You may be surprised to learn that simple tattoo designs speak volumes more than their composition! if you were looking for inspiring and simplistic tattoos, we have just what you need. when you think about getting tattooed and you don’t have a design in mind, you usually prefer simple and small tattoos to experiment with.
Trying out complex and intricate patterns can seem overwhelming to a beginner, and just because you signed up to get a tattoo doesn’t mean you have to cover your entire arm with it. sometimes, the most minimal and cute design is the one that catches our attention the most. so, if you are looking for minimalist designs that have a significant impact without taking up much of your skin, this is your stop correct.
You can choose from a large number of options and get the one that most appeals to you. From the initials of people who mean a lot to you to the symbols of the zodiac, there is no limit to what you can achieve with small tattoos. Here are some simple and delicate designs that can inspire your tattoo. your dreams. keep scrolling!
best simple tattoo designs with meaning
1. rose tattoo
Rose tattoos are definitely a crowd favorite if one is looking for simple tattoo designs. You can choose to dye it completely black, add a dash of red and pink hues, or make it a mix of different colors. You can make it even prettier by adding stems and leaves or your favorite quote. This simple rose design can be painted on the wrist, shoulder, or back of the neck.
2. arrowhead tattoo designs
These minimalist arrow and arrowhead designs are inspired by tribal body art. these are generally used as a representation of power, strength, or the correct sense of direction. You can choose to have a single arrow or a bunch of arrows together side by side. Black ink is usually the preferred ink for these tattoos, but you can do it with a combination of different inks in a pattern of watercolor. you can do this design on the forearm, sleeve, or even the back.
3. star tattoos
Stars, like roses, are quite common in the world of tattoos. People get a trail of small stars with outlines and silhouettes, three stars grouped together, representing Orion’s belt, or just a single black star commonly seen on fingers. a trail of stars looks amazing on the back of your neck, and the orion belt will look great on the side of your neck, ribs, chest, or wrist. These tattoos often serve as reminders of loved ones who have passed away.
4. dandelion flower tattoos
As a child, wasn’t it so much fun to hold a dandelion in your hand and blow on it? what better way to capture that childhood memory than to engrave it on your skin as a simple flower tattoo? this is a good tattoo to place on your upper back or chest. it will look elegant on any woman who wants to make a style statement. it usually suggests a new phase of life to which an individual’s destiny leads.
5. bird tattoo font
What’s easier than letting the words that mean a lot to you burn themselves into your skin permanently? It can be a quote that has always inspired you, a phrase that describes you perfectly, a word with which you connect the most, or simply a text that gives you strength and motivation to be the best version of yourself. not only do they look great, but they also provide meaning. just like this tattoo that describes the word “freedom”, combined with its most suitable symbol: a bird. you can choose a silhouette or just the outline of a bird to match the font of this tattoo.
6. musical notes tattoo
for music lovers, there is nothing better than getting simple and cool tattoos that show your love for music, songs and everything related to it that gives you a sense of calm. Most of those people would choose big and bold tattoos that cover their entire body. however, there are many people who are shy and prefer small and precise designs to show their love for music. a bunch of favorite musical notes or just a single note done in black ink would look classy.
7. geometric tattoos
Geometric tattoo designs have been trending for quite some time. Some of the most common and ancient geometric tattoos have many religious and spiritual ties, representing the sacred beliefs of the individual. Simple geometric tattoos (like this one) look amazing when done on the back and require minimal effort and time. Many of the features and lines in these tattoos represent the importance of balance and symmetry in one’s life. not just images, but you can also write short messages or phrases on geometric line patterns.
8. cute penguin tattoo
penguins are symbols of peace and rarity. Although the tattoo is mostly done in black, you can add colors like white, blue, and yellow to make it look cuter and more authentic, like the one shown here. This tattoo is usually a small sized design but it is enough to create a big impact.
9. small cross tattoo
Religious fanatics often use different ways to represent their beliefs, thoughts and faith. a small and simple cross tattoo design is the most common pattern chosen for the same. People very devoted to Christ choose the cross as a representation of their faith. however, there are some people who believe that having a cross inked will protect them against any negative energy that may come as an obstacle in their lives. do it on your wrist for a minimalist yet unique look.
