nextluxury logo
nextluxury logo
upload upload
Upload
  • Men’s Style
    • Fashion
    • Footwear
    • Accessories
    • Grooming
    • Hair Care and Styling
  • Tattoos
  • Home Design
  • Lifestyle
    • Relationships
    • Food and Travel
    • Vehicles
  • Entertainment
  • Interesting
  • Funny
  • Gear
Top 96+ Best Cool Simple Tattoo Ideas in 2022

Top 96+ Best Cool Simple Tattoo Ideas in 2022

  • Next Luxury / Tattoo Ideas
  • by — Brian Cornwell

Simple Tattoos

Simplicity in tattoo art is often the way to achieve the greatest impact and unmistakably deliver the poignancy of a deliberate meaning.

A simple tattoo design is often the best way to display a bold and intense image on skin. Single-color designs fascinate the eye because the interplay of line work is visible, and conveys the intended message of symbolism with clarity.

A small tattoo design standing out against the wrist, on the finger, neck or ankle pack another kind of punch by utilizing only as much ink as is necessary to impart their distinctive effect.

Simple tattoo design and clean placement denotes clear intentions. Unnecessary intricacy only distracts from a precise message.

The following collection of 96 simple tattoo design ideas depict a range of images on skin, often in captivating variations of black ink and linework. There’s plenty of tattoo inspiration collectors can take to their next session with the artist.

See more about - The Top 50 Best Ultimate Tattoo Ideas

1. Minimalist Tattoos

Mens Black Ink Outline Polar Bear Cool Simple Side Of Forearm Tattoo

Small Cool Simple Mens Blackwork Ohio State Wrist Tattoo

Hand Signal Mens Cool Simple Side Of Leg Tattoo

Geometric Map Mens Cool Simple Foot Tattoos

Mens Rifle Ak 47 Cool Simple Inner Arm Tattoo

Bigfoot Black And White Ink Outline Awesome Simple Mens Lower Leg Tattoo

See more about - Top 83 Minimalist Tattoo Ideas

Simplicity is a trademark of contemporary body art. Minimalist tattoo ideas are worth considering, especially for individuals with interest in small or tiny tattoo and visible pieces of ink.

Minimalist, small tattoo is perfect for beginners to make their first foray into body art, but they are also excellent additions to previously existing arrangement.

These smooth little beauties are sometimes produced by a tattooist with a single black line that artfully traces a desired emblem with clarity, and done via a custom meaningful tattoo idea or canny use of flash.

 

2. Simple Rose Tattoos

blackwork simple rose tattoos fancyschmansy

Source: @fancyschmansy via Instagram

linework simple rose tattoos unclescoobtattoo

Source: @unclescoobtattoo via Instagram

forearm simple rose tattoos kellybrowntattoos

Source: @kellybrowntattoos via Instagram

linework simple rose tattoos anna.tattoos

Source: @anna.tattoos via Instagram

small minimalist simple rose tattoos ironiketattoos

Source: @ironiketattoos via Instagram

watercolor colored simple rose tattoos blondiekeogh

Source: @blondiekeogh via Instagram

See more about - Top 51 Best Simple Rose Tattoo Ideas

The rose tattoo symbolizes love. When explored in art this queen of flowers doesn’t need to be lavish and overwrought, the rose can be equally arresting as a simple tattoo image.

The rose is a timeless flower tattoo design and will always remain so. It’s a favorite for almost every style of ink, from tribal tattoo to geometric ink or designs utilizing the infinity symbol.

It’s a bloom almost universally recognized, even in outline form.

 

3. Simple Tattoo for Men

Bike Chain Mens Cool Simple Forearm Tattoo Ideas

Decorative Skull Mens Cool Simple Black And Red Ink Arm Tattoo

Guy With Cool Simple Camping Tent Foot Tattoo

Mens Battle Cool Simple Rib Cage Side Tattoo

Mens Cool Simple Black Ink Shapes Arm Tattoo

Mountain With Trees Cool Simple Triangle Inner Forearm Tattoos For Men

Whether an elegant small tattoo idea or large and powerful, cool simple tattoos add a suggestive statement with flowing, seamless design.

Cool Simple tattoo designs range in size from the tiniest suggestive tattoos, as comical as the matching tattoo of a computer power button on your middle finger, to a more fluid and bold design like a full chest bird tattoo or shoulder tattoo of a wave.

