The 77 Most-Amazing Tattoo Ideas for Men & Women in 2023

I’m absolutely captivated by this stunning tattoo design! The artist has expertly captured the shimmering effect of real gold, creating an eye-catching and unique work of art. The placement on the forearm is perfect for showing it off, and the use of color realism is truly impressive. I’m curious to see how well the bright colors hold up over time, as yellow ink can sometimes fade faster than other colors.

IG: jooa_tattoo

This tiger tattoo design is truly impressive! The kimono draped across the arm adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, giving the impression that the wearer is a person of power and influence. The bold outlines and simple shading techniques create a striking visual impact, and the use of color is masterfully executed. It’s a wonderful blend of Japanese and Old School styles that really works well. Overall, a great tattoo that is sure to turn heads!

The placement of this snake tattoo is simply divine, with the smooth shading and layout adding to the overall impact of the design. I love how the artist has aligned the head and tail with the middle finger, creating a central focal point that draws the eye in. The wrap-around effect of the tattoo is also impressive, making it look like a real snake slithering around the wrist. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this type of tattoo placement is highly visible and may not be suitable for everyone. If you work in an industry that doesn’t support visible tattoos, it’s worth considering a different placement or a different design altogether.

IG: txttoo

These blackout sleeve tattoos are truly breathtaking, with the rich saturation of black ink creating a striking contrast with the negative space and delicate linework of the floral designs and insects. I’m particularly impressed by how smooth the Blackwork is, and how the artist has cleverly ended the sleeves in a pattern at the wrists rather than a straight line, creating a more natural and organic effect. These wonderful sleeves were created by the talented Canadian tattoo artist Ciara Havishya, whose Instagram page is filled with similar stunning designs. Be sure to check it out if you’re a fan of this style!

IG: la__tigresse__

The creativity on display in these tattoos is truly impressive, combining both portrait work and Mandala design elements to stunning effect. The Asian-inspired theme of the Mandala is further highlighted by the ornamental elements used throughout. Of course, the lotus flower is also a central feature of these tattoos, as it is in most Mandala designs. It’s amazing to think that the lotus, which grows in muddy waters, is able to produce one of the most beautiful flowers in the world. This symbolism is reflected in these beautiful tattoos, which showcase the lotus and other elements of the Mandala with grace and style.

League of Legends is one of the most popular online battle arena games. Like any extreme fan, this one devoted a whole leg and it’s actually extremely impressive. Usually, the art style that the game is in is very animated, but this fan decided to go a more realistic route and it paid off. The proportions are on point and the details are extraordinary, again, white highlights come in and add that extra little bedazzle this tattoo deserve.

IG: alessandrocovallerotattoo

Now here’s a classic example of Realistic and Black and Gray styles. There’s no color – just the black ink and tones of gray used for shading. This masterful shading lends perspective and contrast to the portrait rendering it oh so natural – and yes “Real”. You could think it’s a piece of sculpture. Beyond technique, the design itself is awesome. The face is perfectly framed by the contours of the hand while the heavy black shading above it transitions the design onto the arm. Here’s one more reason to visit South Korea.

@jo_ink__

Talk about Realistic style; checkout those teeth and eyes in this tiger hand tattoo! The gap of negative space above each eye and the mouth really brings them to life. Of course the design itself is sure to get your attention. Nothing says “Hello” like a roaring tiger tattoo.

The angelic shading on this tattoo almost creates a glowing effect. Her skin tone is not very dark, but it is dark enough that if there was too much shading, the piece would look flat and smudged. The artist left a lot of open spaces to really make the flowers stand out, which is a wonderful artistic choice and shows that she knows how to work with melanated skin even though many of her clients are fair-skinned.

IG: grettel.inkaholik

Simple script that has meaning behind it are such awesome tattoos to get. Especially because a lot of the time, people will ask you what it means, and you get to tell them the story. This script is feminine and suits the neck because it’s been designed to flow with the anatomy here. Just keep in mind if you decide to get something similar, make sure you’re ready to commit to a tattoo that is very visible and can possibly harm your possibility of getting a job.

