Things are changing but the tattoo world is still primarily dominated by white men. However, women are slaying the game and using social media to help showcase their talents. One of the most popular tattoo hashtags on Instagram is #femaletattooartist. If you explore the tag, you’ll discover some of the most impressive, thoughtful, and engaging ink work you’ll ever encounter.
We decided to compile some recent favorite tattoos done by women that show unparalleled artistry and skill. Most of these tattoos are for women by women, and you’ll get to see a different perspective and style. Some own their own tattoo business while others have just started their tattooing journey. Let’s take a look at 25 sensational tattoos by women artists who are creating wholly original pieces.
I Don’t Need You, But I Want You
We all deserve the best love a person has to give. We love this dramatic heart tattoo with a crying face. It’s expertly shaded and wonderfully weird.
Pretty Pigeon
“For Maria’s grandfather who raced pigeons!” the tattoo artist who shared this image wrote. We love all of the green, purple, and gold in this design which is found in the bird’s plumage but also in the flowers. That’s the cutest pigeon we’ve ever seen!
Calling All Fannibals
This tattoo of actor Mads Mikkelsen is a treasure. The design pulls elements from Hannibal, the TV series he starred in. We did not come for a photorealistic tattoo of a cannibal psychologist, but we’ll stay for it.
Trying
The balloon letters are very unique and you don’t see them tattooed as often as they once were. We love the addition of a white ink highlight that makes them truly shine. Have fun, don’t pop.
Boo!
These ghost tattoos are a hot trend right now. We’ve seen all manner of themed ghost tattoos over the last couple of years. Check out all the tiny dots on the ghost that help bring it dimension and depth.
Moth-Wo-Man
Throw eyes on any object and it immediately looks far more interesting than it would without them. Want proof? Check out this charming little moth with a face on its wings.
Crowned
“Matt’s totally adorable pup Inoki, wearing Biggie’s crown,” the artist captioned this image. We would like to be friends with Inoki and we hope he does indeed wear a crown and gold necklace.
Baby Yoda
Baby Yoda is the definition of kawaii and we love to see him cropping up in all sorts of ways. Here, the little cutie has gotten a full-color makeover and is looking as fabulous as ever.
Fire
“My clients summerhouse,” the artist shared. Wow! This is such an interesting design with flames that don’t actually fill the black line used for their outline. We’re very warm to this one.
Elizabeth Lavenza
The bride of Victor Frankenstein has gotten a Halloween look that Mary Shelley would be envious of. We love this playful tattoo that includes plenty of face tattoos for the green lady.
Cosmic
“Cosmic dreams,” the artist shared. We must completely agree as this black ink tattoo is a marvelous dream. It’s giving us low-key witchy vibes and we love it.
Mod
Intentional or not, this tattoo screams Roy Lichtenstein. With pops of bright color contrasting with detailed black and grey work, this design boasts plenty of visual interest and balance.
20 Hours Later…
Go ahead and get that full seasonal sleeve you’ve always wanted. According to the artist who shared it, it will only take about twenty hours to complete. It features one of the cutest raccoons you’ll ever meet.
Gizmo
We’re all for a nostalgic tattoo that captures childlike wonder. Gizmo from The Gremlins is a fine choice and a subtle Christmas tattoo. What a cutie pie!
RELATED: 25 Christmas Tattoos That Bring the Jolly All Year Long
Balloon Pup
“Balloon doggie for Jenna with the same spot on its side that her pupper had!” a tattoo artist named Kira shared. We love this playful design that pays tribute to a cute, furry friend. A dog portrait is fine, but this is just so much fun!
Put ’em Up
Here’s a piece created by Nina Flomp a Chicago-based artist who recently opened her own shop, Crybaby Tattoo. We love her work and will be featuring a couple more of her designs on this list. This vintage-looking gunslinger is a blast.
Isn’t She Wonderful
Yes, you better be bringing the Stevie Wonder bops to every party! This very bold bouquet is, indeed, lovely. You can’t go wrong with a floral design and they make for excellent filler pieces.
Blossoms
We are completely mesmerized by this ombre design that transforms from plumb to gold. Drama!
Prickly
Don’t touch or this cactus will take you out! We love the sweet heart shape that plays well against the touch message on the banner. This is another piece by our friend, Flomp.
Creepy Cool
“A zombie babe for Briana!” the artist who completed this remarkably morbid design. We can’t get over the detail in the hair and the 2D flatness of the face that’s dripping blood. Amazing!
Crystalized
These crystals are charged with pink and pastels and outlined in a gemstone heart. What a lively design that’s bursting with life.
Rainbow Moth
We find a beautifully blended tattoo of a moth here with rainbow wings. The lines of this tattoo are so sharp and tidy.
Take a Photo
Incorporating your passions into tattoo design is always wise. This lovely tat of a camera reveals a lens capturing a picture of two people holding hands. It’s incredibly romantic and sweet.
Meow
Wow! This Lisa Frank-looking leopard is so gorgeous and whimsical. The design uses a dark black background to make the colors of the plants and on the cat really pop. Amazing.
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Queen of the Rodeo
“Lady head, but make her the dang ol’ queen of the rodeo!” Nina Flomp captioned this image. It’s a masked woman in front of a blood-red oval. If you’re familiar with Orville Peck, a masked, queer, country singer, you might catch the reference here. This is so good!
There you go! 25 stunning tattoos by female tattoo artists who are creating exciting designs and carving out more space for themselves in the industry. We can do better! One way you can help bring about parity is to book your tattoo with a woman artist. If you’re inspired by these designs, what’s stopping you?
Contents
- 1 I Don’t Need You, But I Want You
- 2 Pretty Pigeon
- 3 Calling All Fannibals
- 4 Trying
- 5 Boo!
- 6 Moth-Wo-Man
- 7 Crowned
- 8 Baby Yoda
- 9 Fire
- 10 Elizabeth Lavenza
- 11 Cosmic
- 12 Mod
- 13 20 Hours Later…
- 14 Gizmo
- 15 Balloon Pup
- 16 Put ’em Up
- 17 Isn’t She Wonderful
- 18 Blossoms
- 19 Prickly
- 20 Creepy Cool
- 21 Crystalized
- 22 Rainbow Moth
- 23 Take a Photo
- 24 Meow
- 25 Queen of the Rodeo
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