Are you thinking of getting your first tattoo? Small tattoos are a good place to start because they are, generally, not a huge commitment when it comes to cost as well as the amount of pain you will endure. Small tattoos prove the perfect dainty detail for your body.
Small tattoos come in all shapes and colors and there’s little out there that a seasoned tattoo artist can’t miniaturize. Whether you are attracted to small tattoos because they are easily hidden or simply just want a little detail, you have come to the right place!
Check Out These 133 Small Tattoos for Inspiration!
Butterfly Small Tattoos
We are starting this list by showing you these gorgeous micro tattoos. Aren’t these marvelous?
Dream a Little Dream
Approximately the size of a half-dollar, this watercolor tattoo employs sumptuous pastels and very fine lines did live a whisper of an imprint.
Black Butterfly
This one’s for all my goth folks out there! What do you think of this simple black butterfly tattoo?
On the Other Hand
Check out this creative design that imagines one of the butterfly’s wings exploding into flowers.
Outline
Another all-black option, this little beauty is barely the size of a quarter.
Swoon-Worthy Color
Okay, we admit this is not the smallest butterfly tattoo out there, but you could always get similar but scaled down.
Dainty Duo
What do you think of these two small butterflies? We find them to look so delicate and lovely!
Touch of Blue
Tattoos with lines this fine are typically done by hand not by using a tattoo gun. The method is called stick and poke or hand poke.
Contrasting Wings
Contrasting wings are a trend within the butterfly tattoo genre. Sometimes there are facial features or little floral designs!
Squeaky Clean?
We do not know why these butterflies are swimming with sudsy bubbles, but we are not mad about it.
Size of a Dime
These micro butterfly tattoos are a miracle. We have no idea how a tattoo artist managed to pull this off.
Okay, Make It Glitter!
What do you think about this glitter tattoo effect? We think it’s a great idea and looks great on these small tattoos.
Only the Finest
Unless you are going with just a basic outline, this is probably the smallest you can take a butterfly tattoo with detail.
Impressive Impression
The smart design lets the viewer know what they are seeing right away even though there is very little detail.
Is That Real?
Micro photorealism tattoos make a huge impression. This is surreal!
RELATED: 25 Micro Realism Tattoos That Shrink Reality Into Miniature
Put a Crown On It
What do you think of this cute black and white ink tattoo? The white really makes it pop!
More Moo!
Don’t be afraid to express yourself even if that means cow print in the shape of a butterfly!
Case for Red
Red ink is such an evocative color. If you’re going small you can make a bigger impression with a bright color like it.
Feel It Out
The inside of this small tattoo looks like those topographical maps that use lines to show the heights of certain natural structures.
Three Charmed Ones
The tattoo artist who managed to replicate this butterfly tattoo not once, but twice deserves some credit for their skills.
Fine Lines
Sometimes simple lines like these look more true to a butterfly than realist takes on them.
Pastel Party
It appears that stained glass and butterfly wings have collided in these handsome tattoos.
Ghostly & Transparent
How moving are these two magical butterfly tattoos? The effect on the wings is truly breathtaking.
Tiny & Easy to Hide
A little, uncomplicated, brightly colored tattoo will never serve you wrong. An orange butterfly (or any color) hidden on the inside of an arm would be a very nice peekaboo tattoo.
On Fire
Our favorite butterfly tattoo we saw was this beauty which looks as if the butterfly is a burning piece of ash or ember. It’s hot!
Small Tattoos of the Micro Variety
Coming Up Roses
A common micro tattoo design is a small flower. It’s easy to see why flowers are so popular.
Put Your Heart on Your Sleeve
If you’re not putting your heart into it, what are you even doing? This beautiful design combines an anatomical heart with a flower.
Lotus Blossoms
In the Hindu tradition, the lotus flower is often associated with the goddess Lakshmi holds the promise of material fulfillment and contentment.
Roses are Falling
This super small yet detailed rose tattoo is a knockout. With its beautiful shading and coloring, this tiny flower looks like it’s real.
Give Peace a Chance
This tiny dove tattoo will give you peace of mind. It’s the size of a coin and says a lot without being big at all.
