Tattoos have become more popular in recent times, with many people getting them as a form of self-expression or as a way to mark important events in their lives, like a birth or a relationship. Some people get tattoos to pay tribute to loved ones or to show off their interests and beliefs.
The trend of tattoos has grown a lot, especially among youth and in cities. These days, getting something unique and creative on your skin is viewed as much more important than merely looking good. In addition, tattoos have become more widespread and socially acceptable because to the efforts of several artists and celebrities.
However, getting a tattoo is a serious decision because they are permanent and can be expensive to remove if you change your mind. It’s important to think carefully about the design and placement before getting inked.
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30+ Inspired Tattoo Designs and Meanings:
Before you end up with a silly design on your body, we recommend you look at these simple tattoo ideas and get inspired.
- Birds Flying Out Of Cage:
Image Source: Instagram
Do you believe in freedom and independence? Then use this tattoo as a symbolic representation of your inner thoughts. The bird flying out of a cage can mean escaping physical or mental slavery. Whether it could be out of a bad relationship, job or even depression, the open cell symbolises that you finally found your way out!
- Suitable For: The bird and the cage idea is ideal for both genders.
- Preferable Ink: Use basic colours like black and brown, as too many hues can get distracting.
- Where: The upper arm is excellent for this tattoo.
- Size: It is a small design, but you can increase it by a notch or two.
- Skin Tone: Ideal for light-coloured skin tones. If you have a darker tone, then go for thicker outlines.
- A Tiny Sapling With A Name:
Image Source: Instagram
Although it looks tiny, this delicate sapling turns into a mighty tree with time! It represents longevity, hope, prosperity and youthfulness. It is painted vertically to indicate an upward growth in your life. This pretty green sprout is a great representation if you embark on a new journey in your career or a relationship. Add a name or a goal to it to bring in the connection!
- Suitable For: The Sapling tattoo is unisex, and people of any age or gender can get it done.
- Preferable Ink: The basic sketch is done in black, and the leaves are filled in green.
- Where: It needs a small but visible area like the wrist, side of the hand or above the ankle.
- Size: Saplings are best done in small sizes.
- Skin Tone: Make sure the green is visible on the skin tone. Avoid the colour if you have very dark skin.
- The Delicate Flower:
Image Source: Instagram
Flowers are the best tattoo designs ever! They look pretty and, mostly, never fail to create impressions! This dainty floral design instantly draws our attention to it. The blooming flower, with a little bud, represents youthfulness, love, hope and beauty. The duo can also represent the philosophical aspect of life and death. Adding a watercolour-like inking brings a fragile effect to the sketch.
- Suitable For: Ideal for women and girls. It can be tried by men too!
- Preferable Ink: The basic sketch is done in black. Red and green colours are used for flowers and stalks.
- Where: It looks good on the side of the arms because of its vertical shape
- Size: You must go for at least a medium-sized ink for the details to show up
- Skin Tone: Best done on lighter skin tones
- Stylish Thai Tattoo Designs:
Image Source: Instagram
These simple tattoo designs are very different from others because they are traditional and a lot more modern too. Just like Sanskrit shlokas look very nice so do these Thai-style tattoos. These simple tattoo designs are carried on the neck, shoulder and wrist as they give a traditional look with a message.
- The Elephant Headed Ganesha:
Lord Ganesha is one of the major Gods of the Hindu religion. He is the remover of obstacles and difficulties. Not only is he famous in India, but millions across the world also worship him. Many westerners prefer getting a Ganesha tattoo for its deep spiritual meaning. The face represents knowledge and wisdom, while the Omkara and the Trishul symbols represent auspiciousness and destruction of evil.
- Suitable For: This is a unisex tattoo and can be done on anyone.
- Preferable Ink: For the details of the crown and jewellery to be visible, use black with hints of red.
- Where: Get it done on arms, shoulders or back. Avoid placing religious symbols on the lower part of the body like legs, buttocks, thighs etc.,
- Size: A large-sized design can capture the details well.
- Skin Tone: Ideal for fair to medium skin tones.
- Pleasing Peony Tattoo:
Image Source: Instagram
If you want to try a slightly bigger and prettier floral design, try this pink Peony. This beautiful flower represents love, romance, good luck and prosperity. As per a Green mythical tale, Peonia is a nymph who attracts the mighty Apollo and becomes shy when he approaches her. So, if you are a bashful woman who is afraid of unwanted attention, a Peony is the one for you!
- Suitable For: Peonies are associated with womanhood and feminity. So, they are more suitable for the female gender.
