105 First Tattoo Ideas to Inspire Your Tattoo Journey

From flowers to abstract art, there are so many different designs for you to consider for your first tattoo!

I have to admit that first timers are my favorite clients! There is just so much excitement and anticipation about the process and I love being a part of such a profound experience. I also like that I am the one that gets to introduce them to the world of tattooing and that I am hopefully fostering a lifelong love!

In this post I am going to introduce you to the top first tattoo ideas and give you some insight into why they may be good options for you!

The Best First Tattoo Designs

Here are the top first tattoo concepts that you should consider getting for yourself:

Floral Tattoo Concepts

It shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that flowers are a pretty common first tattoo, especially among women.

Now, there are a lot of reasons why flowers work well as a first tattoo. For one thing, they are a symbol of women and womanhood. And, so, they are seen as a very feminine tattoo idea.

The other great thing about getting a tattoo of a flower is that there are so many varieties to choose from. Roses, peonies, sunflowers, lavender - the list goes on! This means that although you are choosing a popular first tattoo concept, the actual tattoo will feature a completely unique design.

To add to this, each flower has its own meaning. So, you can make your first tattoo even more special by choosing a flower that is in line with your personality, experiences, and more.

I also think that a flower is a very classic option for first timers. Therefore, it isn't a design that will go out of fashion any time soon.

If traditional flowers aren't your thing, then there are other first tattoo concepts for you to choose from. For instance, you can consider a vine - while this can be a rather large first tattoo to get, you can scale things down so that it is a smaller first tattoo.

Butterfly Tattoo Concepts

A butterfly design is a great choice for a first tattoo for both men and women. For one thing, a butterfly makes for a truly beautiful first tattoo.

For another, this tattoo idea also has a lovely meaning behind it. Butterflies are associated with change and transformation. And, so, if you are in a period of your life where you are ready to alter yourself or your lifestyle, then this can be a cool tattoo for first timers to get.

Also, if you are not sure what kind of design that you want, you can always choose a flash tattoo for this idea.

That being said, you may want to do some research. Go ahead and check out the different species of butterflies. You will discover that each one has its own meaning. In this case, you could find a first tattoo concept that is just right for you.

Snake Tattoo Concepts

Snakes are becoming an increasingly popular first tattoo. This is because snakes have taken on a new meaning among the younger generations.

They are no longer seen as symbols of evil. Instead, they are also seen as a sign of transformation as the snake sheds its skin. There is also the fact that snakes can be a rather sensual symbol as well.

Your first tattoo can consist of a lone winding snake, or you could get a first tattoo with a snake and a dagger or roses.

If you are looking for tattoo inspiration for this kind of concept, here are the tattoos to check out:

Fish Tattoo Concepts

The most common fish tattoo chosen for first tattoos is the koi fish. This is because they make for a really meaningful first tattoo.

See, koi fish, especially two of them, are symbols of happiness and harmony. They can also represent a deep connection between two people - partners, friends, or another loved one.

Koi fish are also symbols of strength. Unlike a lot of other fish, koi have the ability to swim upstream, against the current. Due to this, they are associated with the ability to overcome barriers and hardships in your life.

Animal Tattoo Concepts

It isn't too surprising that animals are a common option for a first tattoo, in fact it is a no brainer. This is because we are surrounded by the idea and concept of animals from a very early age.

As a result, we associate various traits with specific animals. For instance, lions are considered strong and brave. Tigers are known for their intelligence and stealth. Bears are symbols of familial protection, and so on.

Of course, if you want a more meaningful tattoo, one that has a link to your day to day life, then you may consider getting your first tattoo of your beloved pet.

If this is a first tattoo idea that you are considering, remember that your design doesn't have to be large or overly detailed. It is possible to get a small and minimalistic design.

Paw Print Tattoo Concepts

Feel like an animal design is a bit too much commitment for a first tattoo? Well, you may want to consider a paw print instead! This can be a great idea if you are looking for a more simple tattoo.

While this kind of first tattoo can work for any animal at all, it can be really cute to get a paw print of your own pet.

If you want to make your first tattoo even more special, you can get an real life print from your cat or dog. Then, ask your tattoo artist to recreate this as your first tattoo!

Moon Tattoo Concepts

A moon tattoo is such a gorgeous concept and as it has such a versatile design, there are so many first tattoo options for you to choose from. Not only can you choose from a full moon, crescent moon, etc. there are also so many visual concepts for you to select from as well.

If you are a woman, then this really is a great first tattoo for you to get. This is because the moon is associated with femininity, motherhood, and the many stages of womanhood.

As I said, this is a very versatile tattoo design. So, as a first timer, you can choose from a minimalist tattoo design or go for a complex and creative one.

If you would like, you can also add other elements of the solar system.

Sun Tattoo Concepts

Now, the sun is seen as an opposing symbol of the moon. Due to this, the sun is associated with masculinity and strength.

Of course these aren't the only meanings behind this kind of tattoo. Many people also consider the sun a powerful symbol because it sustains life, brings warmth, and adds brightness to your life.