You’re a Gem
This stunning black and grey gem tattoo is the shape of a teardrop with geometric lines throughout.
Mini Elephant
Elephants are such majestic creatures, and this itsy bitsy one is perfectly sized for the ankle. We like big subject matter for small tattoos!
Get Creepy
This small eight-legged creature might not be the ideal micro tattoo design for everyone, but for the Scorpios reading this, you should go for the scorpion!
A Buzzworthy Design
You’re entering the buggy portion of this list. We’ve given you scorpions, and now we’ve got another stinging creature: the bee.
Spread Your Wings
Wow. This tiny butterfly behind the ear is truly remarkable. It’s simple and elegant, and everything we love in small tattoos. Sorry, we were not done with butterflies yet…
Lady Bugging Out
Another realistic tattoo, this mini ladybug looks like it could fly away at any moment.
It’s Electric
Placement is a big deal for small tattoos. This makes the most of a wrist.
Birds on a Wire
Simplicity is bliss, and these three birds are singing the right tune. It’s such a sweet little tattoo that manages to catch the eye while still being tiny.
Peachy Keen
Fruit, everybody loves fruit! This pretty peach almost matches the skin tone it’s tattooed on.
Gotta Have Heart
Can you spot it? This super micro tattoo almost takes a magnifying glass to catch.
Spice is Nice
This hot little tattoo is giving us pepper envy. We love this little red chili tattoo. It’s so lively and fun.
Lizzie
This very delicate micro tattoo looks like a little lizard hidden between the fingers. What a cutie!
Up Up and Away
This minimalist airplane tattoo accompanied by its flight path is really fun. For adventurous travelers and individuals with wanderlust, this would be an ideal option.
La Luna
Of all the celestial bodies, the moon is most personal to us. Because she lights our night skies and helps us keep our calendars, moon tattoos are very common small tattoos.
Life’s a Beach
Wow! This little palm tree makes us want a vacation! For lovers of sun and sand, a palm tree tattoo couldn’t be any cuter.
Little Fires
We’re not saying we know this for sure, but we’d bet the person with this tattoo was a boy scout. For people who love camping and spending time in the great outdoors, small tattoos will work for you too!
Wine Time
Wine us down! We love this teeny little glass and the small hearts just above it. Cheers!
Make Love
This ankle tattoo makes a statement. This lil’ baby pistol is shooting a rose instead of bullets, and it’s got real flower power.
Man’s Best Friend
A mini portrait of a dog makes for such a sweet and sentimental tattoo. We love the shading work on this little pup.
It’s the Number
Who knew the number one could be so striking? A simple number done in a dynamic font is visually arresting.
O Canada
This beautiful maple leaf tattoo has the most vivid, warm color. Do you think the person that got this beauty likes poutine and maple syrup?
Zen
This black and white tattoo of a koi fish is so impressive. We love how detailed and fine the fins of the fish appear.
Everybody Walk the Dinosaur
The brachiosaurus stood at 5 stories tall during the Late Jurrasic period. This small tattoo dinosaur is, let us check our math, 1 million times smaller.
Fly Like Paper
Paper planes always ignite the imagination and inspire play. They make for perfect small tattoos.
Ready for This Jelly
Calling all jellyfish lovers! Take a look at this pastel design with its haunting tentacles.
GOAT
Look at this photorealistic portrait of everyone’s favorite basketball player, Michael Jordan. This tattoo is about the size of a quarter.
Take a Trip
Here, we find a retro RV looking completely ready for an adventure. The lines of this tattoo are so incredibly fine.
Bun, Hun
Take a dose of cute in the form of this sweet-looking bunny rabbit. Take a look at those little whiskers!
Buddha
Take a look at these impeccable hands that manage to delight in simple black and grey. This is so delicate.
Nuts
We, here at MU, love a food tattoo so naturally we were attracted to this amazing little coconut. The little fibers give this design some vérité with a touch of whimsy.
Magritte
René Magritte‘s The Lovers was completed in 1928. We love the reimagined version of the painting here, as a small tattoo.
