The 40 Best Tattoo Ideas for Men WhoLove 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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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18. Time-Related Designs

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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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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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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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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.

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21. Geometric Designs

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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.

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22. Intricate, Large-Scale Ink

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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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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.

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24. Abstract Ink

If you have tattoos you want to cover, blackwork may be for you. This style of tattooing coversoften large areas of skin with saturated black ink. It’s an eye-catching way to cover a baddecision, but also a tattoo style that takes talent to master.

26. Single Line

cropped image of hand with tattoo on bedAMANDA NORRIS / EYEEMGETTY IMAGESSingle line tattoos create a design out of one non-breaking line. When done right, it’s animpressive illusion that the artistic-type will love.

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27. Insect

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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

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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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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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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.

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31. Pinup Girl

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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

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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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33. Animal Skull

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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

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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.

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35. Coordinates

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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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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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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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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.

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39. Memorial Tattoo

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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

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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.

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