The main elements that set this type of tattoo apart from those of other categories is the fluidity of breaks in the design and the use of generally black ink, though some designs may contain one or two colors such as gray shading, blue, or red.

 

4. Simple Flower Tattoos

ankle simple flower tattoos vellaalexia

Source: @vellaalexia via Instagram

arm simple flower tattoos five_knives_tattoo

Source: @five_knives_tattoo via Instagram

arm simple flower tattoos jayprick_tattoo

Source: @jayprick_tattoo via Instagram

side simple flower tattoos karstenlenjoint

Source: @karstenlenjoint via Instagram

chest simple flower tattoos donaantonietatattoo

Source: @donaantonietatattoo via Instagram

ear simple flower tattoos enigmcd

Source: @enigmcd via Instagram

See more about - Top 41 Simple Flower Tattoo Ideas

The bigger and more elaborate flower tattoo the better right? Not exactly.

By starting small and going with a simple flower design, you’ll slowly ease your way into body art or go with a comfortable design that suits your tattoo needs.

Simply executed tiny tattoo or small simple pieces can look just as good as larger more detailed personal expressions, especially on areas such as the forearm, wrist, ring finger, and hand.

There are countless design ideas to go with for symbolic and meaningful tattoo blooms, and their smaller stature means they can be placed anywhere.

 

5. Simple Cross Tattoo

Back Of Arm Simple Cross Tattoos For Guys

Guy With Simple Cross Black Ink Thigh Tattoo

Cool Simple Cross Paint Brush Stoke Mens Upper Back Tattoo

Jesus On The Cross Mens Simple Black Ink Outline Inner Forearm Tattoo

Mens Hand Simple Cross Tattoo Ideas

Simple Cross With Red Sun Guys Forearm Tattoo

 

See more about - Top 51 Simple Cross Tattoo Ideas

We are used to seeing the cross in our daily lives as memorials.

You could choose to commemorate the life of a friend or family member with a simple cross tattoo, and a banner across it highlighting their name.

Perhaps you want to showcase your faith in Christ, but without the flash or flair of elaborate tattoos.

A small wooden cross would be ideal tattoo inspiration to show his life as a carpenter and his humility.

Perhaps you want to celebrate your Celtic roots. A smaller tattoo of the Celtic cross in black or green might be the perfect way to express your roots and heritage with pride.

 

6. Small Simple Tattoos

Mens Leg Scythe Awesome Simple Tattoos

Male Awesome Simple Ice Cream Bar With Outer Space Sky Tattoo On Arm

Paper Airplane Awesome Simple Mens Forearm Tattoos

Wrist Awesome Simple Cloud Mens Tattoos

Mens Awesome Simple Lighting Thunder Bolt Leg Calf Tattoo Ideas

Guys Numbers Awesome Simple Outer Forearm Tattoo

 

See more about - Top 63 Small Simple Tattoo Ideas

For any one getting a tattoo for the first time, it can be a pretty daunting experience. The truth is, it doesn’t have to be.

While the pain from getting a tattoo might be temporary, the ink on your skin is definitely permanent.

Everyone knows this, yet most people still tend to think big when it comes to their first tattoo design.

Bigger the better right? Not exactly.

The truth is, a simple tattoo idea that’s well executed by your tattoo artist can look just as good.

There are countless hugely symbolic design ideas to go with, from an anchor tattoo or a butterfly to the infinity symbol, a semicolon tattoo or cool heart outline.

 

7. Simple Music Tattoos

Square Blocks Music Dj Mens Cool Simple Side Of Leg Tattoo Ideas

Boombox Guys Simple Music Leg Tattoo Designs

Cool Sketched Simple Music Guitar Thigh Tattoos For Men

Inner Forearm Simple Music Notes Guys Tattoo Designs

Microphone Simple Music Mens Arm Tattoos

Simple Record Mens Music Inner Forearm Tattoo

 

See more about - Top 43 Simple Music Tattoos

Many people get music tattoos because they can easily tie their emotions and memories to it, so whenever they hear a certain song, they can relive that moment once again.

Music can be a huge part of someone’s life, and a tattoo that represents their love for it both symbolizes its importance to them and their will to love or play music forever, the same time a tattoo lasts.

Not everyone likes a big tattoo, so many turn to simplistic music tattoo designs like one specific note or treble clef, a minimalistic guitar or piano, or a lyrical quote from their favorite song.

