If you want a new tattoo that you won’t see on 100 other people, a guide to the best unique tattoo ideas can help. A lot of people want something that stands out, but when it comes to ideas for their next piece of body art, they come up empty handed.
60 stunning and unique tattoos you’ve never seen before
If you want a standout tattoo, checking out a list of unique tattoos can help. you can even view a design and use it as a starting point, expanding on the idea and making it your own. To help you get started, here are 60 unique tattoo ideas to consider.
1. full body face in black and white
Looking for something dramatic? this one certainly fits the bill. a sinister-looking face covers the wearer’s back and is framed by two full sleeves. This probably isn’t a great choice for a first tattoo, but if you’re committed to ink and want a beautiful (if a bit puzzling) and detailed tattoo, check this one out.
2. the intricate full color dragon sheath
This differs from most true sleeves in that it extends up to the pectoral muscle. It has a lot of depth: sinister and devilish faces, dramatic dragons and bright red leaves all come together to make a statement. the muted palette of earth tones ensures it’s not too overwhelming.
3. the black and white tribal pattern
here is another full sleeve that extends to the chest. and despite its lack of shading, this one has an intricate pattern reminiscent of Mayan or Inca art. each square or band has its own unique pattern, and the occasional outline of a face offers real visual interest.
4. the realistic roadmap in full color
This is a great conversation starter (and one of our favorites). precise line work makes it look like you’ve projected a map onto your arm. if you’re a traveler and want to remember one of your favorite road trips (or want to capture your hometown), this is a meaningful option.
5. the black and white eagle in flight
This is not your typical eagle tattoo. although it is in black and white, there is a lot of detail. the extended brim that crosses the middle of the chest makes it a standout piece. if you want a tattoo that evokes the spirit of bravery, this is a great consideration.
6. the viking tribute tattoo
Do you have Viking ancestry and want to acknowledge it? This detailed chest piece features a Viking ready for war. his face is flanked by a ship on one side and tools of war on the other. the shaded design offers a nice black and white palette.
7. the minimalist dragon in flight
If you’re looking for something that captures the spirit of a dragon, this stunning yet minimalist tattoo is the answer. Although it is made entirely of lines, this tattoo has a lot of movement. It is a great tattoo to place on an arm, but a larger version would make a great back tattoo. this is also a great style for dragonfly tattoos.
8. the ancient tree with roots
many tattoos have a dramatic look that borders on the chaotic. but if you want something that symbolizes grounding and stability, this tree tattoo is great. symmetrical branches are reflected in a set of roots. this design looks great as a smaller tattoo.
9. twin faces sharing one eye
This pleasingly symmetrical tattoo looks like something out of a skilled artist’s sketchbook. upside down and upside down faces can symbolize the presence of both stability and instability. his shared eye is nicely framed by his hands. this would look great as a larger tattoo or as a smaller accent piece.
10. the road through the desert
Do you need a tattoo to fuel your adventurous spirit? the diamond shape of this one centers a winding path from the perspective of someone walking it. It presents a high mountain surrounded by scarce winter pines. if you want a reminder of your last hiking trip, this is a good place to get it.
11. the tiger and the cherry blossom
This Asian-inspired piece offers a balance of strength and grace. a noble tiger and an elegant cherry blossom branch are surrounded by mountains and framed by a simple line. the minimalist shading here gives this one a classic, understated look.
12. the sleeping fox in winter
If you need a tattoo that evokes the spirit of peace, be sure to check this one out. This oval design features peaceful snow covered mountains and pine trees, and is below a curled up fox that sleeps through the night. muted colors and symmetrical design make this one especially easy on the eyes.
13. the wild and geometric bear
This striking tattoo can symbolize a lot: the creation of something from scratch or the completion of a long journey. This bear starts with a simple, unshaded geometric design and evolves into a poignant tribute to nature. clever shading adds movement and interest.
14. the ancient and symbolic circle
This tattoo is shown on a hand, but also draws attention on the shoulder or back. features an antique-inspired face in the center, and is surrounded by dragon-like faces and pyramid designs. if you want something that inspires a spirit of strength, this is a great one to get.
