50+ Best Tattoo Ideas in 2020

1. Butterfly Tattoo

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A butterfly tattoo symbolizes freedom, change, and femininity. The versatility and allure of butterflies is multiplied by the fact they can feature in any color palette or tattoo style. A butterfly tattoo gives you the chance to personalize your design in combination with other elements, such as your favorite flowers and rainbows.  

2. Eagle Tattoo

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One of the most enduring symbols of freedom, the eagle tattoo has gone from an American traditional staple to become one of the most popular contemporary depictions of photo realism, or garish new wave brightness.

Your eagle tattoo can be etched into any placement and surrounded by an amazing array of complementary images, from mountainous sunsets to windy beaches.

Your eagle tattoo can be etched into any placement and surrounded by an amazing array of complementary images, from mountainous sunsets to windy beaches. The feathers and wings provide superb chances to depict realistic or subtle shading, shadow and linework application to help your awesome ink idea flourish in color or black and gray.

Check out the Top 73 Best Eagle Tattoo Ideas

3. Feather Tattoo

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For some, a feather tattoo is related purely to a love of birds. Others connect the feather symbolically to travel, freedom, the dreams of flight, and supernatural omens. No matter the reasoning for your feathery ink, there’s no doubt that there are brilliant opportunities for quality body art, with a feather equally able to act as the focal point for a tattoo, or complementary accentuating detail. 

See more about - Top 77 Feather Tattoo Design Ideas

4. Lion Tattoo

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The King of the Jungle is a popular tattoo subject across the tattoo world. Lions represent self-control and discipline in Africa, are symbols of royalty and strength in Europe, and were central to balance in Ancient Egyptian civilization. A creature of beauty, force, power and charisma, lions are arguably realism tattoo’s most popular subject. Talented tattoo artists create majestic tattoos, from the size of a coin through to full back pieces, and ranging in ferocity. 

Check out the Top 51 Realistic Lion Tattoo Ideas for more!

5. Octopus Tattoo

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An octopus tattoo is often is a reminder that through different situations in life it’s best to be flexible to solve problems. The octopus is a mysterious, fluid sea creature that entertains and instills fear in equal measure. 

The fluidity of the eight tentacles, fierce fathomless eyes and globular body in combination with the unique Octopus suckers provide tattooists the chance to create flowing tattoos, whether a strangling full sleeve, or slashing, abstract new wave design in vividly bright color. 

6. Owl Tattoo

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An owl tattoo is representative of wisdom and knowledge. In tribal cultures they are linked with death and the oncoming loss of life, while in Eastern mythology the Owl is considered good, protective Feng Shui. An owl design provides a range of feather types, luminous eyes and sharp claws, which when linked with its fearsome reputation as a nocturnal hunter make for versatile ink design choices. 

Check out the Top 63 Owl Tattoo Designs for more!

7. Phoenix Tattoo

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A phoenix tattoo means regeneration, rebirth and new beginnings and is heavily linked to renewal by fire. The phoenix is spiritually connected to transformation, death, and rebirth, with a rising phoenix symbolizing an individual has braved the fire of difficult times but has survived and regenerated to start again in a better frame. The phoenix is a popular motif in Japanese tattoo designs and featured often in black and gray tattoos where shading and flowing lines can be effectively drawn. 

See more about - Top 57 Phoenix Tattoo Ideas

8. Raven Tattoo

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A black raven represents the duality of good and the bad. It can represent death, darkness and destruction, but is also a symbol of rebirth, recovery, renewal and healing. In Norse theology Odin’s ravens symbolized mind, thought, and wisdom, and the bird is often cited in ancient mythologies for its intelligence. 

In the US, the Raven is perhaps the most recognized poem written by Edgar Allan Poe, whose work embraced the Gothic. Poe’s haunting prose and poems make a wonderful subject for body art enthusiasts. 

Check out the Top 111 Raven Tattoo Ideas for more!

