Tattoos have been used by people for a very long time to tell a story, and the basic method of tattooing really hasn’t changed much. What has changed is the integration of minimalist tattoo ideas, which are great for people with careers who also have a dress code to adhere to. We’re going to take a look at some minimalist tattoo ideas that may be just what you’re looking for.
Minimalist tattoo ideas are the simplest form of tattoo that still bears a great deal of meaning. For men, women, couples, and anywhere on the body-minimalist tattoo ideas can cost less than regular tattoos, be more discreet, and take less time in the chair.
Are you looking for a way to get a tattoo without breaking the bank or getting in trouble at work? Did you know that a minimalist tattoo idea might be just what you need?
What Is a Minimalist Tattoo?
A minimalist tattoo is the simplest form of tattoo design, usually just lines and minimal colors. Minimalist tattoos are usually not very intricate or complex, but a simple drawing that holds a great deal of meaning to the beholder. A minimalist tattoo is also a great way to add art to your body without getting in trouble for dress code violations at work!
Minimalist Tattoos for Men
Oftentimes men like masculine looking tattoos, and there are ways to create a minimalist tattoo that is worthy of any man’s masculinity. The simplest designs could be things like a patterned arrowhead, a lightning bolt, or even a word or phrase. Minimalist tattoos for men can symbolize power, masculinity, or even demonstrate love for a partner.
Minimalist Tattoos for Women
Minimalist tattoos are very popular with women because of their simple nature and beauty. These delicate designs can be anything from a flower, crown, empowering phrase to even a butterfly or a symbol with hidden meaning. There’s always a meaning behind tattoos, and a minimalist tattoo can remind a woman of who she is and what her power is.
Minimalist tattoos are usually not very intricate or complex, but a simple drawing that holds a great deal of meaning to the beholder.
Minimalist Tattoos for Couples
Minimalist tattoos have been increasing in popularity over the last few years, and can be a very meaningful thing for a couple. These tattoos can be matching or identical, or they can even be puzzle pieces that fit together. Minimalist tattoos for couples can be hearts, punctuation marks, or even something they both have a passion for (besides each other).
Placement of Minimalist Tattoos
Sleeve Minimalist Tattoos
A sleeve tattoo may be the opposite of what you think of when you hear minimalist tattoo, but there is a way to do it. Sleeve minimalist tattoos do not cover every inch of the arm. These designs could be a series of lines encircling the forearm to just a few simple designs scattered around the arm. The sleeve minimalist tattoo is simply understated and more workplace friendly than what you’d think.
Arm and Wrist Minimalist Tattoos
Much like the sleeve minimalist tattoos, arm and wrist minimalist tattoos are very simple and created to make a statement without being too bold. Words, phrases, simple line drawings, even outlines of animals or birds look great on arms and wrists. The arm and wrist are not very painful when it comes to getting tattoos, but the tender skin across the inside of the wrist and anywhere there’s bone is going to be a bit painful, but it’s worth it in the end.
Neck and Behind Ear Minimalist Tattoos
Neck and behind ear minimalist tattoos are a more recent development in tattooing, and a perfect place for small tattoos. Some of the more common designs are punctuation like semicolons, a star or series of stars, even small tribal designs. Some even get barcodes on the back of the neck that can be scanned and take you to a website with the meaning behind the tattoo! Very creative, if you ask me.
Ankle Minimalist Tattoos
Ankle minimalist tattoos are another great spot for a tattoo that won’t interfere with work. These are also small and simple, and can range from a heart or star to even a band around the ankle. These can easily be hidden by socks or pants, so no trouble with human resources! Just watch those ankle bones-pretty tender to tattooing!
Rib
Rib or rib cage minimalist tattoos are also very popular in the tattoo world. These can vary in size from a small, simple design to even a bible passage across several ribs. Again another great spot for a tattoo because it’s under a shirt most of the time. A word of caution though-tattoos over bone are a bit more painful than on soft spots!
This fun video shares over 30 minimalist tattoo ideas.
Minimalist Tattoo Styles
Colorful Minimalist Tattoos
Who said minimalist tattoos had to be monochromatic? There are ways to design colorful minimalist tattoos-the only restriction is your imagination. Imagine a band of small flowers in different colors around your wrist or ankle. Or a brightly colored piece of fruit. These are just a couple examples of colorful minimalist tattoos.