15. the otherworldly geometric sequence
This tattoo defies easy interpretation. it begins with a geometric design reminiscent of an electron or a simplified solar system, moves to a shadowed pointing hand, and then progresses to two mask-like faces sharing an embrace. ends in two spheres followed by string-like tails.
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16. the burst of targets in black and white
This tattoo has a good amount of solid black, which always has a different look. features a collection of circular targets superimposed on each other. the most interesting thing is the fading of the black background – it looks pixelated like old school comics.
17. the broken and geometric circle
The broken circle in this tattoo could represent overcoming a difficult time in your life, or it could simply be something you chose for its unconventional design. this hollow sun-like circle extends outward in a series of triangles that increase in complexity.
18. the brave and unwavering Christian lion
If you want a tattoo that pays tribute to your Christian faith, this is a great statement. The lion’s face (possibly inspired by the work of C.S. Lewis) features a crucifix, and sits on top of a heart surrounded by a crown of thorns.
19. the warrior in full color flanked by flowers
this is a clear nod to hokusai katsushika’s great wave. the wave itself surrounds a warrior wearing a gold-trimmed helmet. and is surrounded by bright pink flowers. perhaps this symbolizes weathering a storm to receive a great reward.
20. the sleeve of connected hexagons
Abstract tattoos are becoming more and more popular, and this one also uses a completely black triangle (another growing trend in the world of body art). This intricate design features interlocking hexagons in a bullseye pattern and looks great as a shoulder piece that extends into a half sleeve.
21. the highly detailed honeycomb map
This tattoo could have many meanings and is a great choice for lovers of abstract art. a wave of geometric patterns covers map-like stretches and are surrounded by small dots that look like aerial maps of the world at night.
22. the sun of ancient languages
here’s another one that’s not too easy to interpret. centers a brilliant sun whose rays are made of what looks like an ancient language. it then connects to a shoulder piece of flowing, abstract designs centering a few Arabic lines.
23. the defiant and gloomy-faced lady
Do you want a tattoo that inspires strength? this shoulder piece features a woman with a look of determination. Her long, flowing hair blends seamlessly with the feathered epaulettes across her shoulders. Her circular patterned earrings add extra visual interest to this stunning and offbeat piece.
24. the stamped and commemorative baby footprint
Many parents celebrate the birth of a baby by getting a footprint tattoo. this one offers a twist on that tradition. Instead of solid black, it represents the baby’s footprint in shaded, geometric form. is a great way to remember the birth of your child in an unconventional way.
25. the tribal swirl shoulder piece
this one looks a bit like the tribal tattoos that dwayne “the rock” johnson sports. the spiral swirl adds some movement, and the shaded patterns within the lines give it more depth than most tribal tattoos out there. Whether you are of Polynesian descent or not, this is a great tattoo.
26. the abstract shaded calf tattoo
This isn’t really limited to being a calf tattoo, it would also look great as a half sleeve. its pointed, symmetrical design closely resembles ornate architecture. when done by a skilled artist, the heavily shaded line work on this one is sure to spark some conversations.
27. the navajo blanket inspired tattoo
It’s not often you see tattoos with a woven look, but this original design looks great. the arrows and basketwork details give it lots of visual interest. and as you can see in this model, it looks great as a shoulder piece that extends to a sleeve.
28. watercolor birds on a blossoming branch
Watercolor tattoos are quite uncommon, regardless of design, and it takes a skilled artist to do them effectively. this trio of birds surrounded by flowers inspires feelings of peace, and you get the added bonus of a tattoo that looks like a painting.
29. abstract painting in cool colors
Abstract art isn’t for everyone, but this dramatic painting-inspired work is sure to please. the fine details make it look like there are actual brush strokes on the skin, and the mostly cool color design makes it look like water, with the little yellow speck that looks a lot like the sun.
30. the person trapped and vanishing
This one isn’t as laid back as some of the tattoos on the list. the dotted design looks like a slim figure fading away, and the darker hands look like they’re pressing against the glass. this design looks a lot like a figure feeling trapped in some way.
