Pirate Tattoo Photo #8584

Common motifs include ships, compasses, skulls, anchors, and maps. This guide covers style, placement, and practical design choices for ships and compasses.

Blackwork tattoos use solid black ink in bold, graphic compositions. The style ranges from large filled areas and heavy patterns to intricate designs that rely on contrast between ink and bare skin.

The upper arm is a classic tattoo placement with enough space for medium to large designs. It's easy to cover with a short sleeve and serves as a natural starting point for a half or full sleeve.