11 Small Tattoos With Big Meaning
Looking to get a new tattoo? Or want to get your first tattoo but aren’t sure what to get? Check out these 11 small tattoos with big meaning for inspiration.
Across the country, 36 percent of people have tattoos. Lucky you — you can use their designs to inspire your future ink.
At the very least, you know that you want not only a small piece of body art, but one that has a significant meaning behind it, too. Lots of others have hit the tattoo parlor with the same aim. They’ve walked away with stunning-but-small works of art.
Their tattoos prove that you can convey a heartfelt message with even the tiniest bit of ink. Here are 11 examples, all of which can serve as potential ideas for your next session.
1. Semicolon
The semicolon is a prime example of small tattoos with big meanings. When you read a semicolon, it indicates that the sentence continues after the pause.
As such, semicolon tattoos have come to represent someone who has felt like they might stop but has instead chosen to continue. Semicolon tattoos are often a choice for those who have struggled with their mental health or addiction. It’s also a sign of support for suicide prevention.
2. Paper Crane or Bird
The delicate paper crane is a symbol of peace, and it also represents an easygoing personality. A paper crane would blow with the wind and go with the flow. Once you have it tattooed, it can remind you to do the same.
The same goes for a bird tattoo. A small symbol of a winged creature is also symbolic of freedom.
3. Cross
A tattoo can be extremely meaningful if it aligns with your personal beliefs. In this case, you might consider a small cross tattoo as a nod to your Christian faith.
Of course, there are plenty of spiritual tattoo ideas out there. Your tattoo artist can shrink them down, so they fit behind the ear, on your hand, or somewhere else that requires a small tattoo.
4. Viking Symbol
You might be surprised to see someone suggest you get a Viking tattoo. But this trio of upside-down triangles fits right in on the list of small, meaningful tattoos.
As it turns out, the three shapes are meant to show that you create your own destiny. Need that little reminder on your wrist? Try the Viking symbol tattoo.
5. Line of Elephants
This small tattoo symbol would undoubtedly mean a lot to a mother who’s looking for new ink.
Female elephants take their role as mothers very seriously. They fiercely protect their young and the little ones in their herd. You do the same with your brood, of course.
If you have yet to become a parent, the elephant tattoo could still have meaning to you. Some look to the elephant as a symbol of strength, patience, and honor.
6. The Sun
The world would not exist without the sun. You may feel like a small part of the universe, and technically you are. But a sun tattoo can build you up to feel like the giant star that you are.
Everyone can make a difference and a sun tattoo signifies that you, too, can change the world.
7. Quill and Ink
Do you love to write? If so, a pair of small tattoos can tell the world exactly who you are — a writer.
The quill and ink tattoo would work on your hands or wrists. Or, you could let the motif inspire your next friendship tattoo. You get the quill, and your best friend gets the ink — together, you are complete.
8. Deer With Antlers
Young deer don’t have antlers — it takes years for them to grow. Once they have them, they are strong and protected. They can stand up for themselves against other deer.
Choosing a deer tattoo will show that you, too, have grown up — and grown strong. You can pop the small silhouette of a deer head on the back of your neck, inside of your wrist, or on your foot to remind you of just how powerful you really are.
9. Diamond
On a similar note, you might consider etching a diamond shape into your skin.
In the world of small, meaningful tattoos, the gemstone is of note, and not because of how expensive it is. Instead, a diamond represents superior strength — it’s virtually impossible to scratch or crack a diamond.
Because you’re just as strong, celebrate your resilience with a sweet diamond tattoo.
10. Anchor
When ships reach a harbor, they drop their anchor. The small-but-mighty piece of metal gives them the strength to stay put, even when the water gets choppy.
Who’s your anchor? A small tattoo of the symbol could represent the person who makes you feel stable and secure. Or, you could get it to signify your ability to weather the storm.
11. Heart
The Beatles said it best – “Love is all you need.” As such, you don’t need a big, intricate, or clever tattoo to express yourself. You just need a heart.
Your tiny heart tattoo can represent how much you love your life, family or friends. It’s up to you to decipher the meaning, but a small heart can say a lot. And a small rendition of the shape will remind you that your heart is actually pretty big.
