Tattoo Trends Through the Decades: 100 Years of Tattoos
Tattoo Trends Through the Decades: 100 Years of Tattoos
Despite what you might think, tattoos aren’t a modern invention. They’ve actually been around for hundreds of years. Keep reading to look at some of the most popular tattoo trends through the decades.
These days, it’s not unusual to see tattoos pretty much everywhere you go. Everyone from your barista to your doctor to your kid’s preschool teacher likely has some ink. But that wasn’t always the case.
Join us for a fascinating look at tattoo history, as well as the tattoo trends of today.
Tattoo Trends — Then and Now
Although many people think of tattoos as edgy and au courant, humans have been permanently marking their skin for centuries. The Iceman, a mummy whose remains were discovered in 1991, and who scientists believe died sometime around 5,200 B.C. has a total of 61 tattoos!
1900 – 1910s
In the early years of the 20th century, very few people besides sailors, criminals, and circus or carnival performers had tattoos. In fact, tattoos were so taboo that people would pay to see the “tattooed lady” when the circus or freak show came to town.
1920s – 1930s
Two cultural milestones are responsible for an uptick in tattooing in the 1920s and 1930s. The first was the introduction of Social Security numbers. The U.S. government emphasized the importance of remembering this number, and some folks decided that a tattoo was the best way to do so.
The other milestone? Movies. Women across the nation aspired to look like the stars of the silver screen, but makeup was expensive, and its quality generally poor. Tattooing presented a permanent way to achieve dramatic eyebrows or the perfect Cupid’s bow lip.
1940s – 1950s
World War II, and the millions of men and women whose lives changed dramatically as a result of either enlisting or working in factories. This resulted in another upswing in tattoo popularity.
Patriotic tattoos were understandably in big demand during this era. Many of the designs that we consider classic today. Anchors, hearts, swallows, flowers, skulls, pinup girls, and flags — date back to the 1940s. Norman Keith Collins, aka Sailor Jerry, is also associated with this period in tattoo history. His legacy lives on to this day — and if you’ve ever gotten a flash tattoo, you have Sailor Jerry to thank.
In the 1950s, tattoos continued to be in demand, riding the wave of postwar patriotism. Then the pendulum began to swing in the other direction. A cultural emphasis on family and traditional gender roles meant that tattoos on women weren’t as widely accepted.
Once again, tattoos were relegated to the seedy element of society, the gang members, criminals, and bikers.
1960s – 1970s
An outbreak of hepatitis in New York, linked to poor hygiene practices in tattoo parlors. This scared off many potential customers. But that wasn’t enough to stem the rising tide of countercultural rebellion that was taking place during the ’60s and ’70s.
Singer Janis Joplin gets a lot of credit for helping tattoos become accepted in the mainstream. Her bracelet tattoo became an iconic symbol of self-expression. After her death in 1970, many women flocked to tattoo parlors to get a bracelet of their own.
Skull-and-crossbones imagery peaked in popularity during this era, thanks to biker gangs. Tattoos of all sorts became increasingly visible, although they were still frowned upon in mainstream, polite society.
1980s – 1990s
Abstract tattoos, Japanese and Polynesian influences, tribal designs, Celtic knots, and heavy black inkwork emerged as the tattoo trends of the 1980s. A sense of rebellion against the establishment, which had first begun to emerge in the ’60s and ’70s, took on a different face during this decade of excess.
No longer were tattoos only seen on motorcycle gang members, criminals, and carny folk. The influence of MTV and music videos helped show the world that musicians in all genres enjoyed getting inked.
During this era, tattoos for women also began to gain acceptance. Although they designs were largely small, easy to hide, and feminine in nature. Roses tattooed on hips, fairies on the ankle, dolphins on shoulder blades, and hearts anywhere were among the more common choices for women.
Yet the Riot Grrrl movement and the second wave of feminism also emboldened many women to forego conventional tattoo designs, and to get whatever ink they wanted, wherever they wanted it. By 1996, women accounted for more than half of the people with tattoos in the United States.
