70 best tattoo designs

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Getting a tattoo is a big deal. Whether it’s a classic or unique design you simply love or a picture or symbol that marks a meaningful event in your life, bagging the best tattoo design is a long and sometimes difficult process. Here, we’ve pulled together some inspiration that’ll help you choose the tattoo design that’s right for you.

To make things simple, we've split the article into themes: flower tattoos (this page), tribal tattoos, mandala tattoos, dragon tattoos, cross tattoos, skull tattoos, geometric tattoos, anchor tattoos, animal tattoos, and couples' tattoos. (If you're interested in watercolour-style tattoos, check out these 13 incredible examples).

Each of the categories contains more traditional tattoo designs, as well as quirky original ideas. You can navigate to the section you want using the drop-down menu above. Click on the images to see more of each tattoo artists' work.

• Doodle art: 52 great examples

01. Rainbow roses tattoo

Morag at Purple Rose Tattoo

This rose tattoo steers away from the standard red colouring, marking it as a classic design but with a modern twist. The intricate shading and delicate leaves add to its realistic execution.

02. Monochrome tattoo

Hannah Louise Kyle

This black and white rose tattoo again steers away from the classic red, offering up an elegant black-and-white design. The heavy line work keeps it to a traditional tattoo style.

03. Pink rose tattoo

Esme Loasby

The bright colours is what makes this flower tattoo design stand out, especially when you look closely at the clever colour gradient. Adding more than one flower always makes for a special piece.

04. Wildflowers tattoo

Esme Loasby

Speaking of choosing more than one type for your flower tattoo, this beautiful botanical creation proves that you can put a lot of elements into one piece and it’ll still work, provided you use a tattoo artist who knows what they're doing.

05. Rose and dagger tattoo

Tom Butts

If you’re looking for a more traditional design, this rose tattoo could be just the inspiration you’re looking for. The inclusion of the dagger adds an edge and makes it a bold, stand-out piece.

06. Red rose tattoo

Sascha Roth

A bolder choice is this rose tattoo design, with clever colour work placed just away from the careful lining. Including so much black might not work for some tattoo designs, or tattooees, but it works here.

07. Geometric peonies tattoo

Mark Jelliman

The linework on this trio of peonies is crafted with such elegance, it makes a real statement. It just goes to show that keeping things simple can often be the best approach when it comes to tattoo design.

Next page: Tribal tattoo designs

These great tattoo designs are all inspired by tribal artworks from around the world. Some of these stick to common themes from native American tribal art, for example, while others give them a contemporary twist. 

As before, click on the image to go to the tattoo artist's website or Instagram page.

08. Tribal mask-inspired tattoo

Manu Dermagrafics

This stunning leg piece was crafted freehand, and with its bold shapes, colour-blocking and seamless line work, it’s a tribal tattoo worth showing off. The shape itself compliments the shape of the leg, too.

09. Subtle shading tribal tattoo

Paxii

What makes this tribal tattoo design stand out is that through the thick line work and colour-filled shapes, there’s a subtle shading that brings it to life, adding new dimensions.

10.Thick framed tribal tattoo

Mike Schwalger

This custom Polynesian tribal tattoo sleeve is able to include a variety of different shapes and lines without making it look too busy. The thick line framing adds a more artistic flair.

11. Pared-back tribal tattoo

Leo Braz

Sometimes tribal tattoos can be simple. This piece signifies the serpent in the Marajoara tribe, with the back placement proving to be the perfect place to show it off. 

12. Repeat pattern tattoo

Sunset Tattoo

Keeping with the simple theme, this half-sleeve tribal tattoo offers an intricate yet uncomplicated design. And with such a clean design, the pattern is as mesmerising as it is timeless. 

13. Tribal collar tattoo

Margaret River

Tribal tattoo designs often demand a bold placement and this visayan tribal collar is a breathtaking example of how simple line work and intricate patterns can make a statement. 

14. Modern twist

Daniel Matsumoto

This work, by Daniel Matsumoto, manages to put a modern twist on the classic tribal tattoo design. Mixing thin lines with block colour is a simple but unique way to make it pop. 

Next page: Mandala Tattoos

Mandalas are peaceful, spiritual symbols in both the Hindu and Buddhist faiths. With their intricate, nature-inspired patterns, it's no wonder they're a popular choice for tattoos.

As before, click on the image to go to the tattoo artist's website or Instagram page.

