The 40 best tattoo ideas for men who love ink

The 40 Best Tattoo Ideas for Men Who
Love Ink
Getting a tattoo is probably not something to take lightly. Case in
point, I once met a guy with a pizza rat tattoo. Trust me, you do not
want to be him.
Yet, coming up with good ideas for an original tattoo can be
difficult, especially if you have many pieces already or you don’t
know how to begin your collection. But before you dare ink a
rodent eating a greasy New York slice on your body, there are
better ideas.
If you need something to spark your next tattoo idea, this is the
right place to be. From iconic traditional tattoos to modern
symbolism, inspiration for your next ink is bound to come your way
from these 40 classic and unique designs.
What you won’t find on this list is trendy designs, tribal tattoos,
Native imagery, wildly offensive suggestions, lovers names, or
tattoos in languages you don’t know. Just don’t do any of it.

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Whether you’re mulling over your first tattoo or you're filling up
your last patches of free skin, these 40 tattoo ideas are some to
consider.
1. Rose
A rose tattoo is a classic design for any person of any gender—and
for good reason. The tattoo lends itself to almost any style of
tattooing, providing depth and interest with layered petals. You
really can’t go wrong.
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2. Human Skull
Another undisputed tattoo classic is a human skull, as it's both a
morbid reminder of mortality and a badass piece of ink. Like the
rose, it spans tattooing styles, fitting any guy’s budding tattoo
collection.
3. Quote
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If you have a favorite quote, why not ink it? Whether it’s a life
mantra or a phrase your father always said, a quote tattoo is always
a good way to go— as long as everything is spelled correctly.
4. Iconic Heart and Banner

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A traditional-style heart and banner stands the test of time for the
simplicity of its tribute. Just make sure the name in the banner is
someone you’ll love for life, like your mom or dad or dog.
5. Strong, Fierce Animal

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If you want to go hyper masculine with your selection, nothing says
“tough guy” quite like a strong, fierce animal tattoo. From lions to
wolves to tigers, majestic animals are a top-notch selection for
depicting strength and resilience.
6. Spiderweb

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Another classic piece of ink, spiderweb tattoos first became popular
among those “tangled” in the prison system. Now, webs aren’t
associated with time on the inside, but still add an edge to your ink.
7. Roman Numerals

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Instead of tattooing a numeric birthdate or year on your body,
transferring that number into Roman numerals can be more
pleasing to the eye. With line-based figures that provide angles and
structure, Roman numerals lend themselves well to tattooing.
8. Horror Movie

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Want to get a little creepy? Horror movie tattoos are perfect for the
spooky super fan who wishes every day was Halloween.
9. Nautical

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Nautical motifs are forever associated with tattooing in the West, as
sailors are largely credited with bringing the art form to the
Western world from Polynesian and indigenous Asian
communities. Nautical themes—including ships, anchors, wheels,
lighthouses, and compasses—are staples of tattooing, especially in
traditional styles.
10. Song Lyrics
If you have a particular song carries special meaning, tattooing a
particularly poignant lyric is a way to celebrate that significance
without constantly singing.
11. Nerdy Themes

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If you are an unapologetic nerd, use your ink to proudly show off
your passions. Admittedly, this guy went a little H.A.M., but you
could always tone it down a few notches.
12. Dagger

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Another classic when it comes to tattoo imagery, a dagger is a
symbol of strength, freedom, or badassery. You can also get a
dagger tattoo to commemorate that totally real knife fight you were
once in…
13. State or Country Outline

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Celebrate your roots with ink in the shape of your home state or
country. A simple outline tattoo is a great way to keep your
homeland close, even if it is New Jersey.
14. Heart
JASON MERRITTGETTY IMAGES
A heart tattoo is a way to show your softer side—but you can still
get a little interested in it. Favoring an anatomical design is a
welcomed variation on this classic tattoo.
15. Nature-Themed Imagery

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A staple of traditional tattooing, swallows were popularized among
well-traveled sailors. Nowadays, truly anyone can get a swallow
tattoo, which will never go out of style.
17. Eagle
VERONIQUE DURRUTYGETTY IMAGES
Eagles symbolize strength and wisdom, with these birds
commanding the skies. Eagles are also obviously associated with

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patriotism if that’s your thing. But they are just plain awesome as a
chest piece with spread wings and no one can deny it.
18. Time-Related Designs
GSPICTURESGETTY IMAGES
Tattoos depicting time can be a sobering reminder of mortality, or
point to a specific time in your life. Set an analog clock to a special
time or date (like 5:25 for May 25), or tattoo a simple hourglass to
depict fleeting time. No matter your choice, time is a constant in
life—and there ain’t never enough.
19. Religious Motifs

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MARTIN MEYERGETTY IMAGE
Channel the peace of the natural world with a nature-themed tattoo
of mountains, rivers, trees and more. Whatever makes you calm,
throw it in there. Even if you live in a concrete jungle, this will add
some solace to your skin.
16. Swallow

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NICK DOLDINGGETTY IMAGES
For those who praise a higher power, religious tattoos are
undeniably popular. From depictions of gods to symbols like
crosses, religious tattoos are a way to keep your faith close forever.
20. Portraits

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OLI SCARFFGETTY IMAGES
When done right, portrait tattoos are commanding, impressive and
just plain stunning. Just make sure you go to a portrait artist, for
the love of god.
21. Geometric Designs