 

8. Simple Compass Tattoos

Guys Simple Compass Tattoos

Simple Compass Themed Tattoo Ideas For Men

Simple Compass Mens Tattoos

Cool Simple Chest Runic Compass Tattoos For Men

Incredible Simple Compass Tattoos For Men

Masculine Simple Compass Tattoos For Men On Thigh

See more about - 50 Simple Compass Tattoos

The compass is more than just a wayfarer’s gadget, but symbolic of the inner compass we each carry within us, the one that keeps us on our path no matter what life throws our way.

A smaller tattoo emphasizing the compass is a reminder of that inner, infinite tool every man possesses.

Simple in design but nevertheless a powerful totem, the compass tattoo can be worn anywhere and guide in a similar fashion.

Understated and poignant, the compass tattoo is a lasting token of your own ongoing journey.

 

9. Simple Forearm Tattoo Ideas

Anatomical Heart Awesome Simple Mens Forearm Tattoo Designs

Belt With Stick And Wrench Awesome Simple Manly Inner Forearm Tattoo

Awesome Simple Male Dotwork Temple Building Circle Forearm Tattoo

Hope Spaceship Mens Awesome Simple Inner Forearm Tattoo

Triceps Awesome Simple Blade Mens Tattoo Inspiration

Peace Pipe Awesome Simple Mens Outer Forearm Tattoo

See more about - Top 33 Simple Arm Tattoos for Men

Simple arm tattoos are some of the best for emphasizing strength and fearlessness. A visible forearm tattoo is prominent and moves with every action that you take.

It is impossible not to notice, and it demonstrates a confident desire for self-expression yet often commands respect from every eye.

Simplicity in tattoo illustrations can take many forms. A representational picture done in clear, clean lines is emphatic and engaging.

Abstract motifs centered on the joints or entirely surrounding the arm work well.

 

10. Simple Skull Tattoos

Colorful Simple Skull Male Leg Tattoo Inspiration

Cowboy Hat With Skull Outlaw Mens Simple Shoulder Tattoo

Manly Simple Skull Guys Back Of Leg Tattoo Designs

Pizza Box With Skull Guys Simple Rib Cage Side Tattoo

Upper Chest Skeleton Skull With Heart And Flowers Mens Simple Tattoo

Colorful Skull With Staircase Mens Simple Arm Tattoo

See more about - 40 Simple Skull Tattoos

Today skull tattoos are worn in a number of styles and fashions, from anatomically precise to Gothically decadent. Many opt for the skull tattoo to symbolize triumph over death or adversity, and rebellion in the face of life’s rules and hypocrisies.

The skull tattoo is more than just a reference to life and death, it’s the mark of the wearer’s own ability to tread the line between the two.

Beauty and decay are the skull’s most poignant allusions, with the pictorial skull-and-rose combination sending a powerful message of good and evil being one and the same, a contrast borne of equal parts.

 

11. Simple Wave Tattoo Ideas

Blue Ink Great Wave Guys Simple Lower Legband Tattoos

Circle Simple Wave Inner Forearm Tattoos For Guys

Circle Simple Wave Tattoo On Mans Shoulder

Mens Simple Wave Rectangle Black Lines Upper Chest Tattoo

Single Black Ink Line Mens Shoulders Simple Wave Tattoo

X Pattern Wave Mens Simple Rib Cage Side Tattoos

See more about - Top 43 Simple Wave Tattoo Ideas

For many cultures, the wave is a gentle reminder that you can indeed choose to fight the current and risk being swept away, or trust in the timeless tide to deliver you to where you are destined to go.

For those who dwell near or on the water, the wave is often worn as a protective totem, a message of unity with the elements. Sailors, swimmers, and surfers alike all understand that the tide is much greater than themselves, and respect the forces beyond their control.

The simple wave tattoo is just that: a simple but decisive symbol of one’s acceptance that there are greater forces in the world compelling us, that depending on one’s outlook and approach life can be a constant struggle or smooth sailing.

 

12. Simple Hand Tattoos

Mens Cool Flying Sparrow Simple Hand Tattoo Ideas

Gentlemens Simple Hand Tattoo Ideas

Palm Video Game Simple Hand Tattoo Designs For Guys

All Seeing Eye Simple Hand Tattoo Ideas For Males

Dagger Through Hearts Simple Hand Male Tattoos

Unique Mens Egyptian Simple Hand Tattoos

See more about - Top 71 Simple Hand Tattoos

While cultures from around the world have decorated their hands with bold and often astonishingly detailed small tattoo ideas tattoo ideas for thousands of years, today’s designs can be as simple as the wearer wishes, and at no expense of style.