2000s
With the new millennium came a new era for tattoos. Reality television gave tattoo artists widespread exposure with shows like Miami Ink and LA Ink — which in turn made Kat VonD a household name. So-called “tramp stamps” were born during the early 2000s, as well.
Increased safety practices and regulations helped tattoos gain a foothold in respectable circles. After 9/11, patriotic tattoos saw a huge surge in popularity, with survivors and first responders commemorating the lives lost during the terrorist attacks. Other popular designs included stars, yin-yang symbols, Japanese kanji, and butterflies.
It’s during the early years of the 21st century that tattoo acceptance took a huge leap forward, too. Having ink, and especially visible ink, became more and more mainstream. Employers are increasingly changing their dress codes to allow for tattoos, and celebrities such as Rihanna proudly showed off their body art.
2010 – current
What tattoo trends do we see today? Artists cite biomechanical designs (think Alien), trash polka, pointillism, geometric designs, feathers, and white ink tattoos as some of the most popular options for tattoos.
Pew Research reports that some 20% of Americans — but 40% of Millennials — are tattooed.
There’s been much speculation that technology and tattoos will begin to blend together in the coming years. Imagine LED tattoos, tattoos that can deliver information about our bodies (like a built-in fitness tracker), ink made from vegetable dye, “erasable” tattoos, animated tattoos, and much more.
Wrapping Up
Whether you love them or hate them, prefer an old-school pinup girl or the very latest in portraiture. There is no denying that tattoos are here to stay. Over the past 100 years, they have made their way from seedy carnivals and prison cells to Fortune 100 boardrooms.
Are you interested in getting a tattoo? Skin Factory Tattoos and Body Piercing would love to answer any questions you may have about the process or book an appointment. Contact us so we can help turn your tattoo dreams into reality!
Matching Couple Tattoos That’ll Inspire You
Many couples have switched out the rings for matching ink to show their devotion to each other. If you’re looking for some good couple tattoo ideas, make sure you keep reading. Check out these inspirational, matching couple tattoos.
Varsity jackets? Class rings? These common tokens of love are child’s play. If you and your partner want to show off your combined awesomeness, get matching tattoos.
Tattoos are becoming more mainstream. As of 2012, one poll said 1 in 5 Americans has a tattoo.
Who can blame us? The best tattoos are beautiful pieces of art we get to have on our bodies forever. They’re a creative way of showing off the things we love, like shows, animals, and aesthetics.
But there’s nothing you value more than your relationship with your loved one. So why not put that mutual affection on display? Get a set of tattoos with them.
If you and your partner are ready to commit, then check out these ideas for couple tattoos.
Guidelines for Picking Couple Tattoos
If you’re getting a couples tattoo, there are few things to keep in mind.
Choose Something That’s Significant to Both of You
Let’s say you guys met while backpacking in Ireland, and you want a tattoo to commemorate that. Or you bonded over your love of B-movies, and want to get matching Frankenstein tats.
Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something special to both you and your partner.
Talk About Tattoo Placement
The best couple tattoos are ones that are on the same places on your bodies. With that in mind, you’ll need to talk about where you want the tattoo.
Discuss things like work expectations. Do you work at an office and your partner is a dog walker? You’ll have to take that into consideration.
Get Matching Styles
You don’t have to get the same exact tattoo as your partner, but it should match. One way to do this is to get tattoos in matching styles. That way there’s a clear connection between your Neo-Traditional Star Trek tats.
You can also get the same exact tattoo but in different colors. It’s up to you.
Be Creative
Your couple tattoos should be as unique as your relationship. If you see an idea on this list that you like, use it as a starting point. Brainstorm with your partner and your tattoo artist to figure out exactly what you want.
Ideas for Matching Couple Tattoos
Are you ready to get matching tattoos, but need some inspiration? Check out our list of ideas.
