When it comes to getting a tattoo design that speaks volumes with just a few strokes, minimalist tattoos should be your go-to.
My favorite minimalist tattoo designs are tattoos of flowers (usually roses and dandelions to express love and freedom), meaningful words or phrases, and numbers. I’ve noticed that minimalist tattoo design of pets is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners because having an image of your furry buddy on you is an amazing feeling.
Keep reading for 85 minimalist tattoo ideas and their meanings to help you select the best.
There’s so much calm that comes with natural elements like plants and flowers. If you are someone who resonates with the voice of the wind and finds peace in watching the dance of plants and flowers, then you should opt for a flower tattoo. The most popular flower tattoos are roses, daisies, or dandelions. These tattoo ideas are so popular because they look amazing on both women and men, although they’re more common on women.
A stunning olive branch tattoo.
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Roses signify love and courage. A good placement for this minimalist style will be at the shoulder, close to your wrist, or on your chest.
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Minimalist tattoo artists who are professionals know this clean floral tattoo trick. To get a clean tattoo design like this, you need to use a slim needle to bring the tattoo art to life. This is a perfect design, but you can reduce or increase the number of flowers to your preference.
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This dainty vine minimalist tattoo is done with fine lines that make it look simple and pretty.
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The tattoo artist brings this four-clover leaf tattoo to life with care and dexterity. Each clover has a darker and lighter part, just as there is to everyone.
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These realistic flower tattoos are gorgeous. The minimal tattoos have blooming flowers and leave that pair delicately to form a stunning image. The shoulder, arm, and wrist are great spots for rocking a tattoo design like this.
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Don’t you just love the unique twist of these rose flower tattoos? The roses here have a natural beauty and are drawn using thin lines that end in a name. Roses signify love and romance, so getting a rose tattoo with the name of your significant other at the end is a charming way of making them feel special and loved.
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A daisy flower tattoo is a pretty and symbolic tattoo option. Daisies are associated with good fortune, purity, and innocence. It is a minimalist tattoo design that can be worn by both men and women but is usually done by women.
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You can’t run out of minimalist tattoo ideas when it comes to leaves or flower tattoos. The leaves tattoo here is done around the forearm in form of a bracelet.
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Hand poked tattoo minimalist tattoo ideas have an authenticity, as seen here in this lily minimalist style tattoo. Lilies are a symbol of good fortune and purity. Most people who get lily flower tattoos do them in bright colors to show their delicate and charming nature.
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Dandelion tattoos are a symbol of strength, rebirth, and adventure. They are usually done by people who love to travel. So if you’re big on adventures, you should consider getting a dandelion tattoo.
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Body art looks stunning when done with skill. The rare minimalist tattoo is drawn to perfection and will help you keep in mind how rare and special you are.
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Being authentic is something that people lack. So getting this tattoo is a way of making a bold statement and passing a message to everyone you come across.
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‘Why not’ is a cool phrase to get inked on your body. If you’re someone who finds it hard to take risks or go on wild adventures, getting this tattoo done will serve as a push to help you make those bold decisions.
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This is a cute example of word tattoo ideas. Hope is spelled using different colors here just above the forearm. Hope is an astounding attribute to have. It is the only reason to keep going even when it seems like everything is falling apart.
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Most name tattoos have deeper meanings. When it comes to getting name tattoos, the most important factor to consider is the font style used to write the name. If you choose a lovely font style, your tattoo is sure to turn out to look stunning.
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This tenacious minimal tattoo is the perfect body art you need to express your tenacity.
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The interesting balance of art and meaning in this unique “she is art” body art is simply astonishing.
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Need a small colorful piece of body art? try this out. The spring day tattoo is done with several colors, but will also look good if done with just a single color.
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These triple hearts minimalist tattoo represents “me, myself and I”. This tattoo is done in the perfect spot on the shoulder to keep reminding you whenever you look in the mirror to love every version of you, no matter what.
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The journey to self-discovery looks different for everyone. Getting cute tattoos like these can serve as a way to help keep you on track as you learn to love yourself to the fullest.
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This heart tattoo has 2 faces incorporated into it. The flawless and beautiful design is a fantastic option to keep the everlasting love between you and your significant other in your mind always.
