Creating meaningful tattoo designs is difficult; we understand. You can only search pinterest for “tattoo inspo” for so long.
pinterest can be a great source of inspiration, but often using those designs means you’ll be one of thousands with the same tattoo.
Instead, we’ll teach you how to create your own custom tattoo design by learning about tattoos and their common styles and themes.
This article will discuss the history of tattoo art, how tattoos are applies, the best spot to get a tattoo, and some popular styles. We’ll also include some tattoo ideas and inspiration to get you started.
Tattoos have long been a controversial but desirable art form due to their permanence and social significance across different cultures. that’s what’s so cool (and sometimes terrifying!) about tattoos; they are a great compromise.
But meaningful tattoo designs can be a great way to express yourself.
Tattoos have not always been generally accepted in society. But lately, the sentiment around tattoos is changing, especially in the younger generation. more people get tattoos and, in turn, more companies join.
The stereotype used to be that getting a tattoo would make it harder to get a job. however, many major brands have updated their policies and become tattoo-friendly.
google, ticketmaster, amazon, fedex and ups are just a few employers with lax rules on tattoos.
so when exactly did this change occur? Have tattoos always been controversial? We’ll take you through the history of tattoos and look at the change in cultural acceptance over the last few centuries.
the history of tattoo art
Tattoos have been around for longer than you think.
Tattoo art and body modification have been common since ancient times and have flickered in and out of cultural acceptance for thousands of years.
Many cultures and religions around the world have condemned tattoos, but some have accepted them. Buddhists and Hindus, for example, have historically used tattoos as a means of promoting their spirituality.
The acceptance and perception of tattoos has changed a lot over the centuries. Let’s break things down further and discuss how tattoos were used and perceived based on time period and location.
prehistoric
Tattoos have been practiced around the world since at least Neolithic times, which was discovered when scientists inspected preserved mummified skin.
We already know that the oldest discovered proof of tattooing dates back to 3250 BC, but this wasn’t an isolated event. Tattoos have been found on human remains in Alaska, Egypt, China, Russia, the Philippines, and countless other locations.
The first discovery of tattoo art was discovered by scientists in Ötzi, the Iceman. Scientists believe that he lived around 3370 to 3100 BC.
There is also strong evidence that people, specifically women, in ancient Egypt engaged in body modification and tattoo art. and sculptures in ancient China depict men with tattoos in the 3rd century BC
Native Americans used tattoos as symbols of protection and guardian spirits. some Native American tribes applied tattoos using sharp bones or rocks.
now our timeline will jump to the 18th century to talk about how tattoos were brought to the west.
18th century
Tattoos were brought west by sailors known as Captain Cook.
captain cook sailed to polynesia in 1769 and was intrigued by the tattoos of the local inhabitants. he and his crew decided to get their own tattoos before heading back west.
This event coined the term “tattoo” in the English language and increased interest in the art form.
19th century
Surprisingly, royalty in England actually sported tattoos during the 19th century.
in 1862 albert, the prince of wales tattooed a cross on his arm during a visit to the holy land. Later, his children, the Duke of Clarence and the Duke of York, tattooed dragons during a visit to Japan in 1882.
In 1891, Samuel O’Reilly created the first electric tattoo machine. He claimed that he was inspired to build it from Edison’s electric pen.
At the same time, people covered their bodies with ink as a roadside attraction. Famous tattoo artists included John O’Reilly and Emma de Burgh.
20th century
In the early 20th century, tattoos were still mostly found on circus performers or sailors.
It was not common for the average person to get a tattoo. however, some wealthy women secretly got permanent makeup, known as cosmetic tattoos.
In the 1950s and 1960s, rebels and “bad guys” tattooed themselves as a symbol of rebellion. And the 1970s and 1980s saw another surge in tattoo popularity, this time a bit more mainstream.
However, tattoos were not widely accepted socially until recently.
American culture has quickly grown to accept tattoos as part of the mainstream. a wide variety of employers have come to accept tattoos, leading to more people being willing to commit.
so, let’s talk about how it works.
how tattoos are done
When you walk into a tattoo shop to get a tattoo done, you might not think about the science behind body art.
Let’s see how a tattoo works and how it becomes a permanent mark on your body.
With tattoos, a design is created by pricking the skin with an electric tattoo machine to inject ink into a deep layer of skin. in stick and poke, this process is done manually by pricking the skin with a single needle and injecting the ink by hand.
Tattoo guns pierce the outer layer of skin, the epidermis, and press ink into a deeper layer of skin known as the dermis.
