Dark black ink tattoo designs are not only classic, they offer a variety of different design options that you won’t see with color tattoos. For example, the depth and shading in a dark black tattoo are more noticeable and provide a certain feel that colored tattoos lack. you also have the option of open outlines as well as filled or shaded images which will also give you more options. Since many people love dark black ink tattoos, here are 100 images for you to use as inspiration if you’re thinking of getting this style of tattoo.
1. hearts
Heart tattoos are quite common, however this beautiful tattoo is definitely one of a kind.
2. roses
You can find many roses in black and white, although this particular tattoo stands out due to the frame surrounding the rose.
3. opposites
Here’s another option for you, as this tattoo uses many different artistic techniques to provide the image, including pointillism for shading.
4. black mandala
While mandala tattoos are common, the amount of black surrounding this piece is not. not only does this make it unique, but it creates an entire back piece from a single tattoo.
5. dark black ink collection
There are some people who love dark black ink tattoos and will have a collection of them, like this sleeve which has many examples.
6. snakes
These snakes are done in both black and white creating a yin-yang feel to the piece, however the dark black has a shadow where the other doesn’t.
7. values
Black ink offers the wearer of a design more value options in shading, where color tattoos use a blending technique to create depth rather than value.
8. poppies
These poppies are a perfect example of a dark black tattoo and the value used when shading the piece.
9. turn off
This design may look like a cover up, but these types of tattoos are quite common with dark black ink tattoos and provide a simple design option.
10. moth
Other design options you’ll find include moths and butterflies, although most people prefer them in color, some find beauty in black designs.
11. life and death
Whether you prefer color to black ink or not, you’ll never be limited in your possibilities when it comes to choosing a design you like.
12. lips
Although different, this tattoo offers another beautiful example of the possibilities that await you with a dark black ink tattoo.
13. realism
A great deal of realism is possible with dark black tattoos due to the ability to work the ink in a variety of ways to create an image.
14. bands and contours
This black band contains the lines of a floral design, but due to the darkness of the band, the floral pattern stands out much more than any other color.
15. dark outlines
Only dark black can allow for the dark depth that is necessary for these types of designs, as other colors do not provide the shelf life that black ink does.
16. flowers
This flower tattoo, like other dark black ink tattoos, has many things that cannot be achieved with colored inks and will last much longer.
17. i swear pinky
The playful nature of this tattoo makes you think of both fingerprints and the nature of the rose curse.
18. mixed
Just because a tattoo is created with dark black ink doesn’t mean color can’t be used, it just makes colors appear brighter.
19. galaxy
This interesting tattoo uses only black ink and has an unrealistic feel while commemorating something the wearer loves.
20. cactus
outline tattoos always look best in dark black.
21. peonies
Believe it or not, there are many flower tattoos that have no color and just dark black ink.
22. gradient line
This line tattoo shows a gradient effect along the spine, but offers a variety of design thoughts.
23. framed
the dark black offers the possibility to frame other designs in an interesting way, as well as offering a focus to the design.
24. hidden
This tattoo offers a lot of shading that highlights and shadows various parts of the design.
25. dark circle
Here’s another great example of the highlight that occurs when a tattoo, including simple outlines, is framed with black ink.
26. tied
The nature of this tattoo design requires the help of the wearer, but it certainly says a lot about the design.
27. inverted
While the flower in this design is left mostly open and unfilled, outside the triangle is a dark black frame that provides a frame.
28. elements and trees
This tattoo offers black and gray images done in dark black ink with a variety of shades to create a single piece from different elements.
29. Cleopatra
Not everyone is an Egyptologist, but this Cleopatra-like image gives you a wide range of ideas besides animals and plants.
30. bouquet
This beautiful piece shows a smoother gradient in shading than seen in previous examples.
31. sea and sky
Regardless of the design, dark black ink can be used to create it.
32. head in the clouds
Even fun tattoos like this aren’t out of reach for a great tattoo artist.
33. honeycomb
But don’t be fooled by the simplicity of some black ink tattoos as they require not only a lot of time, but also patience and care.
34. spiral
No matter what the shape or shading needs of your design, black ink is an amazing option.
35. solid bands
Although some look quite bare, these tattoos can make a statement and mean a lot to the wearer.
36. leafy black outline
leaf designs are best outlined in black due to the ease of highlighting the outline.
37. night sky band
small details are easily done with dark black ink through the use of shading and delicate application.
38. pink moon
The detail seen in this rose and moon tattoo is done by using different needles to create shadows and lines.
39. lighthouse
Various shading techniques offer a unique look to your dark black tattoos.
40. space
The pointillism of this piece offers a different vision of various light sources.
41. moth
This moth tattoo on this girl’s shoulder has more realistic shading than would be offered with other colors and techniques.