Sailors, warriors, and priests often tattooed sacred symbols onto their hands for protection against evil. Contemporary designs have extended to geometric tattoos – such as an arrow tattoo, mountain or moon tattoo to define nature and life’s path.

Many modern couples even prefer to get a matching tattoo of their nuptial bands or a heart tattoo on their fingers, with class rings and friendship emblems not far behind.

 

13. Simple Line Tattoos

Hands Outline Awesome Simple Mens Upper Back Tattoos

Circle With Black Ink Lines Cool Mens Simple Inner Forearm Tattoos

Mens Vampire Fangs Cool Simple Inner Forearm Tattoo

Hand Signal Mens Cool Simple Side Of Leg Tattoo

Back Mens Cool Simple Buildings With Howling Wolf Tattoo

Skeleton With Wood Barrell Awesome Simple Guys Leg Tattoo

See more about - Top 43 Simple Line Tattoo Ideas

Cool, small tattoo ideas done with simple linework tattoos can add a clean and clear dimension to even the busiest of tattooed bodies.

Often drawn up in just black ink, these designs suit geometric tattoos featuring shapes and lines, or other recognizable design concepts such as a moon tattoo or feather tattoo design.

A gifted linework tattooist can create a fine, long lasting piece of body art in just a few minutes, practically anywhere on the subject’s frame.

 

14. Simple Tree Tattoos

Palm Trees Awesome Simple Guys Rib Cage Side Tattoo

Tree With Swing Guys Simple Leg Tattoos

Gentleman With Simple Tree Owl Upper Arm Tattoo

Negative Space Blackwork Guys Simple Tree Forearm Band Tattoo

Two Squares Simple Pine Tree Geometric Tattoo Ideas For Men On Triceps

Cactus With Pine Tree Mens Simple Lower Leg Shin Tattoo

See more about - 50 Simple Tree Tattoo Designs

Traditionally, tree tattoos symbolize 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, often demonstrated by circular tree artwork with branches and roots intertwined.

 

15. Simple Chest Tattoos

Cool Simple Dagger Black And Red Ink Male Chest Tattoos

Snake Eating Tail Mens Cool Simple Rib Cage Side Tattoo

Be Free Simple Chest Tattoos For Men

Egyptian Eye Triangle Guys Simple Chest Tattoos

Triangle With Sword Guys Simple Chest Tattoos

Rocking Chair Mens Side Of Chest Simple Tattoo Ideas

 

See more about - Top 37 Simple Chest Tattoo Ideas

Simple chest tattoos can be just as beautiful as intricate ones, even if most are less obvious.

Being that there’s so much to choose from, many turn to minimalistic ideas and designs that can still get their symbolism across. 

People most often get tattoos on their chest because they want their tattoo’s meaning to be close to their heart. 

 

16. Simple Traditional Tattoos

Video Camera With Vhs Tape Mens Cool Simple Rib Cage Side Tattoos

Handshake With Flower Traditional Awesome Simple Mens Forearm Tattoo

Number 13 Retro Awesome Simple Guys Tattoos

Daggers Traditional Old School Awesome Simple Forearm Tattoos For Guys

Lower Leg Black Ink Simple Traditional Panther Head Tattoo For Guys

Cool Simple Mens Howling Wolf At The Moon Foot Tattoo

 

See more about - 50 Simple Traditional Tattoo Ideas

Simple traditional tattoos cross borders and are boundless in their artistic expression. Travel the torrid seas with a nautical compass or anchor tattoo.  Get closer to the stars with a moon tattoo or a mountain.

Unleash the deep roots of American culture with a bald eagle or bear. Weave the knot of Celtic heritage with a cross or hammer to forge a serendipitous destiny.

The imagination is limitless with potential for these epic tattoos, for they all are deeper than what meets the eye.

 

17. Simple Leg Tattoos

Two Beer Mugs Mens Cool Simple Leg Tattoo

Mens Cool Simple Police Officer Tattoo On Thigh

Mens Castle With Ghoast Cool Simple Tattoo On Thigh

Drive Your Dreams Cool Simple Mens Leg Tattoo Ideas

Black Ink Knife Cool Simple Guys Leg Tattoo

Sword Awesome Simple Mens Back Of Leg Tattoo

See more about - Top 51 Simple Leg Tattoo Ideas

For a very long time, tattooing in the western world was confined to the upper body.

