Sketch of a man search author. Small tattoos for men: beautiful designs. Why do men choose small tattoos?

We welcome tattoo lovers and those who are just starting to get acquainted with this topic!

On this page you can familiarize yourself with original sketches, photos and drawings Tattoo. All works are the property of the artists and are posted exclusively for information and development of their unique ideas.

For your convenience, the catalog is divided into subsections with different styles.
The navigation is organized in alphabetical order.
Each sketch is accompanied by information about the author, a selection of similar works and the opportunity to discuss it with portal visitors.

Why choose an original sketch?

It would seem that the question is so simple that it requires no explanation. Nevertheless, with the presence of smart artists and an endless amount of information on the global Internet, there are those who want to get a tattoo “like in the picture.” Many people don’t see the difference between a regular drawing and a sketch for a tattoo, but this is very important! Not all pictures from the World Wide Web are suitable for application to the body, but many of them can be processed into an individual sketch (taking into account contouring, shadows and color rendering).

Let’s look step by step at what lies the value of an individual sketch.

1. A person with a tattoo in a prominent place should be prepared for increased public attention. Some will simply look at the drawings with interest, while others will not hesitate to ask questions. After the standard topics about whether it hurts, how much it costs and what it will look like in old age, you will hear: “What does it mean?” . If your picture is not entirely obvious =) And here few people like to answer: “Nothing, I found it on Google” or “I don’t know, it was in the catalog of standard sketches.” Nobody says that all drawings on the body should have a deep meaning, which needs to be talked about while raising your hands to the sky and rolling your eyes. But it’s much more pleasant when you are aware of what you put on your body and can easily explain your motives (at least to yourself, because no one is obliged to account for their tattoos to anyone else). Of course, someone decides to put a drawing on the body absolutely spontaneously, under the influence of some emotional events. As a rule, such clients then come to get their “masterpiece” mixed.
2. Since a body with a tattoo is an object of creativity, it is worth thinking about how many people want to become the owners of a second-rate work of art? We are now talking about tattoos - copies. After all, the originals are priceless examples of the greatest craftsmanship. Only authentic specimens are exhibited in museums and bought into private collections. No one will read the scribbles of an amateur when the greatest works of the literary genre are available. That is why an original sketch, developed individually for you, is so highly valued.
3. An experienced and talented master is always happy to work with clients who bring him new and reckless ideas. As an artist, he wants to create and create (but sometimes also destroy) =) Avoid tattoo artists who offer to replicate the design of one of their clients. A tattoo is a private artistic property in a single copy. It should not be repeated on the body for everyone.

Study original author's sketches on our website, gain ideas and fly to your master on creative wings =) Together you will create a unique example of an artistic tattoo that will become your companion for life.

A tattoo is an expression of a person’s will, character and inner world. Men's tattoos, as a rule, are distinguished by clearer lines, bold shapes and brutal subjects. This does not exclude the presence of floral motifs in the sketches. Especially if these are works in the style of Japanese tattoos, Chicano or Santa Muerto.

The palette is dominated by dark shades, as well as rich bright tones. For example, blood red, deep orange or deep blue. Every detail of a man’s tattoo is designed to emphasize individuality, and any design is selected taking into account its location.

Hands

When choosing a place for a tattoo, you need to understand how the design will look after it is applied. For example, tattoos on men’s arms do not imply full-scale paintings in which every detail is important. And small drawings will simply get lost on the back. One of the main rules of a spectacular men's tattoo is respect for scale. We should not forget that the human body is not stable, which means the applied pattern will change with it.

Lately, men's shoulder tattoos have become very popular. The location makes it possible to control body designs. Depending on the situation, such tattoos can be easily shown or hidden by adjusting the length of the sleeve. Another plus is a wide selection of suitable sketches. Trendy mechanics and the face of the charming Miss Monroe will look equally good.

