Ship Tattoo Photo #5947

From 18th-century sailor marks to modern nautical sleeves, the ship represents adventure, freedom, and the courage to navigate unknown waters. The vessel type-galleon, clipper, ghost ship, or Viking longship-shapes the design's personality.

Using lines of varying thickness to define shape and depth, linework tattoos achieve expression through economy. The absence of shading keeps the focus on the quality and flow of each stroke.

The ribcage offers a private placement that only shows when the wearer chooses. Its curved surface adds dimension to designs, though the area is known for being one of the more sensitive spots to tattoo.