Monochromatic Minimalist Tattoos
This is probably what you had in mind initially when you saw minimalist tattoo ideas-just one color, right? So here you might have a black outline drawing of an animal, flower, butterfly, or even a single word. Still holds a lot of meaning!
Geometric Minimalist Tattoos
Geometric probably makes you think of shapes, and that’s exactly what we’re referring to. Imagine a mountain range depicted by a series of triangles, or a single rectangle, or even the outline of a star. The shape is your choice!
Small Minimalist Tattoos
Small minimalist tattoos are often the way to go for something inconspicuous. Shapes, animals, words, anything can be turned into a small minimalist tattoo-it’s up to you what you want.
Simple Minimalist Tattoos
Simple minimalist tattoos are just that-simply designed and understated. These usually refer to a single outline of a heart, flower, or animal, or it’s a single word. Simple minimalist tattoos are the most affordable while still conveying great meaning.
Nature-Inspired Minimalist Tattoos
Flower Minimalist Tattoos
Flower minimalist tattoos are small and dainty, and sometimes are just outlines of the flowers. There are ways to incorporate color into flower minimalist tattoos without getting too complex, like using only one color or using something other than black for the outline.
Mountain Minimalist Tattoos
Mountain minimalist tattoos can have a great deal of meaning to them without a lot of detail. This can be the silhouette of a mountain range, or even an abstract-style mountain out of triangles.
Moon Minimalist Tattoos
The moon is an interesting take on minimalist tattoos, and this could range from just a circle to a line drawing of the moon with a few craters included. We all look at the moon at some point in our lives, so why not get a moon minimalist tattoo for that special memory?
Animal Minimalist Tattoos
Animal minimalist tattoos are a great way to immortalize a favorite pet or share your love for animals. These can be cartoon-style drawings, or simplified versions of photographs of the dog you just lost. Animal minimalist tattoos are very meaningful and can bring back great memories.
Minimalist Tattoos with Meaning
Minimalist tattoos always have some type of meaning behind them, just like with traditional tattoos. Sometimes even the place on the body will have great meaning behind it. Minimalist tattoos can symbolize anything you want them to, because as the bearer you choose what design, what style, and the location as well. So whether it’s displaying your favorite animal or it’s a permanent wedding band, minimalist tattoos will always have special meaning without being overstated or “in your face”.
Related Insights
Where Do You Put Minimalist Tattoos?
Minimalist tattoos can be put anywhere on the body you want. Your wrist, your ankle, your arm, your finger, even around your bellybutton- the possibilities are endless! Just keep in mind that some locations will be more tender to the tattooing process than others!
How Much Is the Minimalist Tattoo?
Minimalist tattoos are usually pretty cheap, depending on size and color. A simple line drawing with only black ink can be as cheap as $20 and usually don’t exceed $100, but cost shouldn’t be the main concern. Always research the artist and location-you want someone reputable with proven work for the best outcome.
Do Minimalist Tattoos Last?
Any tattoo can fade with time, but with proper care they can last a long time. With a minimalist tattoo, some locations on the body will fade faster because it’s over a joint or moves a great deal, and other locations fade because of sun exposure. Follow all aftercare instructions and use sunscreen to maintain that beautiful minimalist tattoo for a long time.
How Familiar Are People With Minimalist Tattoos? Would They Get one?
I asked several friends and family members if 1) They have seen or heard of minimalist tattoos. 2) If yes, I asked them to describe the tattoo and its placement. 3) If they’ve not heard or seen a minimalist tattoo, I asked them if they’d ever consider getting a minimalist tattoo. Here is what they shared and what I learned from the poll:
| Have They Heard of Minimalist Tattoo/Would They Get One | Tally of Family/Friends |
| No, wouldn’t consider | 4 |
| No, might consider | 2 |
| Yes, stars behind the ear | 1 |
| Yes, semicolon on inside of wrist | 1 |
| Yes, barcode on back of neck | 1 |
| Yes, heart on finger | 1 |
Other Resources:
- Minimalist Tattoos – Examples, Aesthetic, and Their Appeal
- Minimalist Flower Tattoo – Beautifully Simple Body Art
Minimalist tattoos are a form of art, and can be pretty addictive. Minimalist tattoo ideas are available anywhere with a simple search online and can help you immortalize a special memory, express yourself, and even rebel against something (like a dress code). Which minimalist tattoo are you interested in getting and where?