Men's tattoos can differ not only in styles, methods of application, locations, complexity of sketches or colors, but also in size. If we consider a small tattoo for men, then this option is preferred by calm, restrained men, conservatives who prefer minimalism and conciseness.

Not every man can afford a large bright tattoo due to his image and circumstances. For them, this article will collect the best sketches and ideas for small tattoos, the rules for their execution, choosing a location, color options and styles. Only taking into account all the points can a high-quality result be obtained.

Today, small tattoos often act as the first experience. But this does not mean that small tattoos are somehow inferior to large-scale and beautiful compositions. They have their own charm, mystery and ease of perception. We offer you a top list of the best ideas for small male tattoos:

Anchor- a symbolic drawing that says that a man has decided in life, has a clear position and principles, is self-confident and unshakable.

Child's footprint- a popular tattoo among newly-made dads, acts as a symbol of love for your child, devotion, bringing the family to the fore.

Butterfly- a symbol of freedom, looseness, inspiration, love of life.

Hieroglyph- the inscriptions are most relevant today, most often men choose Asian letters to emphasize their mystery and the depth of their inner world.

Compass- a symbol of steadfastness of principles, confidence and balance, as well as a craving for adventure.

Zodiac sign- is used as an amulet and a talisman against weaknesses, evil, ill-wishers, enhances the best aspects of character.

Cross- a divine symbol that performs a protective function from dark forces, failures, misfortunes.

Eagle- personifies spiritual strength, freedom, power and wisdom in a man.

Mountains- the philosophical meaning of the tattoo, speaking of the wisdom, will and invincibility of a man, his ability to conquer any heights.

Triangle with an eye inside- such an all-seeing eye, saying that God himself is inside a man, supporting and protecting him from failures and temptations.

Expert opinion

Viola Madison

Tattoo artist, 8 years experience

To understand how appropriate and justified are small tattoos for guys, it is worth highlighting their main advantages. This is a minimum of pain, ease of care, rapid healing, clarity of the pattern, low price, comfort.

Why do men choose small tattoos?

It has long been believed that the less body drawing falls under the eyes of others, the deeper its sacred meaning, the stronger the influence on fate. The first male tattoos were not in the form of huge canvases on the arms, back or chest. These were symbols, runes, drawings of mythical creatures, animals and birds in secluded places on a small scale.

Today, mini tattoos are chosen for a number of reasons:

• it's a great way to express yourself;
• the drawing procedure is quick and minimally painful;
• a small tattoo can be easily removed with a laser;
• small body designs are less prone to wear;
• the procedure does not require complex preparation and care;
• tattoos are less traumatic for the skin and heal faster;
• it is also an economical not costly option;
• a huge selection of sketches;
• conciseness, minimalism, ease of perception.

And the reaction of the environment to small wearable drawings will not be so expressive and ambiguous, this is especially true in a working and official setting. It is worth noting that such simple tattoos correspond to men of all ages, different temperaments and images.

Where do men usually get small tattoos?

How a tattoo with meaning will “work” largely depends on its location on the body. Small tattoos can be placed anywhere, but they will most harmoniously fit into small areas of the male body.

Shoulder

The shoulders are responsible for the reliability and strength of a man, which means that a tattoo can be applied here, giving the character courage, masculinity, strength, self-confidence. For example, an anchor, muzzles of strong animals, birds.

Forearm

On the forearm, the tattoo is more demonstrative, used for self-expression. Most often, inscriptions are applied here, various mythical and real animals that you want to imitate.

Wrist tattoo

The wrist is the most sensual zone, as it traces the pulse and connection with the human heart. Therefore, at the same time, simple, but the deepest in meaning personal tattoos are performed on the wrist - inscriptions, symbols.

Tattoos on the palm, on the hand and fingers

Hands are an important energy center, this is what a man earns, develops, affects the world with. Various amulets, talismans, amulets are applied here to protect themselves from wrong decisions and actions. Tattoos are also appropriate here, which awaken creativity.

Tattoo sleeve

The sleeve is a complex composition that cannot suggest the presence of a small tattoo. There may be black and white or color pictures, consisting of different characters and objects.

Neck

The ideal place for cool laconic tattoos is the neck. Inscriptions are often applied here, like the credo of life and the principles of a man, symbols and objects that can affect consciousness and worldview, improve brain function.

Breast

Different versions of tattoos will harmoniously look on the chest, whether they are objects, symbols, animals or birds. Their main task is to protect against dangers and risks to life.