Since very few clothing styles in the west allowed for legs to be shown with ease, tattooing was considered an upper body only event.

Today, leg tattoos are common and accessible. The unique contours of the musculature of the calf and thigh allow for a skilled artist to create natural shadows and optical illusions with the image of your choice.

More Must-Read Articles

  • 17 Awesome 90s Teen Movies To Fill You With Nostalgia
    /Entertainment
    17 Awesome 90s Teen Movies To Fill You With Nostalgia February 3, 2023
  • 11 Things To Wonder About in Your Everyday Life
    /Interesting
    11 Things To Wonder About in Your Everyday Life February 3, 2023
  • 12 Famous Fictional Characters With Big Foreheads
    /Entertainment
    12 Famous Fictional Characters With Big Foreheads February 3, 2023
  • 17 Hilarious Celebrity Photoshop Fails
    /Funny
    17 Hilarious Celebrity Photoshop Fails February 3, 2023

Simple Tattoo FAQs

Why is linework so important in making cool simple tattoos?

An old adage in the tattoo world says “bold will hold”.

Good linework forms the backbone for simple designs, and bold heavy line creates tattoos that will stand the test of time.

Linework can come in any number of different styles and designs, from script work to American traditional pieces, but a consistent application and full saturation of ink are required for any tattoo that can be expected to last.

What are simple dotwork tattoos?

Dotwork (also known as pointillism or stipple shading) is an interesting stylistic trend the has gained popularity over the last decade.

A tattooist uses this technique to create an effect that is reminiscent of lithographs and illustrations from books printed using traditional techniques.

Dotwork, while expensive due to the painstaking precise technique and time needed to etch, is becoming a bold alternative to more classic shading techniques, adding layers of texture and depth to designs that make for more eye-catching tattoos.

Why do people choose small or simple tattoos?

Some tattoos are straightforward in their meaning: family names, inspirational quotes and photo-realistic portraits of loved ones show the importance these things play in the wearer’s life.

For some people, however, less candid designs better suit their personality and sense of style—as well as their sense of humor.

Other tattoos take common objects and incorporate them into ink with more profound significance, taking the ordinary to the extraordinary with the use of a clever concept.

Why are most simple tattoos in black ink?

Tattoos are deeply personal, and for some people, bright colors just aren’t true to their personality.

For these people, black is the only way to go,  and many people still prefer the striking nature of these blackwork tattoos.

While many people use blackwork to create tribal tattoo designs that are primal in their appeal, script work, cross-hatch shading, and clever composition can all be utilized to create black tattoos that are as unique as any color piece.

Why do simple tattoos use circular patterns?

Simple tattoos are a great choice to convey powerful meanings through the use of shapes.

One shape that is utilized to great effect in these pieces is the circle: it’s packed full of symbolic meaning.

The circle is a shape that represents perfection and is strongly associated with the divine.

The unique nature of the circle can also be understood with the help of mathematics, like Pi for example, with its infinite decimal points carrying on forever but never repeating.

Brian Cornwell

Writer

Brian Cornwell founded Next Luxury in 2007 as a magazine for modern gentlemen.

Brian Cornwell founded Next Luxury in 2007 as a magazine for modern gentlemen.

More Must-Read Articles

  • 20 Old People With Tattoos Who Still Look Great
    20 Old People With Tattoos Who Still Look Great January 27, 2023
  • 23 of the Best Celebrity Tattoos
    23 of the Best Celebrity Tattoos January 4, 2023
  • Chris Evans Tattoos: A Guide to the Actors Ink
    Chris Evans Tattoos: A Guide to the Actors Ink December 16, 2022
  • Definitive History Of Tattoos – The Ancient Art Of Tattooing
    Definitive History Of Tattoos – The Ancient Art Of Tattooing September 5, 2022
Discover Greatness
Subscribe for Free
Real gentlemen know quality when they see it. 100% Privacy.
  • Upload Your Image
  • Advertise
  • FTC Disclosure
  • Our Authors
  • Our Newsletter
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

© COPYRIGHT 2023 Next Luxury ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

NEXTLUXURYDOTCOM LLC IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM. SOME LINKS MAY BE AFFILIATE LINKS. WE MAY GET PAID IF YOU BUY SOMETHING OR TAKE AN ACTION AFTER CLICKING ONE OF THESE