Simon Watkins · Broken Puppet · Worthing

Hands and Feet
by Simon Watkins

Two of the most technically demanding placements in tattooing. Designs that work with the natural structure of the hand and foot rather than against it, by an artist who has built a strong body of work in both.

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Hands and Feet Tattoos in Worthing

The most demanding
placements in tattooing

Hands and feet are among the most technically demanding areas to tattoo. The skin is thin, the surfaces are complex, the tendons and knuckles create uneven terrain, and both areas are in constant use. Getting a design to work correctly across fingers, the back of the hand, the arch of the foot and the ankle requires a specific understanding of how ornamental composition sits on these surfaces.

Simon Watkins has built a strong body of work in both areas. His ornamental and decorative approach is particularly well-suited to hands and feet, because the style naturally follows contours and works with the body's natural architecture rather than ignoring it. The result is work that looks considered and intentional rather than placed and hoped for.

The Placements

Hands, feet
and everything between

Hand tattoos

The back of the hand, the fingers, the side of the hand and the palm all present different challenges and possibilities. Simon's ornamental and mandala work is particularly strong here: designs that use the hand's natural proportions and follow its structure rather than sitting on top of it.

Foot and ankle tattoos

The top of the foot, the arch, the heel and the ankle each offer different canvas qualities. Decorative work flows particularly well across the foot. Simon's decorative feet pieces show what an ornamental approach to this placement can achieve when composition and placement are considered together from the start.

Extending onto the wrist and leg

Many of Simon's best hand and foot pieces extend naturally into the wrist or lower leg, creating compositions that flow rather than stop abruptly. If you are considering a hand or foot piece, it is worth discussing whether extending it slightly would improve the overall result.

The Gallery

Hands and feet
by Simon Watkins

Use the arrows or swipe to move through the collection.

What to Know Before You Book

Hands and feet
honestly explained

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Touch-ups are part of the process

Hands and feet are high-wear areas. The skin regenerates faster, is exposed to friction and sunlight, and heals differently to most other areas. Touch-ups after healing are common and completely normal. Simon factors this into the process from the start.

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Longevity requires the right design

Very fine linework and heavy detail do not always hold as well on hands and feet as they do elsewhere. Simon will advise on the right approach for your specific placement and brief to give the tattoo the best chance of lasting well.

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Aftercare matters more here

Keeping a hand or foot tattoo out of water, away from friction and protected from sun during healing requires more effort than most placements. The guidance Simon gives you at your appointment is worth following closely, because it makes a real difference to the healed result.

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Consultation is especially important here

More so than most placements, hand and foot tattoos benefit from a proper conversation before booking. Placement, scale, design approach and longevity considerations all need to be discussed. The consultation is free and worth doing properly.

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Ready to book
your hand or foot piece?

Bring your idea, any references and a clear sense of the placement you have in mind. Simon will advise on what works best for your specific anatomy and give you honest pricing before anything is committed to.

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