Side

On the side, men most often depict personal drawings relating to heart and soul matters. If these are animals, a man seeks to imitate them, if symbols, they are needed for balance and self-confidence, if inscriptions, they relate to family, love.

Hip

Tattoos on the hips can affect the intimate component of life, relationships with a soul mate, and the emotional background. Overly emotional and passionate natures beat sketches that help to achieve balance, men who are too clamped and constrained, on the contrary, choose what to wake up fire and passion.

Back

The back is the most neutral zone, that is, the meaning of a small tattoo will directly depend on the sketch itself. Animals, birds, insects, plants, symbols, as well as various parts of the drawings, for example, angel wings, paw prints, etc., will harmoniously look here.

shoulder blade

On the shoulder blades there are points of concentration of the will, which means that tattoos with a healing meaning, religious symbols, objects with meaning can be applied here, which will help pacify the EGO and base desires.

Leg

Tattoos on the legs often work like magnets, attracting good luck, success, love, and happiness to a man's life. The ideal choice for a leg sketch is the signs of the zodiac and constellations, which are the most powerful amulet and amulet.

Tattoo tips involve 3 steps. Namely:

1. Preparation. Make a sketch of the tattoo, do not use other people's ideas, print the finished version on the photo in order to take it to the master. Before the procedure, it is forbidden to drink alcohol and medicines. Determine the place for the tattoo, color, style of execution.
2. Procedure. Conduct a paint allergy test with the master. Designate for yourself the time of the work, so that you are ready for a motionless pastime.
3. Care. Listen from the master to all the tips for caring for the healing area of ​​the skin. First, the tattoo will be covered with a film, later it is removed, and the skin is treated with various preparations.

Important! Find out in advance for yourself the price of a tattoo, as this is not a cheap pleasure. It is better to be prepared for financial waste in advance. Do not save on tattoos by choosing unverified masters.

How to choose a tattoo sketch?

To make it easier to choose a sketch for a small tattoo, ask yourself a series of leading questions.

1. Where will the tattoo be stuffed, what size will it be? Taking into account the anatomical forms of the body and according to the principle of proportionality between the tattoo and the site, it is possible to narrow the search for sketches.
2. Will it be a picture or an ornament? For ornaments, you can choose different appropriate styles (tribal, Maori, Polynesian, Celtic, etc.). Patterns are usually executed in a primarily thought-out format. Each style accepts a certain complexity and scale, and according to them the sketch is determined in relation to the place on the body.
3. Is this your first tattoo? For the first experience, simple tattoos with positive energy are chosen, for example, inscriptions or zodiac signs. In the future, you will already know what a tattoo is, how receptive you are, what you want from a tattoo.
4. How many small tattoos do you plan to get? Remember that a lot of miniature tattoos on the body will not look aesthetically pleasing, if not vulgar.
5. What is the purpose of a tattoo? If you are not striving for changes in life, use different neutral sketches - animals, birds, nature, inscriptions, characters. If you have weaknesses, the sketch should work to enhance opposite qualities. You need protection and luck, in this case, choose amulets and amulets.

Do you like small, discreet tattoos?

YesNo

Styles and colors that are popular for small tattoos

It is difficult to clearly narrow down the choice of styles for small tattoos due to the huge selection of sketches and ideas. But most often in recent times, masters have resorted to the following methods of execution:

Tribal, Celtic, Polynesia– original execution of patterns, abstractions and ornaments;

Minimalism- small concise tattoos without unnecessary details and lines;

Graphic arts- the predominance of straight and clear lines;

Oriental- East style;

Geometry- an ideal style for symbolism, conveying pictures in geometric shapes.

The main emphasis in the performance of small tattoos is on black and white, especially if it is symbols, inscriptions, small objects. If living beings, nature are depicted, the master can use different colors of red, green, blue, brown, yellow and their similar shades.

Symbols that can be combined with a small tattoo

Small tattoos can be drastically modified with additional symbols, as well as their meaning. The most commonly used characters are:

inscriptions

Flame

Cross

Scull

Flowers

Hieroglyphs

Weapon

Lightning

Heart

Stars

The choice of a symbol directly depends on the semantic and emotional message of the tattoo, its theme and sacred meaning.

Where is the best place to get a tattoo?

Small tattoos do not require special skill and experience, but this does not mean that you can turn to unverified masters or amateurs. You can get guarantees of safety and quality results only in a licensed tattoo parlor.

