Despite the fact that recently the popularity of body painting has been constantly growing, not many body art lovers prefer voluminous and colorful drawings. Simple and neat small tattoos attract no less attention than complex and intricate images. In addition, such sketches can be an excellent expression of your own creativity and desires. A little imagination and a “homemade” masterpiece with the help of an experienced craftsman is transferred from the carrier to the body. We suggest discussing below how to choose the right tattoo, where to get it, and what easy options for body designs there are.
Light tattoos - current ideas and features
Tattoos of this nature, although they are simple, do not at all oblige their future owner to choose sketches of a specific theme. Such drawings amaze with their variety of techniques and content, which deserve the attention of representatives of both sexes. Among the possible variations are numerous images of animals, floral motifs, various amulets, signs, symbols, geometric designs, zodiac signs and many other ideas. The main feature of such body jewelry is their unique ability to look cute and original in any design. Therefore, depending on your preference, these can be either drawings, which are a contour outlined by a thin line, or colorful, detailed images.
Styles and colors that are popular for small tattoos
It is difficult to clearly narrow down the choice of styles for small tattoos due to the huge selection of designs and ideas. But most often lately masters have resorted to the following methods of execution:
Tribal, Celtic, Polynesian - original execution of patterns, abstractions and ornaments;
Minimalism – small, laconic tattoos without unnecessary details and lines;
Graphics – predominance of straight and clear lines;
Oriental - oriental style;
Geometry is an ideal style for symbolism that conveys pictures in geometric shapes.
The main emphasis in the execution of small tattoos is on black and white, especially if they are symbols, inscriptions, or small objects. If living creatures or nature are depicted, the master can use different colors of red, green, blue, brown, yellow and their similar shades.
Male variations
Light and simple tattoo designs for the stronger sex, in most variations, are medium or small-sized designs that can be located on the shoulder, leg, neck, chest or wrist. As a rule, these are various images of fauna, sketches with elements of geometry or abstraction, tattoos with religious components or amulets. Very often there are drawings on a marine theme depicting ships, anchors, compasses or pirate attributes, as well as neat inscriptions and simple patterns, the symbolism of which is a demonstration of strength, courage, fortitude, purposefulness, or sketches that prompt reflection on the meaning of life, love and human relationships. Men's tattoos are distinguished by darker colors, restraint and laconicism, so they are usually performed using miniature, geometry, graphics, dotwork, ornamental, ethnic, etc. techniques.
Light tattoo ideas for women
The fair half prefers to decorate their body with simple images of a smaller size, so in most examples of tattoos of this type are performed using the minimalist technique. Popular themes include a variety of floral images, cute birds, funny animal faces, sketches of insects, lettering tattoos, original patterns and many other proposals. Such sketches can symbolize the hidden qualities of their owner, talk about the feelings, preferences or aspirations of the young lady, and also serve as a talisman or serve as a reminder of an important and significant event. The ideal solution for women's tattoos, in addition to minimalism, is the watercolor technique, abstract subjects, ethnic images and many other variations.
Examples of simple tattoos to be applied to the arm
Modern ideas for light tattoos can have completely different themes and represent anything - from several dots to graphic sketches or miniature pictures. There are simply no special restrictions in this case. The main rule is that the tattoo is applied to the area of the body you choose with minimal intervention from the artist, and in most variations it is done predominantly in black. Such sketches are usually placed on the shoulder, forearm, wrist or fingers. The latter examples are considered the most popular, but are painful when applied.
Sketches of beautiful and light miniatures for girls
Miniature tattoos for girls on the arms are usually a way to emphasize the femininity of the tattoo owner, her vulnerability and emotionality. In some cases (crown, rose, and so on), a body design can illustrate the determination of a representative of the fairer sex, as well as her desire to be the first in everything.
