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The Tattoos Design
Della Hargrove

Della Hargrove

Tattoo Design Specialist

Tattoo artist and designer with 12+ years working across American traditional, Japanese, and modern minimalist styles. Della writes about design choices, placement, aftercare, and the meaning behind popular motifs.

Della Hargrove has been working in and writing about tattoo design for over a decade, across traditional American, Japanese (irezumi-influenced), and contemporary minimalist work. Della’s writing focuses on the practical decisions behind a good tattoo: design, placement, sizing, and the cultural context of motifs.

Areas of Expertise

  • American traditional and neo-traditional design
  • Japanese tattoo style and motif symbolism
  • Minimalist, fine-line, and single-needle work
  • Placement, sizing, and how designs age on the body
  • Aftercare and healing through the first 4 weeks

Writing Approach

Della writes the way a tattooer talks across the chair, direct about what works, honest about what doesn’t. Every design article names a real placement, a real size range, and the cultural roots of the motif. Aftercare guidance comes with timelines, not vague “follow your artist’s instructions” platitudes.

Articles by Della Hargrove (125)

Cover shot: forearm with a stylized 444 angel tattoo, editorial studio lighting
A forearm tattoo featuring three interlocking loops forming a subtle 999 motif
Editorial close-up of a healed bear tattoo on forearm, showcasing linework and shading in a story-driven design.
Editorial close-up of a single dog tattoo on forearm with bold linework
Editorial close-up of a healed paw print tattoo on forearm, with subtle shading and a tiny heart detail in one toe pad.
Editorial hero: forearm raven tattoo in classic blackwork style
Editorial hero shot of a healed arrow tattoo on forearm, single design with clean linework
A healed Gemini tattoo on a single forearm, showing the Gemini symbol with mirrored twins in black ink.
Editorial hero image of a large Aries tattoo on forearm with a ram motif and constellation trail
Editorial close-up of a forearm tattoo featuring a Sagittarius-inspired design with a bow and celestial accents
Editorial close-up of a cloud tattoo on forearm, single bold cloud
Hero image: single lightning bolt tattoo along a forearm in editorial studio lighting