Conclusion

Small tattoos are most often done by men purely for personal reasons, choosing secluded places on the body. Their advantages are ease of execution, external conciseness and restraint, a minimum of unnecessary attention, and a deep sacred meaning. It remains only to choose a cool idea, draw up a personal sketch, choose a site on the body for it, style and color scheme.

The male approach to tattooing is often logic and minimalism. In terms of image selection. The size and theme are determined immediately, and the details are added as the sketch is developed. Although another option is possible: a combination of several ideas. Usually, when creating a sleeve, a tattoo on the back ... In general, something extensive.

If for a girl the main thing is intrigue and beauty, then for a man the priority is status and quality. They often choose black and white works and complex styles: biomechanics, realism, oriental, Polynesia, Trash polka. Tattoos with animals in realism look great - bears, lions, tigers, wolves, sharks and other predators. Usually they repeat the "habits" of the owner: determination, leadership, honesty, independence, loyalty. Ideally, if the tattoo is inscribed in the relief and anatomy of the body. By the way, this is what usually happens! A well-chosen sketch becomes a luxurious decoration and pride of the owner.

Another interesting area: hobbies and hobbies of men. For example: football, cars, music, movies… beautiful girls ☺ They are portrayed in different styles, from chicano to new school.

Inscriptions and symbolic tattoos (cross, skull, compass, wind rose, gun) are popular with people of different ages and preferences. Their advantage is that the work can be done in different ways, giving uniqueness to a simple plot.

Images of warriors, knights, gladiators are liked by independent and purposeful men. A warrior is a symbol of courage, strength, victory. Or invulnerability. By the way, an armor tattoo would be a great variation on the theme. Complex in execution, voluminous and realistic, it can become a real masterpiece!

Gallery of male tattoos

Photos of tattoos made in our salon are not only a portfolio, but also a catalog of original ideas. Any plot can be taken as a basis and make a unique work. The only thing we don't do is copy other people's sketches. This makes no sense, because the embodiment of your ideas is much more interesting and promising. Come on a tour of the studio - we will be happy to discuss your future tattoo.

A tattoo is an expression of the will, character and inner world of a person. Men's tattoos, as a rule, are distinguished by clearer lines, bold forms and brutal plots. Which does not exclude the presence of floral motifs in the sketches. Especially if these are works in the style of Japanese tattoos, Chicanos or Santa Muerto.

The palette is dominated by dark shades, as well as rich bright tones. For example, blood red, deep orange or deep blue. Every detail of a male tattoo is designed to emphasize individuality, and any design is selected taking into account the location.

Hands

When choosing a place for a tattoo, you need to understand how the drawing will look after it is applied. For example, tattoos on a man's arm do not imply full-scale paintings in which every detail is important. And small drawings will simply be lost on the back. One of the main rules of a spectacular male tattoo is respect for scale. Do not forget that the human body is not stable, which means that the applied pattern will change with it.

Recently, men's shoulder tattoos have been very popular. The location makes it possible to manage underwear patterns. Depending on the situation, such tattoos are easy to show or hide by adjusting the length of the sleeve. Another plus is a wide selection of suitable sketches. The trendy mechanics and the face of the charming Miss Monroe will look equally good.

The ideal option for the shoulder is a large single pattern with a discreet background. It can be a Celtic cross, the head of a tiger, the face of a woman or an idol. Dynamic patterns look good, smoothly transitioning to the shoulder blade or chest. As for styles, it is better to give preference to such areas as:

• biomechanics;
• steampunk;
• cyberpunk;
• abstraction;
• Gothic;
• ethnicity;
• realism;
• tribal;
• graphic arts.

Tattoos for men on the forearm are more limited in the number of suitable options. Basically, symbolic dates or inscriptions are stuffed on this part. Graphic images, drawings in a minimalist style and ethnic motifs look good. Also, thin elements of large tattoos are displayed on the forearm, the main part of which is located on the shoulder. These can be tails or muzzles of dragons, pistols (outstretched), etc.

As for voluminous works, you can make a tattoo for men's sleeves. Recently, they are at the peak of popularity. If you need to create a whole picture, sketches are thought out in advance. However, completely different tattoos can be combined in the sleeve, both in subject matter and in time of execution. The only thing that should be followed when making a sleeve is the compatibility of style directions.

Elbows deserve special attention. If it is necessary to make a pattern on the elbows, then it should become part of a common sleeve or an addition to a larger element. But they are not used as independent places for tattoos.

Torso

After hands, this is the second most popular location for spectacular tattoos. The back and chest allow you to realize the most incredible projects, but you need to be prepared for the fact that they will require a lot of time to complete.