The ideal option for the shoulder is a large single pattern with a discreet background. It could be a Celtic cross, a tiger's head, the face of a woman or an idol. Dynamic designs that smoothly transition to the shoulder blade or chest look good. As for styles, it is better to give preference to such areas as:

• biomechanics;
• steampunk;
• cyberpunk;
• abstraction;
• Gothic;
• ethnicity;
• realism;
• tribal;
• graphic arts.

Tattoos for men on the forearm are more limited in the number of suitable options. Basically, symbolic dates or inscriptions are printed on this part. Graphic images, drawings in a minimalist style and ethnic motifs look good. Also, subtle elements of large tattoos are displayed on the forearm, the main part of which is located on the shoulder. These could be the tails or muzzles of dragons, pistols (at length), etc.

As for voluminous work, you can get men’s sleeve tattoos. Recently they are at the peak of popularity. If it is necessary to create a complete picture, sketches are thought out in advance. However, tattoos that are completely different both in theme and in time of execution can be combined on the sleeve. The only thing you should adhere to when making a sleeve is the compatibility of style directions.

The elbows deserve special attention. If it is necessary to make a design on the elbows, then it should become part of the overall sleeve or an addition to a larger element. But they are not used as independent places for tattoos.

Torso

After hands, this is the second most popular location for spectacular tattoos. The back and chest allow you to bring the most incredible projects to life, but you need to be prepared for the fact that they will require a lot of time to complete.

Men's tattoos on the sternum are more laconic. Popular sketches include human faces, animal faces, skulls, mechanical elements, mythical creatures or cartoons. Among the most common techniques:

• abstraction;
• watercolor;
• anime;
• biomechanics;
• cyberpunk;
• ethnicity;
• linework;
• newschool;
• old school;
• dotwork;
• realism;
• surrealism;
• organics, etc.

The most voluminous tattoos are those on the back. Individual large-scale elements can be located here, for example, a soaring eagle or a harlequin. Or full-fledged paintings with detailed drawing of the background, shadows and halftones.

Sometimes only the lumbar area is scored. But most often, painting the back goes from top to bottom. You can use the space of the back completely, paint only one of the shoulder blades or both shoulder blades on top.

The application of side tattoos is associated with increased pain, however, they are quite common and look very original. The main rule for tattoos on the side is raised and elongated shapes. Most often these are various sketches of dragons, snakes, scorpions, lizards and other reptiles. Subject paintings are also not uncommon, but it is advisable to place them in a vertical plane.

Head and neck

Tattoos on the neck and head are done much less frequently due to the painfulness of the procedure. However, this particular location is considered truly masculine, because it has almost no female fans. For the skull, 3D images, graphic designs and ethnic motifs are best suited. The ornamental technique looks great. Also here can be located all kinds of numbers and inscriptions that have special meaning for the owner of the tattoo.

Lettering tattoos for men are well suited for the neck. As a rule, these are short phrases written in the occipital area. For those who like more daring experiments, paintings in the style of blackwork, biomechanics or gothic are suitable.

Increasingly, men are choosing to get a tattoo on their face. This can be a whole picture or individual inscriptions on the chin, cheeks or forehead. The color scheme for such tattoos is selected in dark colors: black, gray, brown, dark green or dark blue. The most popular style solutions are 3D, gothic, and cyberpunk, which recreate the effect of peeled skin or falling holes.

Legs

A tattoo on the leg is quite specific, as it requires constant depilation. However, you can do without it, but such drawings do not look very attractive and illegible. Especially if a woman’s face or skull is chosen as a tattoo.

The most common tattoos are on the calf, knee or thigh. The sketch and its size will entirely depend on the choice of location and area to be hammered. There are no restrictions on the thematic range. It could be a pet's face, a planetary system, or an intricate pattern. The only exception is tattoos in the form of iconic religious attributes, such as crosses or pentagrams. They are more likely to be located in the upper part of the body.

However, any tattoo is chosen based on personal preferences. It doesn’t matter in what style and color scheme it will be made. It could be a grinning predator or a brutal Celtic pattern, a playful picture in the Horror style or a delicate Watercolor. The main thing is that the image is of high quality, pleases the owner and reflects his personal worldview.

