40+ Minimalist Tattoo Ideas That Prove Less Is More

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If you’re contemplating getting inked, choosing the right permanent artwork for your body can be a little daunting. If you’re put off by garish tattoo designs, something simple and elegant might be the right choice for you. Whether you want to pay homage to your favorite city with a simple skyline or celebrate your love of nature with delicate petals and leaves, it’s hard to go wrong with a minimalist tattoo.

The ethos of minimalism is that “less is more.” Clean, crisp, and timeless, tattoos in this style often feature graphic lines, geometric shapes, and subtle dot work. Many minimalist tattoo artists are opting for single needles rather than multi-needle machines. This allows them to render ultra-delicate designs that often look like monochromic pencil sketches on the skin. However, minimalism doesn’t always have to look dainty. Other artists use clean, single lines to create graphic, abstract shapes that make a bold statement.

If you do opt for a minimalist tattoo, be aware that the smaller and more intricate the detailing is, the more chance it will get blurred over time. One way to keep your tattoo looking fresh is to ensure that you follow the proper healing procedures, such as keeping it moisturized while it heals, and keeping it out of the sun.

In this list, we’ve included some of My Modern Met’s favorite tattoo artists such as Lindsay Asselstine and her elegant floral tattoos; Bicem Sinik’s monochromatic fine line and dot-filled body art; Lee Stewart’s gestural brush stroke ink; and the stunning continuous line tattoos of Berlin-based artist Mo Ganji. Read on to find the right tattoo style for you.

Thinking of getting a tattoo? Scroll down for some inspiring minimalist tattoo ideas.

 

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This article has been edited and updated.

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