IG: fvcelesstattoo

This tattoo is one of the most interesting ones in this collection. It features two identical eagles across from each other. Their bodies are cut by very thin lines, creating an interesting negative space design. The tattoo also incorporates a skeleton and a double sword in the middle, pierced by a thorned rose, which definitely adds an edge to it. This tattoo looks great on the chest of anyone who wants something out of the ordinary.

IG: even_gmt.ink

The design is decorated with abstract geometric patterns and multiple shapes: triangles, pentagons and hexagons. It’s placed on the top of the hand with details nicely extending onto the knuckles. It also makes use of shading techniques and Dotwork to create layers and dynamics, making every detail slightly different from each other, all while keeping a sense of symmetry to the whole design.

IG: weschetattoo

This Mandala tattoo design quietly screams “Beautiful”. Enhanced first by its positioning over the hip (beautiful too) and then by its exquisite shading and subtlety of color selection. The Dotwork style is used to shade the Mandala. Here the artist must carefully ink multiple dots while never having any of them touch. A second style of shading is then introduced within the flowers. Here a Whip-Shading style is employed to avoid the creation of any solid lines.
Masterful – Sophisticated – Beautiful.

@annabel.ink

Comment: Love, Love, Love this mandala tattoo which incorporates elements of the Ornamental style. Who wouldn’t want flowers and jewels effortlessly floating on her chest? I would! Seen by few but admired by all those who do. What a beautiful mandala design!

@panumart_tattoo

The butterfly is a symbol of change, hope, transformation and life. Inked in Black and Gray style, black ink alone is employed and watered down to create gray tones. These grays are then used for shading providing great contrast and detail. Real skill is needed to do this well – particularly in the very small spaces here.

Check out more butterfly tattoo ideas.

IG: ink_avenue

Of course the lion is the King of the Jungle. Interesting that a female lion is depicted here so this must be the Queen of the Jungle. The attention to proportions and light is important in rendering a realistic portrait of this lion. Thin lines, shading and contrast are all used to achieve this. It’s only fitting that there’s a crown on top is highlighted by the sun.

IG: tattooist_dh

Realistic? Yes – so much so that it looks like a sculpture you might see in Italy. To create this level of realism, contrast, shading and 3D are a must. And of course great skill. Inked entirely in the Black and Grey style, only black ink is used. Grey tones are then achieved by diluting the black ink. When you look at the detail, the beautiful shading, the positioning and overall design of this tattoo, you know you’re looking at something special.

To enhance this bold design, Black Work style is employed. Using only black ink, an in-your-face tattoo is created. No thin black lines, no subtlety; just bold, solid planes of black ink. The design creates a focal point over the sternum. You can see how anatomy can dictata or enhance a design and vice-versa. The bottom of the chin and the collarbones are in fact integral parts of this design. Well done.

Black and Gray style uses only black ink which is then watered down to create gray tones. With thin black outlines and exquisite shading, this artist’s skills are really on display. This unique tattoo looks like a piece of fine metal jewelry. Dangling from the neck onto the spine, it beautifully adorns this woman’s back.

IG: miyo.tattoo

The beautiful curves of this woman’s back are highlighted by this calligraphy tattoo. Slightly wider at the top it then narrows to no more than a line at the very bottom. This is sensuality on display. The Brushwork style, combining Asian influences and Berlin street art, then makes this tattoo modern and very relevant. Very Cool

IG: tommy_gunz619

The Polynesian style of Tribal tattoos incorporates symbols of varying meanings, many of them representing protection, fertility or ancestral guardians. While I don’t know the meaning behind this one in particular, what I do know is that it’s absolutely amazing. The motion in this piece is so smooth and gives the illusion of easy-flowing movement. There’s also a three-dimensional feel to it, which I’m loving. Juliano Torres is the artist behind this magnificent sleeve, give his IG: @julianotattoo a like if you want more.