9. Snake Tattoo

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Snake tattoos are some of the most powerful images in the tattoo world and are extremely versatile in the way they are depicted on the wearer’s skin. A serpent offers subtle value symbolically in a variety of American traditional tattoos or offer opportunities to work in painstaking detail with color, scales and fang. A snake tattoo will never fail to garner reaction from those viewing them, from the curious and impressed through to those who think you’re mad to get that type of ink. 

10. Wolf Tattoo

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Another tremendously versatile animal theme, a wolf tattoo traditionally symbolizes loyalty, strength, and instinct. They make powerful ink designs in a range of styles and forms, with new school ideas like geometric tattooing and photorealism being explored alongside pieces looking to test the boundaries of color and flow in wolf concepts.  

Check out the Top 63 Wolf Tattoo Ideas for more!

Flower Tattoos

Once solely the realm of women’s ink concepts, the flower tattoo is now a massively influential and exciting design element used as standalone art, or complementary piece of a bigger design. Flower tattoos can now be depicted in any application, color, or bloom. it’s truly just a matter of finding the right one for you. 

11. Flower Tattoo

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In contemporary tattoo art there are myriad meanings and application styles dedicated to getting the most out of your flower tattoo idea. From traditional tributes of roses to mom in ink, to sprawling kaleidoscopes of mandalas, or even the transcendent beauty of cherries in bloom, flower tattoo designs can lead a piece of body art or be a key complementary facet. In bright color, subdued black and gray, or thick black and bold, there’s a flower idea that can hit for everyone. 

12. Cherry Blossom Tattoo

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Cherry blossom tattoos are a staple of Japanese irezumi – they’re known as sakura – and are becoming more heavily used in western style tattoo. The cherry blossom symbolizes beauty and fragility, and are symbolic of early spring in Japan. Unlike other flowers, the cherry blossom is most often used to support a central design concept rather than be the focal point, as they can be made small or large, be linked into cherry tree designs, or etched as solo petals flowing on the wind. 

Check out the Top 101 Cherry Blossom Tattoo Ideas for more!

13. Lotus Flower Tattoo

The Lotus flower (or Padma) is regarded as a symbol of purity enlightenment, self-regeneration and rebirth. The opening of the lotus flower petals are symbols of spiritual awakening and the expansion of the soul. The lotus is a popular tattoo for devotees of Eastern religion and meditative practices such as yoga. Make sure when you research a lotus tattoo to learn about the colors, as different hues have different meanings you can apply to your body art.  

14. Rose Tattoo

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If you’re a tattoo artist in the States and you can’t etch a quality traditional rose, then you’ll be looking for a new gig in a hurry. Traditional roses are used to signify, amplify and commemorate love and beauty, and can be incorporate into numerous different style application. While American traditional roses are usually red, bold black, or grayscale variations, neo traditional ideas such as blue, bright hues and the abstract have begun to creep into the scene. 

Check out the 50 Traditional Rose Tattoo Designs for more!

15. Sunflower Tattoo

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Sunflowers are a welcome tattoo design because they symbolize strength and joy; tall and bright, they constantly stretch towards the sun. Linked most often with summer, the sunflower is a personality design concept that brims with positivity and good energy. They offer plenty in design options too – ranging from beautifully etched single needle works, through to vivid splashes of watercolor yellow flower and stolid green stems and leaves. 

Different Tattoo Styles

Once upon a time not long ago, you had two options: picking tattoo flash from the wall of an artist’s studio, or letting the artist go freehand with only a simple sing needle tattoo machine. The development of tattooing as an art form, coupled with improvements in machinery, ink and needles, has seen the craft explode with new styles and technical applications. 

16. 3D Tattoo

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3D tattoos are becoming a hugely influential genre in tattooing due to the brilliant look you can achieve with a quality idea, and a tattooist with the artistry to see it come alive. 3D tattoos lead the new wave because they can influence the depiction of every style and build on tradition with new interpretations. A 3D tattoo can be tagged practically anywhere on the body, provided there’s space to achieve the look and effect you want. 