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FERNANDO TRABANCO FOTOGRAFÍAGETTY IMAGES
A popular style in recent years, geometric tattoos take a seemingly
normal object and break it down to a series of angles and shapes.
An especially stellar technique for animal designs, this style is a
way to add interest to a simple idea.
22. Intricate, Large-Scale Ink

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HALFPOINT IMAGESGETTY IMAGES
Not every tattoo needs to depict a tangible object. Some can just be
plain cool, like large-scale design work that prioritizes black and
gray patterns.
23. Lettering

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ANTONIO GARCIA / EYEEMGETTY IMAGES
Go to an artist specializing in lettering if you want a single word or
two in bold type. Lettering work is an art, and a way to really make
a meaningful single word stand out. Just don’t make it your own
first name.
24. Abstract Ink
If you have tattoos you want to cover, blackwork may be for you. This style of tattooing covers
often large areas of skin with saturated black ink. It’s an eye-catching way to cover a bad
decision, but also a tattoo style that takes talent to master.
26. Single Line
cropped image of hand with tattoo on bed
AMANDA NORRIS / EYEEMGETTY IMAGES
Single line tattoos create a design out of one non-breaking line. When done right, it’s an
impressive illusion that the artistic-type will love.

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27. Insect
young man with tattoos on his upper arms
WESTEND61GETTY IMAGES
MICHAL CIZEKGETTY IMAGES
For the artsy types, abstract ink is a way to turn the body into a
canvas. Some tattoo artists specialize in brush-like ink and
whimsical design. Seek those stylistic stunners out for a project like
this.
From butterflies and scorpions to bees and spiders, tattoos of
insects are probably more popular than insects themselves. Even if
you still jump at the sight of a spider or swat away a bee after
getting one inked, no one has to know.

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28. Creepy Motifs
EZEQUIEL BECERRAGETTY IMAGES
Are you a certified creep? Display it proudly with a somewhat goth,
somewhat freaky piece of ink. Consider a creepy tattoo a warning to
others of your sinister, spooky ways.
29. “Torn Flesh” Tattoos

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AFP CONTRIBUTORGETTY IMAGES
Illusion tattoos, like those that depict tearing flesh, are a stylistic
way to jazz up any design. From torn edges to a swath of ripped
flesh running through a design, this tattoo element goes
hard—especially when paired with anatomy and
mechanical-themed tattoos.
30. Fine Line

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KARWAI TANGGETTY IMAGES
Fine line tattoos are popular for their realism and intricate design.
Though the aging of these pieces are up for debate, fine line tattoos
are undoubtedly impressive, almost looking like a temporary tattoo
from childhood.
31. Pinup Girl
MARIANNA MASSEYGETTY IMAGES

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A pinup girl is traditional tattoo staple, representing the femininity,
power and allure of women. Once popular among soldiers, people
of all genders now sport pinup girl tattoos as a nod to the roots of
tattooing—and to celebrate sassy, sexy women.
32. Flash Designs
MARCO BERTORELLOGETTY IMAGES
Flash tattoos are often smaller tattoos an artist designs for a flat
rate with no alterations. Some artists pre-design a collection of
flash for an event (like those famous “13” tattoos for Friday the 13),
tattooing each design multiple times. Some flash, however, is a
design an artist wants to do that a client can claim—and it’s only
tattooed once. Either way, flash designs are great when you find an
artist you love because, let’s be real, sometimes letting
professionals have free reign is better.

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IGNAT/BAUER-GRIFFINGETTY IMAGES
Celebrate the natural world (and death, but whatever) with an
animal skull tattoo. From bird skulls to steer skulls, animal skulls
are aesthetically pleasing and edgy. And dead. Very dead.
34. Flames
LUCY LAMBRIEXGETTY IMAGES

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A flame tattoo probably reminds you of a bad-to-the-bone OG biker
guy. With similar ink, you can channel that energy, even without a
motorcycle license.
35. Coordinates
KEVORK DJANSEZIANGETTY IMAGES
This tattoo is admittedly a little trendy, but a smart way to
remember a moment in time. Whether its the location of your
childhood home or the exact spot you had a memorable experience,
getting a minimal coordinate tattoo is a small reminder for you and
only you.
36. Space-Themed Designs

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ANADOLU AGENCYGETTY IMAGES
Space is the vast and mysterious—and that makes it great for
tattooing. From astronauts to galaxies to planets, space tattoos
depict the unknown that’s beyond us, which is pretty freaking
sobering and sick.
37. Literary Ink

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HENRY HORENSTEINGETTY IMAGES
Any book nerd will appreciate a literary tattoo that celebrates their
favorite read. From quotes to cover art to any other creative
depiction, literary tattoos acknowledge the power and impact of the
written word.
38. Snake

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FELIX HANNAPPELGETTY IMAGES
A true classic, snake tattoos are winding and edgy, making them
visually interesting. Snakes often represent shedding your skin and
transforming, or knowledge and patience. But again, they just look
cool, which is probably enough for most tough guys.
39. Memorial Tattoo

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THE WASHINGTON POSTGETTY IMAGES
A memorial tattoo is a meaningful way to celebrate the life of a
loved one. Unlike anything else, ink is forever with you, meaning
the person you memorialize will be eternally close. If you are
grieving, the permanent nature of tattooing can be healing and
comforting.
40. Knuckle Ink
HONEY_AND_MILKGETTY IMAGES

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And when the skin on your body is filled with every other design on
this list, it’s time to tattoo your knuckles. The ultimate badass
placement when no other skin is left.

The 40 best tattoo ideas for men who love ink

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