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31. the small and colorful bunch of flowers
This one has too much shading to be considered a watercolor tattoo, but the soft, muted use of color gives it a vintage-inspired look. looks great as a smaller tattoo and is perfect for those who want a little color without it being overwhelming.
32. the watercolor trace of the flowers
Many floral tattoos don’t have much movement, but this one is an exception. it has the look of released flowers, and the mix of fully bloomed flowers and buds adds some visual interest. faded stems and soft petal edges give it the look of an old watercolor painting.
33. the ancient face with a third eye
Many people want tattoos that symbolize enlightenment. if that’s you, this is a great option. the laterally turned third eye symbolizes being fully aware of the world, and the necklace of skulls on her face indicates that she is aware of (and comfortable with) death.
34. the bird about to fly
If you’re ready to make major changes in your life, this bird tattoo is a great way to communicate it. This big bird is perched on an elegant flower, but its wings are up and it’s about to take off. To make this one more dramatic, you can also add a splash of color.
35. the colorful branch of flowers
if you like tattoos with a lot of details, this is one of the best. Bright green leaves surround delicate pink flowers. This is a fairly realistic tattoo that doesn’t have the prominent line work associated with some tattoos, making it a good choice for those who like colorful pieces that look like paintings.
36. the flower boy kissing the sun
If you’re a bit of a hippie or just love the great outdoors, this heavenly tattoo might be a good fit. features a vintage-inspired smiling sun being kissed by a flower-adorned woman. looks great as a black and white tattoo but would also make a great statement piece when filled in with color.
37. the anklet with geometric cubes
This tattoo looks a lot like an anklet with lots of embellishments. a stripe of aligned cubes spans the leg in a triangle shape, and an intricate diamond-shaped line spans the foot. it is broken by an all-black ankle band. if you like symmetry, this is a good option.
38. bright blue flowers with butterflies
If you prefer tattoos that symbolize hope and new life, this is a good one. It centers two flowers that look a lot like gerber daisies, and the bright flower bouquet is topped with a few butterflies. looks great on the shoulder, but would also look great on the thigh.
39. the geometric triangular chest piece
If you like geometric designs and are looking for an eye-catching and distinctive chest tattoo, this one is worth checking out. the downward triangle starts with bold black and ends with delicate lines. in the middle are honeycombs and details inspired by wheat. It’s unconventional, but this is a great way to make a statement.
40. the floral deer with a touch of magic
Unrealistic tattoos are a great way to stand out from the crowd. The large antlers of this deer are decorated with delicate pink flowers, and its head and chest are made of pink stains like watercolors. a handful of pink dots around it offers a unique touch.
41. the bouquet with a bright sunflower
A lot of people want colorful tattoos that symbolize hope, and this one is particularly unique. the central sunflower is very realistic looking, but the flowers in the background are made of old-style liners and shading. the rose behind the sunflower is between a realistic and a non-realistic flower.
42. the sliding realistic snake anklet
Snakes have long been well represented in tattoos, and this offbeat version is sure to turn heads. A realistic black and white snake is wrapped around one ankle, and its head extends slightly below the foot. Whether you like reptiles or just like the soft aesthetic of this tattoo, it’s a great choice.
43. the bright butterfly with one eye
Butterflies are a common choice when it comes to tattoos, but this one adds a unique twist. the butterfly’s wings feature a pair of closed eyes and one open eye hovers over it. if you want something that symbolizes enlightenment and peace, this is a good tattoo to choose.
44. the little snake wrapped around a rose
If you work in the healthcare field, this may be an attractive option. the snake wrapped around a rose stem closely resembles the snake on a staff that is commonly used as a medical symbol. Regardless, this tattoo manages to stand out without becoming overwhelming.
45. the black and white floral leg piece
Tattoos that wrap around a limb have always been popular. this one takes the floral motif and does something a little different. Although it is black and white with minimal shadows, this one manages to create the feeling of a garden.
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46. the little flower that opens
This is another tattoo that can be interpreted as a representation of hope. a newly opened flower reaches out into a sun shape. a delicate line below can represent roots or a line of travel. this is another tattoo that would look great in black and white or in colorful shapes.
