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Next Luxury • Style • Top 103+ Back Tattoo Ideas in 2022

Top 103+ Back Tattoo Ideas in 2022

Top 103+ Back Tattoo Ideas in 2022

  • by — Jono Elderton

Back Tattoos

The back is an ideal location for epic custom tattoo masterpieces.

Whether it’s a full back Japanese tattoo design, backless gown friendly flower tattoo, or intricately detailed angel wings, the back is territory begging for a bigger picture.

Possible back and spine tattoo schemes can include mythical scenes or dramatic iconography, such as the Asian dragon, mandala, and geometric tattoo designs.

Others may prefer to use the back as a blank page for minimalist tattoo, utilizing black ink lettering, or creating something more subtle on the shoulder blade.

The following collection of 103 amazing back tattoos will provide almost endless inspiration for your small or large tattoo idea. Take these images to your tattoo parlor or artist and start work on bringing these stunning tattoo concepts to life.

See more about - Top 135 Tattoo Ideas for Men

See more about - The Ultimate List of Tattoo Ideas

1. Back Tattoos for Men

Back Arm Tattoos For Men

Back Cross Tattoos For Men

Back Piece Tattoos For Men

Dragon Back Tattoo Designs For Men

Cool Back Tattoos For Men

Tribal Back Tattoos Men

 

See more about - Top 243 Back Tattoos for Men

The body is a canvas for ink brilliance and the back marks the largest easel for a tattoo artist‘s work.

The entire surface area of the back helps bring life to a creation containing a story that is dying to be told to the masses, however smaller tattoo ideas and body art can work just the same.

Back designs express feelings through colorful tattoo imagery, or take a subtle, minimalist tattoo look into the past of a body that has seen better times.

 

2. Japanese Tattoo Art for the Back

Amazing Mens Awesome Back Japanese Tiger Tattoo Designs

Back of Neck Tattoos For Men

Awesome Guys Warrior Dragon Japanese Back Tattoo

Gold Skull With Snake Guys Japanese Back Tattoo

Huge Koi Fish Mens Japanese Full Back Tattoo

Samuari Helmet With Demon Mask Mens Japanese Full Back Tattoo

 

See more about - 50 Japanese Back Tattoos

For the seeker of sensational back ink, Japanese tattoo is a bold statement. It imparts power and prestige to the man or woman who masters the traditional ink style and makes it their own.

The rich detail and vibrant colors will accentuate the killer design elements, and the painstaking, precise needle work from the tattoo artist.

The back is a bold canvas and will take to the intense drama that inspires vivid imagery in the Japanese tradition. This is a distinctive tattoo for the ink adventurer ready to make their permanent, indelible mark.

 

3. Tribal Back Tattoo

Best Back Tattoos For Men

Back Wing Tattoos For Men

Tribal Back Tattoos For Black Men

Back Male Tattoos Tribal Blackwork With Negative Space Ideas

Creative Guys Tribal Back Tattoos

Tribal Back Male Tattoo Designs

See more about - 60 Tribal Back Tattoo Ideas

Tribal tattoo is most often connected with rites of passage or a significant transformation.

Modern designs feature all kinds of unique styles and can often be applied to non-members of the cultural society.

The shoulders, arms, and sides are the most popular areas on the body for tribal tattoos, but back tattoos are often the most impressive.

The designs are made to accent or emphasize the shapes of the athletic body, while telling the story of the owner in a large tattoo.

There are also different themes the wearer can choose for their tribal tattoo art, from specific tribal gods and animal totems, all the way to lucky charms and personal achievements.

 

4. Tree Tattoo

Awesome Mens Tree Oak Back Tattoo Designs

Circular Mens Twisted Knot Tree Tattoo On Man

Dna Helix Strand Tree Of Life Male Back Tattoos

Incredible Detailed Tree With Roots Mens Full Back Tattoo Ideas

Mens Yin Yang Sunset And Night Sky Tree Back Tattoos

Realistic Oak Tree Male Tattoos Full Back

 

See more about - Top 40 Tree Tattoo Ideas for the Back

Traditionally, a tree tattoo symbolizes knowledge, growth and wisdom.

Other representation of the tree in body art includes: nourishment, immortality, fertility, and freedom.

Many tree tattoos – particularly popular in Celtic tattoo culture – incorporate the tree of life onto the skin, often demonstrated by circular tree artwork with branches and roots intertwined.