Check out the Best 3D Tattoo Ideas for more!

17. Geometric Tattoo

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Geometric creations are celebrated in all forms of art, including tattoo. From simply stacked 2-D shapes of varying sizes to more complicated designs with hidden messages, there is no shortage of inspiring geometric work. Some individuals are into the purely abstract while others are more interested in geometric representations of their favorite animals, objects, or people. Many geometric tattoos showcase an interesting variety of different shapes, patterns and elements that all make up a unique tattoo. 

18. Lettering Tattoo

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There will always be room for traditional lettering tattoos while there are languages to be interpreted, milestones celebrated, and lost loved ones to commemorate. While methods of ink delivery have changed the messages largely remain the same. Whether you wish to ink the name of your newborn child, a shout out your mom, or even transcribe a bible verse or benediction, a lettering tattoo provides the means to get your message permanently etched into skin. 

Check out the Top 73 Tattoo Lettering Ideas for more!

19. Minimalist Tattoo

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A minimalist tattoo is not necessarily simple. While tending to be small and spare minimalist ink is often put together with painstaking detail and thought for elements beyond just the tattoo itself. A smartly designed minimalist tattoo could be as simple as three lines, but have a dozen different possible meanings based on the tattoo viewer, the angle of the subject’s arm, or how the piece links with other pre-existing tattoos. 

20. Traditional Tattoo

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American traditional tattoo originated with the work of Norman ‘Sailor Jerry’ Collins, whose flash tattoos took body art to the forefront of counterculture. American traditional tattoos are a mix of images that stretch further back than the 20^th century. They are laden with symbolic meanings, drawn up uniquely with bold black outlines, and feature a limited color palette. The rapid development of machine and needle technology, added to the creativity of neo traditional color and ideas, builds on the bedrock of old school style. 

Check out the Top 103 American Traditional Tattoos for more!

21. Trash Polka Tattoos

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Trash polka is one of the fastest growing tattoo styles due to its freedom of expression, outlandish verve, and the sheer audacity of trying to link themes that have little in common. They’re easily recognizable for the disparately manic elements; red, black and white ink, abstract images and/or script with ink splatters, smears, smudges, and other odd patterns in and around the central design. 

22. Tribal Tattoo

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Tribal Tattoo designs are many and varied although most feature use of heavy black ink and a commitment to detail. In Polynesia – where the modern word tattoo originated as tatau – these symbolic designs and rite of passage can differ markedly between tribes and islands. While examples such as the Maori Ta Moko are the first type of tribal ink that comes to mind, tribal design can also refer to Norse, Celtic, or even Filipino cultural body art. 

Check out the Top 57 Tribal Tattoo Ideas for more!

23. Viking Tattoo

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Vikings, and Norse mythology in general, offer an endless supply of tremendous tattoo design ideas. Their larger than life Gods and fearsome warriors, massive long ships built for plunder and trade, complex symbolism, superstition, and rune lettering are all lurid opportunities for body art enthusiasts to create images in color, linework, or black and gray. 

24. Watercolor Tattoo

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Watercolor tattoo is a poetic way to display variation and less easily defined color. It’s a technique usually etched by experienced professionals who understand the value of using fine quality ink in a different fashion. Watercolor designs are striking for their use of brush strokes, paint splatters, and dripping paint effects, and often combine color with more solid linework to display faces, animals, fish, and abstract wildlife. 

Check out the Top 103 Watercolor Tattoo Ideas for more!

25. White Ink Tattoo

White ink tattoos are often a high risk, high reward strategy as standalone body art. They’re a highlighting and finishing staple, but when paired with blackout ink to create a chalkboard effect can be quite spectacular. These are the most surefire examples of working quality designs into innovative applications. There’s a growing trend of purely white ink tattoos, but it remains to be seen how these types of images will hold up over time. 