Anchors
Sailors used anchors to keep their ships protected from the tides and storms. If you and your loved one keep each other steady in bad times, matching anchors could be a great tattoo idea.
Color Circles
We’re all unique individuals who bring different things to the table. That’s what makes relationships so great.
Symbolize your colorful personalities with matching color wheels. You could also play with primary and secondary color designs.
Another option is to get matching pieces of a circle, with one-half black and the other half colors. This is a great option if one of you is into monochromatic looks.
Wedding Rings
“Wedding rings” are popular marriage tattoos. They’re cheaper and more permanent than gold, plus you can design something significant.
But do your research about finger tattoos. They look cool, but they’re known to fade.
Stylized Portraits
Instead of a normal portrait tattoo, ask a tattoo artist to draw you two in different styles. This could be cool if you’re into traditional tattoos, or you both love a cartoon style.
Couple Tattoos FROM SPACE
If you guys watch Neil deGrasse Tyson’s Cosmos on repeat, then space tattoos are for you. Tattoo matching star constellations on yourselves, or get your favorite planets.
You can even get matching alien tattoos. That is if you want to believe.
Make Up Your Own Family Crest
This is a cool idea for marriage tattoos, or for anyone who’s been in a long-term relationship. You can work together to come up with your own family crest and get it as matching tattoos. You’ll have a unique piece, plus you’ll have a flag design ready if you decide to invade a small country.
Pop Culture References
Who doesn’t love an iconic pop culture power couple? You can choose Han and Leia, Mickey and Minnie, or Batman and Robin. However you design the tattoo, it’s sure to be a hit.
Nautical Themes
If you both have a love for the sea or traditional styled tattoos, nautical tattoos are a cool option.
Check out matching mermaid and sailor tattoos. Or if you want something more sentimental, how about a boat and lighthouse? You could even get different kinds of sea creatures, like sharks or whales.
Voice Pattern Tattoos
Every time we speak, we emit sound waves. These sound waves show up as visuals using certain machines. The visuals we get from sound waves make great art.
Get a visual sound wave recording of you and your loved one saying a phrase like “I love you.” Then tattoo each other’s visual recordings onto your bodies. It’s a scientific reminder that they’re always with us.
Matching Animals
Do you and your lover have the same spirit animal? Or you more of a fox and she the hound?
Matching tattoos with animals can be a creative way to connect with your loved one. You can even get matching species in the same styles. If he loves the T-Rex but you love the stegosaurus, find an art style you like and get both.
Quotes and Significant Dates
There are some days and words that mean more than others. If a quote or song lyric speaks to both of you, then get it as a tattoo. If you never want to forget your anniversary, get it inked on your bodies. Whatever you do, it will have meaning for both of you.
Looking to Get a Tattoo?
If you’re looking for a place to get couple tattoos and you’re in the area, then contact us. We’re located in Las Vegas, Maui, and Henderson.
For more tattoo information and inspiration, check out our blog. We’re here to help you get the best tattoo for you.
Biomechanical Tattoo Designs and Their History
Biomechanical Tattoo Designs and Their History
Popularized in the late 1970s, the biomechanical tattoo style may be a relatively new one. But it still has quite the interesting history to offer. Learn more here!
Have you seen an intricately detailed tattoo which resembles something along the lines of half forearm, half machine?
This is known as a biomechanical tattoo. It’s one of the most identifiable, statement-making tattoo styles on the market today. It’s also one of the newest tattoo styles with a very unique history and background influence.
If you’re keen to learn more about this influential tattoo style, read on! We’ll outline everything you need to know in this post.
A Brief History of the Biomechanical Tattoo
Also known as a biomech tattoo, this style of tattoo artistry was actually born in an era where tattoo traditionalism was at its peak.
As you can imagine, this controversial style which combines the human form and mechanics truly made itself known. The style itself was both pioneered and popularized by two well-known tattoo artists of their time: Guy Aitchison and Aaron Cain.
However, the true history of biomechanical tattoo designs is credited to H.R. Giger, the architect of this organic meets mechanic style.