Each time the needle penetrates the skin, it creates a wound that signals the body’s immune system to start the inflammatory process. this sends cells to the wound site to try to clean up and repair the damage.
Unless there is an infection or allergic reaction, the healing process begins soon after. Some have a negative experience with their first tattoo due to allergic reactions, so starting with a small test before fully committing to a large design is a great option.
the excess ink is “cleaned up” and the fibroblasts repair the tissue.
The tissue that forms after a tattoo initially heals is called granulation tissue, which is essentially scar tissue. this later heals into fibrous tissue and the tattoo is considered officially healed.
so, since this process is permanent, is there any chance of having a tattoo removed? let’s talk.
tattoo removal
As we now know, tattoo ink sits below the top layer of skin, which makes removing a tattoo quite tricky.
but impressive progress has been made in tattoo removal in recent years.
The standard techniques for tattoo removal today are laser surgery, surgical removal, and dermabrasion. Neither of those sounds particularly fun, but those are the only current options if you want to remove a tattoo.
Fun fact: Black is the easiest color to remove from a tattoo.
Despite significant improvements in tattoo removal, it is still incredibly painful and expensive. even more than the pain of the original tattoo application.
and that’s why you should be careful where and what you get tattooed. let’s start with the where.
best places to get a tattoo
If you’re considering getting a tattoo but worried about what your job (or your parents) might think, some spots are more discreet than others.
Obviously, a forearm tattoo, finger tattoo, or outer bicep tattoo will be more obvious than an ankle or thigh tattoo in traditional business attire. but there are some sneaky places to get tattooed that can be easily hidden, like an ear tattoo.
Easily concealable tattoo locations include the upper thighs, chest, inner lip, nape, and side of the finger. If you’re hoping to hide your new tattoo, these dots are a great option.
of course, it all depends on the clothes you normally wear and the social situations in which you want to hide the tattoo.
however, if you’re not afraid to show off your tattoos to the world, you can go the opposite way and get a “sleeve tattoo”.
Basically, a sleeve just means that the tattoo covers the entire skin area. some go for a half sleeve tattoo, while others go all out and get full sleeve tattoos.
some have even gone so far as to get full body tattoos. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the world’s most tattooed person, rich in lucky diamonds, is 100% covered in tattoos.
lucky diamond rich has tattoos on his face, tattoos inside his mouth and a tattoo inside his eye. it’s quite a painful commitment.
Depending on who you talk to, some places are better than others. some say wrist tattoos are the most painful option, and others say an ear or finger tattoo is the most painful option.
Here’s a pretty comprehensive chart showing the most and least painful places to get a tattoo, just for you to keep in mind when choosing a location for your tattoo design
experiencing pain while getting tattooed depends on many factors, but generally, the most painful places to get tattooed are places with the least fat, most nerve endings, and thinnest skin.
Some places that are known to be painful are the armpits, rib cage, ankles and shins, elbows or kneecaps, and hips. And, as you can imagine, an eye tattoo is also considered incredibly painful.
It also depends on how large and detailed your tattoo is. a large, detailed piece with a lot of shading will take more time, so the pain is more extensive than a simple minimalist tattoo.
If you’re really worried about tattoo pain, starting small is a great option. Less painful options for tattoo placement include the outer thigh and outer bicep.
Now, let’s talk cost.
how much do tattoos cost?
So, you might be wondering: how much will this cost me?
There is no simple answer, but we will fill you in on the factors that determine how much your tattoo will cost and the average cost of a tattoo.
On average, a simple small to medium sized tattoo will set you back between $150 and $450.
Factors to consider that will increase the price of your tattoo are the size, complexity, and popularity of your tattoo artist.
popular tattoo styles and inspiration
Tattoos are a completely individual choice and medium in which to express yourself, but there are some common styles that many tattoos follow.
The wide range of styles below is also an amazing look at culture and history. Styles like tribal and Chicano tattoos are steeped in rich history and can be representative of a culture.
Tattoos, their popularity and the most common tattoo designs of certain eras are a unique way to look at history and culture. this is especially interesting now that we know the background and history behind tattoos.
Some tattoo artists specialize in one style, and people who choose to get tattooed may choose a favorite style to follow in order to create a sense of balance with their tattoo art.
Of course, just because something is a popular choice doesn’t mean it’s right for you. the perfect design for you is what you like the most and feel the strongest connection.
If you’re curious about the different styles, read on. We’ll break down the most popular tattoo styles and their features, plus give you some examples to inspire you.
classic american tattoos
Classic American tattoos are the foundation of contemporary tattoo design. They are perhaps the most common style and have been a popular choice for a few decades.
the classic american style is also known as the traditional style. This old-school style is incredibly popular and features bold lines, colors, and images.