 

5. Geometric Back Tattoos

3d Colorful Guys Geometric Back Tattoo Design Ideas

3d Male Tattoo With Geometric Back Design

Circular Geometric Back Tattoo Ideas For Males

Guy With Geometric Back Tattoo Design

Mens Tattoo With Watercolor Geometric Upper Back Design

Optical Illusion Blackwork Pattern Unique Mens Geometric Back Tattoos

See more about - 40 Geometric Back Tattoo Ideas

The back is a dramatic landscape in which to show off only the most stunning tattoo art (admittedly some collectors prefer a small tattoo or set). From the neck and shoulder tattoo or body art heading down the spine to a lower back tattoo, there is truly no greater canvas for your artist to work with.

For the geometric design that requires a greater space, the back is where tattoo masterpieces are brought to life.

Colorful geometric back tattoos include red and black lines circling the wearer’s shoulders and overlapping between the shoulder blades, brightly pigmented hexagons with intricate interior linework, as well as plant, bird tattoo and animal life.

 

6. Eagle Back Tattoos

Artistic Mens Eagle Back Tattoos

Cool Mens Flying In Air Shaded Eagle Tattoo Design On Back

Eagle With Rabbit Mens Old School Japanese Back Tattoos

Gentleman With Old School Traditional Eagle Snake Back Tattoo

Mens Back Realistic Eagle And Snake 3d Tattoos

Traditional Eagle Snake Mens Back Tattoos

See more about - 50 Eagle Back Tattoos

Protection, power, and masculinity are usually associated with eagle tattoo designs, and a stunning tattoo can be achieved with the bird flying with feather and talon splayed out.

This glorious bird tattoo symbolizes power and dominance, especially the eagle in attack form grasping prey with piercing eyes.

Other enthusiasts prefer to detail the feather tattoo, talons and skull of the eagle, rather than the great bird swooping in flight.

 

7. Phoenix Tattoo for the Back

Abstract Watercolor Phoenix Guys Back Tattoos

Cool Mens Shaded Phoenix Bird Full Back Tattoo

Flaming Phoenix Mens Modern Full Back Tattoos

Flaming Shaded Male Phoenix Upper Back Tattoo Designs

Gentleman With Phoenix Back Tattoo

Shaded Orange Male Tattoo Of Greek Phoenix Bird On Back

See more about - 40 Phoenix Back Tattoo Designs

A phoenix tattoo is a seductive display bringing out alluring, colorful body art. Much like the more regal peacock tattoo, these fierce, fiery illustrations make great watercolor tattoo and bright color body art.

Back tattoos are a prime location for these fabled birds of fire. The tips of the wings can reach their full expanse across a man or woman‘s shoulder blades.

They phoenix resurrects from the ashes after each time they experience death. They are an ideal tattoo idea for anyone who has successfully remade their life after escaping hardship.

 

8. Lion Back Tattoos

Abstract Watercolor Male Lion Upper Back Tattoos

Artistic Male Watercolor Lion Back Tatotos

Detailed Feather Lion Mens Full Back Tattoos

Gentleman With Shaded Dark Grey Back Tattoo Of Lion

Lion In The Forest Guys Back Tattoo

Safari Guys Sunset Full Back Lion Tattoos

See more about - 50 Lion Back Tattoos

Whether you identify as the king of the jungle or you’re just a true beast at heart, a detailed and robust lion tattoo design evokes power.

The lion is historically relevant and timeless, or maybe you’re a true Leo, loyal and passionate, or a lover of felines large and small.

Whatever your reasons for choosing the majestic lion, know that it is the quintessential symbol of a powerful animal in aeither large or small tattoo form.

As the roar of the lion can resonate up to five miles away, a fully inked colorful tattoo displaying this fantastic creature will surely be noticed on your skin.

 

9. Wolf Back Tattoos

Men Back Tattoos

Full Back Tattoos For Men

Bird With Howling Wolf Mens Full Back Tattoos

Mens Jumping Wolf Watercolor Back Tattoo Ideas

Shaded Wolf Howling At The Moon Guys Back Tattoos

Manly Guys Full Back Wolf Tattoo Designs

See more about - 40 Wolf Back Tattoo Ideas

A wolf tattoo is a great way to display strength, familial loyalty and devotion. The wolf is a pack animal. For every lone wolf on the prowl, there are ten more who work within their family unit, and this concept makes for compelling body art.

Wolves are fierce, naturally loyal creatures that hunt together and rely on each other for survival. They have a clearly defined family structure with clearly articulated roles and responsibilities.

