Sketches of tattoos for men on paper. Small tattoos for men: beautiful designs

We welcome tattoo lovers and those who are just starting to get acquainted with this topic!

On this page you can familiarize yourself with original sketches, photos and drawings Tattoo. All works are the property of the artists and are posted exclusively for information and development of their unique ideas.

For your convenience, the catalog is divided into subsections with different styles.
The navigation is organized in alphabetical order.
Each sketch is accompanied by information about the author, a selection of similar works and the opportunity to discuss it with portal visitors.

Why choose an original sketch?

It would seem that the question is so simple that it requires no explanation. Nevertheless, with the presence of smart artists and an endless amount of information on the global Internet, there are those who want to get a tattoo “like in the picture.” Many people don’t see the difference between a regular drawing and a sketch for a tattoo, but this is very important! Not all pictures from the World Wide Web are suitable for application to the body, but many of them can be processed into an individual sketch (taking into account contouring, shadows and color rendering).

Let’s look step by step at what lies the value of an individual sketch.

A person with a tattoo in a prominent place should be prepared for increased public attention. Some will simply look at the drawings with interest, while others will not hesitate to ask questions. After the standard topics about whether it hurts, how much it costs and what it will look like in old age, you will hear: “What does it mean?” . If your picture is not entirely obvious =) And here few people like to answer: “Nothing, I found it on Google” or “I don’t know, it was in the catalog of standard sketches.” Nobody says that all drawings on the body should have a deep meaning, which needs to be talked about while raising your hands to the sky and rolling your eyes. But it’s much more pleasant when you are aware of what you put on your body and can easily explain your motives (at least to yourself, because no one is obliged to account for their tattoos to anyone else). Of course, someone decides to put a drawing on the body absolutely spontaneously, under the influence of some emotional events. As a rule, such clients then come to get their “masterpiece” mixed.
Since a body with a tattoo is an object of creativity, it is worth thinking about how many people want to become the owners of a second-rate work of art? We are now talking about tattoos - copies. After all, the originals are priceless examples of the greatest craftsmanship. Only authentic specimens are exhibited in museums and bought into private collections. No one will read the scribbles of an amateur when the greatest works of the literary genre are available. That is why an original sketch, developed individually for you, is so highly valued.
An experienced and talented master is always happy to work with clients who bring him new and reckless ideas. As an artist, he wants to create and create (but sometimes also destroy) =) Avoid tattoo artists who offer to replicate the design of one of their clients. A tattoo is a private artistic property in a single copy. It should not be repeated on the body for everyone.

Study original author's sketches on our website, gain ideas and fly to your master on creative wings =) Together you will create a unique example of an artistic tattoo that will become your companion for life.

Despite the fact that most tattoos can be classified as unisex, in modern culture, there is still such a thing as tattoos for men. The main difference is that such a drawing in most cases symbolizes something or carries an encrypted meaning. In the same time women's tattoo is rather a method of decorating the body and cool way attracting men.

Of course, many young guys get tattoos just to stand out from their surroundings. But true fans of body painting still take every tattoo seriously. This unspoken tradition dates back to ancient times, when drawings on the body were an important element of a man’s self-identification in society. The tattoo simultaneously played the role of a passport, was used to intimidate enemies and was an original adornment of a strong male body.

An interesting fact is that the culture of men's tattoos in our country is in close contact with the prison environment. It was there that tattoos received special recognition, becoming an element in determining a person’s place in the criminal hierarchy. By the way, it wouldn’t hurt to find out the prison meaning of the symbol you choose before getting a tattoo. You wouldn’t want a harmless decoration to play a cruel joke on you, would you?

Choosing a tattoo for men

Before you start choosing a design for a men's tattoo, it is worth answering the question of what this or that symbol means. A tattoo is a kind of totem that will be your companion, assistant and talisman everywhere. The owner of the tattoo must choose a plot that will reflect his character traits or those qualities that a particular person would like to acquire. For a representative of the stronger sex, an excellent choice of tattoos would be symbols denoting will, dominance and determination to win. That is why you can often find tattoos depicting a predator on the bodies of men, because these are the creatures that have frightened and dominated the animal world for thousands of years. Among possible options Let's note the following:

or These animals symbolize strength and courage, social dominance, calmness and rebellion.
This animal signifies strength and tenacity, steadfastness and enormous potential.
Since ancient times, this animal has been the personification of freedom and self-sufficiency.