Cool & Meaningful Tattoos

Symbolism and meaning have been central tenets of tattooing going back to the Ancient Egyptians in antiquity. The body art most important to individuals and cultures always has layers of meaning representing an idea greater than the art itself. Tattoos being cool is a much newer phenomenon linked to artists like Lyle Tuttle and Don Ed Hardy. 

26. Arrow Tattoo

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Arrow tattoos show great range (pun intended) in meaning and symbolism, depending on the numbers of arrows used and the way they are positioned. For example, a single arrow means protection, while a quiver of them represents the strength of a group. Most often arrows are depicted in simple black linework or utilize subtle blacks and grays for geometric design or more complex shadow and shade application. 

Check out the Top 47 Arrow Tattoo Ideas for more!

27. Compass Tattoo

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Traditionally, compass tattoos were inked by sailors looking for protection. They served as guides on ocean voyages and symbolized a yearning for home and that which was left behind. From modest flash tattoos of the past the compass has grown a formidable tattoo genre, symbolizing travel or wanderlust, and often incorporating realistic detail, accompanied by maps, clocks, or other geographic tools. 

28. Couples Tattoo

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A couples’ tattoo is a visual interpretation of being linked, proudly worn on the skin. They serve as reminder of what binds people in a relationship together. For the romantic couple, a couples’ tatt may mean the classic his and hers matching tattoos. Or, the chosen design can be a complete mirror of the other or complementary image of a specific design to reveal powerful stories of love and synchronicity. 

Check out the Top 81 Couples Tattoos Ideas for more!

29. Cross Tattoo

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A cross is a symbol for sacrifice, unity, and love in Christianity. It is the central symbol denoting the Christian faith. Most often, the crucifix is the identifying symbol for a Christian or one tied to the celebration of a notable moment in a Christian’s life. In death, the cross is used to commemorate a loved one that has passed away.

30. Crown Tattoo

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In general, crown tattoos are most often linked with ‘stand up’ themes such as nobility, honor, and the rightful balance of power. They are also tied to reaching the peaks of an individual’s goals.The Latin Kings criminal gang – influential across the USA – uses three-pointed and five-pointed crown images as identifying symbols in tattoos and graffiti, often accompanied by the letters ALKN, or Almighty Latin Kings Nation. 

Check out the Top 99 Crown Tattoo Ideas for more!

31. Dragon Tattoo

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From China, Japan, and Wales to ancient Mexico, dragons hold an assortment of meanings as varied and diverse as each different culture. The dragons of China, for example, are considered noble creatures who dispense celestial wisdom, while European dragons are labelled dangerous beasts that hoard gold and terrorize villages. Despite the disparate meaning dragons hold, all cultures associate them with mythical power and the unparalleled freedom to roam as they please. 

32. Family Tattoo

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A family tattoo represents the permanent commitment you etch into your skin to symbolize the importance of the loved ones sharing your name or bloodlines. While there is no universal symbol for family there are numerous tattoo styles an individual can incorporate into body art recognizing the people closest to them and their daily influence. 

33. Infinity Symbol Tattoo

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The infinity symbol comes from mathematics and represents an unending system, or more simply, forever. It is a frequently used motif in pop culture and an increasingly popular theme for body art. Most often the infinity symbol is used to represent friendship, a romantic relationship. or abstract designs and tattoos utilizing sacred geometry. 

34. Mandala Tattoo

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Mandala means circle in Sanskrit. They symbolize balance, eternity, unity and perfection. The mandala is a key motif in Hindu and Buddhist religions with it commonly representing the universe. Mandalas are often used to promote a sense of peace, calm, and tranquility. They are tied to yoga teaching, meditation practice and various methods used to relieve stress while presenting a wide range of versatile meanings for tattoo designs.  

