Tattoo designs and ideas

500tattoos is a tattoo idea library with photo inspiration and practical context. Browse designs by keyword, explore popular styles, and learn the meaning behind common tattoo symbols.

Tattoo meanings and symbolism

A tattoo can be pure aesthetics, a personal reminder, or a symbol with a long history. Understanding the most common interpretations helps you choose a design that fits your story and avoids unwanted meanings.

Popular tattoo styles and themes

From fine-line minimalism to bold traditional work, style changes the entire mood of a tattoo. Explore styles like watercolor, Maori, and Japanese, plus themes like animals, mythology, and geometric concepts to find ideas that match your taste.

How to choose a tattoo design

Start with a theme you genuinely like, then pick a style that fits your taste and skin tone. Compare a few photo examples, think about placement and size, and save 2–3 references before talking to an artist.

Placement ideas (where tattoos look best)

Placement affects size, readability, and how a design ages. Small pieces often work well on the wrist or ankle, while larger compositions suit the forearm, upper arm, shoulder, back, or thigh.

Browse tattoo ideas from A to Z

Use the A–Z index to discover tattoo pages by keyword, then open a topic to see photo examples and variations. If you're not sure where to start, check the popular ideas, styles, and trending pages below.

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