15. Pointillist mandala tattoo

Ricky Williams

With its circular shape, placing a Mandala tattoo around the ear is a great way to make the most impact. The pointillism aspect in this design is stunning.

16. Hidden mandala tattoo

Ricky Williams

Mandala tattoos come in all sizes and this delicate design could be just the kind of thing you’re after. Sleek, delicate work that gradually moves into darker colour is a special touch.

17. Bold mandala tattoo

Jayne Rogers

The thick lines on this half-Mandala tattoo design make it the perfect way to go if you want to make a statement. Choosing to do a half design is also an option if placed around the ear.

18. Layered mandala tattoo

Niky Brown

Opting for a layering effect on this Mandala tattoo design enables it to take on a more 3D-design effect. Adding it some point work really makes this one inspiring. 

19. Colourful mandala tattoo

Mors Tattoo

Taking on a more classic style, the colour work enables the Mandala tattoo to make more of a statement. Adding colour to the leaf exterior makes for a seamless execution.

20. Shaded mandala tattoo

Renette Hammer

Mandala tattoos circular shape enable them to be placed almost anywhere but the chest provides a nice canvas to really show them off. Pointillism is also a great way to add depth and subtlety.

21. Stained glass mandala tattoo

Skylar Rose Wasserman

If you’re after a Mandala tattoo design with a more colourful, unexpected twist, you could go for something like this. The stained glass window colour effect allows shades to blend into each other. 

Next page: Dragon tattoos

Dragon tattoos might show the world how brave and fiery you are, they might celebrate your cultural heritage, or they might just exist because you think dragons are really cool (you're not wrong). Whatever your reason for wanting a dragon tattoo, check out these designs for inspiration and click on the image to go to the artist's website or Instagram page.

22. Whimsical dragon tattoo

Alice Badger

Sometimes, it’s best to look to the world of TV and movies for your tattoo design inspiration. This one featuring Haku from anime classic Spirited Away is a great place to start.

23. Fierce dragon tattoo

Lydia Bruno

Dragons are also the perfect way to start off a sleeve, thanks to the variety in which they can be presented. This colourful example leaves room all around for more designs.

24. Oriental dragon tattoo

HH Orlando Tattoo

Speaking of sleeves, this Japanese style dragon tattoo offers colourful inspiration. The detail on the scales is a particularly nice touch, as is the juxtaposing, delicate flowers underneath.

25. Symmetrical dragon tattoo

Joe Fletcher

If you love the idea of a dragon tattoo but you’re wary of getting the whole form tattooed onto, opting for the head could be a great way to show your beast appreciation.

26. Linework dragon tattoo

Heritage Tattoos

A dragon's serpentine body can make it a great option for a head tattoo. This simple, black-and-white linework tattoo design offers elegant inspiration if you’re willing to take the leap.

27. Abstract dragon tattoo

Dámaris Argüelles Pérez

A more experimental tattoo design could be just the dragon you’re looking for. This puzzle-like piece keeps it modern while also harking back to more traditional tattoo styles.

28. Etchwork dragon tattoo

Byron Barker

This etchwork dragon tattoo design harks back to a neo-traditional style of tattooing and works best when placed on the side of the body, allowing lots of detail.

Next page: Cross tattoo designs

Meaningful and beautiful, cross tattoos also come in a variety of styles. Choose a style that's right for you with these great designs. As before, click on an image you like to go to the artist's website or InDesign page.

29. Botanical cross tattoo

Reny Tattoos

Cross tattoo designs don’t always need to be in a standard, straight line. This example shows that cross tattoos can be moulded with another style to create something really beautiful. 

30. Pretty cross tattoo

Bruno Diego

Another way to amp up a cross tattoo design is with layering. This delicate design incorporates illustrations of love hearts in an elegant and original way, making for a special piece.

31. Symbolic cross tattoo

Hegotme

This clever cross tattoo design references the crucifixion in a minimal but impactful manner. Adding the nails into the design is a great way to do this.

32. Curvy cross tattoo

Kelly Kossuth

Maybe you’re looking for a bolder cross tattoo design and this one from Kelly Kossuth shows how you can be both bold and minimal, thanks to thick line work.

33. Minimal cross tattoo

Tattooist Uzi

If minimal is more your style, this delicate cross tattoo design could be just the inspiration you need. Delicate line work and zero colour can still make an impact.

34. Shaded cross tattoo

Slicecrust

This classic cross tattoo design works well thanks to neat shading work and clean, thick lines. It’s a perfect design if you want one placed on your arm.

