Have you ever thought about getting a tattoo but felt intimidated by the idea of going all in? Maybe you’ve considered starting small, just to test the waters. If so, you’re in the right place—here you’ll find plenty of inspiration for small tattoos.
Today’s post is a bit different from what you usually find on the blog. As you know, our specialty is graphic and web design, but since tattoos are a form of design too, I thought it would be fun to put together a post that many of you will probably enjoy.
Lately, small tattoos have become a huge trend. They’re affordable, low-commitment, and you can walk into a studio with a simple idea and walk out half an hour later with a cool new tattoo—officially joining the inked crowd.
Of course, you won’t be entering any “Best Tattoo” competitions just yet, but you’ve already crossed that threshold.
These kinds of tattoos are especially popular among couples, best friends, and groups.
So, this article is dedicated to the art of tattooing in general, and to the mini tattoo in particular.
Small Tattoo Ideas
The Origins
You might think tattoos are a recent fad, but you’d be wrong. Long before hipsters started getting cupcakes and grandma’s croquettes inked on their arms, tattooing was already an ancient art.
If we look back in time, the first tattooed person we know of is ÖTZI, whose mummified body was found between Austria and Italy, dating all the way back to the Neolithic era. So much for tattoos not being forever!
ÖTZI was a legend—he had 61 small tattoos all over his body, most likely marking his membership in a tribe and commemorating personal achievements. I won’t post any photos of him out of respect, hahaha.
As time went on, nearly every tribe and culture around the world developed their own tattoo traditions and styles.
Maori, Japanese, Native Americans, Aboriginal Australians—you name it, you’ll find tattoo references everywhere.
The Death of Tattooing
But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for tattoos. There was a time when they were banned in Europe.
During the Middle Ages, tattoos were so frowned upon that they were outlawed in many parts of Europe.
Respawn
That’s probably where the European taboo around tattoos comes from—the era when they were associated with crime, prostitution, drugs, and so on, eventually becoming a symbol of belonging in prisons around the world.
Just look at Russian prison tattoos or those of the Japanese yakuza—pretty wild, right?
So, what now?
These days, all that is mostly in the past. While there are still some circles that look down on tattoos, you can pretty much go anywhere inked without anyone batting an eye.
And when it comes to small tattoos, they’ve become accessible to just about everyone.
Mini tattoos are all the rage—tiny pieces of art packed with meaning.
Couples get matching tattoos to symbolize their love or bond, best friends do the same, and groups too.
What should I get?
Since tattoos are a personal and artistic expression, anything goes. People get inked with symbols that only they understand, minimalist interpretations of life moments, photos, pets, hobbies—you name it.
I can’t choose for you—this is something that will stay with you for life and should come from within. But a little inspiration never hurts, right?
Below you’ll find a gallery packed with small tattoo ideas to spark your creativity. And if you make it to the end, there’s a bonus: a list of Instagram accounts worth following if you want to stay up to date.
www.instagram.com/minustattoo/
www.instagram.com/cagridurmaz/