10. roman numeral tattoo
This is yet another example of an elegant and simple tattoo, where you can get a date that has a special meaning in your heart inked on your skin. It could be an anniversary, a date that marks a major life event, or your loved one’s birthday. Roman numerals are often synonymous with poise, boldness, and elegance. Engraving a roman numeral on your body can give the impression of a stylish personality. looks best on the nape, wrist, and ankle.
11. flying paper plane tattoo
We’ve all designed paper airplanes, competing with our friends and siblings as to who flies the highest or which plane flies. it’s a lovely and fun reminder of the happy days of our lives when we had nothing to worry about. This tattoo is basically a paper plane made from an extension of a wind wave. This is an uncomplicated yet trendy tattoo idea for anyone who is in love with cute and simple tattoos.
12. feather tattoo
Feathers have been around for quite some time, and they make for some really beautiful simple tattoo designs. you can choose a really pretty bird to go with it, or a string of words, or just the old feather. feathers are symbols of truth, bravery, courage and freedom. they are usually done in black, but you can also do it in colors or surround a black image with a watercolor pattern. You can wear this design at the neck or high on the side of the back and wear it with a tube top or an off-the-shoulder dress.
13. small bird tattoos
This is one of those cute simple tattoos that you can never go wrong with. the outline or silhouette of a tiny bird looks absolutely nice. This is definitely a tattoo that you would like to get, especially if it is your first time and you are nervous about getting a big one. An image of birds flying together in the sky, throwing caution to the wind, makes your heart feel carefree. This tattoo is a symbol of liberation, independence and attachment to loved ones.
14. small floral tattoos
These are intricate designs that can look great on any woman, regardless of where they choose to do it. flowers symbolize peace, inspiration and purity. add some branches and make the tattoo a bit elaborate. You can use any flower you like, such as rose, lotus, sunflower, and marigold, to create a lovely effect.
15. small “&” tattoo symbol
This is one of the best examples of small, elegant and simple tattoo designs that will look good on anyone, regardless of age, gender or personality. in fact, it could add an extra element of intrigue to your overall personality. An ampersand tattoo is indicative of a person who has high expectations of life and looks forward to every day. do it in black ink, designed in bold, cursive, and any font you like on your wrist, neck, ankle, or finger.
16. small fox tattoo
Foxes are known to be cunning, intelligent and absolutely wise animals, so it is no surprise that many people choose to get this tattoo inked on their body. Both men and women who have a sense of ambition and wisdom and are absolutely resourceful would be more inclined to get this tattoo. these can be done as fierce looking figures or they can be made into really cute and simple tattoos that are full of shades of brown and orange.
17. small tree tattoo
A tree is a symbol of growth, prosperity and positivity. some even think of the shadow it brings as a symbol of protection against any obstacles or negative energy in life. This small tree tattoo is an extremely meaningful pattern as well as a very stylish and trendy design for you to show off. If you want to play with the landscape, you can combine trees with simple mountain tattoos to create an interesting tattoo design.
18. small heart tattoo design
Probably one of the most common small simple tattoos is a small heart drawn as an outline or silhouette filled in with whatever color you like. This tattoo is perfect for when you want a cute and simple tattoo that doesn’t take up a lot of space on your body. it will look good on your wrist, feet, shoulders or waist. The heart is a symbol of love, romance, and femininity, so it’s no surprise that many women choose this design.
19. small anchor tattoos
Small and simple anchor tattoos inked on the wrist or ankle look amazing. They are commonly seen on sailors, but recently many teenagers and young adults are wearing them and they are used to symbolize strong roots. Anchors are also supposed to represent composure, stability, hope, and calmness in the various adversities of life. Due to such a strong representation, anchor tattoos are chosen by women and men alike.
20. simple cactus tattoo
The cactus has a completely different range of meanings, and each one depends on the person who is tattooing it. For some it means protection, warmth and resistance, and for others it can represent adaptability and motherly love. On the other hand, if you are someone who has fought for life and survived, a cactus can also be used to symbolize that. you can do it on your fingers, wrist, shoulder, or neck.
