Getting a tattoo is probably not something to be taken lightly. For example, I once knew a guy with a pizza rat tattoo. Trust me, you don’t want to be him.
However, finding good original tattoo ideas can be difficult, especially if you already have a lot of pieces or don’t know how to start your collection. But before you dare to tattoo a rodent eating a greasy slice of New York on your body, there are better ideas.
If you need something to spark your next tattoo idea, this is the place to go. From iconic traditional tattoos to modern symbolism, inspiration for your next ink is sure to come your way through these 40 classic and unique designs.
What you won’t find on this list are trendy designs, tribal tattoos, native images, wildly offensive suggestions, names of lovers, or tattoos in languages you don’t know. just don’t do any of that.
Whether you’re thinking about your first tattoo or filling in your last patches of free skin, these 40 tattoo ideas are a few to consider.
1. pink
A rose tattoo is a classic design for anyone of any gender, and for good reason. The tattoo lends itself to almost any tattoo style, providing depth and interest with layered petals. you really can’t go wrong.
2. human skull
Another undisputed tattoo classic is a human skull, as it’s both a morbid reminder of mortality and an amazing piece of ink. Like the rose, it spans tattoo styles and fits into any man’s budding tattoo collection.
3. quote
If you have a favorite quote, why not write it down? Whether it’s a life mantra or a phrase your father used to say, a quote tattoo is always a good way to go, as long as everything is spelled correctly.
4. iconic heart and banner
a traditionally styled heart and banner stand the test of time in the simplicity of their tribute. just make sure the name on the sign is someone you’ll love for life, like your mom, dad, or dog.
5. strong and ferocious animal
If you want to go hyper masculine with your selection, nothing says “tough guy” like a strong and ferocious animal tattoo. From lions to wolves to tigers, majestic animals are a top-tier selection to represent strength and endurance.
6. cobweb
Another classic piece of ink, spider web tattoos first became popular among those “entangled” in the prison system. Now, the nets aren’t associated with time indoors, but they still add an edge to your ink.
7. roman numerals
Instead of tattooing a birth date or numerical year on your body, translating that number into Roman numerals may be more pleasing to the eye. With numerals based on lines that provide angles and structure, Roman numerals lend themselves well to tattooing.
8. horror movie
Want to get a little spooky? Horror movie tattoos are perfect for the creepy super fan who wants to make every day Halloween.
9. nautical
Nautical motifs are forever associated with tattoos in the West, as sailors are largely credited with bringing this art form to the Western world from Polynesian and indigenous Asian communities. Nautical themes, including ships, anchors, wheels, lighthouses, and compasses, are staples of tattoos, especially in traditional styles.
10. song lyrics
If you have a particular song that has a special meaning, getting a particularly poignant lyric tattoo is a way to celebrate that meaning without constantly singing.
11. nerdy themes
If you’re an unapologetic nerd, use your ink to proudly display your passions. Admittedly, this guy got a little mean, but you can always tone it down a bit.
12. dagger
Another classic when it comes to tattoo imagery, a dagger is a symbol of strength, freedom, or evil. You can also get a dagger tattoo to commemorate that totally real knife fight you were once in…
13. state or country outline
Celebrate your roots in ink in the shape of your home state or country. A simple outline tattoo is a great way to keep your homeland close, even if it’s New Jersey.
14. heart
A heart tattoo is a way to show your softer side, but you can still get a little interesting with it. favoring an anatomical design is a welcome variation on this classic tattoo.
15. images related to nature
Channel the peace of the natural world with a nature-inspired tattoo of mountains, rivers, trees, and more. whatever calms you down, throw it in there. even if you live in a concrete jungle, this will give your skin some comfort.
16. swallow
A staple of traditional tattoos, swallows were popularized by well-traveled sailors. Nowadays, really anyone can get a swallow tattoo, and it will never go out of style.
17. eagle
eagles symbolize strength and wisdom, and these birds rule the skies. eagles are also obviously associated with patriotism, if that’s your thing. but they’re just great as a chest piece with their wings outstretched and no one can deny that.
18. time related designs
Tattoos that represent time can be a sobering reminder of mortality or point to a specific time in your life. set an analog clock to a special time or date (like 5:25 for May 25), or get a simple hourglass tattoo to represent fleeting time. Regardless of your choice, time is a constant in life, and it’s never enough.