Common tattoo designs in this style include pinup figures, animals, roses, daggers, and anchor tattoos. Many tattoos reference American culture and American nationalism, such as the flag and other patriotic symbols.
The classic “mom” tattoo is an example of classic American style. this style is usually what comes to mind when one thinks of a traditional tattoo, especially American tattoos.
new school tattoos
New school tattoos are quite similar to traditional American tattoos in style and color patterns, but often have a modern twist.
This style is known for bold colors, creative characters, and pop culture-influenced cartoon concepts.
Many artists who get tattoos in this style take inspiration from comics, TV shows and anime. Some common themes are tattoos of animals, characters, pop culture, and fictional worlds.
poke and poke tattoos
This simple style is catching on with a younger crowd.
Stick and poke, also known as stick-n-poke, is one of the oldest and most traditional styles on this list. its simple methodology has also made it popular with DIY tattoo artists.
but don’t let that fool you; this style can be amazing when done correctly. tattoo artists have been bringing this style back in a big way lately.
This style features thick, bold lines and is a great way to execute a small, simple piece.
surreal tattoos
Surreal tattoos are distinguished by their vivid colors and bizarre designs.
This style is heavily inspired by the surrealist art movement that made artists like Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso famous.
Surreal tattoos are similar to abstract tattoos, but are juxtaposed to realistic tattoos due to the bizarre subject matter and deliberately unrealistic nature of their designs.
minimalist tattoos
Today, minimalism is popular in interior design, graphic design, and tattoo design.
This style is known for simple tattoos and line tattoos. A minimalist tattoo is an excellent option for those looking for a delicate piece.
realistic tattoos
Realistic tattoos are difficult to achieve, but when done correctly, they can be amazingly realistic.
Common themes in this style are natural landscapes, animals, and people. some artists even pull off a 3d tattoo style that is incredibly impressive.
Tattoos of people, or portraits, are popular to commemorate family and friends who have passed away.
Realistic tattoos can be colorful or done with just black ink. detailed design is what sets this style apart.
Japanese tattoos
Japanese tattoos feature themes from Japanese culture and Japanese folklore. these themes often include motifs like cherry blossoms and mythical creatures like the very popular dragon tattoos.
irezumi is the Japanese word for tattoo. the irezumi style is a general term used to describe tattoo styles originating in japan.
This style is often executed with massive images that encompass large patches of skin.
geometric tattoos
Geometric tattoos are another trendy style that we see a lot.
This can be a great way to fill in space on a sleeve or create a large design that covers a lot of skin.
There are a wide variety of interpretations of the geometric style, but geometric designs are generally created with black ink and feature sharp edges and unique shapes.
Common themes are sacred geometry and organic elements.
black tattoos
Blackwork tattoo style is a broad category that covers any black tattoos or tattoos done only with black ink.
The style is heavily influenced by tribal tattoos and is sometimes similar to geometric tattoos. often features thick black lines and blocks of black.
watercolor tattoos
Watercolor tattoos are very trendy and modern.
We’re obsessed with this style, but it’s hard for tattoo artists to pull off.
Common watercolor tattoo themes include floral tattoos and nature themes.
tribal tattoos
Tribal tattoos, or indigenous body art, is the original tattoo style that started it all.
Native Americans, Polynesians, and other indigenous cultures still use this style to honor their cultures.
As the oldest tattoo style, tribal tattoos are thousands of years old. there has been a wide variety of diverse styles throughout history and places.
Chicano tattoos
Chicano tattoos are rich in Chicano culture. Themes in the Chicano tattoo style include symbols or motifs from the Mexican Revolution and the Pachuco culture.
This style features fine lines and black and gray color schemes.
which encompasses the most common tattoo styles. Check out our blog on tattoo styles if you’re interested in learning more.
Now, let’s talk about common tattoo themes.
Common Tattoo Themes
These standard tattoo designs are a great place to start if you’re looking to design your own dream tattoo. take these ideas and make them your own, combine them or just get inspired.
there is a wide range of things that people get tattooed; this list breaks down the most common ones into categories and offers examples for each topic.
let’s get to it.
flowers
Flowers are incredibly common in tattoo design. flower tattoos are perhaps some of the most popular themes for tattoos.
Flowers can also be a way to remember or honor someone. Favorite flowers of loved ones are a subtle and simple way to remember someone important to you.