Both Aitchison and Cain’s tattoo style brought with it bold color and an element of luminescence. Conversely, Giger’s original style was described as devoid of color and highly concentrated on his signature airbrushing technique.
Over the past few decades, since the biomechanical trend took off in 1979, both Aitchison and Cain’s original biomech style has fluctuated in popularity.
The Birth of the Biomechanical Aesthetic
The year was 1979. The sci-fi/horror film genre was about to be forever changed with the birth of the cult classic film, Alien.
The artistic genius behind the forms in this graphic film was H.R Giger, the artist credited with developing the biomechanical aesthetic.
Essentially, biomech combines a greasy, visceral form with hard, metal-like structures. Put simply, it’s a combination of both organic matter and mechanics. This artistic style still carries some serious weight throughout the film, music, and art industries today.
As a painter and artist, Giger worked to create a medium that combined human forms with alien shapes and viscera. His work became massively popularized in the 1980s, thanks to his association with outsider art groups in the horror film and punk music scenes.
His signature biomech style was then cultivated into what it is today. We now know it as biomechanical tattoo designs, along with many other artistic variations.
What’s the Meaning Behind Biomech Tattoos?
Most people prefer to view their love for biomechanical design as a love for all things sci-fi and horror related.
Art is always open to interpretation. Therefore there could be any number of reasons a person chooses a biomech tattoo sleeve. It’s been said that many people choose biomechanical design as a representation of something ”dark” or ”alien” living inside them.
This could refer to dealing with inner demons or a dark past. The wearer may even be harboring some sort of ”alien” alter-ego that not many people know about.
This tattoo style has also become popular simply because of its intricate aesthetic that many people want to replicate.
Key Characteristics of Biomechanical Tattoos
Most commonly, biomechanical tattoos will be represented by the following characteristics:
- Torn flesh or an open, gaping wound on the tattoo wearer.
- This open wound usually reveals mechanical joints, tubes, and wires which replace muscle and bone.
- The tattoo may represent something mechanical, technical, or alien in nature.
- Most tattoos are designed to depict a sinewy appearance using bold color.
This being said, there are two subsets of this tattoo style present today. One subset tends to focus on the mechanical, technical side of biomech design. The other focuses on the alien, organic, visceral aspect.
4 Quickfire Tattoo Facts
How good is your tattoo knowledge? If you’re looking to brush up on a few interesting facts, keep on reading.
1. Tattoo Identification
Tattoos were once used as a simple form of identification by Native Americans and sailors. Due to the fact that many Native Americans were illiterate, they used pictures and tattoos as a way of signing their names.
Likewise, sailors who failed to keep track of identity documents would rely on tattoos to confirm their identity.
In 1936, the social security number was invented. This saw hoards of people having these numbers tattooed on their skin as a form of identification.
2. Thomas Edison Invented the Electric Pen
The electric pen was an incredible invention in the world of tattoo artistry. It was invented by none other Thomas Edison.
The electric pen went on to streamline the tattoo industry, making it quicker, cheaper and more accessible to everyone. Originally, the electric pen was invented to reproduce handwritten manuscripts.
Soon it evolved into the artistic tool it is today.
3. Tattoos Used to Be a Symbol of High-Class America
In 1862, the Prince of Wales visited Jerusalem and got a tattoo. This spurred on a similar trend amongst other European royals.
By the 1890s, the trend had made its way across the ocean to the shores of America. Much of high society was keen to join the trend.
In 1900, up to 75% of New York’s high-class socialites sported a tattoo design. It was a true sign of upper-class indulgences at the time!
4. The Macy’s Logo Is a Tattoo Design
The highly successful department store logo is none other than a simple tattoo design. It’s taken from the hand of Mr. R.H Macy himself.
As a teenager, he had the five-pointed red star tattooed on his hand when aboard a whaling ship in 1837. The star was meant to represent the American flag.
Later, it went on to be used as the popularized logo we know today.
Looking to Get Inked?