IG: julianotattoo

Okay, this might be one of my favorites on this list, and for good reason. Firstly it’s clean, from the black packing to the linework, secondly, the design itself is very cool, and lastly, the placement on the forearm is a great idea. The flow of the design fits the forearm like a glove without any significant warping or wrapping. Check out the artist at IG: @caio.spada for more like this.

IG: caio.spada

If you’re looking for a cute tattoo that’s loaded with meaning, then this is it! This beautiful, gentle creature symbolizes strength, prosperity, stability, loyalty, luck & wisdom. The watercolor fadings and splashes amidst the perfectly outlined head and body, represent movement – an everyday reminder to keep moving, keep wandering even when you’re in the wilds.

IG: panumart_tattoo

An unlikely combination, but this beautiful Watercolor tattoo of a lion’s head and a flower in bloom, could represent a person’s tough and soft sides. Someone who is strong and courageous, but who also possesses a kind and soft heart.

IG: ladyiristattoo

More statues, as you can see they’re quite popular, and for good reason. They look awesome as a tattoo. What we have here are various micro Black and Gray pieces all brought together to create one huge design and it works so well. I love the tiny details and intricate script, just keep in mind that when going this small with things, the chances of it bleeding into each other as they age are very high and you will be left with what appears to be a smudge, so it’s better to go big, especially with script if you want your tattoo to stay looking fresh.

IG: tiago__dot

If you’re not sure how this is a flower tattoo, keep in mind this is an abstract piece after all. I love how it flows, but also how uniquely it’s been placed. You look at it and immediately wonder what it is, making it a special tattoo that could easily be used as an icebreaker. I sure would ask her what it is.

IG: newtattoo_demi

Who knew Neo-traditional could be incorporated into a Sacred Geometry tattoo? Now that we do, isn’t it magnificent? I’m loving the blackwork and how clean it is but also the softness of the dotwork and shading. I can see this being turned into an entire sleeve, which would be a really good idea. Exceptional work, for similar pieces, give the artist IG: @ Suttoos some love on IG.

IG: suttoos

There have been a few mountain sceneries on this list, so what makes this one so special? Personally, I like this one because of how the artist brings together so many random elements into one amazing piece of art. It’s a very messy tattoo, but there’s a focal point that your eyes are drawn to, while the rest of the elements are taken in individually. I would love to know the meaning behind this Sacred Geometry tattoo. Outstanding. Btw, this guy looks pretty good too!

IG: the.xx.ttt

I love it when people get their pet’s paw prints tattooed; it’s a great way to show love for a furry friend. The placement of this tattoo is awesome, the forearm is a great space for tattoos that have personal meaning because your forearm rests close to your body. And there’s a lot of space to go really big if you wanted to.

IG: alitattoos

The Spanish artist Fran Veneroni is the mastermind behind this death-inspired tattoo. The way he captures the beauty of accepting that one day we all die is incredible and almost comforting. I adore the tiny details and texture in the skull, which add depth and create a three-dimensional illusion. Credit to Fran for this impeccable tattoo.

IG: franveneronitattoo

We finally have our sailor girl and isn’t she breathtaking? There’s something sultry about her gaze, perhaps she’s finally gotten off the ship and is seeing her lover for the first time in a long time. Only joking, but seriously, this style of eyes always has such a romantic feel to it. I like that the artist keeps things simple with the color palette, especially the red; it adds to the romantic vibe this tattoo is giving off.

IG: gaialeone_ht

Welcome to another list of tattoos to inspire you in 2023. Today’s focus is on Sailor Jerry’s tattoos, closely related to American Traditional, also known as Old School.
First up, we have this awesome lighthouse. As the name suggests, you can expect many nautical-themed designs. What stands out the most is the lighthouse; the artist added a white outline to highlight it which brings it to the foreground. The shading is beautiful and smooth and the design itself looks amazing on the forearm. Great work!

IG: panumart_tattoo

Let’s admit it, those of us who are lucky enough to have a mom would probably also get a tattoo to honor her, I mean that’s the person who taught you how to use a spoon after all. Here we have a striking color realistic portrait of this client’s mom and all I can say is wow, just wow! I thought it was a photograph for a second and then realized that no, it’s not a photo, but a showcase of some serious tattooing skill. The placement seems to be on the inner triceps which is a lovely area to put something sentimental because it’s closer to your heart. I love the attention to detail, it is truly out of this world, especially the wrinkles on her hands and face, I have no words!

