Originally posted on March 25, 2022 @ 7:00 am
Tattooing has been around for ages. In the past, it was done using crude weapons or hot curved steel. However, as technology advanced, the modes of tattooing became adaptable, and the art has become more acceptable. Therefore as a guy, if you are looking into tattoo options, there are many varieties from which you can choose. It is important to note that, although many tattoos have defined meanings, most tattoos have hidden meaning to the people carrying them. By the end of this article, you will have 20 simple tattoo ideas to choose from.
Simple Tattoos For Men:
1. Letters
Letter tattoos bring out a classy and minimalist vibe, and with all the 26 alphabetical letters at your disposal, there is a wide array to pick from. Letter tattoos are advantageous since you can use them with a combination of other symbols. Additionally, there are many styles in which a letter tattoo can be drawn. Depending on the font you like and the letter you choose, they can be calligraphed to your preference. Below are some examples of letter tattoos
2. Quotes
Do you have a quote from the bible of your favorite book that you consider special, a guiding light of sorts? Then you can use it as a tattoo to portray what you stand for. Quote tattoos are special since they hold a sentimental meaning, and they clearly stipulate what you stand for to the people around you. Although they are used in code in some instances, they leave an impression on everyone who sees them. The best place to consider putting your quote tattoo is the forearms, collarbone, and ribcage.
Additionally, this type of tattoo can also be used with symbols. Their length and size differ from one person to the next. Below are some examples of quote tattoos.
3. Names
Name tattoos are mostly used to show affection and love. For instance, a parent would tattoo their child’s name to show adoration and the celebration of their birth. On the other hand, some people tattoo their lover’s name as a symbol of commitment and engagement. Apart from love, name tattoos are also used for memorial purposes. Tattooing is a sign of homage and respect for those who have lost their loved ones. It also helps them keep their lost loved ones close to them. Name tattoos can be done in different ways and designs. Below are some examples of name tattoos.
4. Birthdates
Like name tattoos, birthdates tattoos are used for celebration and adoration. Most men use them to illustrate the birth of their children as their lives change to become fathers. Children’s birthdates are sometimes tattooed besides a symbol of a child’s foot or their name. The date format depends on what you like best between having the year alone or the day and month included. Some examples of birthdates tattoos include
5. Roman Numerals
The use of Roman numeral tattoos has a classic minimalist look to it. Do you have a significant number or a date that is important to you? This is a nice way to mark it. Since not most people know how to read roman numerals, it is a good way to keep the date hidden in plain sight. For the few who will decode it, it will make more of an impression than normal numbers would. The ideal place to put a roman numeral tattoo includes the forearm, wrist, foot, and collarbone. Below are some examples,
6. Silhouette
Silhouettes are a gentleman’s way of displaying modern ink with the desire to pursue style. These shadowy pictures are intelligently streamlined and timelessly alluring. They intrigue a deeper understanding of the image with startling ease. The special thing about silhouettes tattoos is that anything can be transformed into a masterpiece using this mode of tattooing. For maximum results, the best items to use for a silhouette tattoo include animals, nude human figures, and supernatural creatures. Although these tattoos are mostly done in black, they give amazing results in any color. Additionally, they can range from small tattoos to massive ones occupying the whole hand. Check the examples below,
7. Black and Gray
Although colored tattoos have recently dominated the industry, black and gray still look classy and trendy. When searching for your perfect tattoo idea, color is an important aspect to consider. The advantage of a gray and black tattoo lies in its ability to create a timeless piece of art and look amazing. It also withstands the test of time and does not fade away quickly. These tattoos symbolize power, love, rebellion, and fate. Below are some of its examples,
8. Lines
When looking for tattoos, you don’t always want to try the complex shaded tattoos. There are instances when you want small tattoos with a special meaning. In these times, the line tattoo is worthy of your consideration. The line tattoo has many variations, from the three-line tattoo as an armband, two arrows facing opposite sides, to the native American symbols. They can also create shapes and figures, such as sexy figures. Below are some examples of line tattoos for your consideration.