35. Moon Tattoo

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The moon is a powerful symbol that can be interpreted in many ways, which can be expanded further by the different phases the moon moves through during the month. A half-moon is often used to represent balance, while a crescent moon can reference moving past difficult times to a moment of rebirth. Another common concept for moon inspired tattoos is an image showing all the different stages in the lunar cycle. Moon tattoos are a great way to express powerful feelings of interconnectedness and unity within the natural world. 

36. Name Tattoo

Name tattoos are some of the most popular sentiments anyone can get inked on their skin. When you think about your children, loved ones, or even the remembrance of deceased people special to you, written name tattoos are immensely important and well worth the permanent commitment. 

Check out the Top 57 Name Tattoo Ideas for more!

37. Semicolon Tattoo

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The simple semicolon tattoo is a bright neon sign for those who battle suicidal thoughts, depression, and other serious mental health problems. It’s a permanent reminder that despite serious trouble people’s stories aren’t over, and that they should give themselves the opportunity to tell them. The semicolon tattoo is meant to reflect that self-harm and suicidal ideation can be fought against by sufferers, their supporters, and by the wider community. 

38. Simple Tattoo

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Simple tattoos don’t automatically mean a small or tiny tattoo. A simple tattoo relies on a basic design, little extra detail, and not much shading or color used in support of the central design. The trick for simple tattoos to be effective is communicating a lot of meaning, but with little ink. 

Check out the Top 63 Small Simple Tattoos for more!

39. Skull Tattoo

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A skull is commonly taken as a symbol of death, danger, and destruction, however it’s tremendously versatile when paired with other design ideas. A skull tattoo often represents duality or represents the layers behind overt meaning. The skull is also one of the old school designs that will never go out of fashion, for every person who has passed on that they represent, they’re equally like to symbolize alienation. 

40. Small Tattoo

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Small sized tattoo art and simple ideas can be equally monumental as those extravagant full back pieces or full sleeve tattoos. There are countless designs, color palettes, and technical ideas to utilize, and a well-drawn small tattoo can be placed just about anywhere. mountains, trees and more. Don’t let their small size fool you, the meaning behind each etching can be enormously profound to the person who wears the ink. 

Check out the Top 51 Awesome Small Tattoo Ideas for more!

41. Tree of Life Tattoo

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The Tree of Life represents the interconnected nature of the world and is a popular cultural archetype on almost every continent. All life on earth falls under the eaves of this mystical tree. The Tree of Life provides a physical representation of the divine nature of all life, how it links and grows together, which is why in many tattoo depictions the roots and branches connect within a border circle. 

Where to Get a Tattoo

Some tattoo placements are eternal. The upper bicep, inner forearm, wrist, chest, and back have been popular areas for ink for as long as people have been getting tattoos. Over the last two decades, as tattoo culture become more popular in wider society, previously taboo placements such as the hands, fingers, neck, and face, are being used for body art and self expression. 

42. Chest Tattoo

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Chest tattoos have risen in popularity with tattoo enthusiasts because they provide equally for larger pieces, while offering smaller body art options linked to personal sentiment. Near or over the heart tattoo pieces will display the deep feelings or beliefs of the wearer. Memorial tattoos and religious images are often found on the chest, while it’s large surface area and connection to the side, ribs and belly allow for big, illustrative pieces to take center stage as well. 

Check out the Top 87 Men’s Chest Tattoo Ideas for more!

43. Hand Tattoo

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Old school tattoo lovers will tell you: don’t get ink above the collar, below the cuffs, or on the feet. The new school cares not for this old tattoo message, where there’s skin there is capacity for great art. Thanks to the growing popularity of hand tattooing, more artists have the experience and skills necessary to apply these tricky, but undeniably bad ass, tattoos for anyone willing to face the pain, and the consequences of highly visible body art.