Tattoos for men on the sternum are more concise. Popular sketches include human faces, animal faces, skulls, mechanical elements, mythical creatures or cartoons. Among the most common techniques:

• abstraction;
• watercolor;
• anime;
• biomechanics;
• cyberpunk;
• ethnicity;
• linework;
• newschool;
• old school;
• dotwork;
• realism;
• surrealism;
• organic, etc.

The most voluminous are tattoos on the back. Separate large-scale elements can be located here, for example, a soaring eagle or harlequin. Or full-fledged paintings with a detailed drawing of the background, shadows and midtones.

Sometimes only the lumbar zone is clogged. But most often the painting of the back goes from top to bottom. You can use the back space completely, paint over only one of the shoulder blades or both shoulder blades from above.

The application of side tattoos is associated with increased pain, however, they are quite common and look very original. The basic rule of a tattoo on the side is embossed and elongated forms. Most often these are various sketches of dragons, snakes, scorpions, lizards and other reptiles. Narrative pictures are also not uncommon, but it is desirable to place them in a vertical plane.

Head and neck

Tattoos on the neck and head are done much less frequently due to the pain of the procedure. However, it is this location that is considered truly masculine, because it has almost no female fans. 3D images, graphic drawings and ethnic motifs are best suited for the skull. The ornamental technique looks great. Also, all kinds of numbers and inscriptions that are of particular importance to the owner of the tattoo can be located here.

Tattoo inscriptions for men are well suited for the neck. As a rule, these are short phrases stuffed into the back of the head. For lovers of more daring experiments, paintings in the style of blackwork, biomechanics or gothic are suitable.

Increasingly, men are choosing to tattoo their face. It can be a whole picture or individual inscriptions on the chin, cheeks or on any. The color scheme for such tattoos is selected in dark colors: black, gray, brown, dark green or dark blue. Of the style solutions, the most popular are 3D, gothic, cyberpunk, recreating the effect of skin being removed or holes falling through.

Legs

The tattoo on the leg is quite specific, as it requires constant depilation. However, you can do without it, but such drawings do not look very attractive and illegible. Especially if a female face or skull is chosen as a tattoo.

The most common tattoos are on the calf, knee, or thigh. The sketch and its size will entirely depend on the choice of location and the area to be clogged. There are no restrictions on the thematic range. It can be a pet face, a planetary system, or an intricate pattern. The only exception is tattoos in the form of iconic religious attributes, such as crosses or pentagrams. They are more typical placement in the upper body.

However, any tattoo is chosen based on personal preferences. It does not matter in what style and color scheme it will be performed. It can be a grinning predator or a brutal Celtic pattern, a playful picture in the Horror style or a delicate Watercolor. The main thing is that the image should be of high quality, please the owner and reflect his personal worldview.

Greetings to tattoo lovers and those who are just starting to get acquainted with this topic!

On this page you can find original sketches, photos and drawings of Tattoo. All works are the property of the masters and are posted solely for familiarization and development of their unique ideas.

For your convenience, the catalog is divided into subsections with different styles.
Navigation is in alphabetical order.
Each sketch is accompanied by information about the author, a selection of similar works and the opportunity to discuss it with visitors to the portal.

Why choose an original sketch?

It would seem that the question is so simple that it does not require explanation. Nevertheless, in the presence of chic masters and an endless amount of information on the global Internet, there are those who want to make themselves a tattoo “as in the picture”. Many do not see the difference between a regular drawing and a sketch for a tattoo, but this is very important! Not all images from the World Wide Web are suitable for application to the body, but many of them can be reworked to an individual sketch (taking into account contouring, shadows and color reproduction).

Let us analyze in sequence what the value of an individual sketch is hidden in.

1. A person with a tattoo in a conspicuous place should be prepared for the fact that public attention to him will be increased. Some will simply look at the drawings with interest, while others will not hesitate to ask questions. After the standard topics about whether it hurts, how much it costs and how it will look like in old age, you will hear: “What does it mean?” . If you have a picture that is not quite obvious =) And then few people like to answer: “Nothing, I found it on Google” or “I don’t know, it was in the catalog of standard sketches”. No one says that all drawings on the body should have a deep meaning, which you need to talk about, raising your hands to the sky and rolling your eyes. But it is much more pleasant when you are aware of what you put on your body, and you can easily explain your motives (at least to yourself, because no one is obliged to account for their tattoos to anyone else). Of course, someone decides to put a picture on the body absolutely spontaneously, under the influence of some emotional events. As a rule, such clients then come for the mixing of their "masterpiece".
2. Since the tattooed body is an object of creativity, it is worth considering how many people want to become the owners of a second-rate work of art? We are now talking about tattoos - copies. After all, it is the originals that are priceless examples of the greatest craftsmanship. Exhibited in museums and bought up in private collections only genuine samples. No one will read the paperwork of an amateur when the greatest works of the literary genre are available. That is why the original sketch, developed individually for you, is so highly valued.
3. An experienced and talented master is always happy to work with clients who bring him new and reckless ideas. As an artist, he wants to create and create (but sometimes destroy) =) Avoid tattoo artists who offer to repeat the sketch of one of his clients. The tattoo is a private artistic property in a single copy. It should not be repeated on the body for everyone.

