Shoulder Tattoo Ideas to Inspire Your Next Ink

Shoulder tattoos have slowly started to become a popular choice for many who want to express themselves through body art. Our shoulder often serves as the perfect canvas for larger-than-life, intricate designs that allow people to show off their creativity however they like. But the best part is that with a shoulder tattoo, you can choose when to show off and when to conceal your tattoo.

Since the shoulder provides such a vast space to let loose our creativity we can go from sketching pieces of history to cinema to books to family on our skin.

The History and Symbolism of Shoulder Tattoos

Shoulder tattoos have long since main character in human history. There is evidence of shoulder tattoos that date back to the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. People of these cultures would often show off their power, status, and bravery. To this day, shoulder tattoos still hold significant meaning as they serve as a way of expressing oneself without saying too much. It is a way for an individual to commemorate significant moments in their life.

While your tattoos are customized to suit you, your personality, and/or your experiences, one of the most popular tattoo designs is the eagle. The animal represents independence, freedom, and strength. Other well-known designs are portraits of loved ones, flowers, nature, tribal patterns, and quotes. The shoulder allows versatility with a large range of designs that can be either bold and graphic or intricate and delicate.

Getting Started With Your Shoulder Tattoo

There are a couple of variables you need to keep in mind when you are thinking about getting a shoulder tattoo. For example, one of the first things you need to think about is the space you have to work with when thinking about getting your shoulder tattoo. You can go for a minimalistic tattoo to contrast the space that your shoulder provides, or you can take advantage of that space and get something colossal sketched on it.

Also, think about the clothes you wear on a day-to-day basis. Are you someone who mostly wears full sleeves? Or maybe you often wear sleeveless or half sleeves. Perhaps you mix it up and don’t go a significant route with your sleeves. If you are team full sleeves but want to show off your tattoo then you will want to place your tattoo a little closer to your collarbone. Or maybe you might have to get on the half-sleeved or sleeveless shirt bandwagon. So, make sure you take your clothes into account before you get a shoulder tattoo.

Shoulder Tattoo Design Ideas

Small Shoulder Tattoo Designs

There is no limit to what can be done with a small tattoo on the shoulder. With small shoulder tattoos less is sometimes more. The shoulder is part of the body that commands attention without putting real effort into it. Hence, even if you like a tiny shoulder design then don’t worry, with the right design you will make enough of an impact.

Big and Round Tattoo Designs

Surely, you might have noticed the way round designs can fill space on the shoulder and create an effect that catches the eye. Here are a few ideas for you if you are looking for some motifs that are round but impactful, to get your creative engine running.

Mandala: these are delicate patterns that are circular in shape and are often inspired by religious and spiritual concepts and symbolism. These designs tend to vary from highly detailed to simple, which is what makes them versatile and eye-catching options for a shoulder tattoo pattern.

Floral: floral circular patterns like a single rose in bloom or a wreath of flowers make for a stunning, natural-seeming tattoo. Moreover, you can also customize your designs with flowers and colors of your choice.

Nautical-themed tattoos: a compass-style rose or a nautical-framed wheel design can showcase your affinity with travel, nature, and adventure. The shape of your shoulder will perfectly match the circular shape of these symbols.

Yin and Yang: the yin and yang symbols represent harmony and balance, making them a meaningful choice for a tattoo. The design sits beautifully on the shoulder and works both ways if you want to add colors or just keep the look black and white.

Tribal: tribal patterns circular in shape often make for a bold and captivating tattoo choice. These designs are made up of delicate designs and shapes that can be often personalized to show off your unique heritage and story.

Zodiac symbols: if you are a fan of astrology then a round zodiac wheel of maybe your zodiac constellation will often make for a beautiful and personalized tattoo design.

Circular texts: if you want to ink your favorite quote, mantra, or saying then you can have it wrapped around your shoulder. This will let you carry your inspiration around with you wherever you go.

Watercolor shoulder tattoos

If you love art or are someone who likes beauty that is unconventional then you can opt for a watercolor shoulder tattoo. These tattoos are made of stunning brushstroke-like effects that blend colors effortlessly for a captivating, synchronized look. The best part about watercolor tattoos is that they are incredibly versatile as well. You can select from any abstract expression from your personality to captivating recreations of artwork you like.

Tribal shoulder tattoos

Those who want to proudly carry their heritage, cultural identity, and family values with them can get a tribal tattoo. They make for visually appealing inks that can be personally significant and treasured as well. These tattoos are made up of bold patterns and intricate lines that take inspiration from several indigenous communities. When you go for a tribal shoulder tattoo you carry a piece of origins and history constantly with you.

Nature Shoulder Tattoos

If you love the great outdoors or feel a deep connection to Mother Earth then nature-inspired ink designs are the one for you. Whether it is gorgeous landscapes and stunning trees to miniature delicate foliage, you have all the options here. You can pick a scene that you love and detail it to your tattoo artist and let them create magic on your skin.

In conclusion

These tattoos are yours and shoulder tattoos can be significant inks that can be captivating to look at. However, you need to remember that shoulder tattoos can be painful and so you need to study which region holds the most pain range. The closer you are to the bone the more painful it will be. However, the pain will be worth it once you see the final product so strategize properly.