- Preferable Ink: The outline is done in black, and the details are added in pink and green colors.
- Where: The shoulder is the best spot for this lovely design.
- Size: An excellent palm-sized design can do justice to the beauty of this flower.
- Skin Tone: Looks amazing on fair and lighter skin tones.
- A Path Of Mountains:
Image Source: Instagram
Mountains represent an unwavering spirit of strength and courage. They can also represent the great journey of human life. The high and low peaks of mountains indicate the ups and downs during this travel. If you notice at the bottom, an arrow connects the mountains, indicating the past, present and future of your life. The sun can be interpreted as either the starting or the ending of your lifetime (sunrise or sunset).
- Suitable For: It is one of the unique meaningful tattoos for both men and women.
- Preferable Ink: Choose black and keep it simple!
- Where: This concept best suits areas like forearms or wrists.
- Size: Go for a medium-sized design to draw attention.
- Skin Tone: Suits any skin tone but looks great on wheat and fair tones.
- Love Thy Self Tattoo:
Image Source: Instagram
Are you a narcissist? Do you have an obsession with yourself? Then this cool, meaningful tattoo reveals your inner feelings to the outer world! The pigeon, a symbol of love, carries a message with “ME”. So, before anyone starts making guesses on who the lucky person is, you say it out loud and clear! Remember- if you cannot love yourself, you cannot love anyone else!
- Suitable For: Pigeons, hearts and flowers are suitable for women and men.
- Preferable Ink: You can go for black or use hints of red and green if desired!
- Where: Get it done on your forearm for better visibility.
- Size: You must try a medium size to capture the details well.
- Skin Tone: Ideal for lighter skin tones.
- The Globe Trotter:
Image Source: Instagram
This tattoo can be interpreted in two ways – You love to travel, or you want to conquer the world! Either way, you leave a footprint on this planet and reveal your inner desires through this design. It also shows that you are a person of acceptance and have a willingness to learn from people you meet. Not to forget to mention the adventure part of the journey!
- Suitable For: Since it uses a male motif, it is the best tattoo for men.
- Preferable Ink: Use earthy colours for the globe and do the man’s figure in black.
- Where: Forearm or Biceps to make a bold statement.
- Size: Go for a medium to large size design to capture the colours and the details well.
- Skin Tone: As it uses shades of brown, the design may suit fair skin tones only.
- The Black Mandala:
Image Source: Instagram
This Mandala design is a great choice if you have a spiritual soul. The not-so-complicated design represents the never-ending circle of life. The outer circle represents your union with the cosmos, while the inner ring shows your position within it. This beautiful shoulder tattoo also represents our connection with the past, present and future!
- Suitable For: Mandala designs are unisex and work for both men and women.
- Preferable Ink: The base must be done in black. You can add colours if you want to!
- Where: Get it done on the shoulder or an area which can accommodate the detailed sketch.
- Size: Medium to large size Mandalas capture the details accurately.
- Skin Tone: As this is done in black, it can suit fair, medium and dusky skin tones.
- Anchor and Compass Tattoo:
Image Source: Instagram
Anchor tattoos are timeless designs, which the Sailors originally did. They are associated with strength, stability and peace. Adding a compass to this indicates that you seek direction in your life. It can also represent your passion for travelling or seeking adventure in life. Nautical tattoos also show your respect and admiration for the Naval Base, which protects and secures us from external threats.
- Suitable For: Generally, Anchor tattoos are preferred by men. But, women can also try them out.
- Preferable Ink: Use a combination of black and blue to keep it true to the theme.
- Where: On the side of the neck, shoulder, back of the neck or wrist for better visibility.
- Size: You can try a small to medium-sized design depending on its position.
- Skin Tone: This is best done on fair and lighter skin tones.
- Memorial Tattoo:
Image Source: Instagram
Memorial tattoos are inked to remember or honour your loved ones. You can fill the tattoo with important information like birthday dates and deaths etc., In this design, you can notice a delicate wreath around the numbers to indicate the lifetime of your favourite person. It could be your daughter, son, father, mother or even your partner.
- Suitable For: Memorial tattoos are great for both men and women, as they carry an essential memory.
- Preferable Ink: Keep it in black or use a hint of their favourite colour in the details.
- Where: Best done on the wrist, hands, neck or shoulders.
- Size: A large or medium-sized design gives it a significant appearance.
- Skin Tone: Ideal for all skin tones because of the use of black ink.