35. Artistic cross tattoo

Steven Gilliard

If you want to combine your love of being a designer or artist with your cross tattoo, then this clever piece could be right up your street. The dot work makes it pop.

Next page: Skull tattoo designs

If dragons weren't tough enough for you, how about a skull tattoo? Some of these skull designs are pretty scary, but others are actually really beautiful, and even cute. We're sure they'll all serve to inspire your scull tattoo design.

36. Skull and rose tattoo

Phatt German

Sometimes you want to add a bit more depth to a skull tattoo design. This skull, which has a rose design incorporated into its cap, does this very effectively.

37. Multi-layered skull tattoo

Charlotte's Web Tattoos

Another way to incorporate depth into a skull tattoo is this half-dead design, which sees a skull merged with a crying face. The addition of a clock makes it extra creepy.

38. Mexican skull tattoo

Barbie Lowenberg

If you’re wanting something a little less creepy, this cute skull tattoo – complete with floral decoration, in the style of Mexican Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) skull masks and decorations – is the perfect way to show off your love of the dead.

39. Delicate skull tattoo

Uvethekid

Sticking with the floral theme, this skull design offers a more freehand approach, with wavy lines. The difference in line thickness and the dotted shading is what makes it great.

40. Gruesome skull tattoo

Kelly Violet

If you’re looking for something truly bold, a half-sleeve skull tattoo design is one of the options you could go for. This one, illustrated with medieval weaponry, is jaw-dropping.

41. Baroque skull tattoo

Siren1

Sometimes two skulls is better than one and this detail tattoo design effortlessly places them together without making it look crowded. Perfect for placing it on the arm.

42. 3D-effect skull tattoo

Bali Namaste Tattoo Studio

This small skull tattoo takes a different approach when blending two skulls together, giving off a 3D effect with a minimal and cute design – perfect for small spaces.

Next page: Geometric tattoo designs

For something a bit different, why not get an interesting tattoo featuring geometric shapes and patterns? They can be as colourful or as big as you like, as these great designs show.

43. Artistic geometric tattoo

Expanded Eye

Expanded Eye is a duo known for its incredible geometric tattoo designs. With splashes of colour, clever shading and breathtaking structure, this is the perfect geometric tattoo design inspiration.

44. Prisms tattoo

Malvina Maria Wisniewska

The great thing about geometric tattoos is they can be formed of simple structures but with a detailed execution. The interweaving line thickness on this design is a great example of that. 

45. Honeycomb tattoo

Miriam Frank

Mixing shapes and colours into your geometric tattoo design can make for a pretty amazing final piece. By adding just the red to this piece, it ensures the design doesn’t go overboard.

46. Golden Ratio tattoo

Michele Volpi

The Golden Ratio describes the perfectly symmetrical relationship between two proportions and this geometric tattoo design is a gorgeous and clever way to pay tribute to its perfections. 

47. Pared-back geometric tattoo

Sarah Lu

The simplicity of geometric tattoos also means that the hand poking technique can work really well. This simple but effective design puts a different spin on the arrow. 

48. Kaleidoscopic tattoo

Diego Favaretto

If you’re wanting a larger geometric piece, this tattoo is a great example of one that works well when placed on the back. The never-ending detail on this one is particularly impressive.

49. Colourful geometric tattoo

Sasha Unisex

Of course we couldn’t feature geometric tattoo designs without mentioning Sasha Unisex – the tattoo artist who has become renowned across the world for her stunning, colourful geometric work.

Next page: Anchor tattoo designs

About as traditional as tattoo designs get, anchor tattoos are enjoying a retro resurgence. But, as these designs prove, a traditional theme doesn't have to result in a stale old-fashioned design. Click on any image to discover the tattoo artist behind the innovative design.

50. Anchor and heart tattoo

Patryk Hilton

If you’re after a classic tattoo staple, an anchor design is one of the best options. This traditional style piece is a great way to make a statement.

51. Exotic anchor tattoo

Sam Ricketts

Anchors can also act as a frame for a tattoo design, with this example proving particularly impressive. By using a simple anchor as your base, you can embellish it to your heart’s content.

52. Anchor and bird tattoo

Sami Tutch

You can always embellish your anchor tattoo design but in a more subtle, sweet way. This little anchor features cartoonish characters that make it perfect for a cute arm piece.