The male approach to tattooing is often logic and minimalism. In terms of image selection. The size and theme are determined immediately, and details are added as the sketch is developed. Although another option is possible: a combination of several ideas. Usually, when creating a sleeve, a tattoo on the back... In general, something extensive.

If the main thing for a girl is intrigue and beauty, then for a man the priority is status and quality. They often choose black and white works and complex styles: biomechanics, realism, oriental, Polynesian, Trash polka. Tattoos with animals in realism look great - bears, lions, tigers, wolves, sharks and other predators. Usually they repeat the “habits” of the owner: determination, leadership, honesty, independence, loyalty. It is ideal if the tattoo is inscribed in the relief and anatomy of the body. By the way, this usually happens! A well-chosen sketch becomes a luxurious decoration and the pride of the owner.

Another interesting area: men’s hobbies and hobbies. For example: football, cars, music, cinema... beautiful girls ☺ They are depicted in different styles, from Chicano to new school.

Inscriptions and symbolic tattoos (cross, skull, compass, compass rose, pistol) are popular among people of different ages and preferences. Their advantage is that the work can be done in different ways, adding uniqueness to a simple plot.

Images of warriors, knights, and gladiators appeal to independent and purposeful men. A warrior is a symbol of courage, strength, victory. Or invulnerability. By the way, an excellent variation on the theme would be an armor tattoo. Complex in execution, voluminous and realistic, it can become a real masterpiece!

Gallery of men's tattoos

Photos of tattoos made in our salon are not only a portfolio, but also a catalog of original ideas. You can take any story as a basis and create a unique piece of work. The only thing we don’t do is copies of other people’s sketches. This makes no sense, because the embodiment of your ideas is much more interesting and promising. Come on a tour of the studio - we will be happy to discuss your future tattoo.

Tattoo art is equally loved by both the male population of the planet and representatives of the fair half of humanity. However, the aesthetic requirements for tattoos are absolutely different for boys and girls. If lovely ladies want elegant patterns and cute images designed to emphasize the tenderness and sophistication of female nature, men, on the contrary, strive to emphasize their brutality, strength and masculinity.

Such different requirements for body designs ultimately divided tattoo art into exclusively female images and tattoos for men.

The meaning of men's tattoos

Tattoos for men offer a huge selection of themes and styles for images on the body, but they all have a number of characteristic features in common.

Firstly, a tattoo can be a great way for a man to express himself. A design applied to the body can emphasize the individuality of its owner. For example, an image can be associated with a profession, hobbies or favorite genre of music, and express the basic life principles and ideals of a person.

Secondly, a tattoo can perform a decorative function, making a man’s image brutal, strong, and strong-willed, which is important when a person needs to gain self-confidence.

Thirdly, a tattoo image can carry a sacred meaning, serving its owner as a protective amulet and talisman, or be a reminder of extremely important and memorable events that once played a key role in a man’s fate.

Tattoo themes

The themes and ideas of men's tattoos are interesting and diverse, because every person on earth is an individual who has his own interests and views on life. The whole variety of themes for men's tattoos can be divided into main groups:

1. ornamental motifs (these include tattoos in the tribal style, geometric patterns, Scandinavian, ancient Slavic, Celtic, ancient Greek motifs, mandalas);
2. images of plants (the most popular are tattoos of the tree of life, blackthorn, marijuana leaves, thistle, wild rose);
3. images of predatory animals (fierce tigers, wolves, wolverines, bears, snakes, dragons);
4. image (for example, Katrina’s skull using the “old school” technique or a realistic drawing made according to all the rules of anatomy);
5. images of people (men often paint their favorite characters from films, actors, singers, portraits of their own children or drawings in the Chicano style on their bodies);
6. caricatures (for example, characters from manga, comics, cartoons, computer games using the “new school” technique);
7. detailed plots (they can be favorite scenes from films, epic sea battles);
8. tattoos in the form of inscriptions (for example, quotes from your favorite philosophers, names of dear people, your own life credo);
9. tattoos in the form of a samurai (one of the popular trends in men's tattoos, an image of a Japanese warrior in a decorative or realistic style).