IG: victorialeetattoo

This is an awesome rendition from the movie Jennifer’s Body. However, the one thing that I will comment on is the proportion of her hands to the size of her head. Her hands just seem very small against her head and while it is accurate that our hands are proportionally smaller, these seem a bit too small. Regardless, the concept is great and the execution of colors, blending, and linework comes together to give us this stellar tattoo. The placement on the arm is also a brilliant choice as the composition of the design fits the space perfectly.

IG: dannyelliott_ink

There are many renditions of the warrior woman with her wolf pelt out there, but this one is truly stunning. The way her hair is draped over her face gives the impression that she’s either in battle or running through the forest, whichever it is, it definitely gives this design motion, and I’m loving it.

IG: edergaldinotattoo

This tattoo is very feminine. The mixture of soft shading, fine lines and the female portrait itself come together to create this feel. Adding the Cardinal in color is a fantastic touch as it breaks away from the black and gray while also creating a focal point that draws your eye to both the bird and the woman’s face. If you’re looking for an elegant, feminine and all-round beautiful design, then this is certainly inspiration for you.

IG: campohltattoos

It’s a known fact that Bart Simpson is quite the handful, but here we can see that the artist has turned him into one badass kid. He’s got a knee tattoo and a hat that would make Marge cry, sorry Marge! This tattoo screams New School, from the color palette to the bold outlines and design. Here we can see that the client’s original designs are in a more American Traditional style but because New School borrows a few techniques from it, they actually complement one another.

IG: gnom_sanya_tattoo

It seems animation and cartoons are a popular theme within the New School style. If you know World of Warcraft, you’ll definitely know this babe. Orcs are a strong group of warriors pledged by their loyalty to the Horde, and the artist captured just how badass they truly are in this amazing piece. I love the subtle green pigment of her skin contrasting against the solid red war paint. The artist did a magnificent job, deserving lots of credit.

IG: robin_b_tattoos

Here is such a beautiful, attractive tattoo. I like how the tattoo artist went with the fine line style, as it highlights the details of the flowers without darkening the whole piece with excessive shading. Plus I have to say this design does a great job flowing with the body.

Looks like there’s a floral cuff adorning this woman’s upper forearm. The thin black lines and gray shading impart a delicate feel to the design. It’s as pretty as any jewelry and guaranteed to stay in place.

Imagine being able to admire flowers anytime you’d like. These flowers are brought to life with the Watercolor style. The beautiful pastels seem to have been painted right on the skin. Beyond their beauty, the pinkish-purple Gladiolus symbolizes strength and victory. It’s also an August flower. The purple Lavender, with its calming scent, is often used in aromatherapy to promote a sense of serenity, grace and calm. Ahh – just what we all need.

Ask tattoo artists and they’ll tell you that Watercolors are very difficult to paint; real skill and artistry are needed. The same is true with Watercolor style tattoos. It’s hard to miss the beautiful shading of the Poppies created here by “painting” the skin. Maybe this bouquet was a gift from someone you’ll always remember as Red Poppies do in fact symbolize remembrance.

Roses and Peonies encircling your leg from toe to thigh – Yes! This beautifully designed leg sleeve accents the beautiful lines and curves of this particular leg. A Perfect Match. With expert shading associated with the Realistic style and the muted colors associated with Watercolor style, the flowers look like they were just picked. Were the Roses and Peonies chosen because of their beauty? Perhaps but it’s interesting to note that Red Roses symbolize true love while Peonies symbolize bashfulness, romance and marriage.

With bold “brush strokes” of black ink and precise color application to the flowers, this Cherry Blossom tattoo looks like a Japanese Watercolor painting. The forearm provides a perfect canvas with its surface and curves dictating the outlines of the design. As Cherry Blossoms bloom for only a very short time they symbolize the transience of life. Luckily here they’ll last a lifetime.