This kind of first tattoo design is also ideal if you are looking for small or simple tattoos.

Star Tattoo Concepts

Stars are a great option if you want a simple and small tattoo! And, while this can be a rather minimalistic idea for a first tattoo, it is still a beautiful one.

After all, one of the nicest feelings in the world is gazing up at the stars. Not only does it help you to appreciate the universe around you, the stars can also remind you to try and achieve your dreams - even the big ones!

Zodiac Sign Tattoo Concepts

Astrology is becoming really popular among Millennials and Gen Z. So, getting a zodiac sign can be a great way to announce your love for your passion.

It is also a good way of letting fellow enthusiasts a little bit more about yourself and can work as a highly visible tattoo.

When it comes to this kind of first tattoo, you have two options. You can choose to get a simple design, with just your sign. Or, you can choose to get something a bit more complex or creative.

Infinity Symbol Tattoo Concepts

Infinity tattoos are a throwback to a classic design. This symbol works well as a first tattoo as it is so simple. Most artists will have no trouble recreating it for you, especially if you choose the basic design.

Of course, if you want to take your first tattoo to the next level, then there are lots of different elements that you can add to it to make it a unique design.

Heart Tattoo Concepts

A heart tattoo is a universal symbol, one that is instantly recognizable. So, if you are getting inked for the first time and want a tattoo without any fuss, then a simple heart design will do the trick!

As a heart can be drawn incredibly small, it can be placed anywhere on your body - behind an ear, on a finger, or the side of your hip.

If you would like to do something a little different with your first tattoo of a heart, then you can get an anatomically correct design!

Semicolon Tattoo Concepts

This is such a beautiful concept and is actually the first tattoo that many people get. In fact, the semicolon may even be the only tattoo that some people get.

See, the semicolon was created as a community symbol for mental illness. It shows you and the world that rather than stopping your sentence with a period, you chose to continue it.

This sign is a form of encouragement for anyone who is undergoing any mental health issues at all. It can be a reminder to keep moving forward, to keep believing in yourself, and to reach out to others when you feel that you need to.

This first tattoo can also be a signal to everyone else who may be struggling with mental health issues.

Palm Tree Tattoo Concepts

A lot of people that I have tattooed in the past have gotten a palm tree as a first tattoo. They usually do this just after they have come back from vacation.

See, this kind of tree is great for helping you capture all those emotions that you felt when you went on a holiday. The feeling of freedom, of being out in the sun, of having fun!

This can also be a good first tattoo to get if you live in a place like Bali or California that is associated with palm trees.

Script Tattoo Concepts

I think a script that is one of the greatest first tattoos that you can get! This is because the word, phrase, or passage tends to be deeply personal and meaningful for you.

The other reason that I like this as a first tattoo is because it acts as a reminder. And, so, your first tattoo can be significant to you for your entire life!

Once you have decided what the script is going to be, the other thing to consider is the font. From cursive to gothic lettering, there are plenty of options for you.

If you would like a more personalized first tattoo, you may want to consider getting the words written in a loved one's handwriting.

You can also choose to leave the script as it is or to include some other artistic elements.

Geometric Tattoo Concepts

This is a pretty new form of tattoo so it is a good option if you want your first tattoo to have a modern style to it.

A geometric tattoo is essentially one made up of shapes and lines. This doesn't mean that your first tattoo has to be rigid or boring, though! A geometric tattoo is a pretty versatile concept and there is so much that you can do with it.

Work with the right tattoo artists and you will be able to turn your first tattoo into a work of art!

Abstract Tattoo Concepts

If you want something different and intriguing for your first tattoo, then you can consider an abstract tattoo.

The great thing about an abstract tattoo is that there is no real rhyme or reason behind it. This works well as a first tattoo if you are a free spirited person who has their own way of living.

At the same time, if you want a first tattoo that is captivating, cool, and unique, then this is the design for you.

What is a Good First Tattoo to Get?

Well, there is no right answer here. This is because a first tattoo is a rather personal decision and you have to be the one to make it.

A lot of people do like the idea of a first tattoo have a significant meaning to it. However, there is no need for there to be a meaning behind your first tattoo. It could simply be a design that you like.

It is a good idea to consider your first tattoo design, though, as this is something that is likely going to last forever. If you aren't 100 percent sure of what you want to get, you may want to get your first tattoo in a less visible place so that you don't always have to look at it.

What is the Most Common First Tattoo?

The most common first tattoos include flowers, vines, butterflies, names of loved ones, hearts, suns, and moons.

Should I Go Small for First Tattoo?

I would say that this does depend on your pain threshold. There are some first timers who go for larger designs or even full sleeves. However, these people are pretty confident in how they will react to the pain of a first tattoo.

If you aren't so sure or if you tend to be quite sensitive to pain, then it is best to test the waters with a small first tattoo. You can easily add to it later on if you want.

As I said, there are a lot of first tattoo concepts for you to choose from. You can go the more traditional way and choose something like flowers, butterflies, or animals. Or, you could choose something a bit different for your first tattoo - geometric or abstract tattoos.