Explore Even More Tattoos With Big Meaning
You don’t need a massive tattoo to send a message — these 11 small tattoos with big meaning prove that. All you have to do is decide which design best represents the story you want to tell, whether it be one of our ideas or one of your own. Then, find a tattoo artist who can bring it to life.
Want to get all of our tips and tricks for finding and getting the perfect tattoo? Keep up with our blog for expert advice.
To learn more, contact us here.
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Fierce Facial Tattoos for Females: 10 Instagrammers to Get Inspiration From
Fierce Facial Tattoos for Females: 10 Instagrammers to Get Inspiration
Thinking about facial tattoos? Get inspiration from these beautiful women with face tats and learn where to find inspiration.
Humans have been marking their bodies for thousands of years. The first evidence of tattoos is from 5200 years ago.
Two tourists noticed a corpse that would become known as Iceman. It was nestled in the glaciers in the alps.
As it turns out, Iceman had 61 tattoos.
Tattoos have been part of rich tribal history, from Samoan to Egyptian to Maori and many more. Tattoos are part of the culture that shapes and defines people. Many of these cultures had facial tattoos.
For a long time, tattoos on the face were seen as unprofessional and linked to criminals. But the tone is changing. Here are 10 women on Instagram who show you facial ink is beautiful.
1. btweddle – Freckle Tattoos
Love freckles but don’t have any of your own? You could always get them tattooed. btweddle fills her feed with natural-looking freckle facial tattoos. She also does brows, so get your inspiration there too.
2. kathisoul – Delicate Leaf
Bigger than invisible but don’t want it to take over your entire face? Take a peek at kathisoul’s account. This fierce woman loves her ink, but her styles are tasteful, delicate, and feminine.
She even has a face tattoo just below her cheekbone of a leaf. It helps to highlight her face’s strong features.
3. badluckjessie – Geometric
badluckjessie describes herself as “22 and still emo” and a “cat mum of 2.” She fills her feed with stylish photographs showing off her tattoos, and her cats. She likes to add a lot of photos where she’s just chilling in nature.
She has a delicate geometric diamond star face tattoo right on her temple. It accessorizes her appearance like a stylish hair clip. But she’s got plenty of other tattoos to draw inspiration from as well.
4. eli_zh_hh – Simple and Small
eli-zh_hh, or Eli B, posts a lot of selfies. That makes it easy to see how her delicate anchor and moon face tattoos look in all kinds of different styles.
On top of her chic and stylish face tattoo, she’s got plenty of other ink to draw inspiration. She has everything from two full sleeves, to an owl tattoo on her shin. She likes to show off her ink in plenty of dazzling styles.
5. amysdreadhouse1 – Small Floral Pieces
Amy Rose August is a synthetic dreadlocks stylist, with stunning dreads herself. She also sports two small facial tattoos, one just in front of each ear. One is a small delicate flower, the other is an intricate mandala pattern.
But with both tattoos, they’re small, harder to notice, and easy to hide – if she wants too.
She likes to fill her feed with fashion shots of her dreadlocks and shots of her other tattoos as well.
6. zebyzcie.mialosmaczek – Delicate Floral
zebyzcie.mialosmaczek likes to fill her feed with hashtags like #grunge and #vscogirl. While many people with face tattoos have a ton of other ink, zebyzcie.mailosmaczek doesn’t.
Instead, she has a simple, straight-lined six-petaled flower with berries on one cheek. It looks like it might even be this #vscogirl’s first tattoo.
7. flower.friendly – Tribal Tattoos
flower.friendly is an Instagrammer who specializes in healthy living. She likes to post natural-looking photos of herself while she’s out living her best life.
She has a detailed intricate tribal tattoo that branches down from her forehead. She has even more ink coming up along her chin.
Her tattoos continue onto her neck and down her arms. This amazing woman is full of natural beauty that speaks to a more spiritual lifestyle.
Many cultures valued tattoos as part of their heritage or a right of passage. If your cultural ancestry valued tattoos, consider getting tribal tattoos. It can be a sign that links you to your ancestors.
