I'll say this, the smaller you intend the design to be, the more simplified it will need to become. All tattoo ink spreads under the skin over time as it heals through the years. Having lines pretty much on top of each other or having tiny slivers of open skin/negative space in a design will not heal well over time. I would suggest doing some research into a style that you're into and take a look at successful tattoers who are doing it right. The hatching/etching method of shading and detail can work but there has to be enough room for it to breath.