Not all tattoos are created equal. But when they’re good, they can be really good.
The art of tattooing is around 12,000 years old! So there’s clearly something that has always drawn humans to decorate their bodies permanently.
Of course, you don’t need to desire one for yourself to appreciate the body art of others. So even if tattoos aren’t for you, if you’ve got an eye for the creative, you’ll probably enjoy taking a peek.
For inspiration, here are some creative and unique tattoo designs that give a new spin to the art of inked skin.
1. Remaking a scar
Fish Bones, done by Trevor Varem, Mission Tattoo Parlour, Calgary Alberta
byu/Holdenl2121 intattoos
Why would someone get this as a tattoo? Well, the scar was already there – but now it’s a fish skeleton.
You’ve got to make the best of what you have to work with! After all, many tattoos are about being rebellious – and what better to rebel against than bad luck?
2. That clever cat
Here’s another example of a fluorescent ink tattoo. This time it’s a creative mix between special and regular ink to create this Alice in Wonderland-inspired disappearing Cheshire cat design.
It’s such a cool concept that we found another one as well:
3. Expecto Patronum!
While you probably will never receive your Hogwarts acceptance letter in the mail, you can still have some “magic” by having a tattoo done with fluorescent ink.
The unique ink would make the tattoo only visible when it glows under a blacklight.
4. Self-awareness
In physics, entropy is a thermodynamic property that represents the lack of thermal energy for conversion to mechanical work. But the word has also entered common usage to pertain to a “lack of order or predictability.”
Although scientists have trouble visualizing the concept in their work, this tattoo perfectly captures the word’s common usage meaning.
5. Constellations
Space dog chasing space cat work done by Pain Sadler of Hardkore Ink Salem, Ohio
byu/Mancabbage intattoos
Give a twist to generic tattoos of animals by adding unexpected design elements such as the space theme this tattoo artist incorporated in this adorable design of a dog chasing a cat.
It’s really stellar.
6. Shadows of the future
Because of their permanence, tattoos are a great way to have motivational reminders during times of distress or hopelessness.
Take cues from this clever shadow design that perfectly captures hope for what you may someday become.
7. All around the world
Arm band to commemorate a year traveling the world. Artist:Hanzi at Bloody Ink studio, Kuala Lampur
byu/mdleast1986 intattoos
Got the travel bug? Document your adventures permanently onto yourself, so you can take the memories with you wherever you go, even if it’s raining.
Is there anywhere you’ve been that’s worthy of a tat?
8. The human and the divine
My first tattoo. Creation of adam. Daniel Reese @ Zodiac Tattoo. Fayetteville, AR.
byu/BreathesFreely intattoos
You can always borrow design ideas from your favorite paintings to personalize your tattoo.
Sometimes, there’s already the perfect piece out there just waiting for you.
9. Cartoon minimalist
Were you able to guess what this was before reading the title? We can’t blame you.
This is the kind of well-thought-out and creative tattoo that a lot of planning and thinking gets you, so don’t rush your design process. It’s also rather minimalist.
10. Laidback
When his arms are engaged, the chair is up. When they’re relaxed, it’s laid back.
We’re not sure who would want an ergonomic desk chair tattoo, but the execution sure is cool.
11. Battle for the heart
The plague doctor was started before covid started, I swear. Done by Casper at Iconic Tattoo in Detroit.
byu/bluebouncer intattoos
There’s an interesting battle going on here. But the anatomical artistry of the heart is what really gets us.
And the plague doctor is pretty timely (unfortunately).
12. Patchwork
Patchwork style Banjo Kazooie tattoo. Done at Authentic Ink Sydney by min
byu/skywalker5400 intattoos
Wow, this is incredible. This is all ink!
It really does look like an ironed-on patch.
13. Which path to choose?
My shoulder Kronks by Peter Ferguson at Funhouse Tattoo (Vancouver, B.C.)
byu/SFRoussimoff intattoos
We all have those naughty and nice inner voices egging us on every now and then. But this guy had them tattooed on his back.
An interesting reminder – as long as you don’t mix up what side they’re on.
14. Optical illusion
My arm will now make people dizzy forever! Impossible Trident done by Chewy at Wyld Chyld (Merrick, NY)
byu/AbnormalPopPunk intattoos
It’s trippy to look at – and yet we can’t stop staring.
Then again, there are lots of people confused by creativity.
15. We are family
family portrait by teddy at Baneul in nyc :) i absolutely adore it.
byu/phoebedorn intattoos
The faces never come out quite right anyway. And the outlines of memories are what we retain in our minds (and in this case, on the skin).
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We just loved these cool tattoos. We’re not in the market for body art, but that doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate the artistry at work here.
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