Among the alternative popular male characters Let's note the following tattoos:

This symbol personifies the frailty of life and subsequent incarnation, although at first glance it looks very frightening.
Weapon. It can be either cold or firearms. Such tattoos symbolize the love of freedom and the desire to win.
Armor. Such a tattoo on the shoulder or chest represents masculinity and invulnerability.
Very popular among men who have certain life principles and express them through verbal symbols or even mottos.
Patterns. A very popular male format is patterns and tribal patterns on the shoulders and forearms. Such tattoos are more likely to act as decoration than to symbolize something deeper.

As you can see, tattoos for guys and men have their own specifics. Body painting for the stronger sex is a way of self-expression and creative embodiment of their victories. But there is also something pragmatic in a tattoo for a man. In particular, tattoo fans will be pleasantly surprised to learn that girls unconsciously perceive a tattoo on a man’s body as a victory trophy or a battle scar. Have no doubt - such a warrior will not go unnoticed by the fair half of humanity.

Men's tattoos can differ not only in styles, methods of application, location, complexity of sketches or colors, but also in size. If we consider a small tattoo for men, then this option is preferred by calm, reserved men, conservatives who prefer minimalism and laconicism.

Not every man can afford a large, bright tattoo due to his image and circumstances. For them, this article will collect the best sketches and ideas for small tattoos, rules for their execution, choice of location, color and style options. Only by taking into account all the points can a high-quality result be obtained.

Today, small tattoos most often act as a first experience. But this does not mean that small tattoos are in any way inferior to large-scale and beautiful compositions. They have their own charm, mystery and ease of perception. We offer you the top list best ideas little ones men's tattoos:

Anchor- a symbolic drawing that indicates that a man has made his decision in life, has a clear position and principles, is self-confident and unshakable.

Child's foot print- a popular tattoo among new dads, it is a symbol of love for their child, devotion, and bringing the family to the forefront.

Butterfly- a symbol of freedom, relaxedness, inspiration, love of life.

Hieroglyph– inscriptions are most relevant today; most often men choose Asian letters to emphasize their mystery and the depth of their inner world.

Compass- a symbol of steadfast principles, confidence and balance, as well as a thirst for adventure.

Zodiac sign– used as an amulet and talisman against weaknesses, evil, ill-wishers, enhances the best aspects of character.

Cross- a divine symbol that performs a protective function against dark forces, failures, and misfortunes.

Eagle– personifies spiritual strength, freedom, power and wisdom in a man.

Mountains – philosophical meaning tattoos that speak of the wisdom, will and invincibility of a man, his ability to conquer any heights.

Triangle with an eye inside- such an all-seeing eye, saying that God himself is inside a man, supporting and protecting him from failures and temptations.

Expert opinion

Viola Madison

Tattoo artist, 8 years experience

To understand how appropriate and justified small tattoos are for guys, it’s worth highlighting their main advantages. This is a minimum of pain, ease of care, fast healing, clarity of the pattern, low price, comfort.

Why do men choose small tattoos?

It has long been believed that the less a body design is seen by others, the deeper its sacred meaning and the stronger its influence on fate. The first men's tattoos were not in the form of huge canvases on the arms, back or chest. These were symbols, runes, drawings of mythical creatures, animals and birds in secluded places on a small scale.

Today mini tattoos are chosen for a number of reasons:

This is a great way to express yourself;
the drawing procedure is quick and minimally painful;
a small tattoo can be easily removed with a laser;
small body designs are less susceptible to wear;
the procedure does not require complex preparation and care;
tattoos are less traumatic for the skin and heal faster;
this is also an economical, low-cost option;
huge selection sketches;
conciseness, minimalism, ease of perception.

And the reaction of the environment to small body drawings will not be so expressive and ambiguous, this is especially true in a work and official setting. It is worth noting that such simple tattoos suit men of all ages, different temperaments and images.

Where do men most often get small tattoos?

How a tattoo will “work” with meaning largely depends on its location on the body. Small tattoos can be placed anywhere, but they will fit most harmoniously into small areas of the male body.

Shoulder

The shoulders are responsible for the reliability and strength of a man, which means that a tattoo can be applied here, giving the character courage, masculinity, strength, and self-confidence. For example, an anchor, the muzzles of strong animals, birds.

Forearm

On the forearm, a tattoo is more demonstrative in nature, used for self-expression. Inscriptions are most often placed here, various mythical and real animals that you want to imitate.

Wrist tattoo

The wrist is the most sensual area, as it traces the pulse and connection with the human heart. Therefore, on the wrist they perform at the same time simple, but the most deeply meaningful personal tattoos - inscriptions, symbols.