- Quotation Tattoo Design:
Image Source: Instagram
Capture the power of words on your body and get inspired by them daily! This Quotation tattoo reflects your positive attitude and unwavering never-to-die spirit. The phrase “Never Stop Dreaming” can motivate you and help you stay focused. Especially when you are down and need some push, quote tattoos can give you the much-needed encouragement.
- Suitable For: Quote tattoos can be done by anyone, irrespective of their age and gender.
- Preferable Ink: You can write the wordings in black and add a couple of colourful elements.
- Where: This is best done in a wide area like the forearms, front leg etc.,
- Size: Keep the font slightly big, so you can read them well.
- Skin Tone: Unless you have a very dark skin tone, you can go for this idea.
- Mystical Moon Charm Tattoo:
Image Source: Instagram
If you are looking for a small meaningful tattoo, try this beautiful crescent moon design. The delicately done design represents the feminity and creativity that is hidden inside you. The colours reflect your emotions and those cute little charms symbolize good luck and success in all your endeavours. You can also mix it with other elements like hearts or your own good luck charms.
- Suitable For: This new tattoo design is suitable for women, as the crescent is associated with womanhood and feminism.
- Preferable Ink: Draw the outline in black and fill it with colors in an asymmetric form
- Where: As it is a very small design, draw it on the side of the shoulder, neck or even the outer wrist.
- Size: This is best done in a smaller size. But, avoid too tiny designs to prevent colour blur.
- Skin Tone: Colors like blue, violet and yellow are best visible on fair and lighter skin tones.
- Falling Flowers Tattoo:
Image Source: Instagram
Flowers have a number of meanings associated with them, which changes with the type of colours used, the design and also the placement area. In this cute meaningful tattoo, the falling flowers symbolize “letting go of the past”. They remind us gently to let go of the bygones and enjoy the present times. The loose petals can also give you a subtle hint of how beautiful your future can be.
- Suitable For: Flowers are best done on women. For males, you can use different colours like blue other than pink.
- Preferable Ink: Pink and green are ideal for these flowers.
- Where: Along area like the shoulder side creates the space for the “falling” effect.
- Size: Use a group of three to four flowers in small sizes.
- Skin Tone: The delicate pink is visible on fair and lighter skin tones only.
- Colorful Mickey Mouse:
Image Source: Instagram
Mickey Mouse is the iconic character of Walt Disney Motion Pictures! Although a mere mouse, it represents the true spirit of the company, which includes happiness, fun and dreaming big. If you are a youngster ready to explore the world all by yourself, this easy tattoo design makes perfect sense. Adding a splash of colours in the background reveals your enthusiasm and positive attitude towards life!
- Suitable For: This is one of the Best simple tattoos for boys and girls between 15-23 years of age
- Preferable Ink: Black for the face and brighter shades for the backdrop
- Where: On visible areas like forearms
- Size: You can try a small to medium-sized design, depending on the size of the area
- Skin Tone: Fair and Wheat skin tones, for better visibility of colours
- Tribal Kolam Tattoo:
Image Source: Instagram
What happens when the tribal designs meet the traditional south Indian Kolams? You get this amazing design which can instantly draw your attention. The entire arms are covered with a combination of the dot and lines Rangoli, interspersed with tribal symbols. It can mean your mixed ethnicity and love for the basics.
- Suitable For: These Boho chic designs are a popular trend with both men and women.
- Preferable Ink: It is done in all black. Avoid colours and keep it minimal to focus on the details.
- Where: It is a whole arm tattoo. But you can use parts of it on different areas of your hand.
- Size: Use a combination of different elements to make a large design.
- Skin Tone: The black color looks amazing on fair and wheat skin tones.
- The Black Scorpion:
Image Source: Instagram
A Scorpion has plenty of symbolism associated with it. It can represent danger, strength and resilience. A scorpion motif with a raised tail can serve as a warning to your enemies. It can indicate your readiness to attack them if they mess with you. Since a black scorpion is the most venomous creature on the earth, people will definitely remain at a safe distance from you!
- Suitable For: This totem is best suitable for men. But, women who are highly sensitive and defensive can also get it done.
- Preferable Ink: It’s quite obvious! A black scorpion is done in all black ink. Make sure to add a little glossy effect for realism.
- Where: Get it done on your forearm for instant visibility.
- Size: You must try atleast a medium to large-sized design to threaten people.
- Skin Tone: Black is visible on any skin tone. So, don’t worry about it!
