Size doesn’t always determine impact, especially in the world of tattoos.
While bold designs that cover extensive areas undoubtedly catch the eye and are a fantastic way to express yourself, small meaningful tattoos offer a subtle alternative for those who want an easy-to-hide tattoo and don’t want to spend a lot of time in a tattoo studio.
Opting for a small tattoo design has a lot of benefits, plus there are a plethora of meaningful options to choose from.
However, there are a few things you should know about small tattoos so that you’re prepared for what you’re getting into. The more you know, the better the chances that you end up with a tattoo that you love and that stands the test of time.
How Do Tiny Tattoos Age?
Tiny tattoos don’t last as long as traditional tattoos. This is because less ink is used in small tattoo designs. Ink is considered a foreign substance by your body, so it tries to get rid of it as soon as it’s in your skin. So, the less ink, the quicker the tattoo fades.
“If it’s a single needle tattoo, most artists cut the ink down because they can’t use just straight black because it bleeds out, so they cut it so it’s not as strong of a black pigment, so the body will actively remove it faster,”
Bustle
To reduce the chance of fading as much as possible, it’s important to follow aftercare instructions during the healing phase and to always put SPF on your tattoo after it has healed.
Where Are Small Tattoos Best?
Some placements are better than others when it comes to small tattoos. Not every area will suit your design! For example, a mini tattoo in the middle of your back could look odd as it’s floating in space.
Therefore, choosing a smaller area of the body suits mini designs more. Placements like the back of the neck, the wrist, the ankle, and behind the ear are all good choices for small tattoo designs.
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If you do want to opt for a larger area of the body for your tiny tattoo, Saved Tattoo suggests,
“One way to place a small tattoo in a large area (e.g., back or thigh) is to repeat the tattoo to create a trailing design. For example, a pattern of flowers, butterflies or stars, that trail up a leg or across your back. You can also incorporate small tattoos into a leg or arm sleeve.”
Who Should Get A Small Tattoo?
One of the best pros of a tiny tattoo is that they’re easily hidden (obviously, this depends on the placement, too). Generally, a small tattoo can be covered with clothes, a watch (in the case of wrist tattoos), hair (for back-of-the-neck and behind-the-ear tattoos) or even makeup.
So, people who need to be able to cover up their ink for their careers should consider a small tattoo design.
A small tattoo takes less time under the needle, which means the cost could be lower, too. If you’re worried about the pain of getting a tattoo, opting for a small design could be a good route to go.
7 Meaningful Small Tattoo Ideas
1. Zodiac Sign Tattoo
If you feel connected to your star sign, this is a great source of inspiration for a tiny tattoo. Each zodiac sign in astrology has its own unique glyph, or symbol. This is a simple design, making it perfect for a minimalist tattoo.
If you’d like a bit more detail in your tattoo design, you could opt for your star sign’s flower or constellation.
2. Moon Or Sun Tattoo
Both the moon and the sun make perfect minimalist tiny tattoos, as neither needs a lot of details to distinguish them.
“Crescent moons, in particular, represent motherhood and fertility, though several different communities claim the symbol. It can also be symbolic of growth, creativity, and manifestation,”
Byrdie
On the opposite end of the spectrum, a sun tattoo represents positivity, energy, and passion.
3. Lotus Tattoo
The lotus is considered to be a meaningful design because of the symbolism behind this flower. Because lotuses have to get through mud and water for the opportunity to bloom, a lotus tattoo is often seen as a symbol of overcoming the odds and becoming a better person.
4. Date Tattoo
A date tattoo holds significant meaning as it commemorates a specific and important moment in someone’s life. This is a popular tattoo choice to honor special occasions such as wedding dates, the birth of a child, or the dates of birth and passing.
For a more striking and distinctive design, you could opt for your chosen date tattoo to be inked in Roman numerals.
5. Semi Colon Tattoo
While super simple in design, a semi colon tattoo has huge meaning. This punctuation mark is used to continue a sentence instead of ending it. It has come to be a popular symbol in the realm of mental health.
“Project Semicolon…is a worldwide initiative dedicated to suicide prevention and preserving mental health…The semicolon tattoo is usually illustrative of support for those who’ve survived suicidal thoughts, and an encouragement to those still struggling,”
Authority Tattoo
6. Butterfly Tattoo
This tiny insect represents transformation and rebirth.
“After all, the butterfly is one of the only creatures that begins its life as one thing and transforms completely into something else, often considered to be even more beautiful and perfect than before,”
Custom Tattoo Design
A butterfly tattoo is a popular choice for people who have been through difficult times and have come out the other side stronger.
7. Coordinates Tattoo
Do you have a happy place? A physical space where you were at your happiest. If so, a coordinates tattoo could be the perfect body art choice for you.
“While the coordinates can represent a number of different things, most people get the longitude and latitude of their happy place (like hometowns and colleges) or specific coordinates to commemorate a life-changing trip,”
Refinery 29
It’s a sentimental choice that is specific to you, making it a unique and meaningful tattoo design.
Despite their size, small tattoos can hold immense power and personal significance. They can be incredible inked reminders of cherished memories, personal milestones, and transformations. If you’re considering getting inked, don’t underestimate the impact of a small meaningful tattoo.