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A minimal tattoo of a beating heart close to the shoulder is done here using black ink. The beauty of this minimal tattoo is aesthetically pleasing and proves that less ink is capable of speaking volumes.
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Number minimalist tattoos are usually done to serve as a reminder of a memory. There are different types of number tattoo ideas to get inked. Some people choose to get a tattoo of a single digit, others get inked with multiple digits, while others get coordinates tattooed on their bodies. Regardless of the tattoo you choose to go for, number tattoos always look cool and mysterious.
Different things have different meanings to everyone. If there is a day you want to be reminded of for the rest of your life, or you have a lifelong goal you want to fulfill, getting a tattoo of the number can serve as a reminder. It can help you remember the bigger picture when things get difficult.
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Some people believe the multiple digit tattoos to be a form of protection, while others get it done just because it looks cool, with no hidden meaning behind to it.
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We all have a place we’d love to visit some day. Getting the coordinates of this place imprinted on your skin is a way to serve as a reminder, and to keep you working towards surpassing the obstacles that stand between you and your dream location.
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The hexagram tattoo is popular among Jews since it represents the star of David. Regardless, you can get it inked if you’re like me and you like the mystery of the triangles.
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These twinkle stars minimalist tattoos done behind the ear are so chic and interesting since they can be hidden easily with your hair if you’re not in the mood to flaunt your cute tats.
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Perfect stars are hard to achieve, but minimalism creates a way to draw the perfect star tattoo easily. All you need is an outline of your star, a trace with dotted lines and you’ve successfully created a minimalist star tattoo.
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A sparkle tattoo is a lovely design that looks like it shines. It looks especially good on the arm and forearm. Sparkle tattoos have a simplicity that is just amazing to have on your skin.
This is done using bold lines to display the sparkle in all its glory.
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This is a more subtle take on sparkle tattoos. The sparkles are tiny and done with thin little lines.
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Cats are lovely pets to have around, especially on those days when you feel down and have no one to talk to. They are capable of uplifting your mood simply by meowing or serving as cuddle buddies. So it makes complete sense to get a tattoo of your fury buddy done.
This is a lovely cat tattoo that shows just an outline of a beloved cat with an outline of the owner’s face and a heart in between them, showing the love they share.
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Don’t you just love the cute depiction of the furry pet in this minimalist tattoo style? The cute little creature is formed using bold lines with a charming heart between its whiskers that represents its nose. This is a charming minimal tattoo idea that will be a pure delight to have on your skin.
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Bees are loyal creatures. They are loyal to one another and to the queen of the beehive, which is why most people believe that a bee tattoo is a symbol of this very quality. Also, since bees help in the pollination of flowers, most people believe that the bee tattoo is a symbol of fertility, health and vitality, and prosperity.
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There are many different species of ants. This is the prettiest of them all. If you’re an entomologist that has a baddie side to you, then you should give this ant minimal tattoo a try.
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The moon is a beautiful thing that provides light in the darkest of nights. Moon tattoo ideas are done to serve as a reminder that there is always light even in the darkest days, we just have to find the light and hold on to it till the darkness passes.
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Minimalist sun tattoos are another meaningful tattoo idea. In most cultures, the sun signifies light and rebirth. This is because, without the sun, no organism would be able to live and thrive on earth.
Minimalist sun tattoos are usually done using negative space and fine, neat lines. Most designs are enhanced with stippling and twinkles, making them a pure pleasure to have on one’s skin. Sun tattoos are a suitable design that looks great on both men and women.
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Getting a tattoo of your zodiac sign is a way of preparing people you meet about what to expect when it comes to you.
Geminis are intelligent and extroverted, but you have to deal with their impulsive and inquisitive nature too.
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This is a cool and lovely Aries tattoo to get. Aries are ambitious but honest individuals that are excellent organizers.
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Birds are symbolic creatures that represent freedom. Getting a bird minimalist tattoo expresses the desire and eagerness to live a free and liberated life. If you’re someone that is working on trying to be more outgoing and adventurous, a bird tattoo idea is just what you need to get started on your journey to freedom.
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Butterfly minimalist tattoos symbolize beauty and femininity in the most delicate and purest form. Butterfly tattoo ideas are cute minimalist tattoos for both men and women. They also look amazing regardless of the part of your body you decide to draw them on.