Tiger, Tiger
Check out this amazing big cat in tiny form. Any time you get the opportunity, ask for your artist to create a design of the object in motion. This adds so much more interest to any work of art.
Have a Slice
You saw the word “jelly” earlier in reference to the jellyfish, and you might have wanted to see actual jelly. Small tattoos never disappoint and we knew we could count on finding the sweet stuff in tattoo form!
Boba
Star Wars fans love getting small tattoos that show their fandom. Here, we find a very small Boba Fett in all his Mandalorian armored glory.
You Are My Sunshine
Floral small tattoos are always smart as they represent natural beauty and a love for nature. This happy sunflower has the sharpest stalk you’ll ever see.
Stay Lucky
Ladybugs have been considered good luck for a very long time. If one lands on you, you are guaranteed months or years of good fortune.
Leaves
Take a look at these ghostly leaves that are tethered together by a stem. However, this is getting on the big side of things. Scale it down a touch and you’re good to go!
Buzzworthy
This extremely tiny bumble bee is just over a centimeter tall. Look at the detailing inside the wings and ask yourself if you’d be able to hit those marks.
Out for Blood
We’re big fans of Dev Hynes who performs under the name Blood Orange. It’s actually the reason we were so attracted to this citrus tattoo.
This Cuddle
Precious! This is completely precious! A baby giraffe nuzzling its parent turns out to be a wonderful idea for a design.
Woof!
This absolutely marvelous tattoo is based on artwork from contemporary artist, Aykut Aydoğdu. While this is a touch larger than some others on this list, we felt obligated to share it with you.
Poppy
Wow! A cute little poppy blossom sure adds a pop of color. This flower is so cute and has been tattooed very delicately. Small tattoos like this one fit underneath a penny.
Ed
Edward Scissorhands, anyone? This wild tattoo shows your old pal with a pensive expression. If you’d like to indulge your inner goth, be sure and follow this person’s lead.
Such a Snitch
Harry Potter fans sure love their tattoos. This shiny, golden snitch is fabulous no matter if you get the reference or not. Take a look at how the artist has recreated reflection using a touch of white ink.
Botticelli Meets Van Gogh
Botticelli’s Venus meets Van Gogh’s sunflowers in this imaginative tattoo design. If you’re a fan of a couple of artists, we encourage you to share that by a tattoo inspired by their work.
Adorable
This super duper small tattoo of a puppy’s face should bring a smile to your own. Its expressive eyes and pink tongue are enough to make anyone happy.
Lil Peep
Someone got Lil Peep‘s face tattooed in tribute to the late rapper. It’s incredibly realistic despite it being about the size of a nickel.
Stop
The tattoo artist entitled this image “In Front of the Light,” which we’d say is appropriate. The artist has employed stippling here to give the tattoo an almost granular appearance.
RELATED: 30 Amazingly Small Micro Tattoos That Make a Big Impression
In Space
This is unreal, right? Here we find a very detailed astronaut encountering some butterflies in outer space. The reflection of light on the helmet is truly beautiful.
Take Flight!
Not many of us are going to hop on a plane anytime soon, but we can dream! This heart shape design communicates a love for travel and adventure.
Dragons, Mama
Getting your mom to join you at the tattoo parlor is not always an easy task. Small tattoos help!
Hearts on Fire
This heart tattoo design is perfectly sweet and appropriate for this mother-daughter duo. Yes, these small tattoos also belong to a mom and her daughter.
Little Pup
Small tattoos of pets are extremely popular. This adorable tattoo of this person’s dog is crisp and charming.
Little Pooh
This very small Winnie the Pooh tattoo is just adorable. Incorporating illustrations from your favorite children’s book is always a wise choice.
Small Tattoos In Paradise
If you’re a beach person, you enjoy the sun, sand, and sound of rustling palms in the wind. These small tattoos perfectly capture paradise.
Little Boy
For fans of very small tattoos, this is one of the tiniest on this list! Could you ever?
Fine on a Finger
We have seen a lot of small tattoos that feature butterflies have we not? This one’s fun too!
It Stings!
We are doing our best to hang on to the Muhammed Ali quote about a butterfly and a bee right now. This thrilling fine line tattoo is as sharp as it gets.