- Asian Calligraphy Tattoo:
Image Source: Instagram
In Asian countries, Calligraphy is considered to be the finest form of art. The artistic strokes with a brush look very fascinating and intriguing. Even a common name can look very “exotic” when written in Chinese or Japanese fonts. This tattoo is one such example, in which the symbols convey a variety of meanings, emotions and ideas. Before you get it inked, make sure the design translates to the concept in your mind and not mere gibberish!
- Suitable For: Asian tattoos are very popular with young girls and boys.
- Preferable Ink: For visible fonts, black is always the best bet!
- Where: The forearm is an ideal place for such tattoos. Else you can try an armband style!
- Size: Choose a font size that is visible even from a distance.
- Skin Tone: It is suitable for any type of skin tone.
- Watercolor Leopard Tattoo:
Image Source: Instagram
Wild animals like Tigers and Lions have always been the best muses for a tattoo artist. It is only in recent times that Leopards are equally recognised for this art form. Just those two big cats, a leopard also represents power, confidence, leadership and fitness. Along with that, it also represents swiftness and even feminity and gracefulness!
- Suitable For: Leopard tattoos are more suitable for women than men.
- Preferable Ink: The outlines are done in black and multicolours are used to create a watercolour effect.
- Where: Get it done in a broad area like the shoulder, upper back, thigh etc.,
- Size: It must be a decent-sized image for the details to show well.
- Skin Tone: The colours are better visible on lighter skin tones.
- Logo Tattoos:
Image Source: Instagram
Had to sell a car or bike that you loved immensely? Do you love a particular brand of vehicle? Then, canonise your feelings for it with this logo tattoo. Adding olive leaves around them conveys your admiration and passion for it. These tattoos are usually preferred by bikers, racers or riding enthusiasts!
- Suitable For: There is no gender bias in this design. Anyone who loves a branded bike or car can get it done.
- Preferable Ink: Keep it black or use the same colors in a logo.
- Where: The forearm, shoulder, back, lower leg or any visible area.
- Size: Keep it in a realistic size to capture the details well.
- Skin Tone: A black coloured logo suits almost any skin tone.
- Thunderbolt Tattoo:
Image Source: Instagram
Traditionally, a thunderbolt represents energy, knowledge, power and getting new ideas. It can also indicate the destruction of ignorance and the quick spark of intelligence. If you are seeking a groundbreaking idea that can change the world around you, this tattoo is a perfect way to inspire yourself every day. Getting it at the back of your ear reflects your creativity and unique personality.
- Suitable For: This design is suitable for men and women, who wish to awaken their inner intelligence.
- Preferable Ink: Use a combination of yellow and black for a smashing effect. Add hints of red to show its active state.
- Where: You can try any visible spot on the body, but the area behind your eye doesn’t seem like a bad idea!
- Size: Go for a smaller size, but not too tiny!
- Skin Tone: Suits wheat and dusky skin tones.
- Pretty Blossoms:
Image Source: Instagram
A blooming flower has many symbolic meanings. It can indicate the beginning of a new phase in your life, whether personal or professional. Usually, people get it done in the initial phases of their new-found love life. The flowers, growing amidst a bunch of leaves may represent the support received from your family and friends to you and your partner.
- Suitable For: Blossoms, flowers and other delicate things are reserved for women. Men can take the same concept but represent it in a different way!
- Preferable Ink: The outline should be done in black. Filling it with pinks or blues adds an artistic touch!
- Where: The forearm or the area above the wrist is a great place for this ink!
- Size: Keep it in a decent size to make the leaves and flowers visible.
- Skin Tone: It is best suited for lighter and fair skin tones.
- Watercolor Feather:
Image Source: Instagram
A feather may appear like a fragile object, but its lofty symbolism is sure to leave you impressed! It represents a spiritual connection between the creator and owner, which is the God and the bird. Along with that, a feather can also portray the qualities of independence, free will and a wandering mind. Adding a watercolour-like effect to it elevates the feelings of positivity, hope and confidence.
- Suitable For: Feathers are suitable for men and women. Depending on the symbolism you are looking for, you can try feathers of various birds like an eagle for strength, a parrot for beauty etc.,
- Preferable Ink: Sketch the feather in black and add various colors with a dripping effect.
- Where: Any visible area like the forearm, the side of the neck or above the ankle is ideal
- Size: A palm-sized design can wonderfully capture the details
- Skin Tone: Suitable for lighter skin tones, as the colours may not be visible in dark tones.
- Tribal Dolphin Art:
Image Source: Instagram
Dolphins are one of the most lovable and intelligent species on earth. They are free-spirited creatures, which live in harmony with their peers. In countries like Polynesia and South Africa, Dolphin tattoos are done using tribal symbols to represent their culture and strong family bonds. These designs also show their association with Nature, particularly the Oceans.