Are you going to be in the Las Vegas area and looking to get inked? Make your way to Skin Factory Tattoo & Body Piercing for expert artists.
At Skin Factory, we take pride in offering a truly personalized service. Whether you’re looking for a biomechanical tattoo or something simpler, our artists can do it all.
For a high-quality tattoo experience at affordable rates, we are your Las Vegas go-to! Take a look out our Vegas artistry work here.
Neo-Traditional Tattoos: History and Design Ideas
Neo-Traditional Tattoos: History and Design Ideas
As the name suggests, neo-traditional tattoos are a take on the earlier traditional style tattoos. Learn more about this unique style here!
Tattoos have long represented the diverse history of humans. The earliest evidence of tattoos date back to around 2,000 BC in ancient Egypt. And they’ve been present across every major time period since.
Although tattoos are much more evolved today, their significance remains the same. Tattoos have always meant something personal to the individual. And today, the possibilities are endless when it comes to design and style.
With that said, there are dozens upon dozens of tattoo styles practiced all over the world.
But if one style stands out most in the modern age, Neo-traditionalism takes the win.
Neo-traditional tattoos have deep historical roots. They’re a distinguished Western style with a strong global presence. And this style on its own is continuing to evolve stylistically every year.
So, what exactly is a Neo-traditional tattoo?
In this article, we’ll explore the history of Neo-traditional tattoo art. We’ll also explore what makes this style so unique and renowned. Let’s begin!
The Roots of Neo-Traditionalism
Have you ever seen a person bearing a tattoo of a skeleton with a sailor hat on their bicep? Perhaps you’ve seen someone with a tattoo of a swallow carrying roses in its mouth?
Did these tattoos incorporate black ink and maybe one or two other colors? Were the lines bold and defined?
Did the tattoos seem 2-dimensional? Perhaps they seemed outdated in comparison to the kinds of tattoos you see today?
The tattoos we’ve described are of the American traditional style. And it’s likely a style that you’ve seen before in movies or photographs, if not in real life.
Senior citizens are likely the only people around today with these kinds of tattoos. After all, traditional tattoos reached their height by the 1940’s and 1950’s.
Though outdated, these tattoos are pertinent to the prominence of Neo-traditionalism.
To understand Neo-traditional tattoos, we first have to understand the American traditional style. So, what exactly is American traditionalism and when did it first develop?
American Traditionalism
The style of traditionalism was first developed by sailors hundreds of years ago.
Sailors were initially inspired by tattoos innovated by the indigenous communities they encountered. To commemorate their voyages, sailors would tattoo sea-related emblems, like ships and fish.
By the 20th century, the traditional style began to stray away from sailor culture. The first electric tattoo machine, patented in 1891 by Samuel O’Reilly, made this evolution possible.
American traditionalism of the 20th century became known for its simplistic style. These tattoos are not only 2-dimensional. They implement well-defined lines, bold shading, with few contrasting colors.
With that said, traditional tattoos incorporate few details. This was likely attributed to the limitations of older tattoo machines.
At the time, however, the traditional style was the most evolved style. And they were certainly popular with not only sailors, but soldiers, blue-collar workers, and people on the fringes of society.
The Rise of Traditional Tattoos
Traditional tattoos were not always representative of sailor voyages.
By the 1970’s, tattoos of birds, American flags, roses, skulls, and panthers tattooed in the traditional style grew in popularity. These types of tattoos are what distinguished traditionalism as a romanticized style.
By older standards, no other style was ever as intricate as American traditionalism. The earliest traditional tattoos were entirely done in black. Other colors, like red, were later introduced later on.
The color palette was still limited up until the middle of the 20th century. But as the years went on, the traditional style evolved.
Defining Neo-Traditionalism
If you were to look up tattoos on Instagram, it’s likely that Neo-traditional tattoos would appear.
So, what categorizes a tattoo as Neo-traditional?
The Qualities of Neo-Traditionalism
In the simplest terms, Neo-Traditionalism is a modern expansion of American traditionalism.
