Minimalist Tattoos: Small Size with Big Meaning

July 23, 2022

There’s no age limit on getting your first tattoo. Tattoos are a great way to express your individuality and personality or to honor someone—or something—you love. For many women, tattoos are a way of expressing their individuality and independence.

Tattooing is an ancient art form, but it has become increasingly popular in recent decades. While tattoos are more accepted today than ever before, many people still have their doubts about them. Tattoos can be small and simple or large and elaborate. Getting a minimalist tattoo is a great way to let your personality shine without changing your entire look. Many people opt for a minimalist tattoo when getting tattooed for the first time because they are often small in size, allowing them to blend in with your skin easily. They may also be located on parts of your body where they are less likely to be noticed by others.

If you’re a mature woman considering getting a minimalist tattoo, here are some things to consider.

What Is a Minimalist Tattoo?

Love tattoo on back

The definition of a minimalist tattoo is somewhat up to interpretation. Minimalist tattoos are usually small and simple, but they can be any shape or size. One element that most minimalist tattoos share is that they feature clean lines and limited shading. They are usually done in black ink but can also be done with colored ink for a more unique look. In short, a minimalist tattoo can be nearly anything!

Minimalist Tattoo Ideas

The most important thing to remember when choosing your minimalist tattoo is to make sure that it is something that will always have meaning for you. Tattoos can also be therapeutic. After going through a traumatic event like a divorce or the loss of a loved one, getting a tattoo can be an empowering way to mark a period of change. Here are some ideas for minimalist tattoos:

A meaningful quote or piece of song lyrics
An image to represent your children or grandchildren
A symbol to commemorate a lost loved one
A favorite flower
A tattoo to express a passion for your hobbies
A delicate ornamental tattoo

Minimalist Tattoo Placement

Once you’ve decided on the tattoo you’d like to get, it’s time to choose where to place it on your body. Some tattoos can be covered up more easily than others, so one of the first decisions to make is whether you’d like the tattoo to be visible on an everyday basis. Choose an area that’s covered by pants and a t-shirt if you’d like to keep your minimalist tattoo largely hidden. Opt for a spot on your wrist, forearm, or ankle to display your tattoo proudly.

If you are unsure of the right place for your tattoo, it is best to ask an artist to help guide you through the process. They will be able to assist with the design and placement of your tattoo to ensure it looks great on your body.

How to Prepare

Getting a tattoo

To help you prepare for your first tattoo appointment, we’ve compiled a list of tips that will ensure your experience goes smoothly.

Do your homework. Make sure you know what style and type of tattoo you want before your consultation so that when it comes time to choose your artist, you’ll be prepared with more than just a vague idea of what you’re looking for. Look through Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration to help get a better idea of the type of tattoo you want.
Research your artist. These days, tattoo artists provide extensive portfolios on social media, making it easy to see all of their past work. Look for an artist who specializes in minimalist tattoos. While an artist’s style is important, so is their personality. You want someone who will listen to you and discuss any concerns or questions you may have during the consultation process.
Gather inspiration. Bring in photos or sketches of what you want tattooed. If possible, find drawings online and print them out at full size so that both you and the artist can see them clearly. Pinterest is a great place to find images of minimalist tattoos.
Be assertive: It’s important to advocate for yourself at a tattoo appointment. This piece of art will be on your body forever, so it’s essential that the artist knows exactly what you want—and don’t want.
Drink plenty of water and bring snacks. Even minimalist tattoos can take a couple of hours. Therefore, it’s important to stay nourished and hydrated.
Don’t use anti-inflammatory drugs beforehand. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium (Aleve) thin the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding; therefore, they should be avoided before your appointment.