Roses, lilies and sunflowers are great choices for a floral design.
animals
Animals are another great option for your tattoo design. An animal tattoo can be realistic, minimalist, or geometric.
choose a majestic animal from the animal kingdom, such as a lion or a tiger, or simply get your favorite pet tattooed.
or you can get a mythical beast like a dragon or a unicorn; there are no rules here.
If you want to remember or honor your best furry friend but don’t want to go basic, there are some really unique ways to do it. You can tattoo the outline of their legs or their ears to achieve a more minimalist and unique style.
Our beautiful animals deserve to be remembered.
nature
nature is all around us. trees, birds, and nature scenes are common tattoo themes.
examples of nature related tattoos are bird tattoos, mountain tattoos and ocean tattoos.
Bird designs and other nature tattoos can be whimsical and delicate or incredibly realistic.
symbols
Symbols are a staple of tattoo art. this is exceptionally popular in minimalist and stick and poke tattoo design.
Symbol tattoo ideas include a cross tattoo, a skull tattoo, a clock tattoo, a feather tattoo, a dreamcatcher tattoo, a heart tattoo, and an anchor tattoo.
astrology
astrology, maybe you believe in it, maybe you don’t. Regardless, it’s a great subject in tattoo art.
many people tattoo the signs of the horoscope. another popular option is to get your horoscope constellation or birthstone.
travel
A great way to remember your travels is by getting a commemorative tattoo.
You can get a blank map and color in the places you’ve traveled, tattoo relics of travel locations, or simply find objects that remind you of travel.
Examples of some travel inspired tattoo ideas are a compass tattoo, a mountain tattoo, and an airplane tattoo.
matching tattoos
Matching tattoos can be a great way to make a permanent commitment or commemorate an important person in your life.
Getting a matching family tattoo, sibling tattoo, mother daughter tattoo or couples tattoo can result in some truly meaningful tattoo designs. they often have strong personal meanings for those who choose to obtain them.
people often get the same design or combine elements like sun and moon, yin and yang, etc. something with deep meaning to the couple or just a fun keepsake.
We keep trying to convince our co-workers to get matching tattoos, but surprisingly, no one bites. rare.
Getting a matching tattoo is a powerful bonding experience. a meaningful tattoo with a loved one is certainly unforgettable.
Maybe you won’t get a matching couple tattoo after dating alone for a week. Or do it, but don’t say we didn’t warn you.
text
and finally, written words. Many people get important words or phrases tattooed.
We’ve seen some pretty heartwarming examples of people getting kind words of deceased loved ones tattooed on them. or just quirky phrases that people relate to.
letter tattoos can be done in a variety of fonts and sizes.
how to create a tattoo design with vectornator
Now that you know all of the common themes and styles, let’s talk about creating our own meaningful design for a tattoo.
Creating your own tattoo design is a great way to ensure that your tattoo or a tattoo you are doing for a client is special and unique.
Whether you’re a tattoo artist looking for a new way to create designs or a creative type who wants to get involved in the process of designing your tattoo, this step-by-step list should be a great place to start.
With Vectornator, designing your own tattoo template is simple. our design software is designed for beginners and is completely free.
This is how you can use vectornator to create your own tattoo design:
- Get Inspired – The list of examples above should be a great place to get inspiration for your own tattoo design. inspiration is great, but be sure to create custom designs that are unique. pinterest is also a great option to find some styles and designs you like.
- create a draft: the next step is the hardest part, get something written on paper (or in design software). you can create a draft in vectornator software using our pen tool or just use a pen and paper to draw things. there are no bad ideas during this stage.
- walk away and come back: now that you have a design(s) drafted, walk away and come back to it with a new pair of eyes. and don’t be afraid to ask friends or co-workers for feedback.
- digitize and finalize your design: make some final adjustments to your draft, or Reduce your designs to their best draft. try our different fonts, our auto-tracking feature, and our gesture controls to make your final adjustments and edits.
- create your template: yes yes uses Vectornator, it’s easy to save and print your digital files. then use a themofax to print your design onto a stencil or hand trace it onto tracing paper if you’re old school.
- tattoo your design: the final stage. It’s time to tattoo your design or take it to a tattoo artist to have it done.
and that’s it! now you have a beautifully designed tattoo that is unique and meaningful to you.
In addition, you know everything about the history of the art of tattooing and the most common styles and themes to take into account.
summarize
Well, that was a lot to take in, but I hope this article left you inspired and ready to create your own custom tattoo design. we certainly feel ready to do some cool designs.
Follow us on social media and share your tattoo designs with us. we’d love to see you!