Its techniques involve deeper dimensions and a variety of line widths and colors. Because of modern techniques, Neo-traditional tattoos also take on a more 3-dimensional appearance.
Modern ink and machinery paved the way for the emergence of Neo-Traditional tattoo art. By the 1970’s, tattoo artists not only began to develop a wider array of ink colors. More refined techniques also made it possible to design more intricately.
Neo-Traditional Symbols & Motifs
To recap, a tattoo is Neo-traditional if it includes:
- Clean lines
- Bold outlines
- Use of black ink
- Shading
- Use of a few (or less) colors
Yet, it’s not only these qualities that make up the Neo-traditional style.
Neo-Traditional tattoo designs haven’t strayed far from traditional motifs and symbols. Animals, lighthouses, flowers, and skulls are still tattooed today in the Neo-traditional style. The same roses, birds, and panthers that were popular 50 years ago are still tattooed today.
Yet, Neo-traditional tattoo designs have expanded significantly upon these traditional symbols and motifs. Tattoos of owls, foxes, snakes, and portfolios of women are popular. People can tattoo just about any type of flower in the Neo-traditional style, as well.
The Evolution of Neo-Traditional Tattoos
The essence of Neo-traditionalism incorporates the traditional style with modern aesthetics and symbols. This is largely why Neo-traditional tattoo art continues to evolve today.
Sugar skull tattoos are a great example of popular Neo-traditional tattoo designs. Sugar skulls are typically drawn in the 2D, traditional style.
Modern shading techniques give them more dimension, however. Additionally, sugar skulls resemble “Day of the Dead” art made popular in Latin America.
But sugar skulls not only incorporate a variety of colors. The skulls themselves are distinctly outlined in black. These qualities are what makes sugar skulls a popular Neo-traditional tattoo design.
The Future of Neo-Traditionalism
Some tattoo artists have combined Neo-Traditionalism with other tattoo styles.
Watercoloring, for example, is another popular tattoo style. Many Neo-traditional tattoos incorporate watercolor techniques. Still, they uphold the traditional qualities of well-defined, black outlines and shading.
More and more tattoo enthusiasts are finding inspiration from the Neo-traditional style. Many people have full arm and leg Neo-traditional sleeves.
Is a Neo-Traditional Tattoo Right for You?
It’s safe to say that the style of Neo-traditionalism isn’t going anywhere. It will be interesting to see what Neo-traditional tattoos look like 10-20 years from now!
Are you looking to get a tattoo done in the Neo-Traditional style? Not sure if the Neo-Traditional style is right for you?
Skin Factory Tattoos is a collective tattoo experience with locations in Nevada and Hawaii. Our team of tattoo artists provides a diverse array of tattoo styles, including Neo-traditionalism.
To find out more about which tattoo styles are right for you, contact us today! Visit our Henderson Tattoo Shop or Maui Tattoo shop
15 Meaningful Tattoo Quotes
Tattoo Quotes – If you’re dreaming of a tattoo that is both beautiful and meaningful, you can’t go wrong with a quote. Use these 15 tattoo quotes for inspiration.
Whether you’re considering your first tattoo or your tenth, a tattoo is an important statement. Depending on its location, it’s a way for you to either publicly (or intimately!) share your values, beliefs, or personality quirks.
And not that we need to remind you, but a tattoo is also permanent. So whatever tattoo quotes you’re considering today also need to be considered when you’re sixty, eighty, or even a hundred years old.
Below, read about 15 meaningful tattoo quotes that will not only make a statement in your life now, but will still hold meaning in the years to come.
Tattoo Quotes for Motivation & Strength
Many tattoos are meant to inspire and encourage ourselves. Here are a few ideas.
Just Breathe
Paired with an image of a feather, leaf, or some other natural element, this is a powerful reminder to remain calm in stressful scenarios. The perfect ink for a high-stress or high-anxiety person. Place this tattoo in a highly-visible location, like the inner wrist.