9. Symbols
Symbols are a great aspect to consider when searching for your ideal tattoo, especially if you love your tattoo small. Symbol tattoos are tiny, yet they have deep meanings. Take the yin-yen symbol, for instance; though it is a small circle, it stands for a great lot. Symbol tattoos are unique, and less likely to see the same symbol with two or three people. On the other hand, the meaning will be hidden to the outside world and only known to you. Some symbol tattoos examples include:
10. Numbers
Number tattoos are mostly applicable if you have a number that means a lot to you. For instance, some people believe a certain number brings them luck and good fortune. Additionally, there are those like the football players who have a number related to them. With such, a number tattoo would be a great one to consider. Below are some examples:
11. Drawings
When searching for cute tattoos with a hidden meaning, your best option will be drawing tattoos. This type of tattoo will give you an edgier look. Additionally, most of the drawings available have more than one meaning. For instance, taking the stairs as an example they are appealing and can symbolize hope, finding your way home, transformation, and accomplishment. Below are more examples:
12. Small Tattoos
There is nothing as appealing as a well-placed small tattoo. They invoke a feeling of wonder and curiosity, especially today, where most people opt for big and showy tattoos. Small tattoos are mostly placed in sensitive places, like the ear, the fingers, or the inside of a wrist. They stand for a young at heart spirit in a young and adventurous way. Some of the examples include:
13. Dots
Dots tattoo is one of the small tattoos with big meanings. In most cases, dot tattoos are in threes, but their meanings vary from one community to the other. The three dots, also known as an eclipse, can represent the holy trinity, the father, son, and the holy spirit. It can also be used to the body, soul, and spirit or beginning, middle, and end. Additionally, the eclipse symbolizes the struggle one has had with mental health. The meanings of the dots tattoo are countless. Below are some examples of dot tattoos:
14. Geometric Shapes
Geometric-shaped tattoos have gained popularity over the years and have become a cool way to keep up with the trends. Therefore, if you search for a trendy more current ink pattern, look no further. They symbolize harmony, stability, and order, especially in simpler designs. However, they can carry specific meanings depending on your preference. Geometric-shaped tattoos are mostly smaller in size but can also be made large. Their examples include:
15. Small Shadow Tattoos
This type of tattoo needs a high skill level to achieve the intended goal. In most cases, it has two images where one is the shadow. The shadow is of greater power and significance. Shadow tattoos signify the difference between what the world sees and is quick to judge from the true self that is totally different. This means there is a deeper meaning to things and not how they appear. Some examples include:
16. Cartoon Characters
Cartoons are mainly related to children; therefore, if you enjoyed your childhood years, this might be a great idea for you. Cartoon tattoos serve as a reminder of the lovely characters and nostalgia for happy childhood memories. Additionally, some use them as a way to lighten their ink. Some examples include:
17. Calligraphy Tattoos
When you have finally picked the letters you prefer to tattoo on your body, there is no need to put them plainly. Calligraphy tattoos help make the words you have chosen appeal to the eye and leave a lasting impression. Not only are the words well shaped in the style you pick, but they can also be underlined in an outstanding design such as the ones below.
18. King and Queen Tattoos
King and queen tattoos have been used for a long time in the tattoo world. They are used by couples to showcase the strength of their love and partnership. They are used in variation between chess pieces, the lion and lioness, and playing cards k and q. However, this is not strictly for people in relationships. The royalty status can be used singularly to portray strength and leadership.
19. Ring Tattoos
As humanity diversifies, old customs are abolished or replaced by new trends. For instance, the use of rings is getting replaced by getting tattoos on your ring fingers as the wedding bands. They use lines across the finger or the agreed-upon symbol.
20. Dates
If you have an important date that you cherish, you could use it as a tattoo idea. For instance, a that changed your life, such as your wedding day or your child’s birthdate. They make lovely tattoos, especially when done in roman numbers. For example:
Bottom Line
Tattoos are personal and signify what is important to you. Due to the many tattoo ideas you can explore, the search can be both tiring and confusing. However, it is important to research since a tattoo is a permanent and important decision. The second most important factor in achieving the ideal tattoo is getting an experienced tattoo artist.
