27 meaningful tattoos for introverts
Tattoos not only make a style statement — they can also reflect someone's personality.
While extroverts may gravitate toward large, colorful tattoos, introverts may find that a small, delicate tattoo can make a quieter statement more reflective of their personality.
If you're an introvert looking for a gorgeous but simple tattoo, consider some of these ideas for meaningful tattoos.
1. "Timshel"
#mare #tatoo #tupuoi #ele #timshel
A post shared by Massimo Corbella (@corbymax) on Jul 12, 2015 at 8:24am PDT
"Timshel" is a famous quote from John Steinbeck's novel East of Eden. The word itself means "thou mayest." As a subtle tattoo, it is meant to remind people that they always have a choice.
2. Music notes
#musicnote #musictattoo #musicnotetattoo #gclef #gcleftattoo #wristtattoo #watercolortattoo
A post shared by • #standout • (@nerdy.tattoos) on Mar 28, 2015 at 8:50am PDT
Small music note tattoos are easy to conceal (especially if placed behind the ear) and are a daily reminder that music is, indeed, life.
3. Arm bands
A post shared by Ivy Lavelle (@pootsmcscrooglifatch) on Jul 27, 2015 at 2:39pm PDT
Arm band tattoos can be either dainty or bold, depending on a personal preference for line thickness, and can be both fashionable and symbolic.
4. Small dots
Poked some lovely wee dots on beautiful @leanneeek ?? . . . #handtattoo #stickandpoke #dottattoo
A post shared by Jenny Eden (@fox.child.of.the.forest) on Aug 6, 2018 at 3:23pm PDT
Dot tattoos look like natural beauty marks. They're meaningful in the sense that the number or pattern of the dots can symbolize different aspects of one's life, but hardly anyone will really see them. The ellipsis pattern tattoo above could symbolize infinity.
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5. Basic wave
A post shared by Evi-Madeleine (@emp_sf) on Jun 7, 2015 at 5:54pm PDT
Get back to the simpler forms of popular tattoos. The outline of a wave is petite, adorable tattoo and maintains your connection to peaceful water.
6. Alchemy symbols
???????????? #elements #magick #oppositeskeepbalance #alchemytattoo
A post shared by Helena ?? (@bloodxstone) on Jul 3, 2018 at 2:59pm PDT
Alchemy symbol tattoos are especially great for those who feel a connection to the earthly elements. The triangular shapes are each significant, without being overly showy.
7. Egyptian hieroglyphs
A post shared by Fiona Erdmann (@milumeebyfionaerdmann) on Jul 21, 2015 at 7:20am PDT
Depending on your background, Egyptian hieroglyph tattoos may be personally meaningful. Once used by Ancient Egyptians as their writing system, the symbols can make for small, intricate tattoos.
8. Outline of a country or state
A post shared by Rach Wilson (@rachhhhwilson) on Oct 24, 2014 at 10:01pm PDT
An alternative to tattooing a map of the world on your arm is getting the outline of a country or state that holds particular significance to you. Whether it's where you studied abroad in college or the state you grew up in, the inked outline tattoo is creative way to commemorate a special place.
9. Roman numerals
A post shared by Riley Tattoo&art (@riley_tattoo_art) on Aug 4, 2018 at 9:06am PDT
Rather than tattooing a loved one's birthdate, opt for a roman numeral tattoo instead. Roman numerals give tattoos a clean, organized feel, and they can easily be hidden from sight.
10. Rings
Rings (c) @xoxotattoo @vadersdye Hamburg
A post shared by tattrx (tá•triks) (@tattrx) on Jun 10, 2015 at 5:07pm PDT
From engagement rings to thick jewel replicas, the variations of ring tattoos are almost limitless.
They can be diminutive or bold, which makes them perfect for a variety of personalities and meanings. The designs above resemble traditional Indian henna designs, which are usually applied to hands and feet and represent good luck and health.
11. Paper plane
Take me away ?? #tattoo #paperplanetattoo
A post shared by Ging J. (@garingz) on Jul 29, 2018 at 10:28pm PDT
A paper plane tattoo is a minimal ink choice for the avid traveler. It's creative and also signifies a more youthful, fun-loving personality.
12. Heartbeat
A post shared by Silvia Nicol Taronna (@nickblack96) on Aug 12, 2018 at 5:49am PDT
Also known as a pulse, this tattoo signifies life. The heartbeat tattoo manages to make a huge statement in an understated way.