8. courtney_rose_art – Simple Chin Tattoo
Courtney Rose has two thin lines along her chin. They’re barely there, but they add symmetry and delicate statement to her face.
She likes to fill her feed with her sketches that follow a similar simplistic style. Many of them have repetitive patterns or an old folklore tone.
9. yasminlh95 – Rose
Yasmin is a cake maker from Nottingham and a mother to a little girl. She doesn’t seem like the type of woman who would be decked out in neck and face tattoos.
But she is. Yasmin sports stunning geometric patterns along her neck. She has a beautifully detailed rose up along her temple.
She fills her feed with selfies, cakes, and shots of her daughter living her best life.
10. cigno.sg – Full Water Color Art
This fashion model is covered in tattoos, all of which are full color. She even has a full-color tattoo that runs up the side of her face. The tattoo continues onto her head too.
She fills her feed with glamor shots of her tattoos. There are plenty of amazing styles to draw inspiration from.
Facial Tattoos Are Losing Their Stigma and Can Be Pretty Cool
Facial Tattoos
Facial tattoos aren’t as stigmatized as they used to be. They’re almost becoming trendy!
Maybe you want to get some ink to fake some freckles or go all out with a massive tribal tattoo, there’s a tattoo for you.
All of these amazing women found a style that worked for them and went for it. They love their face tattoos, and they got them to express parts of who they are.
Facial or not, tattoos are expressions of self. They’re decorations for our meat sack. After all, you only have one life. So you might as well make it beautiful.
Ready to get some ink? Contact us today!
To learn more, contact us here.
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The Bald & the Beautiful: 9 Amazing Head Tattoo Ideas for Shaved Heads
Is your head your canvas? Then get it inked! Here are 9 amazing head tattoo ideas for shaved or bald heads!
Did you know that 46 percent of Americans have tattoos? You may feel surprised by this statistic. After all, many of them keep them well-hidden beneath their work clothes.
Of course, some tattoos prove harder to cover. Like neck tattoos, the “job breakers” of the body art industry. While hard to conceal, you have to give the people who get them props for being gutsy with their ink.
That said, if you’re looking for tattoo placement that’s even more brazen, consider a head tattoo. It doesn’t get much more in-your-face than an inked out scalp, and it represents one of the prime canvases of the human body.
What’s more, if you suddenly go super-conservative, grow your hair out. Of course, if you’re balding, you don’t necessarily have this luxury, but a beanie works, too.
Read on for tattoo ideas for shaved heads that’ll blow your mind and leave you jonesing for your next visit to the parlor.
Head Tattoo Ideas
While gaining in popularity, head tattoos also remain less trendy than other parts of the body, such as the lower back and upper arms. So, they let you showcase your love of body art in a singular way.
While head tattoos for men remain far more common, women are now starting to get in on the act, too. Some of the sweetest designs out there today include head tattoos for women, such as vibrant flower designs.
Of course, head tattoos are just as diverse as the people who get them. That means you’ll find everything from traditional Sailor Jerry-inspired birds and roses to thick tribal lines and intricate Celtic knotwork.
There’s also a growing body of wicked head tattoos that make you do a double-take. Whether it’s because of their realism or the artful way their 3D designs play with your eyes, head art is taking it to the next level.
Tribal Head Tattoos
Tribal or indigenous tattoo designs remain just as popular as ever, for men and women alike. They are generally done in all black and feature thick, uncompromising lines.
These bold lines give tribal tattoos a sense of clarity that may lack in more intricate designs, at least from a distance. The symbols associated with tribal tattoos have been passed down for millennia.
So, it’s essential to understand the culture of a design you’re considering. You should also research the significance of the symbology. For example, Polynesian art proves very different than Marquesan designs.
Many of these designs also prove gender-specific. Examples of this include the tattoos worn by Berber women in North Africa or the Inupiaq matriarchs of Alaska.
If you trace your cultural heritage to one of these groups, then opting for a tribal tattoo can come with deeper meaning. It’s an excellent way to display pride in your heritage.
Blackwork Head Tattoos
If you’re intrigued by tribal artwork, but don’t feel a particular cultural pull to the designs, why not go with Blackwork? A fresh take on the tribal style, it features bold, black lines in a variety of geometric shapes and patterns.