53. Watercolour anchor tattoo

Tracy Burton

If you want a splash of colour on your anchor tattoo design, adding in wave-like watercolour is a great way to include your love of anchors in the sea.

54. Sketchy anchor tattoo

Elena Aiello

Continuing the watery theme is this cute anchor tattoo design, that adds splashes of colour in a simple, hand-drawn style. The loveheart is also perfectly incorporated in the design.

55. Monochrome anchor tattoo

Ecke Wunderland

The detail on this tiny anchor tattoo design is so perfectly executed, it almost deserves more space. The inclusion of the paper boat is a delightful touch, finishing off the piece beautifully.

56. Geometric anchor tattoo

Aracely Ramírez Ponce

If you want the colour to be the main focus of your anchor tattoo design, this watercolour, geometric anchor is a great way to show it off. 

Next page: Animal tattoo designs

Another popular choice, animal tattoos might honour a beloved pet, serve as a reminder of a great experience, or show part of your personality through your choice of a favourite animal. 

These animal tattoos again vary wildly in style, so if you find an art style that you like, click on the image to go through to the artist's website or Instagram page to see more.

57. Fox tattoo

Lotte Vanns

This simple, hand-poked design is the perfect way to pay tribute to your favourite animal. Thanks to this fox's long body, placing it around the knee is a great way to show it off. 

58. Greyhounds tattoo

Daemon Rowanchilde

These racing greyhounds are stunning in their own right – thanks mostly to their meticulously drawn anatomy – but by placing them within another design, it makes the whole piece pretty breathtaking.

59. Dinosaur tattoo

Kimsany

The cartoonish colour-blocking on this brachiosaurus makes it truly unique. Complete with intricate line work and the perfect long arm placement, this is one way to get noticed.

60. Elephant tattoo

Adrián Desgracia

This sketchy design is great if you want to go for a sleeve design with a difference. The surrealist aspect of the elephant is also reminiscent of Salvador Dali’s work. 

61. Whale tattoo

Raphael

Not sure what style to go for in your animal tattoo design? This is one solution: this unique killer whale design combines two different styles in one, with the animal's middle section drawn as shaded scales. 

62. Bird tattoo

Jason Corbett

Pointillism is a beautiful option when it comes to bird tattoo designs. This one, perched just on the shoulder, keeps it simple with minimal detail and colour.

63. Dog tattoo

Ricardo Romero Rios

Lots of people get their best pal tattooed on them. This one, depicting man’s best friend, is a cute way to illustrate your love for your furry friend – and there's a sweet Up reference to boot.

Next page: Couples' tattoo designs

Not just the preserve of drunken nights out, matching tattoos are a popular way to mark your commitment to your other half. While some of these designs go sickeningly all-out of the slush factor, others are more subtle, fun, and perhaps even be tasteful enough to avoid the laser, should you break up (not that you will, obviously).

64. Pizza tattoos

justinsams

There’s no better way of combining your love of your partner with your love of pizza. This cute design may be a little cheesy for some but perfect for others.

65. Sun and moon tattoos

Jessica Leigh Ozimek

If you’re getting married, you might want to make things even more permanent with ring finger tattoos. This sun and moon tattoo design is a sweet way to show off your love.

66. Chatty tattoos

Dream Tattoo

Your best pal is always there to listen when you need it most. When you’re far away from each other, this simple tattoo design will remind you that they’re always there.

67. King and queen tattoos

B9 Tattoo Studio

Be the king and queen of all couples with these minimalist playing-card inspired tattoo designs. It’s best to keep it simple, especially when placed on the hands or wrists. 

68. Foxes tattoos

Farbenfroh Tattoo Art

These playful partner tattoos are great if you’re thinking of getting a couples' tattoo on your leg. The hand-drawn, sketchy style and clever shading make these particularly beautiful. 

69. Colour mode tattoos

NYC Adorned

If you’re looking for something with a designer twist, you couldn’t opt for anything better than these cute colour mode pieces (you might recognise these as belonging to Jessica Hische and Russ Maschmeyer). If you're screen-based, go for RBG, while print designers are more likely to favour CMYK.

70. Heart tattoos

First Class Tattoo Studio

How about combining your couples tattoo design with your favourite show? This Game of Thrones-inspired piece is a great way to show off two of the things you love.

Read more:

• 23 designers and their awesome tattoos
• What happens when tattoo design meets illustration
• 13 incredible examples of watercolour tattoo art

View the full article