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At a first glance, you might confuse this minimalist butterfly tattoo for a moth tattoo. This tattoo design is that of a delicate caterpillar that blooms into a strong butterfly. The blooming butterfly tattoo is a symbol of good fortune.
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You’ve probably never given much thought to the disco balls in clubs but this person sure has. Disco balls reflect light throughout the space it’s in. They have the same energy you give off back to you, but better.
So if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t force things and gives the same energy and vibe you get, this minimalist tattoo is a great choice.
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This coffee jug tattoo is brought to life by fine and bold lines. If you’re like me and can’t function without having at least a cup of coffee first, you can relate to why getting a coffee jug tattoo is important.
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The perfect flames are drawn here with only black lines. I love the position it is drawn in. Wearing an anklet with this tattoo will look really stunning and chic.
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The teamwork spirit of the among us characters is one worth admiring. The minimalist approach of this tattoo design shows only the basic elements of the among us characters and it looks cute, to say the least.
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If you’re a fan of ballet dancing, or you have a loved one who is a ballerina, this cute ballerina minimalist tattoo is a great option for you.
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This ‘Agenda aberta’ tattoo is a unique and gorgeous tattoo design. It is done using interesting geometric shapes that pair seamlessly to create the Portuguese phrase which means ‘open agenda’.
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Not only is this a beautiful tattoo, but it is also one of the best minimalist tattoos for science nerds. Serotonin and cholesterol chemical structures are probably the most forgotten diagrams in the history of science. So getting a tattoo design like this of serotonin or cholesterol will serve as a reminder to you whenever you forget them.
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Simple and small tattoos like these are the most basic form of minimal tattoo ideas. This cursor tattoo is done with two lines and three dots. This is a unique tattoo design that looks bold and can serve as a way of representing female energy.
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Eye tattoo designs have a range of meanings. The third eye is commonly associated with protection, guidance, knowledge, and clarity. Regardless of the meaning behind your third eye tattoo, you’re sure to garner stares as you go about your day.
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Being careful is a good attribute, but when you are too careful, you might end up living a life that is completely uneventful. Most decisions made with your head in the cloud turned out to be adventurous and memorable.
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Fan of the peaky blinders movie? If you are, you should get this iconic body art. This is a unique and badass minimal tattoo that is fearless. This looks great on the shoulder but will look better if done on the chest with a little shading added.
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Unicorns represent magic and purity. So if you are a fan of the magic la la la lands and fairytales, this rainbow color minimalist unicorn tattoo is a great choice of body art for you.
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This is an excellent choice of body art to do with your significant other. The tattoo is done using the basic elements which are enhanced by the placement of the tattoo.
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With leaves and stems that form the outline of a female face, this minimalist tattoo is a flawless yet beautiful design. This is a feminine tattoo that can be done as a way to express your femininity, passion, and fierceness.
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Sharks are fierce creatures that are not easily intimidated. Their ability to stay calm as they hunt down prey is a characteristic worth admiring. So if you’re a fan of underwater life, a shark minimalist tattoo is the best to get done to help you express your strong feelings toward marine life.
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If this isn’t creativity at its peak, I don’t know what is. The complicated drawing of the male statue’s head is tattooed to perfection with nothing but lines. The angles and dimensions of this tattoo are superb and would have taken an experienced tattoo artist to recreate.
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This minimalist dog tattoo is a simple design that brings back childhood memories. It is a fun minimalist tattoo that is doodled using lines and negative space. It would look really great if done with red ink or a little color added.
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Angel wing tattoo is a fierce tattoo done by strong-willed and intense people. It signifies freedom, strength, and protection. Some say the angel wings tattoo is a form of protection against bad luck since angels are considered to be pure and perfect.
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Anchor minimal tattoo refers to the life of the sea. If you’re like me and you derive pleasure in watching and re-watching pirate movies, getting an anchor tattoo will make sense to you.
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A minimalist tattoo focuses on the basic elements of a design. Minimalist tattoo design proves that less is more. Most of these tattoo ideas speak volumes with just a few strokes of your tattoo pen.
Minimalist tattoo size ranges from 5 – 6 inches. However, this depends on the tattoo style you choose. Some tattoo designs have parts that spread wider, while others have just a single part. The most important thing is to make sure that the tattoo is done in fine lines and with as little shading as possible since this is what makes up a minimalist tattoo.