47. abstract painting in earth tones
ever wanted to have a pollock painting on your body? If so, this tattoo that looks like thrown paint is a good choice. its finer details represent some styles of painting: bold lines are backed with softer brushstrokes. this is a tattoo that can be scaled to almost any size.
48. the blue butterfly in flight
This unique tattoo features a butterfly and also allows you to add text of your choosing. the butterfly is followed by a blue trail around the delicately written text. It’s easy for text-based tattoos to look overwhelming, but this one strikes a great balance.
49. the bold collection of symbols
Whether you want to commemorate someone or just love the look of vintage tattoos, this collection on your face is a great way to start. Features grave symbols and a “forget-me-not” label. there are also other symbols that vary in meaning. eagles, mermaids, panthers and spider webs appear in this detailed and varied collection.
50. the floral design with laces
Tattoos with large black spots are becoming more common, and this one combines that trend with the classic look of flowers. mostly white hibiscus flowers are balanced by patches of black, and the lace-up style design along the leg adds an interesting touch as well.
51. the skull of an Indian chief
Native American symbolism in tattoos is fairly common, but this interpretation is especially unique. features the skill of an Indian chief wearing an ornate headdress. If you’re of Native American descent, this tattoo is an especially good choice.
52. the phoenix rising from the flames
This tattoo is a gripping take on a classic story. And if you have overcome difficult circumstances, a phoenix tattoo is the perfect way to commemorate it. this tattoo features a phoenix rising above the flames, and the flames blend heavily with the phoenix.
53. the dragon that flies to the moon
If you want a slightly darker tattoo that is still peaceful, this image of a dragon moving towards the moon is a great option. the moon is a minimalist crescent and the dragon doesn’t look angry or intimidating, making for a calm and hopeful design.
54. the toy panda and the four-leaf clover
This whimsical design is certainly out of the box. a small toy-like panda is calmly sitting and holding a lucky four-leaf clover. If you want a good luck tattoo that you have never seen before, this is a good option.
55. the small and colorful infinity symbol
You’ve probably seen an infinity symbol tattoo once or twice in your life. but this one offers a detailed twist. If you want to symbolize something infinite (such as love, hope, etc.), this tattoo is a great way to do it. the carefully shaded color gradient gives it a 3d effect that makes it stand out.
56. the red leaves that fall in autumn
Leaves are a bit less common than flowers when it comes to tattoos. but this design is a standout. It features an almost bare branch with a few remaining bright red leaves. If fall is your favorite season (or if you just want a realistic tattoo), this is a great option.
57. rainbow hummingbird in flight
As you have seen, many people choose bird tattoos. but this unrealistic hummingbird is a great choice for people who love color. The bird’s outline is splashed with a rainbow not unlike Lisa Frank’s artwork. the fact that the color comes out of the lines is a great symbol of an adventurous spirit.
58. the small wave-inspired ring
Ring tattoos are not very common, but some people even choose ring tattoos when they get married. this one is relatively inconspicuous: its pattern of dots suggests waves or even flames. if you want an interesting piece that doesn’t attract attention, this is a great option.
59. frida kahlo, hopeful piece
if you are a fan of the famous artist frida kahlo, this is a great tribute tattoo. but it also contains a message of hope for the user: this includes the word “unbreakable”, but you can also choose to replace it with a word that is meaningful to you.
60. the full body neo-tribal tattoo
Full body tattoos are not for everyone: they are time consuming and tend to be expensive. but if you’re committed, this full body piece is an incomparable way to make a statement. Deep black swatches contrast with intricate geometric designs that closely resemble tribal tattoos.
60 original and original tattoos that break the mold
Hopefully, this extensive list of the best unique tattoo ideas has inspired you to choose your next tattoo with confidence. when you want to stand out, choosing something out of the box is always a good decision. Whether you want to provoke thought, start a conversation, or just pick something visually beautiful, we think these layouts are a great place to start. remember that you can always customize them, whether you want to change the color, adjust the size, add a name or add a symbol that is meaningful to you, there are countless ways to make these unique tattoo ideas your own.