Some people get their family wolf pack tattoo, a single wolf paw tattoo, or protective image of the snarling, angry wolf, anywhere from the shoulder blade to a lower back tattoo (once derided as the tramp stamp).

For others, a wolf tattoo can be part of dreams and aspirations. They are powerful motifs in Native American tradition, Japanese, or Celtic wolf tattoo and linked closely with the moon.

 

10. Traditional Back Tattoos

Amazing Old School Designs Guys Traditional Black Ink Back Tattoos

Awesome Mens Traditional Colorful Full Back Tattoo

Black Panther Traditional Guys Full Back Tattoos

Couple On Stage Traditional Guys Back Tattoo

Gentleman With Demon Skull Traditional Tattoo On Back

Manly Traditional Back Flaming Skull With Eagle Tattoos

See more about - 50 Traditional Back Tattoos

When ink enthusiasts think traditional, they think bold, black ink outlines, a vibrant but restrained color palette, and a hardcore feel that is altogether different from styles such as photo realism or watercolor tattoo.

There is a reason this old school style is favored by bikers, sailors, and gypsy wanderers – it isn’t for the meek but for those looking to make a statement – whether it’s a large back piece or small neck tattoo between skull and nape.

The best ideas for a traditional back tattoo will depend heavily on the wearer’s tastes, and whether they want bold black or a traditional colorful tattoo in primary shades. Nearly every tattoo parlor in the states has an artist proficient in American traditional style tattoo.

 

11. Skull Tattoo for the Back

Skull Tattoos On Back For Men

Skull Lower Back Tattoos For Men

Skull And Ship Back Shoulder Tattoos For Men

Glowing 3d Skull Back Tattoo Designs For Guys

Male Cool Skull Back Tattoo Ideas

Male Tattoo With Skull Back Design

Skull Back Mens Tattoo Ideas

See more about - 40 Skull Back Tattoo Designs

What a skull tattoo represents can drastically affect the design, especially when placed on an area like the back. You have an incredible canvas to play with, so feel free to go all out by matching it with a butterfly, a beautiful girl, or even at the center of a geometric mandala.

Playing up on the opposites balancing each other out is a popular take on skull tattoo design, for example linking the skull and a flower to represent the duality of life and death.

These skull flower tattoo designs never go out of style, and they always look good as an entire back piece incorporating a range of different elements.

 

12. Octopus Back Tattoos

Amazing Mens Red Octopus Full Back Tattoo Designs

Colorful Blue And Orange Octopus Guys Upper Back Shoulder Tattoo

Creative Octopus Tribal Guys Back Tattoos

Dotwork Detailed Mens Full Back Octopus Tattoo Designs

Green Octopus Mens 3d Full Back Tattoos

Ultra Realistic Mens 3d Octopus Shaded Back Tattoo

See more about - 30 Octopus Back Tattoo Ideas

Many people get an octopus tattoo to remind themselves that through different situations in life, it’s often best to be flexible and use creativity and intelligence to solve problems.

The octopus’ striking appearance means it’s a mysterious and elusive creature, traits that can serve well in many of life’s instances and associates with intuition.

The octopus acts as a totemic guide for those who need motivation to try new things, stray from their normal paces of life, and to let go from routine and normality occasionally.

 

13. Jesus Back Tattoos

Cool Jesus Crown Of Thorns Negative Space Guys Back Tattoos

Guy With Jesus Rose Flower Shaded Full Back Tattoo Design

Modern Mens Amazing Jesus Full Back Tattoo Designs

Negative Space Jesus Portrait Tattoo On Back For Males

Old School Traditional Male Jesus Back Tattoos

Unique Guys Jesus Picture Frame Back Tattoo With Old School Deisgn

See more about - 40 Jesus Back Tattoo Ideas

With the popularity of Jesus, Virgin Mary, and cross tattoo ideas, one obvious method of displaying these works of body art are classical styles favored by sculptors, artists, and churches in Italy and Greece.

These tattoos would not be out of place as stone statuary in museums and church sepulchers, or used in Renaissance style paintings by masters such as Da Vinci and Caravaggio.

They feature tremendously flowing curvature and shading (Jesus beards in this style are always amazing), beautiful use of filigree, and superb sense of shape and space.