44. Face Tattoo

In antiquity, face tattoos were the realm of slaves and criminals marked by owners or branded for their transgressions. Later, western civilization was exposed to other cultures utilizing facial tattoos as culturally significant body art – such as rites of passage, tribal seniority, or prowess in battle. Contemporary face tattoos move closer to other body decoration styles as celebrities and everyday people challenge convention with highly visible ink. 

Check out the Top 89 Face Tattoo Ideas for more!

45. Finger Tattoo

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Finger tattoos don’t always work with the success of tattoos located elsewhere. They can become fuzzier or the color put into them will drop out or not show as brightly, even shortly after they’re first tattooed. It’s important you’re aware of possible complications and plan for accordingly. The use of predominantly black ink and frequent touch ups are two methods to ensure your finger ink looks better for longer. 

46. Forearm Tattoo

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Forearm tattoos are the lynchpin to quality body art. They are a great canvas to work with for detailed, abstract, and traditional design choices, offer a comfortable pain threshold (behold the elbow especially) and the chameleon like ability to be covered or displayed with ease. For those wanting to be reminded at all the times of their significant (or enjoyable) arm tattoo, that reminder is only a glance or the touch of a fingertip away. 

47. Leg Tattoo

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The ideas and concepts possible for leg tattoos are limited only by the wearer’s imagination, budget, and the skill of the tattoo artist. Leg tattoos, from small minimalist pieces through culturally significant tribal tattoo or mesmerizing full sleeve ideas are as varied and diverse as the people that wear them. Whether black and gray, full color, or somewhere in between, an ambitious tattoo idea can make for some of the most exciting leg tattoos around. 

48. Neck Tattoo

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Neck tattoos were traditionally reserved for those who are already covered in tattoos when they walk into the tattoo shop but have been gaining traction over the last few years for their freedom of expression. If you are thinking about getting a neck tattoo considering the possible negativity that will come your way, no matter how cool they look, is an important fact. They might look cool or have significant meaning, but they can also come loaded with stigma that often can’t be covered up and avoided. 

49. Shoulder Tattoo

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Shoulder tattoos are rarely the centerpiece of designs, they tend to complement tattoos incorporating the upper arm, chest, side, and back. The shoulder is a tremendously useful area for ink, providing musculature and movement features that can accentuate aspects of 3D tattoo, tribal, Japanese traditional, or even animal realist design (think the rippling of feathers and scales). Standalone shoulder tattoos can utilize flow to make handy quote and lettering tattoos, or small and intricate patterns. 

50. Sleeve Tattoo

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A sleeve tattoo is a major commitment, so a well mapped plan on executing the concept and style is important. Brainstorm with your artist and collaborate on how you want to get a large piece of body art onto your limb. The alternative to this method is piecing your sleeve together through a variety of individual tattoos. It takes more time to finish but can often be a more personal ink journey featuring variety in theme and application. 

Check out the Top 107 Sleeve Tattoo Ideas for more!

51. Wrist Tattoo

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The wrist is a common place to get tattooed, particularly for small pieces of body art layered with personal meaning. The wrist is an ideal spot for script tattoos, bands, or a small but detailed symbol you feel is important. The wrist is a good position if you need to cover up a small piece, or to make part of a visible larger canvas like a sleeve or inside forearm image. 

If you’re looking for the best of the best when it comes to manly ink, remarkable talent paired with an insane level of creativity leads to jaw-dropping body art that pushes the limits of what’s possible. Some designs might even make you reconsider the idea of what’s truly professional and what’s amateur when it comes to tattoo innovation and application.

While thirty years ago it may have been surprising to see woman wearing visible tattoos, thankfully times have changed. An entire subset of the ink industry caters to tattoos for women. Some people may still think of butterfly and flower tattoo when it comes to women’s ink, but the following gallery demonstrates that these stereotypical assumptions about female tattoo design no longer hold true. Skull tattoo, dagger, or dragon are all fair game when it comes to a woman’s body art, and they don’t have to be a small tattoo design either: with sleeves and large chest tattoos just two placements gaining popularity for feminine tattoos.