19. religious reasons
For those who praise a higher power, religious tattoos are undoubtedly popular. From representations of gods to symbols like crosses, religious tattoos are a way to keep your faith close forever.
20. portraits
When done right, portrait tattoos are commanding, impressive, and just plain awesome. just make sure you go to a portrait artist, for crying out loud.
21. geometric designs
A popular style in recent years, geometric tattoos take a seemingly normal object and break it down into a series of angles and shapes. An especially stellar technique for animal designs, this style is a way to add interest to a simple idea.
22. large scale intricate ink
Not all tattoos need to represent a tangible object. some can be just plain cool, like large-scale design work that prioritizes black and gray patterns.
23. letters
Go to an artist who specializes in lettering if you want a word or two bold. letter work is an art and a way to make a single meaningful word stand out. just don’t make it your own name.
24. abstract ink
For artistic types, abstract ink is a way to turn the body into a canvas. Some tattoo artists specialize in brush-type ink and whimsical design. look for those stylistic wonders for a project like this.
25. work in black
if you have tattoos you want to cover up, blackwork may be for you. this style of tattooing often covers large areas of skin with saturated black ink. it’s a flashy way to hide a bad decision, but also a tattoo style that takes talent to master.
26. single line
Single line tattoos create a design from one unbroken line. when done right, it’s a stunning illusion that the artistic type will love.
27. insect
From butterflies and scorpions to bees and spiders, insect tattoos are probably more popular than the insects themselves. Even if you still jump at the sight of a spider or squash a bee after getting one, no one has to know.
28. creepy motifs
are you a disgusting certificate? display it proudly with a slightly gothic and somewhat strange ink. Consider a creepy tattoo as a warning to others about your sinister and creepy ways.
29. “torn flesh” tattoos
Illusion tattoos, like those depicting torn flesh, are a stylistic way to liven up any design. From torn edges to a strip of torn flesh running through a design, this tattoo element gets tough, especially when paired with anatomy and mechanical-themed tattoos.
30. fine line
Fine line tattoos are popular for their realism and intricate design. Although the aging of these pieces is up for debate, fine line tattoos are certainly impressive, almost looking like a temporary tattoo from childhood.
31. pin up girl
A pin-up girl is a staple of traditional tattooing, representing the femininity, power and charm of women. Once popular with soldiers, pinup girl tattoos are now sported by people of all genders as a nod to the roots of tattooing and to celebrate bold and sexy women.
32. flash designs
Flash tattoos are typically smaller tattoos that an artist designs for a flat fee with no modifications. Some artists pre-design a collection of flashes for an event (like those famous “13” tattoos for Friday the 13th), tattooing each design multiple times. however, some sparkles are a design that an artist wants to make and a client can claim, and it only gets tattooed once. Either way, flash designs are great when you find an artist you love because, let’s face it, sometimes it’s best to let the professionals have free rein.
33. animal skull
Celebrate the natural world (and death, but whatever) with an animal skull tattoo. from bird skulls to ox skulls, animal skulls are aesthetically pleasing and fashion forward. and dead very dead.
34. flames
A flame tattoo probably reminds you of a hardcore biker. With a similar ink, you can channel that energy, even without a motorcycle license.
35. coordinates
This tattoo is certainly a bit trendy, but it’s a clever way to remember a moment in time. Whether it’s the location of your childhood home or the exact spot where you had a memorable experience, getting a minimum coordinate tattoo is a little reminder for you and you alone.
36. space-themed designs
space is vast and mysterious, and that makes it ideal for tattooing. From astronauts to galaxies and planets, space tattoos represent the unknown that lies beyond us, which is quite sobering and sick.
37. literary ink
Any book fanatic will appreciate a literary tattoo celebrating their favorite read. From quotes to covers and any other creative representation, literary tattoos acknowledge the power and impact of the written word.
38. snake
A true classic, snake tattoos are sinuous and edgy, making them visually interesting. snakes often represent shedding and transformation, or knowledge and patience. but then again, they look great, which is probably enough for most tough guys.
39. memorial tattoo
A memorial tattoo is a meaningful way to celebrate the life of a loved one. Unlike anything else, the ink will be with you forever, meaning the person you commemorate will be eternally close. if you are grieving, the permanent nature of the tattoo can be healing and comforting.
40. knuckle ink
And when the skin on your body is full of all the other designs on this list, it’s time to get your knuckles tattooed. the best location when there is no more skin.
