — for signatures and fingerprints, bring original documents or high-resolution images. A signature reproduced from a blurry photo will be approximated, not exact.
- Place in a meaningful area — many clients choose the area the deceased often touched (shoulder, hand), or an area the person preferred. There's no rule, but intent matters.
- Allow yourself time — don't schedule the memorial on a busy day. Allow at least 2-3 hours for execution, plus time for a prior conversation. It's a moment, not a transaction.
- Don't compare — each person honours their loss differently. Don't feel obligated to do a portrait if you rather feel a symbol or a date.
For a no-rush consultation, book at +40 731 525 808 or contact@funkytattoo.ro. We're in Piața Romană, Bucharest, and we have a calm, discreet atmosphere.
