Getting a tattoo with a partner, sibling or friend starts with a shared idea, but it still needs to work for each person wearing it. Matching does not have to mean identical: you might choose the same small symbol, two related illustrations or a design with a different detail for each of you.
If you are planning matching tattoos in Manchester or Salford, this guide explains the decisions to make before asking The Viper Pit in Irlam about appointments.
Identical, complementary or linked by a theme?
Start by deciding what you actually want to share. There are three useful approaches:
- Identical designs: the same motif or lettering, with size and placement agreed for each person.
- Complementary designs: two different subjects that belong together, such as a sun and moon or two flowers from the same botanical theme.
- A shared detail: separate tattoos connected by a small symbol, date or element of linework.
Choose something each of you likes on its own. A design that only makes sense when two arms are held together may be less satisfying when you see your own tattoo every day. You can keep the connection without making either tattoo feel unfinished.
Does matching mean the same size and placement?
No. One person might want an inner forearm tattoo while the other prefers an upper arm. Different available space, nearby tattoos and body shapes can mean that a small adjustment gives each design a better fit.
Decide whether your priority is an identical outline, similar visual weight or simply a recognisable shared subject. Tell the artist which matters most. For directional subjects, such as birds or faces, also discuss which way each tattoo should face when your arms rest naturally.
For fine-line tattoos, leave room for the details rather than choosing the smallest possible version. If one person wants a tiny design and the other wants more detail, a simplified shared motif may work better than shrinking a complicated illustration.
Agree the wording before sending the enquiry
For initials, dates or short phrases, send the exact text for each person. Say whether the spelling, capital letters and punctuation should match. If you are using handwriting, provide a clear photograph or scan of the original.
Both people should check their own stencil, wording and placement before tattooing starts. Our name and script tattoo guide covers lettering choices in more detail.
How to ask about appointments together
Send an enquiry before selecting separate online slots. Mention the number of people who want tattoos and whether attending on the same day is essential. This lets the studio check the designs and recommend suitable bookings.
Coming together does not automatically mean being tattooed at the same time. Artist availability, design work and the time needed for each person will affect the arrangement. Ask us to confirm the plan before organising travel or time off.
Include:
- The number of people getting tattooed.
- A reference or short description of each design.
- Each person’s proposed placement and approximate size in centimetres.
- Any differences in lettering, colour or details.
- Your preferred dates and whether you have a preferred artist.
- A budget for each tattoo, rather than only a combined total.
Will matching tattoos cost the same?
Ask for a quote for each person. The same subject can need different amounts of work when the size, placement or detail changes. Do not assume that one appointment price covers two people, or that booking together includes a discount.
Our tattoo pricing guide explains what affects a quote. Confirm the current price, appointment length and deposit arrangements with the studio before paying. For a more involved custom idea, our consultation guide explains the next step.
Enquire about matching tattoos at The Viper Pit
Find us at 84 Liverpool Road, Irlam, Salford, M44 6FN. We welcome enquiries from Eccles, Urmston, the Trafford Centre area and across Greater Manchester.
Send your matching tattoo ideas through our enquiry form, with the number of people, references, sizes and placements. We will discuss the designs and confirm the appropriate booking options. Pick the idea together; make sure each of you is happy wearing it individually.