Think of it kind of like traditional Moroccan henna tattoos, only crisper and darker. These pieces prove mesmerizing and look amazing on the scalp.
Traditional Head Art
The body art of sailors, soldiers, and counterculture freaks, Traditional tattoo designs remain iconic. Also known as Old School tattoos, their designs are deeply rooted in American culture, particularly military culture.
Whether you’ve served or you’re obsessed with vintage culture, they make an excellent option for head art. You’ve also got plenty of artists to choose from including:
Traditional tattoos feature bold lines and vibrant colors, which makes them ideal for head placement. If you want to commemorate time served in the military or you want to rock a vintage vibe, then this is the body art for you.
Realistic Portraits
Let’s get this out of the way upfront. Realistic tattoos are going to cost you. After all, the best ones require incredible feats of artistic skill coupled with countless hours spent in the tattoo chair.
And if you appreciate realistic ink, then you don’t want to settle for anything but the best. Whether you opt for a portrait of a loved one or your favorite celebrity, realistic portraits range from black and gray to vibrantly colored.
Some artists do fantastic work when it comes to vivid images of animals, too. When it comes to realism, do your research before choosing a tattoo artist.
Fortunately, your scalp will give them plenty of room to create a work of art. Just be prepared to spend serious time and money acquiring one of these masterpieces. That said, it’ll prove well worth it.
You may choose to keep your head shaved forever.
Watercolor Head Art
Right now, watercolor tattoos represent a significant trend in the body art world. So, why not combine them with another top trend, head tattoos?
You’ve got nearly endless options when it comes to designs for the watercolor method. Some people opt for there favorite Impressionist painting, while others want koi fish or a flower.
Because of their fine quality and lack of thick lines, they also make an excellent option for women. They appear both fragile and feminine.
New School Tattoos
If you’re looking for bold artwork with a distinct comic-book energy, then New School tattoos will rock your world. They prove intricate and often feature fantasy scenes with vivid color.
Because these pieces prove so detailed, giving your artists plenty of room to work proves crucial to a great finished product. Fortunately, your scalp can accommodate the extra room they’ll need.
Ready for Some Ink?
Whether you go with an elaborate Blackwork design or a New School piece, you’ve got plenty of options when it comes to the artwork that will look amazing on your head.
Because your head represents a beautiful, big canvas, no matter which tattoo design you choose, your tattooist will have plenty of room for artistic license.
Ready for your next trip to the tattoo chair? Contact us today to set up an appointment.
To learn more, contact us here.
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Friday The 13th Tattoos: How Did It All Get Started?
Friday the 13th tattoos have been all the rage for the tatted. So how did it all get started? How did this beloved holiday come to be?
The world of tattoos is one that is full of stories to tell. Behind the artistry of the designs are origin stories that adds mystique to tattoos.
And when you talk about tattoos, Friday the 13th is a date that you cannot separate from the subject. Though the date is originally associated with ghosts, goblins, and other spooky things, it is also popular for getting cheap tattoos. These tattoos usually come with the number 13 incorporated in the design.
On this particular day, you can get Friday the 13th tattoos for $13. On a regular day, these tattoos may cost you up to as much as $150.
So yes, Friday the 13th is a good day to get a tattoo. But did you ever wonder how it all started? Do you know the factors that helped shape this unique holiday?
Continue reading below and learn the answers to these questions.
Origin of Friday the 13th Tattoos
Friday the 13th tattoos originated in a supposed one-night party that lasted for 24 hours. Though the annual celebration is only a quarter of a century old, the elements that surround the event is rich in history.
The Marketing Gimmick
The event started in Dallas, Texas in 1995. It was a day when tattoo artist Oliver Peck of Elm St. Tattoo decided to throw his very first tattoo shindig on Friday the 13th.
As we mentioned earlier, the event lasted a full day. As for the significance of the number 13, Peck offers an interesting explanation. Though “13” signifies bad luck, sailors used the number as an antidote, Peck explained in an interview.
The sailors inked their bodies with the number to drive away bad luck. The rationale is that when bad luck arrives at the sailors and see the number 13 already inked, it will think that bad luck is already there. It will then move on to the next person who doesn’t have the number 13.
