Smiley face Tattoo Photo #12168
The smiley face is a deceptively simple icon with a rich countercultural history. From its origins as a 1960s graphic design commission to its adoption by acid house ravers and grunge musicians, the yellow circle with two dots and a curve has meant optimism, irony, and resistance in different decades.
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.