22 Abstract Tattoos That’ll Make You “Ink” Outside The Box

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If there’s anything you need to know about abstract tattoos, it’s that the more intricate designs are worth the extra time, energy, and effort. Ideally, you won’t need to break the bank to get a tattoo that looks like a work of art – but if you do, don’t sweat it.

Abstract tattoos are becoming more and more popular with time, and we totally see why. They’re unexpected, unhinged, and like nothing you’ve seen at your local tattoo parlor. They’re permanent works of art that accentuate the curvatures of your body, move, flow, and do everything other tattoos don’t.

Abstract ink is truly captivating and it’s exactly what you think it is. It’s a piece of your mind that consists of shapes, lines, patterns, and colors and doesn’t depict one specific thing. It depicts everything you want it to depict. In case you’re looking for ideas and inspiration, scroll down below.

1. A freehand abstract tattoo on the shoulder

When you commit to an abstract tattoo, we suggest you experiment with a freehand tattoo, too. Freehand tattoos are perfect because they’re drawn without a stencil which means that the tattoo artist uses multiple permanent colored markers to draw the design on the skin – much more freedom!

2. An abstract leg sleeve

What about an abstract tattoo across the entire leg? Whether you opt for a leg sleeve or a simple fine-line tattoo that stretches from your thighs to your toes, you can truly experiment with different styles and shapes when you’re working with substantial real estate.

3. A black and red abstract tattoo on the forearm

Blackwork tattoos are always on trend, but we’re seeing quite a surge of red tattoos, too. If you’re looking for something a little different, you might want to work with your tattoo artist and combine the two.

4. An abstract bracelet tattoo

We already mentioned that abstract tattoos typically require quite a lot of time and effort, but that’s not always the case. If you opt for a simple, sleek bracelet tattoo, you’ll be in and out of the tattoo parlor before you know it – you can even get a tattoo on your coffee break.

5. A splatter-style abstract tattoo on the back of the arm

Splatter-style tattoos are quite popular, too, especially among tattoo-getters who want the tattoo to appear more organic and natural rather than geometric. What’s great about abstract tattoos is that you can work with your tattoo artist and come up with a style that works with your aesthetic and vibe.

6. An abstract tattoo of a bird on the inside of the arm

We can’t forget about the fact that abstract tattoos aren’t always made of simple dots, lines, and shapes that look like nothing – they’re made to represent everyday tattoos without the boring, basic realism. With an abstract bird tattoo, for example, you’ll look so much cooler than with a realistic bird tattoo.

7. An abstract line tattoo

We’ve got another delicate and dainty abstract tattoo for modern minimalists! Nowadays, minimalistic tattoos are all the rage because they’re much more elegant and effortless. When you decide to get a minimalistic tattoo, consider getting an organic, natural line stretching across a body part of your choice.

8. A geometric abstract tattoo

We touched upon the fact that abstract tattoos are typically made of dots, lines, and shapes that represent, well, something. Oftentimes, people opt for geometric tattoos because each shape represents a different meaning and each shape tells a story of something that matters to the wearer.

9. A brushstroke abstract tattoo

Brushtroke tattoos are abstract, too! Whether you opt for a brushstroke sleeve or a specific symbol made up of brushstrokes, you’re guaranteed to look like the coolest dude (or chick!) on the block. Brushtroke tattoos are typically made with black ink, but you’re free to experiment with different colors, too.

10. A Japanese abstract tattoo

Japanese tattoos are some of the most intricate, incredible tattoos out there, and they’re a great starting point when you’re struggling to come up with a style that speaks to you the most. Japanese tattoos are inspired by Japanese mythology, folklore, and art. 

11. An abstract knee tattoo

When you decide to get an abstract tattoo, you need to think long and hard about the placement of the tattoo to ensure your tattoo artist has plenty of real estate to work with – depending on the type of abstract tattoo you decide to go with. A knee tattoo is always a good idea!

12. An abstract back tattoo

We can say the same thing about back tattoos! While there’s no rule saying that you can’t get a small and simple back tattoo, most back tattoos are big and bold. We’re especially enamored with back tattoos that accentuate the curvatures of the spine and move with your body – just look at this one!

13. An abstract hand and finger tattoo

Linear tattoos are some of the most mesmerizing, thought-provoking tattoos out there, and for a good reason, too. You can come up with the smoothest transitions and the most epic placements to showcase your creativity. You can experiment with different colors, too. It’s up to you!

14. An abstract wave tattoo on the sternum

What about an abstract wave on the sternum? Wave tattoos are very aesthetically pleasing and they’re typically made to represent the soul, the subconsciousness, and the good parts of existence. Waves are dreamy, pure, and perfect for people who have some sort of attachment to the ocean.

15. A bamboo abstract tattoo

We’ve got another brushstroke tattoo for you! Bamboo tattoos represent strength and resilience, and they’re a great way for you to express your personality without going for something super simple – like a quote or a word. A brushstroke bamboo tattoo can look really cool, too.

16. A splash tattoo on the hand

Splashes and splatters are an integral part of abstract tattoos, and they’re a great way for you to embellish your body without worrying about the meaning of your tattoo. Splash tattoos are there to make you look like you know exactly what you’re doing with your life – and you do.

17. An abstract tattoo consisting of circles

When you decide to get an abstract tattoo, you’re free to experiment with different shapes and styles that correspond with your personality or your style. Circles are typically seen as all-encompassing symbols that can represent a myriad of meanings, from the cycle of life to the cosmos or heaven and earth.

18. A colorful abstract tattoo

Blackwork abstract tattoos seem to be the most popular among tattoo-getters, but that’s not to say that you’re not allowed to showcase your creativity with different colors, too. If you’re looking for a tattoo that represents your whimsical nature, opt for a colorful abstract tattoo.

19. A geometric abstract tattoo on the leg

We showed you one style of geometric tattoos you can opt for, but we’ve got another one coming your way, too. Geometric tattoos can symbolize masculine energy, depending on the shapes and symbols you decide to go with – a geometric tattoo like this one is guaranteed to make you look strong and tough.

20. An abstract tattoo of two straight lines

Abstract tattoos can be as simple as you want them to be. With two straight lines running down your chest and sternum, you’re guaranteed to look like you know something other people don’t. Tattoos consisting of straight lines typically mean “read between the lines.”

21. An abstract tattoo on the thigh

If you’re worried about other people seeing your tattoo, you might want to opt for a thigh tattoo. It’s a great way for you to go all out with the tattoo design without worrying about people judging you, misinterpreting your tattoo, or even prying on your privacy.

22. A flowy, floral abstract tattoo

We can say the same thing about this tattoo, too! A flowy, floral tattoo consisting of black lines is guaranteed to attract attention and raise questions, but not if you opt for a thigh tattoo. A thigh tattoo gives you the power to show it to whomever you want.