42. tattooed cat
There are many different techniques used to create deep black tattoos, such as with this inked or watercolor style cat.
43. Wednesday
no other technique can create this wednesday adams style tattoo.
44. henna style tattoos
These designs are very representative of what you would find in a henna tattoo.
45. blooming roses
Realism in tattoos is complex, but the dark black ink makes the shadows appear more delicate.
46. kitten
This kitty tattoo is another perfect example of the shading capabilities of dark black ink.
47. leafy flower
Delicate line work looks perfect in dark black ink.
48. opposites
You can even find inspiration in tattoos of opposite styles using black ink.
49. kitty face
choosing a dark black ink design doesn’t take color out of the equation, it just makes black more prominent.
50. lotus
some designs give a particular feel to the design and remind us of special features.
51. sketch
some designs look better in a certain style and may need the dark black ink to best fit that style.
52. half skull
This skull tattoo, while only half a skull, is incredibly detailed.
53. mixed pattern
This mixed pattern design provides many visual effects.
54. skeleton
There are many unique designs like this skeleton surrounded by lilies.
55. paw prints
For those who don’t have pets, these designs are common and are usually bordered by the pet’s name.
56. floral outlines
outlines are not completely common, but are usually done in dark black.
57. highly detailed bands
Using a small needle, black ink artwork can be easily created.
58. heart and flowers
This piece wouldn’t be as well shaded if the outline were done in any other color.
59. tree of life
tree of life tattoos are best suited to a yin-yang style.
60. siren
Unique designs like this mermaid in a can can inspire you to consider other options besides colored tattoos.
61. variety of flowers
Designs that allow for a variety of something are best for those intending to get a case.
62. totoro
You may also want to consider your passion.
63. micro tattoos
Micro tattoos are another option for full black ink tattoos.
64. collection of back pieces
Once you get a black ink tattoo, you may want many others like this image.
65. moon man
Other classic designs like this man on the moon can be done with black inks.
66. tree
black ink is perfect when doing tree tattoos as the ability to get fine detail can be easy without fading ink colors.
67. cashmere
even paisley patterns look beautiful in black.
68. zen lotus
although lotus flower designs are becoming more prominent.
69. leg sleeves
If arm tattoos aren’t your style, you can get them on your legs.
70. dark mandala
even mandala tattoos look beautiful in black ink.
71. bear
You can also find some who choose animal tattoos with a realistic touch.
72. hands and heart
Delicate shading is important when creating realism in black ink designs.
73. coincidence
Why not try getting a matching design with a loved one or friend?
74. floral realism
Although time consuming, if you love flowers, trying a floral sleeve is a beautiful option.
75. spiders
The spiders don’t seem to fit due to lack of shading, but the design looks amazing.
76. nautical
Sometimes you should just consider a theme for your tattoos.
77. maple
Is there a symbol that means a lot to you? consider it for your dark black ink design.
78. pine
pines are tall and noble, and look beautiful in black ink.
79. party
You can also consider the same design at two different points on your own body.
80. nature
Whether you like animals or plants, nature-based tattoos always come out beautiful.
81. concepts
You can always create a concept sketch that allows you to pick a variety of ideas and create a single image.
82. sail away
When you choose a passion in a tattoo, you really can choose anything, even ships.
83. cat’s cradle
More exclusive designs include this one of a pair of hands playing cat’s cradle.
84. mermaid skeleton
even the bones of mythical creatures are an option for different tattoos.
85. bouquet and feathers
you can create your own bouquet in your design complete with flowers and feathers.
86. stockings
These ships may be stationary, but tattoos on stockings are rare.
87. beetles
Even rarer are tattoos consisting of beetles other than ladybugs.
88. zen designs
some other ideas include more zen designs like the mandala and the lotus.
89. bones
bones are an interesting topic and you can show off your knowledge by tattooing the skeleton on your skin.
90. holding hands scheme
The two children’s hands touching each other are not only beautiful, but can be left unfilled to maintain their beauty.
91. shadows
for creepier designs, think about shadows and things that make others nervous.
92. treasure
Although it’s a bit more provocative, this tattoo is very well done.
93. bark
some people like flowers while others prefer trees.
94. bound for land
The style of this tattoo is a bit old school in that it makes you think of a paned window.
95. double owl
black is the only color these owls could look so magnificent in.
96. tied
Symbolism is important in the design you choose so that you can enjoy it more every day.
97. cat skull
everyone has different tastes, but this tattoo is certainly different and offers a new point of view.
98. memos
There are many types of memorials, though they are best expressed in words.
99. reaper
Tattoos of this variety are left for motorcycle clubs since they always travel by bike.
100. moon phases
The phases of the moon are another wonderful option for those who love astronomy.