“I definitely wasn’t the first person to do it, the number 13 tattoo on Friday the 13th,” Peck clarified. “But, I definitely made it an event.”
From then on, Peck decided to make it an annual event. As the years went by, other tattoo shops followed suit.
But one of the key factors that made Peck’s event a rousing success is the pricing of the tattoos. The cheapest tattoos you can find on regular days cost around $50 to $80. The average hourly rate is around $150.
For tattoos with more intricate designs, you should expect to pay more. But during Friday the 13th, you can get them for a measly price.
Tips for Getting a Good Tattoo
Now that you know how this tattoo spectacle started, you need to learn the ins and outs if you wish to get a Friday the 13th tattoo. Here are some valuable tips that will help you survive the day and come out with the number 13 on your skin.
1. Check the Portfolios First
Before heading to any shop or artist, conduct your research and due diligence. This means checking out their portfolios a day or two before the event. Check their websites to get an idea of their output.
You can also visit the tattoo shop. Take a look at their designs and scout for the ones that you like. This way, you will have a much easier time telling the artist how you want your tattoos to look like.
2. Try to Be Early
Perhaps the biggest trade-off of the cheap tattoos is the long lines of people you need to brave. Thus, you need to come as early as you can.
Expect long lines, especially if you are going to the more popular tattoo shops. Bring some water and a lot of patience. This is a first-come, first-served affair.
3. Be Nice to the Artist
One of the keys to having a great tattoo is establishing good relations with your artist. Hence, you need to be nice to your tattoo artist right from the get-go.
Keep in mind that what they are doing is their way of giving back to the community. It is their manner of expressing gratitude to their craft. Considering the long lines of customers on Friday the 13th, artists become tired easily.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding their work, do not hesitate to speak up. If you have any complaints, tell them.
But do so in a respectful tone.
Additionally, don’t ask the artist to do four or five tattoos for you. Keep in mind that people outside are still waiting for their turn.
4. Cash and ID Matter
Don’t forget to bring your cash. Sure, the tattoos will only cost you $13 and an additional $7 for the tip. But you also need to spend on water or food in case you get hungry.
Moreover, make sure to bring your I.D. Without it, the tattoo artist may turn you down.
5. Manage Pain and Discomfort
Before the actual procedure, make sure that you have something in your stomach. Inking can take hours, depending on the size and intricacy. If you go hungry, your body may shake and it will affect the procedure.
You should also be aware that tattoos will give more pain to certain parts of the body compared to others. If it is your first time to get a tattoo, bring some headphones. Listening to music will help keep your mind off the pain.
6. Always Tip Your Artist
Last but not least, you need to give a tip to your tattoo artist. As we said earlier, this is their way of giving back. It is best not to get a tattoo if you have no plans of giving a tip.
As for the amount, the standard is $7 so you need to prepare at least $20 per tattoo.
Let’s Get Your Tattoos Right
If you are looking to get your first tattoo, getting Friday the 13th tattoos is a good way to start. But if you are planning to add to your tattoo collection, you can start leveling up with intricate designs.
We have a long list of seasoned artists who can get you the designs that you want. We take pride in the quality of our work and the process behind it.
Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions. You may also visit any of our two locations. Let’s get your tattoos right, today!
To learn more, contact us here.
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Friends Forever: The Top Friendship Tattoo Ideas
Friends Forever: The Top Friendship Tattoo Ideas
Are you looking to get a tattoo with your BFF? What should you get? Check out this guide to learn about the top friendship tattoo ideas.
Tattoos are becoming increasingly popular. In fact, 20% of the adult population in the U.S. is inked.
Not only are people getting tattoos that show off their own unique interests and personality, but more and more people are getting matching tattoos with friends, family members, and significant others. If you have a best friend that’s stood by you through the years, a friendship tattoo is the perfect way to show off the strong bond you share.
Of course, matching or complementary tattoos can be a bit more challenging, since you’ll have to find a design that both parties are happy with.
Do you need some inspiration to get started? Keep reading to discover the top friendship tattoo ideas that you and your BFF are sure to love.