Tattoos on the palm, hand and fingers

Hands are important energy center, this is how a man earns money, develops, and influences the world. Various amulets, talismans, and amulets are placed here to protect oneself from wrong decisions and actions. Tattoos are also appropriate here, as they awaken creativity.

Tattoo sleeve

A sleeve is a complex composition that cannot imply the presence of a small tattoo. There may be black and white or color pictures consisting of different characters and objects.

Neck

The ideal place for cool, laconic tattoos is the neck. Inscriptions are often placed here, such as the credo of life and the principles of a man, symbols and objects that can affect consciousness and worldview, and improve brain function.

Breast

They will look harmonious on the chest different variants tattoos, whether objects, symbols, animals or birds. Their main task is to protect against dangers and risks to life.

Side

On the side, men most often depict personal drawings related to matters of the heart and soul. If these are animals, a man strives to imitate them; if they are symbols, they are needed for balance and self-confidence; if they are inscriptions, they relate to family and love.

Hip

Tattoos on the hips can affect the intimate component of life, relationships with a significant other, and emotional background. Overly emotional and passionate natures choose sketches that help achieve balance; men who are too tight and constrained, on the contrary, choose what will awaken fire and passion.

Back

The back is the most neutral zone, that is, the meaning of a small tattoo will directly depend on the sketch itself. Animals, birds, insects, plants, symbols, as well as different parts of the drawings, for example, angel wings, paw prints, etc., will look harmonious here.

Spatula

On the shoulder blades there are points of concentration of the will, which means that tattoos with a healing meaning, religious symbols, objects with meaning can be applied here, which will help pacify the EGO and base desires.

Leg

Tattoos on the legs often work like magnets that attract good luck, success, love, and happiness into a man’s life. Ideal choice sketch on the legs - signs of the zodiac and constellations, which are the most powerful amulet and amulet.

Tips for applying a tattoo involve 3 stages. Namely:

Preparation. Make a sketch of the tattoo, do not use other people’s ideas, print the finished version on a photo in order to take it to the artist. Before the procedure, it is prohibited to drink alcohol or take medications. Determine the place for the tattoo, color, style of execution.
Procedure. Conduct a paint allergy test with your technician. Set a time for yourself to work so that you are prepared for time spent sitting still.
Care. Listen to all the tips from the master on caring for a healing area of skin. First, the tattoo will be covered with a film, later it will be removed, and the skin will be treated with various drugs.

Important! Find out the price of a tattoo in advance, as this is not a cheap pleasure. It is better to be prepared for financial waste in advance. Do not save on tattoos by choosing unverified artists.

How to choose a tattoo design?

To make choosing a design for a small tattoo easier, ask yourself a series of guiding questions.

Where will the tattoo be placed, what size will it be? Taking into account the anatomical shape of the body and the principle of proportionality between the tattoo and the area, you can narrow down the search for sketches.
Will it be a picture or an ornament? For ornaments, you can choose different appropriate styles (tribal, Maori, Polynesian, Celtic, etc.). Patterns are usually executed in a primarily designed format. Each style accepts a certain complexity and scale, and based on them the sketch is determined in relation to the place on the body.
Is this your first tattoo? For the first experience, choose simple tattoos with positive energy, for example, inscriptions or zodiac signs. In the future, you will already know what a tattoo is, how receptive you are, what you want from a tattoo.
How many small tattoos are you planning on getting? Remember that many miniature tattoos on the body will not look aesthetically pleasing, if not vulgar.
What is the purpose of a tattoo? If you are not striving for changes in life, use different neutral sketches - animals, birds, nature, inscriptions, characters. if you have weak sides, the sketch should work to enhance exactly the opposite qualities. You need protection and good luck, in which case choose amulets and amulets.

Do you like small, discreet tattoos?

YesNo

Styles and colors that are popular for small tattoos

It is difficult to clearly narrow down the choice of styles for small tattoos due to the huge selection of designs and ideas. But most often in Lately masters resort to the following methods of execution:

Tribal, Celtic, Polynesian– original execution of patterns, abstractions and ornaments;

Minimalism– small, laconic tattoos without unnecessary details and lines;

Graphic arts– predominance of straight and clear lines;

Oriental- East style;

Geometry – perfect style for symbolism, conveying pictures in geometric shapes.

The main emphasis in the execution of small tattoos is on black and white, especially if they are symbols, inscriptions, or small objects. If living creatures or nature are depicted, the master can use different colors of red, green, blue, brown, yellow color and their similar shades.