- Suitable For: Tribal tattoos are suitable for men and women. However, the depth of the design and the complexity can vary with individual tastes.
- Preferable Ink: Black is the best color for such designs. Adding colors may give it a garish look.
- Where: The side of the leg is the best place for this concept.
- Size: If you want to capture the details well, go for a fairly medium to large size.
- Skin Tone: Suits all skin tones, as the base is done in black color.
- Musical Note Tattoos:
Image Source: Instagram
There can be no better therapy to heal a wounded heart than Music. A soulful rendition can instantly uplift your spirits and fill you with positive vibes. So, why not try a music motif for everyday motivation? In this design, the treble symbol is surrounded by a line of musical notation to represent the tune being played!
- Suitable For: Musical tattoos are not gender-specific. Anyone with basic knowledge and passion for music can get them done.
- Preferable Ink: The symbols are best visible in black colour only.
- Where: Get it done on your forearm to make an instant impression.
- Size: You can customize the size based on the size of your hand.
- Skin Tone: Can be done on all skin tones.
- Spiritual or Religious Tattoos:
Image Source: Instagram
If you are a firm believer in the power of God and his doings, then go for this tattoo. It has a simple “Blessed” word inked on the top of the shoulder, meaning you are blessed to be under his presence and guidance. The Holy Rosary with a cross pendant indicates your spiritual and religious orientation. You can change the symbol depending on your own beliefs.
- Suitable For: Men and women prefer such tattoos, as they are not specific to any gender or age.
- Preferable Ink: Wordings are best done in black. However, you can add a hint of colour like red or pink to convey a particular emotion.
- Where: The upper part of the chest is a great spot, as it shows your respect and love for God.
- Size: Keep it small, but visible.
- Skin Tone: The chest part is usually lighter-toned than the rest of the body. So, anyone can try it.
- Alchemy Arrow Symbol Tattoo:
Image Source: Instagram
The arrow has a lot of symbolic prominence in many cultures. It conveys many meanings such as a sense of direction, aiming for a goal or as a symbol of protection. Depending on the way it is depicted, the meanings change a lot. This tribal-inspired arrow design can convey a mix of different concepts like defending your pack, friendship and warding off an evil eye.
- Suitable For: Arrows are usually associated with masculinity. So, they are more suitable for men.
- Preferable Ink: As it is a tribal tattoo, keep it in black.
- Where: Get it done on your forearm, wrist or the shoulder part.
- Size: A medium-sized tattoo can capture the dotted lines well.
- Skin Tone: Ideal for fair to dusky skin tones.
- Lotus Mandala Tattoo:
Image Source: Instagram
Among the innumerable Mandala designs for a tattoo, the Lotus Mandala holds a special significance. As it is a symbol of purity, having it on your body is known to fill your mind with pure thoughts. Also, it is believed that gazing at a Lotus Mandala can promote healthy mental growth and also improve your physical well-being.
- Suitable For: Lotus Mandalas with a Ganesh symbol inside it is best for those who believe in the Hindu philosophy.
- Preferable Ink: Mandalas look good in black. But you can add some colour if you wish to.
- Where: A flat surface like the upper back or the naval region supports this design.
- Size: Go for a fairly good-sized design, as smaller ones tend to get blurry over time.
- Skin Tone: This looks beautiful on lighter and wheatish skin tones.
- The Cowgirl With Weapons:
Image Source: Instagram
A Cowgirl represents the power of women! She is strong, valiant and no lesser than a man. Armed with a knife, a revolver and a pistol in her hand, the lady looks very confident. She might look cute in her mini skirt, hat and high-heeled boots, but mess with her and she will show you who’s the boss! If you are a woman of such traits, then go for this design and give everyone a subtle warning!
- Suitable For: This is perfect for women and girls, who are like iron fists in velvet gloves!
- Preferable Ink: Keep it basic, keep it in black!
- Where: The design must be visible, so get it done on the side of your arms!
- Size: A large-sized design (preferably of the size of your forearm) looks great.
- Skin Tone: Fair to medium skin tones.
Overview
Tattoo designs come in many styles, each with its own meaning and look. Whether simple or detailed, they let people express themselves creatively and personally. We hope these designs and detailed descriptions have inspired you to try one. You must be surprised by the rich symbolism of even the most humble designs. There is no idea that is unworthy of a tattoo and with a little creativity, you can express yourself well using this artistic medium. If you have more such ideas and wish to share them here, write to us!