Love Yourself!
Mental health tattoos are an extremely popular genre of tattoos. This gorgeous sunflower design is the perfect reminder to always love yourself.
Tiniest Petals
This should be easy enough to hide! Small tattoos like this one are almost always done by hand using the stick and poke method.
Frenchie
We told you small tattoos of pets were extremely favored. We absolutely adore this little guy!
Cutesy
These tiny cherries were a choice! The micro size makes for the ultimate peekaboo tattoo.
All My Corazoncito
We told you red was wise for small tattoos! Check out this burning crimson heart. Did your own skip a beat?
Give Paws
The cutest little paw! What a sweet micro tattoo design! It looks fantastic. For the smallest of small tattoos, go with something this simple.
Tipping Point
Probably the most dramatic tattoo on this list shows a vase spilling and revealing a tiny fish. What a stunner!
Blue Jay of Joy
Did the girl from Hereditary get a hold of this bird? This bluejay design floats on air.
Canadian Invasion
Fall is one of our favorite seasons and this is such a stunning nod to it and to love. We did not expect to see even one maple leaf much less two maple small tattoos.
Sunny
We pulled out the magnifying glass so that you do not have to. This tattoo says, “keep sunshine in your heart.” We’re going to!
Enchanted, Baby!
This enchanted rose is a reference to Beauty and the Beast. Light, ethereal, and with very clean lines, this small tattoo is amazing.
Love You
We kept the magnifying glass handy. “Love myself more than anyone else,” is always a good reminder for those who constantly put the needs of others ahead of their own. How is that butterfly even real?
Pretty & Morbid & Fun
One of the tattoo trends we’ve been seeing this year is micro florals. Everyone seems to be obsessed with tiny flowers! Put them in a skull and you’re in business.
Small Tattoos on Feet
Most of us prefer a tattoo to be understated and this design of roses is just that. Pale pastels will ensure your design looks soft and not loud.
Toe “Rings”
Check out these adorable “toe rings” which are actually just small tattoos on the toes. We think this is a blast!
You Are My Sunshine
If you want “just a little something,” small tattoos like this one will excellent no matter where you place them. It’s proof that simple is best!
Red Again
We do not know the psychology behind why this is, but designs done in red tend to look better. We’ve said it once, twice, and now, three times!
Take It to Your Ankle
Ankle tattoos are wildly popular as you can still show those babies off in a pair of flats, sneakers, or heels. This very simple snake design that wraps around the spherical ankle looks incredible.
Feeling Lucky?
A lucky charm or object that means something special to you are also great things for small tattoos. We find a shamrock here that looks extra fortunate.
Small Tattoos on Fingers
These tiny dot tattoos actually belong to Chrissy Teigen. We were so taken by them we wrote an entire article about how cute they are. Let’s look at some more small tattoos on fingers, shall we?
RELATED: Chrissy Teigan Just Got Finger Tattoos, Let’s Discover More Ways to Decorate Your Digits with Ink
Cute Small Tattoos on Fingers
How good are these little micro tattoos? We find an Aries symbol, snake, eye, and other shapes including the little dots near the fingernails. How fun!
Feeling the Floral Fingers
How good are these little vine and flower tattoos? Look to the botanic world for inspiration is always a smart idea. These delicate designs have been so sharply applied. The nail detail is also very cute!
World’s Tiniest Heart
Here’s another finger tattoo idea we really love. This person has gone very minimal here choosing a heart symbol in simple, black ink. It’s is so so small which makes it feel perfect.
Dots and Dashes
The artist responsible for this tattoo confirmed that it was the result of being “hand-poked” which is simply another term for stick and poke. It shows as these lines and little dots are just so fine and neat. We love that the small tattoos look like jewelry!
Love to Cook?
What do you think of these kitchen tools micro tattoos? Expressing who you are is what tattoos are for! Get personal with it and you will not regret it!
Abstract Shapes
A series of dots and crosses dot the real estate on these fingers. We think something similar to this would be perfect for someone who wanted small tattoos.