 

14. Spine Tattoo Design

Mens Spiritual Spine Tattoo Symbols

Ripped Skin Spine Bone Tattoos For Guys

Best 3d Spine Tattoo For Men With Glowing Red Ink Optical Illusion

Full Back Spine And Bones Tattoos For Guys

Man With Abstract Geometric Dotwork Spine Tattoo

Cool Spine And Skull Guys Leg Tattoo Design

See more about - 40 Spine Tattoo Designs

Spinal tattoos are increasingly visible tattoo choices. Script tattoos and Chinese letter body art flowing down the spinal column are popular, while realistic tattoos of the spine placed into different areas are also used often, and for a girl they can accentuate a backless gown or dress.

Other popular tattoo choices on the spinal column include traditional tribal spine tattoos, and more contemporary takes on tribal body art.

There has been a massive increase in the use of dark surrealism tattoo art and biomechanical techniques that fuse realistic spine tattoo perspectives with wild use of machinery such as levers, cogs, pistons, and leads.

 

15. Upper Back Tattoos

Back Tribal Tattoos For Men

Watercolor Lower Back Tattoos Men

Men's Back Tattoos

Tribal Tattoos For Men Back

Upper Back Tattoos For Men

Back of Arm Tattoos For Men

See more about - 50 Upper Back Tattoo Ideas

Upper back tattoos are a perfect combination of concealable and flashy when they need to be. The nape and shoulder tattoo can be easily be covered with a shirt, which is ideal for those who can’t show ink at work.

When you get an upper back tattoo, it can be of just about anything that has significant value to you. An upper back tattoo isn’t actually visible by the person bearing it, which can be a plus for those who want a tattoo but don’t want to see it constantly.

 

16. Owl Back Tattoos

Upper Back Tattoo Ideas For Men

Amazing Realistic 3d Black Owl With Red Tiger Full Back Tattoos For Men

Awesome Mens Full Back Owl With Moon Back Tattoo Ideas

Detailed Owl Mens Back Tattoos

Mens 3d Flying Owl With Skull Upper Back Tattoos

Owl With Crown Mens Retro Full Back Tattoo

See more about - 40 Owl Back Tattoo Ideas

Mostly associated with wisdom, patience, and knowledge, the owl is thought to be a magical and enigmatic bird of the night. Owl back tattoos have a rich variety of symbolism which can herald lots of unique possibilities in ink.

Native Americans interupt owls as symbols of protection and sacred knowledge, while other cultures such as ancient Egypt and Hindu see it as a guardian of the underworld.

When men get an owl back tattoo, it’s usually because they regard themselves as being part of a long and important family culture and tradition. Many also get one because they feel they relate to the owl’s traits like its wisdom and quiet presence.

 

17. Unique Back Tattoo Ideas

Back Shoulder Tattoos Men

Portrait Back Tattoo For Men

Back Tattoo Ideas For Men

Back Tattoos Men

Cross Tattoos For Men On Back

Shapes Men Back Tattoo

See more about - Top 53 Best Unique Back Tattoo Ideas

As it becomes more widely accepted by both the average population and business alike, more and more people are getting inked, even with large tattoos for the back.

Among the most popular tattoos are full and upper back tattoos. These tattoos are time consuming and are generally extremely intricate, consisting of an entire scene which includes many elements in one massive design.

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Back Tattoo FAQs

How much do back tattoos cost?

The average rate of tattoo artists is about $150 to $200 per hour. A full back tattoo takes 20-40 hours depending on the design, style and how much of the back is used.

If you want to get a full-length back tattoo, in high definition, and well saturated colors of Japanese mythical creatures such as a dragon, cherry blossom clouds, then prepare for about $5,000-$8,000 before tips.

 

Do spine tattoos hurt?

In a word, yes! As far as tattoo pain goes the spine is right up there because there’s a lack or muscle and flesh, and lots of bony knobs and nerved located just under the skin of the spinal column. Also, it’s important that if you have –or have previously had – spinal issues or serious back pain that these have been considered before committing to getting a new tattoo.

How long does a spine tattoo take?

An intricate spine tattoo can take around 6-8 hours to finish, and that’s dependent on your capacity for long periods of discomfort.

A smaller spine tattoo idea that also incorporates the flesh of the back also takes a long time, but because of the comparative ease for the tattoo artist they seem to go more quickly.

Jono Elderton

Writer

Jono writes about booze and tattoos for Next Luxury, having spent nearly two decades experiencing both in a variety of situations around the globe.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of Canberra and a Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing from Deakin University.

Jono writes about booze and tattoos for Next Luxury, having spent nearly two decades experiencing both in a variety of situations around the globe.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of Canberra and a Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing from Deakin University.

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