13. Needle and thread
A post shared by Kelly Maxwell (@kmax_x_x) on Aug 13, 2015 at 10:02am PDT
Perfect for fashion lovers and creators, a needle and thread tattoo gets back to the basics with its simple yet elegant design.
14. Constellation
A post shared by ????? ?? (@tattooist_banul) on Sep 7, 2015 at 4:35am PDT
Doctor Who fans and astronomy lovers will find beauty in the design of a small constellation tattoo. With lines, dots, and stars, there are infinite design possibilities to be discovered.
15. Cat silhouette
A post shared by Matthew Lo (@malaigo) on Aug 21, 2018 at 1:29pm PDT
While portraits of cats make wonderful tattoos, cat silhouettes show a more refined love for felines. Compact and unembellished, these simple cat tattoos are easier to hide.
16. Outline of a camera
A post shared by ?????????? ?? ?????????????? (@itsjustcavan) on Jun 19, 2018 at 6:50pm PDT
Show your love for photography with an unembellished camera tattoo. The simplicity of the design is aesthetically pleasing and artsy.
17. Tiny tree
A post shared by ????? ? (@tattooist_flower) on Sep 11, 2015 at 1:00am PDT
Whether it be a leafless tree in the winter or a blooming springtime sapling, a tiny tree tattoo shows a passion for nature in a unique way.
18. "C'est la vie"
A post shared by Lauren Trent (@lauren_trent_xo) on May 25, 2014 at 8:28am PDT
Translated as "that's life," this French quote may mean different things to everyone, and having it as a tattoo can help inspire our most thoughtful moods.
19. Carpe diem
Seize the moment, today is the day to create your future???? #CarpeDiem
A post shared by @ klaudia.fracz on Jun 1, 2018 at 11:14am PDT
Meaning "seize the day," this quote, written by author Henry David Thoreau, was made famous by Robin William's character in Dead Poet's Society. The original "YOLO," it sounds fancier and looks great tattooed.
20. Paw print
A post shared by Carlos (@rodric53) on Mar 4, 2015 at 3:41pm PST
Show your love for your furry friend by adding a paw print tattoo to your collection. The small design allows it to be placed nearly anywhere, so you might even consider a pair of paws.
21. Basic sun
A post shared by Gabriella Alvarado Sagastume (@wawi26) on Nov 24, 2014 at 6:39pm PST
The sun can represent many different things from happiness to creation, but tattooing a giant fireball on your body may seem too extroverted for your taste. Instead, try a simple sun tattoo design.
22. Snowflakes
#minitattoo #tattooforgirls #snowflaketattoo #blackink #tattoo
A post shared by De'lil g (@tattooist.lilg) on Aug 6, 2018 at 3:34am PDT
Snowflakes have a subtle beauty in their design that makes them perfect for tattoos. Unique and beautiful, a snowflake tattoo is demure and can have many different and significant meanings.
23. "So it goes"
A post shared by Petey Pineapple (@petelongworth) on Sep 5, 2015 at 5:08am PDT
"So it goes" was penned by Kurt Vonnegut in his novel Slaughterhouse-Five. In his work, it symbolized that life goes on.
24. Little Prince
A post shared by Gabriella Alvarado Sagastume (@wawi26) on Nov 24, 2014 at 6:36pm PST
This simple tattoo is an ode to The Little Prince, a famed children's book. The tattoo itself is an optical illusion: Adults often see a hat, while children (and adults with an imagination) see a snake which has eaten an elephant. It's a clever reminder to not take oneself too seriously, and to keep in touch with one's child-like creativity.
25. City skyline
A post shared by Giorgio Foiadelli (@tattoocliniqve) on Aug 2, 2018 at 11:40am PDT
Whether it's one particular city or a combination of many, this city skyling tattoo will let you remember your travels in a permanent way.
26. Laurel wreath
A post shared by Tattooist ?? (@tattooist_juda) on Aug 1, 2017 at 1:59am PDT
The two interlocking branches that form a laurel wreath is a symbol of a great achievement and victory. Having a laurel wreath tattoo can act as a positive reminder of all your successes in life.
27. Lotus Flower
A post shared by mayart tattoo (@mayart_tattoo) on Aug 6, 2018 at 12:02pm PDT
The lotus flower grows in the bleakest of conditions and its seeds can still germinate hundreds of years after being deprived of water. Having a lotus flower tattoo can help evoke a strong will to persevere and carry on in even the worst of conditions.
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This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2018.