Tattoos are forever––that’s why deciding which one to get is so daunting. Taking on a full-coverage back tattoo probably isn’t the best option for a newbie, and often aren’t even desired by seasoned tattoo veterans. A full sleeve isn’t a great place for your first tattoo either, and even people with seven tattoos might not want to be that conspicuous. But what about small, delicate line art tattoos?
Often tiny and simple, they’re not too in-your-face, not too extravagant and don’t cover too much skin (which means less pain, right?). Delicate, monochrome and just complicated enough to get the point across, they’re a great option for tattoo lovers and rookies alike.
1. For the nature lover
You can never go wrong with a simple flower (or bouquet of flowers). Although flowers are a common tattoo choice, there are hundreds of different styles, types, and designs to choose from, giving you the opportunity to create something entirely unique.
Jasmine Miller, a sophomore at Marist College, likes flowers when they’re small and delicate. “Simple outlines are always really nice, no matter the design, because it’s not in your face, but it’s still prominent enough to see what you’re trying to illustrate,” she says.
Whether you go for a single rose, a bouquet of baby’s breath or a mix of everything, flowers are always a pretty choice.
2. For the unabashed avocado enthusiast
Avocados usually go on toast, but that doesn’t mean they can’t go on your arm as well. You’re probably a huge avocado-lover if you’re getting it permanently inked on your body, but hey, no judgments here if you don’t even like ‘em.
Whether the avocado is made of three lines, or shaded so realistically you want to eat it, an avocado tattoo is not something a lot of people can say they have. Finding something unique to tattoo on your body is no small feat, so why not go for something as delicious as it is aesthetically pleasing?
3. For the Harry Potter fan
The Sorting Hat, the Deathly Hallows, the Golden Snitch, Hedwig and Harry’s face, the options are endless. Choose just one, or make an even bolder move and choose them all.
Harry Potter fans are known to be pretty passionate about the series, so getting a small tattoo to show your devotion isn’t out of the ordinary; any fellow Potterhead will agree. But if you want something even more simple, try the three stars at the top of every page of the books.
Related: 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Getting a Tattoo
4. For the fan of open-backed dresses
There’s no better line art tattoo to get than an actual line. Simple, elegant and pretty unexpected, this tattoo looks as great peeking out of a blouse as it does fully on display in an open-backed dress.
This one definitely isn’t for the faint of heart, though. Getting a tattoo along your spine (right on top of bone) hurts pretty bad. But if it’s something you really want, it’ll be worth it in the end.
5. For the artist
If the typical flower, phrase, or even avocado isn’t your style, you can always try something a little more abstract.
At first glance, the tattoo above doesn’t look like anything. But upon closer inspection, you see that one continuous line makes up two kissing faces. Nothing fits the definition of line tattoo more than that.
But it’s not just faces that can be done in this style; virtually anything can be. Think mountains, flowers, sailboats—really anything you can imagine.
6. For the one who loves words more than pictures
Cursive tattoos can range from commemorative to inspirational, or from a reminder to a symbol of love. Fine script always looks beautiful, no matter what you decide it should say.
Julia Meyer, a sophomore at Marist College, loves the appearance of a fine cursive tattoo. “I actually prefer the more delicate tattoos with a finer stroke. My favorite designs are small, delicate flowers and cursive words in really thin font,” she says.
Your tattoo could be a reminder to “love yourself first,” or a message that tells the world, “I love avocados.” Either way, script makes even the simplest of phrases look beautiful.
7. For the one who goes with the flow
Just one small line can still make a to-die-for tattoo design. In this case, that one line becomes a wave.
It can serve as a reminder to go with the flow, it can symbolize your love for the beach or the ocean, or you might just like the look of it. No matter the reason, a wave is a simple, quick tattoo to try.
With so many options to choose from, it’s not hard to imagine that there’s a least something that suits your style. From food to flowers, to dates and dedications, line tattoos come in all shapes, sizes, and styles.
No matter what they are, it’s their simplicity that makes them so special. In a world of extravagant back tattoos, full sleeves and face ink, there’s something to be said for the beauty of small, delicate tattoos.