Symbols that a small tattoo can be combined with

Small tattoos can be radically modified with the help of additional symbols, as well as their meaning. The most commonly used symbols are:

Inscriptions

Flame

Cross

Scull

Flowers

Hieroglyphs

Weapon

Lightning

Heart

Stars

The choice of symbol directly depends on the semantic and emotional message of the tattoo, its theme and sacred meaning.

Where is the best place to get a tattoo?

Small tattoos do not require special skill and experience, but this does not mean that you can turn to untested artists or amateurs. You can only get guarantees of safety and quality results in a licensed tattoo parlor.

Conclusion

Small tattoos are most often done by men purely for personal reasons, choosing secluded places on the body. Their advantages are ease of execution, external laconicism and restraint, a minimum of unnecessary attention, and deep sacred meaning. All that remains is to choose cool idea, draw up a personal sketch, select an area on the body, style and color scheme for it.

Tattoo art is equally loved by both the male population of the planet and representatives of the fair half of humanity. However, the aesthetic requirements for tattoos are absolutely different for boys and girls. If lovely ladies want elegant patterns and cute images designed to emphasize the tenderness and sophistication of female nature, men, on the contrary, strive to emphasize their brutality, strength and masculinity.

Such different requirements for body designs ultimately divided tattoo art into exclusively female images and tattoos for men.

The meaning of men's tattoos

Tattoos for men offer a huge selection of themes and styles for images on the body, but they all have a number of characteristic features in common.

Firstly, a tattoo can be a great way for a man to express himself. A design applied to the body can emphasize the individuality of its owner. For example, an image can be associated with a profession, hobbies or favorite genre of music, and express the basic life principles and ideals of a person.

Secondly, a tattoo can perform a decorative function, making a man’s image brutal, strong, and strong-willed, which is important when a person needs to gain self-confidence.

Thirdly, a tattoo image can carry a sacred meaning, serving its owner as a protective amulet and talisman, or be a reminder of extremely important and memorable events that once played a key role in a man’s fate.

Tattoo themes

The themes and ideas of men's tattoos are interesting and diverse, because every person on earth is an individual who has his own interests and views on life. The whole variety of themes for men's tattoos can be divided into main groups:

ornamental motifs (these include tattoos in the tribal style, geometric patterns, Scandinavian, ancient Slavic, Celtic, ancient Greek motifs, mandalas);
images of plants (the most popular are tattoos of the tree of life, blackthorn, marijuana leaves, thistle, wild rose);
images of predatory animals (fierce tigers, wolves, wolverines, bears, snakes, dragons);
image (for example, Katrina’s skull using the “old school” technique or a realistic drawing made according to all the rules of anatomy);
images of people (men often paint their favorite characters from films, actors, singers, portraits of their own children or drawings in the Chicano style on their bodies);
caricatures (for example, characters from manga, comics, cartoons, computer games using the “new school” technique);
detailed plots (they can be favorite scenes from films, epic sea battles);
tattoos in the form of inscriptions (for example, quotes from your favorite philosophers, names of dear people, your own life credo);
tattoos in the form of a samurai (one of the popular trends male tattoo, a depiction of a Japanese warrior in a decorative or realistic style).

Did you know? According to research conducted in 2011, currently every fourth man on earth has at least one tattoo on his body.

Stylistic decision and color design of the tattoo

Depending on the chosen theme of the tattoo, it can be designed in different ways. For example, ornamental motifs (tribal tattoos, ancient Greek ornaments, mandalas) can be applied using only black dye. The main advantage of a monochrome image is its graphic nature. A men's ornamental tattoo, made in one color, looks interesting and beautiful.

Tattoo inscriptions, small drawings in the style of minimalism, as well as Chicano tattoos will look harmonious and stylish in black and white.

There are, however, original tattoos, the expressiveness of which is largely achieved through the use of a rich palette of colors. For example, images of plants, animals and cartoon characters in the “old school” and “new school” styles are distinguished by their brightness and decorativeness; the use of several colors in these types of tattoos is simply mandatory.

When applying subject paintings to the body, as well as realistic portraits of people, animals and plants, the use of a color palette depends on the wishes of the customer. Such tattoos look extremely attractive and interesting both in monochrome form and using a rich palette of shades.

Location of tattoo images on the body

Large tattoos (for example, epic subject paintings, Chicano style tattoos, portraits of people, three-dimensional images of animals and plants) can be placed on large surfaces of the body, for example in the area