21. simple ‘xoxo’ love tattoo
‘xoxo’ is used affectionately as an abbreviation for the phrase “hugs and kisses.” it looks absolutely great and is one of the best cute and simple tattoos. It is mainly done as a simple tattoo on the wrist, but it can also be sported on the fingers, toes or ankles. it’s really artistic and goes great with any outfit.
22. meaningful quotes tattoo
A tattoo like this done a little above your ankle, on the back of your leg, using words, phrases or quotes that inspire you, can look absolutely lovely. You can even get a quote tattoo on your foot. It is a great idea to wear an anklet to make your tattoo stand out. you can use calligraphy to make it look artistic.
23. cat tattoo designs
This style is ideal for someone looking to get a cute and simple small tattoo to commemorate a loving pet or just their love of cats in general. the cat is drawn using tribal design inspiration and is commonly used by teenagers. you can choose any look of an angry cat, a goofy cat, or a wild cat, depending on the wearer’s personality.
24. compass tattoo
This tattoo is very common among people who love to travel, wander and often explore different cities and countries. many people use it to symbolize the path they have chosen in life to achieve their goals. This simple tattoo design can be sported on the chest, sleeves, ankles, or wrists. while compass tattoos are mostly done in black ink, you can add different colors to enhance the beauty.
25. angel tattoos
This is also quite a popular and cute tattoo idea. You can get a small, simple tattoo of an angel and accessorize it with any number of embellishments. You can even choose to get a combination tattoo of an angel and devil together or even a baby angel. You can choose to go with a black tattoo outline or get an intricate piece full of colors. this tattoo looks best on the side of the back, on the wrist or on the sleeve.
26. sea creatures tattoo
People who are fascinated by the vast ocean and every creature that exists in it will definitely want to get this tattoo. you can get little pictures of creatures, from octopuses and seahorses to fish and crabs. they will look beautiful on your fingers and toes or even on your wrist. these creatures often signify beauty in diversity.
27. delicate dragonfly tattoo
Dragonflies represent freedom and independence. a trail consisting of some dragonflies looks amazing on the back or side of the neck. When you add colors to this design, you can give it a more intriguing and realistic appeal. these tattoos are best placed on the forearm, sleeves or calves.
28. infinity heart tattoo
An infinity heart tattoo combines two different symbols into one. the heart is a symbol of love, while the mathematical symbol for infinity means forever. this tattoo symbolizes your infinite love for someone special. you’ll mostly see them as an outline, grouped together as a singular pattern, looking absolutely intriguing done in black ink, or filled with red within a black outline. can be placed on the side of the back, wrist or sleeve.
29. cupcake finger tattoo
well, who doesn’t like food, right? This is a really silly tattoo design that is used by most foodies to show off their penchant for desserts, baked goods, or food in general. You can get this tattoo on your finger as an outline in black ink, or if you want to show it off realistically, add some pink icing and a brown base for the inside fill.
30. zodiac sign tattoos
The first thing that comes to mind when most people are looking for a meaningful and simple tattoo design is their zodiac sign. it looks like a solid option and, at the same time, incredibly popular. if you want to make it more personal, add embellishments and voila. This minimal capricorn zodiac sign done on the feet, just above the ankle, looks absolutely stunning and takes up almost no space.
31. artistic animal tattoo
Animal tattoos are quite common and there are a lot of patterns you can use to turn them into beautiful artistic images. you can make animals using cool geometric patterns or choose birds, insects or any other creatures. These simple geometric tattoos have become an absolute rage this season and can be done in any dark ink.
Small and simple tattoo designs seem to be the perfect alternative for people who want to enjoy body art but don’t want to draw too much attention to themselves. The advantages of getting small and simple tattoos is that they do not cost a bomb, they require less effort and the pain afterward will be less. In case you change your mind later on, you can easily adapt the tattoo to a new style and if necessary the removal process will be quick and easy. minimalist tattoo designs are the most apt representation of “less is more”.