Flowers on Repeat or Not
Wow! These flowers that repeat on each finger are really fun. We like the placement near the fingernails. You could go with just one and it would make for a perfect small tattoo.
Linear
We find vaguely geometric designs that look so fashionable and fabulous. We love the juxtaposition of these lines with the circular shapes on the three fingers in the middle of the pack.
Chandeliers
Check out these dangly little mandala designs that remind us of crystals hanging from a chandelier. The lines are so thin making them appear even more special.
Everyday Objects
Everyday objects as subject for tattoos has emerged as a really fun tattoo trend in recent years. A spring, match, fingernail clippers, and a spring make a debut in these small tattoos.
On the Line
What do you think of this very thin ring formed by a very fine line? Would you like something this simple? We think it’s a blast!
Stick to the Dots
For those of you who think Chrissy took it too far with her dots, how about these even more scaled-back finger dots? We think these dot tattoos could be a compromise.
Feeling Those Phases
We dig this double decker finger tattoo design. More intricate shapes are found near the fingertips while the moon in its stages are found on top. Too much or just right?
Green
Not many are bold enough to go with color on the fingers. It should also be noted that stick and poke tattoos have more of a tendency to fade over time. Which means colorful ink will not stay as vibrant for as long.
The Smallest of the Small Tattoos
Wow! Have you ever seen a tattoo so small look so neat? We can see notches in the key as well as other design features despite it being no bigger than a needle.
Witchy Symbols
Meaningful tattoos are the name of the game and these symbols mean something to the person who has handpicked them for these finger tattoos. You can choose just one or a few!
Living for Love
We doubt many people are attracted to getting something like “SELF MADE” tattooed across their fingers in huge letters, but what about these very neat and petite typeface letters?
Between the Fingers
We are not entirely sold on tattoos on the inside or between the fingers. It’s emerged as a trend in recent years. If you like the idea, tattooing in this location will offer a more discreet tattoo.
A Different Way to Go
Here is a minimalist butterfly on the inner finger. We like this one a bit better, but would it be better on the top of the hand? To each their own!
Gay & Glittery
We feel this glittery glam star moment. Repeating the star design is fun and still remains pretty abstract while still being evocative of stars or sparkles.
Subtlest Small Tattoos: White Ink
We are going to transition from finger tattoos to white ink tattoos as they are a great option for those who do not want the most in-your-face tattoos. You know, just a little something!
Really Subtle
White ink will fade over time becoming virtually invisible for most within a year or two. That could appeal to you though! We think they are a super fun way for folks to express themselves without being saddled with a giant black tattoo forever.
Lightest Lotus
This ghostly-looking lotus would make for a light-as-air look that would be perfect for so many small tattoos. Are you into it?
Snowflake
A snowflake is a design that definitely benefits from being tattooed in white ink. This crisp, fine line tattoo is simple and cute.
RELATED: 27 Subtle, Beautiful, and Strange White Ink Tattoos
We Leave You with Love
This micro tattoo of a heart in white ink is going to be so subtle when it heals that you would hardly notice it’s there. For small tattoos, white ink might be the perfect fit for you!
There you go! What did you think of these small tattoos? We hope you feel inspired to get your very own designs and to get extra creative with your designs. While the small tattoos we shared with you in this list are inspired, we encourage you to work with a trusted tattoo artist to come up with your own original designs. Now, go get tatted up!
Contents
- 1 Check Out These 133 Small Tattoos for Inspiration!
- 1.1 Butterfly Small Tattoos
- 1.2 Dream a Little Dream
- 1.3 Black Butterfly
- 1.4 On the Other Hand
- 1.5 Outline
- 1.6 Swoon-Worthy Color
- 1.7 Dainty Duo
- 1.8 Touch of Blue
- 1.9 Contrasting Wings
- 1.10 Squeaky Clean?
- 1.11 Size of a Dime
- 1.12 Okay, Make It Glitter!
- 1.13 Only the Finest
- 1.14 Impressive Impression
- 1.15 Is That Real?
- 1.16 Put a Crown On It
- 1.17 More Moo!
