Take a Look at the Shiny Metallic Tattoo Trend

Many trends come and go in the world of tattoos, but one recent one has really caught our eye. People have been sharing images of their tattoos that look like actual metal. Metallic tattoos are a thing, and we’re here for it! These designs can feature molten metal, often dripping over an object, or tattoos of metallic objects. Gold and silver are favorites, and they sparkle in an uncanny way.

If you are curious about these designs and want to get one for yourself, we’re here to help inspire that next tattoo! We encourage you to do your homework; these tattoos take work to pull off. Find an artist skilled in realism to ensure you will be satisfied. Each tattoo artist has their specialty, and you don’t want to choose the wrong person for the job! Let’s get down to business and find some tattoos that can inspire your own!

Graphite Grapes

Paint it black! For this metallic tattoo, we find cherries seemingly dipped in oil. It’s an evocative and charming piece that really shines.

Disco Daze

Who said Disco is dead? We find a stunning silver disco ball that seems to melt. One thing about the metallic tattoo trend that you will quickly see is that melting metal is all the rage.

Balloons

Metallic balloons are a popular choice in this trend. We find the number 24 here in gold with a light blue outline to make it pop.

Metal Man

For superhero fans, you can get your favorite star tattooed in metal for a unique look. Isn’t this gorgeous?

Reflection

Wow! This is breathtaking! We find a metallic coil wrapped around a blurred portrait. We find it to be so enthralling and unique. It’s a work of art.

Rainbow Beetle

This person is bugging out. They decided to go for a metallic beetle that features every color of the rainbow. What a stunner!

Snitch

Harry Potter fans, eat your hearts out. We find a snitch that dazzles with wings that seem to move. In addition to the ball’s reflective look, there have been little stars added to offer extra shine.

Jeff Koons-Inspired

Artist Jeff Koons is famous for his metallic balloon animals, especially dogs like this. They inspire so many metallic tattoos. This example is in rainbow but we will share a couple others with you as well.

Round 2: In Silver

A silver dog like this is most common. It’s a great idea but know that if you decide to get something similar, you will be in good company.

Round 3: Oops!

This metallic doggie has had a little accident. We should be grossed out but we can’t get over how cute this is.

Twisted Chrome

Isn’t this remarkable? This twisted metallic piece should appeal to lovers of abstract art. The design makes the most of its shape by cleverly reflecting itself, adding depth.

Gladiator

Here’s a metal tattoo that’s based on a bronze statue from Antiquity. It depicts a gladiator with a lion helmet. What a dream!

Cyborgs

We find a robotic couple here that eerily does not have eyes. Each one has a reflection of the other. It’s both beautiful and creepy.

Red Balloon

We told you metallic balloon tattoos are popular! Here’s another example in the shape of a heart. We’re in love!

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Never Break the Chain

We find a spiky chain in this example that reads as bold and dangerous. We love the shape of the design for this placement. You always want to accentuate the body’s shape. This is how you do it.

Goldleaf

Time for some gold! Don’t these gold leaves utterly dazzle? Silver and chrome are most popular but we have a soft spot for golden pieces like this.

Golden Sunset

Gold for the win! We find a golden locket here containing a sunset scene. It marries elements of our natural world in such a unique way.

Wandering Star

We’re seeing stars. Now, your metallic tattoo can come in any color so choose your favorite and let your artist go to work.

Bearbrick

Here’s a popular bearbrick that’s been transformed into a tattoo. It’s a little beat up, missing a hand, ear, and part of its leg. But it’s still super cute.

Silver Bust

You can absolutely go with something statuesque for your metallic tattoo. This looks so fresh and contemporary.

Melt

This melting skull goes hard. As you can see, these darker metallic tattoos are often the most dramatic. If you want to make a statement, go with something similar.

Dallah

This is a Dallah, a traditional Arabic coffee pot. Everyday objects often work well as tattoos so feel free to celebrate your heritage or daily life with something as meaningful.

Golden Ribbon

Here’s a metallic tattoo with a bow on top; It is made to look like a golden ribbon. It’s so sweet and cute!

Metal Heart

Gold barbed wire wraps around a silver heart in this design. It’s one of our favorite metallic tattoos on this list.

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Creepy Classic

We find a head that looks like a statue in black with a golden skull in the center. This marries new and old in such a fantastical way. That tongue does give us the creeps, however.

We hope you’ve been inspired by the gleaming allure of these unique pieces. Metallic tattoos offer a unique way to express your individuality and style. Remember, tattoos are not just about the ink—it’s about making a statement, telling your story, and shining in your own unique way. So why not add a touch of sparkle?

For even more tattoo inspiration, keep reading. We’ve got some realism tattoos to share with that push the limits of the art form!

Ready for This Jelly

Calling all jellyfish fans! Take a look at this pastel design with its haunting tentacles. Jellyfish truly are majestic creatures that make for thrilling subject matter, no matter the size.

MJ

Look at this photorealistic portrait of everyone’s favorite basketball player, Michael Jordan. This tattoo is about the size of a quarter and looks so incredibly real. It’s almost uncanny for a tattoo to look this good at this size.

Take a Trip

Here, we find a retro RV looking completely ready for an adventure. The lines of this tattoo are so incredibly fine that we’d guess this was done by hand, meaning without a machine, utilizing the stick and poke technique.

Bun, Hun

Take a dose of cute in the form of this sweet-looking bunny rabbit. Take a look at those little whiskers! How is this even possible? Alas, we love this charming pet tattoo.

Buddha

Take a look at these impeccable hands that manage to delight in simple black and grey. This is so delicate. The butterfly on the tip of the finger is an absolute insane feat. Wow!

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. We like the addition of the circular background which almost looks like a target. Very fun!

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. Here, we find the sweet spread on top of a slice of cake. Bravo!

Boba

Star Wars fans love getting tattoos that show their fandom. Here, we find a very small Boba Fett in all his Mandalorian armored glory. Even if you aren’t familiar with the character, you can still appreciate this fascinating tattoo.

You Are My Sunshine

Floral tattoos are always smart as they represent natural beauty and a love for nature. This happy sunflower has a the sharpest stalk you’ll ever see.

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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. However, if you’re not superstitious, you might just find ladybugs attractive and that’s fine too!

Leaves

Take a look at these ghostly leaves that are tethered together by a stem. This subtle, understated design works extremely well and we imagine we’ll still be thinking about its virtues for days.

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 little charmer is so rich in color and texture. We now want to be covered in little fruits.

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. And, it looks to be the size of a penny. Impressive!

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. While this is a tattoo from paintings, it stays mostly true to the originals.

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. See how the ink of the shadow transforms from black to red? What an inspired design.

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.

There you go! 25 micro realism tattoos that bring the realness in a small package. We hope you enjoyed these designs and feel inspired to create your very own micro gem.