Top 33 Negative Space Tattoo Ideas [2021 Inspiration Guide]

The entire universe of ink art has been revolutionized by negative space tattoos. these richly creative presentations employ optical illusions that allow the human eye to complete the picture.

To take a completely different approach to tattoos, many men today are looking to negative space ink jobs.

These portraits are usually based strictly on black ink, so they are amazingly affordable compared to other options. basically, the missing areas form a silhouette of whatever desired image you may have in mind.

For a truly inspiring piece, the male population has started looking for dual image tattoos using empty space to imply another image within the original aesthetic. this effect can also be achieved for fascinating variations of complex geometry.

Integral patterns are a common theme with empty space tattoos, and the approach artfully allows for concentric circles along with tribal prints.

To fully understand these elegant tattoos, you just have to see them with your own eyes. When done correctly, empty space tattoos are too soft for words.

once you take a look at the possibilities compiled here, you’ll have no choice but to head straight to the nearest tattoo parlor!

1. geometric negative space tattoos

Geometric designs really lend themselves to negative space tattooing. negative space can be used through sharp lines that focus the space into patterns and optical illusions, as in the first and second examples. Negative space can also be highlighted in outlines by inking the padding space inside geometric figures and using the negative space as an outline.

Whether done in a minimalist style or through intricate layers reminiscent of Escher, this technique harnesses negative space through the most natural and mathematical means. Check out the labyrinthine vibes in the fifth photo! Negative space through geometric designs can also be used to create optical illusions, guaranteeing a double take wherever you go.

2. blackout negative space tattoos

The most common places for a complete blackout are the arms, legs, or back. negative space is often used for ornamentation or to highlight a particular image against solid black ink. personally, i’m a big fan of the crescent moon against the darkened fingers. As you can see from several examples above, black saturation makes clean spaces really pop! Black work is also a useful way to cover up a previous tattoo while maintaining negative space when creating a new image. Originally made with charcoal, this style is bold and strong, often using a thicker needle and obsidian ink. dark tattoos can also be tattooed, with the dark skin of negative space emerging against a layered outline, like the jet black skull on tattooed skin. These tattoos need more maintenance and require constant moisturizing to prevent the ink from fading.

3. fade negative space tattoos

Negative space can be incorporated to naturally fade the tattoo into the surrounding skin rather than designing a sharp outline for the piece/artwork/creation. A common technique uses finer needle points to fade against the skin, as in the second example image. I especially love how the precise points continue to frame the empty space as it shrinks. In this way, while the tattoo fades naturally, its image will maintain its clarity without losing its essence over time. another method is to create an inked symmetry that reflects against negative space. Using negative space fading can also be a great way to blend a dark tattoo into the rest of the body, or incorporate a smaller piece into a full sleeve.

4. small negative space tattoos

With negative space tattoos you don’t have to go big or go home. think of how a few strokes of a pen can give the appearance of a rose. Even in small spaces, black ink can be used to outline or fill in a design that comes to life through exposed skin, such as peeking key tattoos. for intricate designs or pointillism, it is recommended to use a thinner needle to prevent the ink from bleeding and fading over time. for designs that rely more on blackout, a thicker needle can be used to provide a bold softness that won’t fade or lighten. take note of the constant curve of the pattern in the black diamond, or the geometric lines in the filled circle; with just a slight reveal, the piece takes on a surreal feel.

5. image based negative space tattoo

The voids of negative space can be used to provoke a particular image, using the space as natural additions rather than a mere empty canvas. This is a great option for cheaper tattoos as they require fewer varieties of ink to represent a specific concept, relying more on simple lines or dots. Negative space can implement 3D effects, like the skull tattoo above, by fading the ink into empty space to create shading and bringing the tattoo to life regardless of its size. for a more stark contrast, take a page from the film negatives creating a design through the reversal of dark and light.

6. color negative space tattoo

Negative space doesn’t have to be done with just black ink. while black is most commonly used, any color of ink can be implemented to distinguish the space around it. Because a negative space tattoo is based on the unstained space rather than the inked area, there are no hard and fast rules regarding which style or color of ink is chosen. Black ink is often preferred as a cheaper option, especially when dealing with larger, more complex parts. but the color can be introduced through a black ink fade, a splatter application, or the entire piece can be done in color. however, because one of the qualities of negative space tattoos is to rely on the contrast between unblemished and tattooed skin, using colored ink over black can diminish the concept.

7. negative space lettering tattoo

Negative space does not have to be used solely for visual purposes. inking the outlines can highlight negative space that is both aesthetic and linguistic. this can be done in combination with the various styles mentioned above, through simple lines to outline letters and symbols, or by inking in shadows that make the letters stand out. it is important to ensure that the eyeliner ink is constant; to prevent the ink from spreading under the skin and blurring the outline, often referred to as a tattoo blowout. negative space is also a great option for letters, as it opens up options for future cover-ups (you know, just in case…)

frequently asked questions about negative spaces

what does negative space refer to in the tattoo industry?

negative space refers to a piece where most of the linework and inking is done to highlight empty space and reveal an image, similar to a stencil. this technique is popular for being cost-effective in its comparatively minimal use of ink, as well as its stylistic versatility.

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