Peanut Butter and Jelly
PB&J is a classic combo, so it makes sense that this is a great friendship tattoo design! If you and your friend go together like peanut butter and jelly, why not commemorate that with a cute tattoo?
While you can go realistic, consider taking a fun approach instead. Have one of you get a piece of bread with peanut butter on it and the other a piece of bread with jelly. Turn each slice into a cartoon character by giving them arms, legs, and a smiling face!
Avocado Halves
Avocado halves are an adorable and trendy new take on the classic PB&J tattoo. When you draw up your designs, be sure that one half has the pit and the other doesn’t, showing that you come together to make a whole.
Again, you can go realistic here, but choosing to go animated brings a whimsical and fun touch to this design. You can give your avocados arms, legs, and happy expressions to really make it come to life.
State Flower
Do you and your BFF currently live in different states? Long-distance friendships can be hard, but it also shows how strong your bond is!
Consider getting the state flower from where you met. This could be the state you grew up in or the state where you both attended college.
Not only is this a great way to commemorate your friendship and how you met, but it’s also a fun way to remember an important piece of your life.
Of course, you don’t have to stick with flowers if you don’t want to. You could also get the state’s official bird, animal, or flag.
Thick and Thin
Have you and your bestie supported each other through difficult times? Then consider incorporating the phrase “through thick and thin” in your friendship tattoo design.
You can include an infinity symbol with the words “thick” and “thin” written on the lines, tattoo the phrase by itself, or include it with any of these other tattoo ideas!
Video Game Controllers
Did you spend countless hours playing video games together growing up? Or maybe you still love gaming together to this very day.
If so, video game controller tattoos may be for you. Start by picking your favorite console. This could be the newest system you currently play on, or you could go vintage by picking the console you loved as a kid.
Then get the controllers from that console tattooed on you. You could even add “player 1” and “player 2” to signify all the nights you stay up playing together.
An Inside Joke
It seems like every friendship is full of funny stories and inside jokes. One of the best ways to create a truly unique design is to make a tattoo that’s inspired by one of your favorite inside jokes.
Yin and Yang
Yin and yang is a concept in Chinese philosophy describing how all opposites are actually complementary forces that are interconnected and interdependent. Yin (the black half) symbolizes softness and femininity while yang (the white half) symbolizes masculinity and hardness.
If you and your BFF are opposites, consider getting the yin and yang symbol to show how your differing personalities actually complement one another. You can either both get the full symbol or get the half (yin or yang) that describes you better.
Commemorating a Vacation
If you and your friend have traveled together, you’re sure to have tons of amazing memories. But is there one trip or experience that stands out from the rest? Maybe you got to release a baby sea turtle on the beach or pushed yourself out of your comfort zone by going on a scary rollercoaster at Disney World.
Whatever your special memory is, consider incorporating it in your tattoo design. If you want to commemorate your entire vacation, consider going broader with your design by getting a beach tattoo or Minnie Mouse ears.
Queen Crowns
King and queen crowns are common tattoos for couples. But you don’t need a man to be a queen! If you and your BFF are both strong and independent women, consider getting a pair of queen crowns.
While you can both get the same crowns, consider coming up with your own designs. This will allow you to show off your different personalities while still having a matching friendship tattoo.
Spirit Animals
Spirit animals refer to animals that share certain personality traits with you. For example, if you’re loving and loyal, your spirit animal might be a dog. But if you’re courageous and confident, your spirit animal may be a lion.
Spend some time deciding what spirit animal best fits you and your best friend. Then, design a tattoo showing both of these animals living in harmony. While it does work if you each choose animals that get along in the wild, having two very different spirit animals shows that you each bring something different and unique to the friendship and can make for one powerful design.
Best Friendship Tattoo Ideas
Friendship Tattoo
If you and your BFF are going to be friends until the end, why not commemorate this by getting a beautiful tattoo together? From the classic peanut butter and jelly tattoo to a unique design incorporating your spirit animals, there are so many wonderful friendship tattoo designs to choose from.
Are you ready to turn your idea into a beautiful tattoo? Then contact us today to set up an appointment with a professional tattoo artist in Las Vegas, Henderson, or Lahaina.
To learn more, contact us here.
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