Did you know? According to research conducted in 2011, currently every fourth man on earth has at least one tattoo on his body.

Stylistic decision and color design of the tattoo

Depending on the chosen theme of the tattoo, it can be designed in different ways. For example, ornamental motifs (tribal tattoos, ancient Greek ornaments, mandalas) can be applied using only black dye. The main advantage of a monochrome image is its graphic nature. A men's ornamental tattoo, made in one color, looks interesting and beautiful.

Tattoo inscriptions, small drawings in the style of minimalism, as well as Chicano tattoos will look harmonious and stylish in black and white.

There are, however, original tattoos, the expressiveness of which is largely achieved through the use of a rich palette of colors. For example, images of plants, animals and cartoon characters in the “old school” and “new school” styles are distinguished by their brightness and decorativeness; the use of several colors in these types of tattoos is simply mandatory.

When applying subject paintings to the body, as well as realistic portraits of people, animals and plants, the use of a color palette depends on the wishes of the customer. Such tattoos look extremely attractive and interesting both in monochrome form and using a rich palette of shades.

Location of tattoo images on the body

Large tattoos (for example, epic subject paintings, Chicano style tattoos, portraits of people, three-dimensional images of animals and plants) can be placed on large surfaces of the body, for example in the area

Despite the fact that most tattoos can be classified as unisex, in modern culture, there is still such a thing as tattoos for men. The main difference is that such a drawing in most cases symbolizes something or carries an encrypted meaning. At the same time, a women's tattoo is rather a method of decorating the body and a cool way to attract men.

Of course, many young guys get tattoos just to stand out from their surroundings. But true fans of body painting still take every tattoo seriously. This unspoken tradition dates back to ancient times, when drawings on the body were an important element of a man’s self-identification in society. The tattoo simultaneously played the role of a passport, was used to intimidate enemies and was an original adornment of a strong male body.

An interesting fact is that the culture of men's tattoos in our country is closely related to the prison environment. It was there that tattoos received special recognition, becoming an element in determining a person’s place in the criminal hierarchy. By the way, it wouldn’t hurt to find out the prison meaning of the symbol you choose before getting a tattoo. You wouldn’t want a harmless decoration to play a cruel joke on you, would you?

Choosing a tattoo for men

Before you start choosing a design for a men's tattoo, it is worth answering the question of what this or that symbol means. A tattoo is a kind of totem that will be your companion, assistant and talisman everywhere. The owner of the tattoo must choose a plot that will reflect his character traits or those qualities that a particular person would like to acquire. For a representative of the stronger sex, an excellent choice of tattoos would be symbols denoting will, dominance and determination to win. That is why you can often find tattoos depicting a predator on the bodies of men, because these are the creatures that have frightened and dominated the animal world for thousands of years. Among the possible options we note the following:

• or These animals symbolize strength and courage, social dominance, calmness and rebellion.
• This animal signifies strength and tenacity, steadfastness and enormous potential.
• Since ancient times, this animal has been the personification of freedom and self-sufficiency.

Among the alternative popular male symbols, we note the following tattoos:

• This symbol personifies the frailty of life and subsequent incarnation, although at first glance it looks very frightening.
• Weapon. This can be either a bladed weapon or a firearm. Such tattoos symbolize the love of freedom and the desire to win.
• Armor. Such a tattoo on the shoulder or chest represents masculinity and invulnerability.
• Very popular among men who have certain life principles and express them through verbal symbols or even mottos.
• Patterns. A very popular male format is patterns and tribal patterns on the shoulders and forearms. Such tattoos are more likely to act as decoration than to symbolize something deeper.

As you can see, tattoos for guys and men have their own specifics. Body painting for the stronger sex is a way of self-expression and creative embodiment of their victories. But there is also something pragmatic in a tattoo for a man. In particular, tattoo fans will be pleasantly surprised to learn that girls unconsciously perceive a tattoo on a man’s body as a victory trophy or a battle scar. Do not doubt - such a warrior will not remain without the attention of the fair half of humanity.