Let It Go
For someone struggling with past demons – breakups, family crises, or just the day-to-day drama of life – this tattoo reminds us of what’s important now. This tattoo also works well in a visible location, or on the foot to remind oneself to always look forward, not backward.
One Day At A Time
Let’s face it: life’s hard. Every day feels hard for many of us. If you can’t look too far into the future for fear of giving up, this may be the perfect quote for you. If you can make it through today, you can make it through anything.
Affirmations: “You are strong enough to do hard things”
Affirmations are powerful statements (often spoken aloud) that remind us that we are good enough, strong enough, able enough, and loved enough. Why not make it a permanent reminder? Choose an affirmation that applies to your own struggles or insecurities.
In Memoriam
Looking for a tattoo to remind you of someone? Consider these unique ideas.
Date of birth and/or death of a loved one
In traditional date format or masculine roman numerals, this is a popular way to permanently trace the importance of someone into your own skin, and a constant reminder of the impact they had on your life.
Signature of the individual, or a phrase they wrote
If you can get a copy of someone’s signature (think old birthday cards or legal documents) consider having a tattoo artist trace the image. You may also consider a phrase they wrote, like “I love you” or “See you soon, my love.”
A “sound wave” of a recorded phrase or song
This has gained popularity in recent years as a creative replacement for an actual quote. Instead, the pitch and volume of a recorded phrase is visualized.
Spiritual & Religious Quotes
Some people desire tattoos that remind them of a larger force at work in their lives. A few ideas include:
Bible verses
Many tattoo quotes reference Bible verses that are meaningful to a person. For inspiration, glance through the Psalms or Proverbs. Some people also use meaningful Bible verses from an important event, like readings at a wedding.
Quotes by spiritual leaders or writers
Spiritual quotes don’t need to come from a religious text. Your favorite authors or leaders may also be considered. A hopeful quote from C.S. Lewis is, “Has this world been so kind to you that you should leave with regret? There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
Connection with Others (Spouse or Friends)
Friends and significant others hold a special place in our hearts. Keep them close with these tattoo ideas.
Two hearts, one soul
Consider placing this quote alongside a pair of hearts with ivy wrapping them together, or another object meaningful to your relationship. You can even place them on the same location of your bodies. Consider a secret or intimate location, like the pelvic bone, for something that remains just between you.
Wedding date
A wedding or anniversary date is one of the more popular tattoo quotes. It makes sense, as this is often remembered as one of the best days of our lives! This is one of the shorter tattoo quotes, so it would work well on an ankle, wrist, or collarbone.
Love poems
There’s no shortage of sweet love poems from which to draw inspiration, like E. E. Cummings’ i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart). Since poems may be a bit longer, these tattoo quotes will need more space, like on the back or ribcage.
Creative & Unique Quote Ideas
Want to think outside the box? Look no further.
Longitude & latitude of a meaningful place
For a creative spin on the location of an important event – like where you grew up or met your spouse – consider looking up the longitude and latitude of the location. This can make an attractive tattoo with a combination of numbers and letters, perfect for the shoulder, ribcage, or wrist.
Tattoo quotes in another language
Why not consider getting inked in another language? Latin has an air of mystery about it, or consider a language of your heritage. One popular option is “la vie est belle,” translated in English to “life is beautiful.”
A favorite movie or book quote
Movie and book quotes are all the rage in the land of tattoo quotes. These can be inspirational and encouraging, like the famous line from Dumbledore in Harry Potter: “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”
A Great Tattoo Quote Can Add Meaning to Your Life
There’s no doubt about it: choosing from one of the meaningful tattoo quotes listed above can add a creative, inspiration spin to your collection of ink. It’s key to choose a quote that will be relevant for the entirety of your life, so give this decision plenty of thought.
For more tattoo ideas and other inspiration, check out our blog. We can help you choose the perfect ink to fit your personality and values, and create a permanent reminder of the people and things that are most important to you.