(on the wrist) |
(on the shoulder) |
(on fingers) |
(on the forearm) |
(on the elbow) |
(on palm) |
(on the brush) |
Simple leg tattoos
The most popular places for light tattoos on the leg are the ankles, the inner and outer parts of the foot, although you can often find designs on the knee, thigh and fingers. In any case, the choice of sketch depends on your preferences and the purpose that you put into the drawing. Among the current techniques for body paintings on the leg are minimalism, geometry, already known in this case, as well as linework, watercolor, realism and contour images. Household items, stars, flowers, tattoo bracelets, an infinity sign are just some of the possible variations that can decorate your body.
Application techniques
Small tattoos are created on the hands by masters in accordance with the generally accepted work algorithm:
- Prepare the workplace: sterilize tools; lay out the pigments and needles that you plan to use; check the tattoo machine; wear disposable sterile gloves.
- Using a computer and printer, print out a sketch of the future tattoo. Transfer the image onto transfer paper. Cut along the contour.
- After the client takes a comfortable body position, evaluate the area where you plan to tattoo. If necessary, get rid of excess hair.
- Treat the working area of the body with an antiseptic.
- Evenly distribute the composition, with the help of which the sketch will be transferred from paper to the body.
- Attach the paper with the pattern to the body. Press for 2-3 seconds. Remove paper. If necessary, complete the untranslated outlines using a dark marker.
- Lubricate the skin with a thin layer of Vaseline (necessary for the best glide of the tattoo machine needle).
- Dip the needle into the pigment, then drive it into the client’s skin along the contour. Remove excess paint using a lint-free cloth.
- After applying the tattoo, lubricate the injured skin with a disinfectant. Apply healing film.
Lettering tattoo
Tattoos in the form of inscriptions have always attracted the attention of those who like to emphasize their individuality, especially since a short phrase or a couple of words, which we will talk about today, can contain a deep meaning. Sketches of this nature can be made in different languages, for example, Latin, English or Chinese, and serve not only as a cute decoration, but also as a reminder, motivation or motto. These can be calls to action, phrases demonstrating the personal qualities of their owner, etc. Sketches of this content are applied to the wrist, forearm, ankles, sides, collarbone area, neck or fingers. In this case, everything depends on the personal preferences of the customer.
Tattoo options made with henna
This offer will appeal to those who are hesitant to decorate their body with one design or another for life. In this case, body designs made with henna can be called an ideal solution, because they stay on the skin for only a few weeks. Images can be black, brown or white. The size and location of the henna design depends entirely on your desire. As for light variations of designs, the most common ideas include various bracelets, images of rings, floral motifs, fairy-tale characters, for example, trendy unicorns, inscriptions and many other ideas. Young ladies have a weakness for original and sophisticated sketches in mehendi style. Men prefer various patterns that emphasize muscle definition.
Light tattoos are considered one of the popular trends today, and sketches for these body jewelry can be created not only by professionals with artistic talent, but also by ordinary sketching enthusiasts. In this case, the design can be made in different styles and applied to any part of the body. In addition, it is very interesting that sometimes a simple and uncomplicated tattoo can symbolize much more than a voluminous and detailed design. That is why the army of fans of simple and uncomplicated sketches is constantly growing.
Tips for choosing a small tattoo
Small tattoos on the arm should only be done if you have complete confidence in the selected design.
It is recommended to choose a design taking into account the advice of experienced tattoo artists:
- do not chase fashion trends (remember that fashion for a particular style will pass after 1-2 years, but the tattoo will remain on the body forever);
- “draw” a sketch yourself, putting in a meaning that is understandable only to the future owner of the body design (if you don’t have the ability to draw, you can use the services of tattoo artists who create sketches according to the client’s established criteria);
- avoid names, dates and other specific details that may become irrelevant after some time (for example, due to separation from your other half);
- avoid small details (due to their miniature size, not every tattoo artist will be able to draw them well. Due to the high level of mobility of the skin on the hands, the pigment can spread over time, forming a shapeless spot on the skin due to the presence of a large number of strokes and lines).
A sketch is considered successful if, when applied to the skin, from a distance of 2-3 m it will be possible to distinguish the details of the drawing or at least understand in general terms what exactly is depicted on the human body.