Study the original author's sketches on our website, get ideas and fly to your master on creative wings =) Together you will create a unique piece of artistic tattoo that will become your companion for life.

Tattoo art is equally loved by both the male population of the planet and the representatives of the beautiful half of humanity. However, the aesthetic requirements for tattoos are absolutely different for boys and girls. If lovely ladies want elegant patterns and cute images designed to emphasize the tenderness and sophistication of female nature, men, on the contrary, tend to emphasize their brutality, strength and masculinity.

Such different requirements for wearable designs eventually divided tattoo art into exclusively female images and tattoos for men.

The meaning of male tattoos

Tattoos for men are a huge selection of themes and styles for images on the body, but they all have a number of characteristic features in common.

First, a tattoo can be a great way for a man to express himself. The pattern applied to the body is able to emphasize the individuality of its owner. For example, an image can be associated with a profession, hobbies or favorite genre of music, express the basic life principles and ideals of a person.

Secondly, a tattoo can perform a decorative function, making the image of a man brutal, strong, strong-willed, which is important when a person needs to gain self-confidence.

Thirdly, a tattoo image can carry a sacred meaning, serving its owner as a protective amulet and talisman, or be a reminder of extremely important and memorable events that once played a key role in the fate of a man.

Theme of tattoos

The themes and ideas of men's tattoos are interesting and diverse, because every person on earth is an individual who has his own interests and outlook on life. The whole variety of themes for men's tattoos can be divided into main groups:

1. ornamental motifs (these include tribal style tattoos, geometric patterns, Scandinavian, Old Slavic, Celtic, ancient Greek motifs, mandalas);
2. images of plants (the most popular are tattoos of the tree of life, blackthorn, marijuana leaves, thistles, wild roses);
3. images of predatory animals (ferocious tigers, wolves, wolverines, bears, snakes, dragons);
4. image (for example, Katrina's skull using the “old school” technique or a realistic drawing made according to all the rules of anatomy);
5. the image of people (men often put on the body of their favorite characters from films, actors, singers, portraits of their own children or drawings in the Chicano style);
6. caricature images (for example, characters from manga, comics, cartoons, computer games in the “new school” technique);
7. detailed plot canvases (they can be favorite plots from films, epic sea battles);
8. tattoos in the form of inscriptions (for example, quotes from your favorite philosophers, names of dear people, your own life credo);
9. tattoos in the form of a samurai (one of the popular areas of male tattoo, the image of a Japanese warrior in a decorative or realistic style).

Did you know? According to research conducted in 2011, currently every fourth man on earth has at least one tattoo on his body.

Stylistic decision and color design of the tattoo

Depending on the chosen theme of the tattoo, it can be designed in different ways. So, for example, ornamental motifs (tribal tattoos, ancient Greek ornaments, mandalas) can be applied using only black dye. The main advantage of a monochrome image is its graphic quality. A male ornamental tattoo made in one color looks interesting and beautiful.

Tattoo inscriptions, small drawings in the style of minimalism, as well as Chicano tattoos will look harmonious and stylish in black and white.

There are, however, original tattoos, the expressiveness of which is largely achieved through the use of a rich palette of colors. So, for example, images of plants, animals and caricature characters in the style of “old school” and “new school” are distinguished by their brightness and decorativeness, the use of several colors in such types of tattoos is simply necessary.

When applying subject canvases to the body, as well as realistic portraits of people, animals and plants, the use of a color palette depends on the desire of the customer. Such tattoos look extremely attractive and interesting both in monochrome and using a rich palette of shades.

The location of the tattoo images on the body

Large-sized tattoos (for example, epic story paintings, Chicano-style tattoos, portraits of people, three-dimensional images of animals and plants) can be placed on large surfaces of the body, for example, in the area