- 1.18 Case for Red
- 1.19 Feel It Out
- 1.20 Three Charmed Ones
- 1.21 Fine Lines
- 1.22 Pastel Party
- 1.23 Ghostly & Transparent
- 1.24 Tiny & Easy to Hide
- 1.25 On Fire
- 1.26 Small Tattoos of the Micro Variety
- 1.27 Coming Up Roses
- 1.28 Put Your Heart on Your Sleeve
- 1.29 Lotus Blossoms
- 1.30 Roses are Falling
- 1.31 Give Peace a Chance
- 1.32 You’re a Gem
- 1.33 Mini Elephant
- 1.34 Get Creepy
- 1.35 A Buzzworthy Design
- 1.36 Spread Your Wings
- 1.37 Lady Bugging Out
- 1.38 It’s Electric
- 1.39 Birds on a Wire
- 1.40 Peachy Keen
- 1.41 Gotta Have Heart
- 1.42 Spice is Nice
- 1.43 Lizzie
- 1.44 Up Up and Away
- 1.45 La Luna
- 1.46 Life’s a Beach
- 1.47 Little Fires
- 1.48 Wine Time
- 1.49 Make Love
- 1.50 Man’s Best Friend
- 1.51 It’s the Number
- 1.52 O Canada
- 1.53 Zen
- 1.54 Everybody Walk the Dinosaur
- 1.55 Fly Like Paper
- 1.56 Ready for This Jelly
- 1.57 GOAT
- 1.58 Take a Trip
- 1.59 Bun, Hun
- 1.60 Buddha
- 1.61 Nuts
- 1.62 Magritte
- 1.63 Tiger, Tiger
- 1.64 Have a Slice
- 1.65 Boba
- 1.66 You Are My Sunshine
- 1.67 Stay Lucky
- 1.68 Leaves
- 1.69 Buzzworthy
- 1.70 Out for Blood
- 1.71 This Cuddle
- 1.72 Woof!
- 1.73 Poppy
- 1.74 Ed
- 1.75 Such a Snitch
- 1.76 Botticelli Meets Van Gogh
- 1.77 Adorable
- 1.78 Lil Peep
- 1.79 Stop
- 1.80 In Space
- 1.81 Take Flight!
- 1.82 Dragons, Mama
- 1.83 Hearts on Fire
- 1.84 Little Pup
- 1.85 Little Pooh
- 1.86 Small Tattoos In Paradise
- 1.87 Little Boy
- 1.88 Fine on a Finger
- 1.89 It Stings!
- 1.90 Love Yourself!
- 1.91 Tiniest Petals
- 1.92 Frenchie
- 1.93 Cutesy
- 1.94 All My Corazoncito
- 1.95 Give Paws
- 1.96 Tipping Point
- 1.97 Blue Jay of Joy
- 1.98 Canadian Invasion
- 1.99 Sunny
- 1.100 Enchanted, Baby!
- 1.101 Love You
- 1.102 Pretty & Morbid & Fun
- 1.103 Small Tattoos on Feet
- 1.104 Toe “Rings”
- 1.105 You Are My Sunshine
- 1.106 Red Again
- 1.107 Take It to Your Ankle
- 1.108 Feeling Lucky?
- 1.109 Small Tattoos on Fingers
- 1.110 Cute Small Tattoos on Fingers
- 1.111 Feeling the Floral Fingers
- 1.112 World’s Tiniest Heart
- 1.113 Dots and Dashes
- 1.114 Love to Cook?
- 1.115 Abstract Shapes
- 1.116 Flowers on Repeat or Not
- 1.117 Linear
- 1.118 Chandeliers
- 1.119 Everyday Objects
- 1.120 On the Line
- 1.121 Stick to the Dots
- 1.122 Feeling Those Phases
- 1.123 Green
- 1.124 The Smallest of the Small Tattoos
- 1.125 Witchy Symbols
- 1.126 Living for Love
- 1.127 Between the Fingers
- 1.128 A Different Way to Go
- 1.129 Gay & Glittery
- 1.130 Subtlest Small Tattoos: White Ink
- 1.131 Really Subtle
- 1.132 Lightest Lotus
- 1.133 Snowflake
- 1.134 We Leave You with Love
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