8 Awesome Abstract Tattoo Ideas For Men And Women

Give your personality a touch of uniqueness with a creative and aesthetic abstract tattoo!

Reviewed by Brik Rangel, Tattoo Artist Brik Rangel Brik RangelTattoo Artist facebook_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by Shreya Mukherjee, MA (English) Shreya Mukherjee MA (English) Experience: 2 years
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Fact-checked by Aparna Harry, MA (English Literature) Aparna Harry MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Last Updated on

Abstract tattoos, as is clear from the name, are an extremely artistic way of expressing yourself. An abstract tattoo can vary from anything to seemingly nothing. It can be a thought an idea or something aesthetically pleasing. Whatever the design, abstract art instantly attracts attention. These tattoos are etched with bold lines, vibrant colors, and intricate designs that always make a statement. These tattoos are suitable for both men and women and all skin tones. Here, we have listed 8 intriguing abstract tattoo ideas that will inspire your next inking adventure! Read on.

Abstract Tattoo Meaning

Besides being very artsy and appealing, abstract tattoos can also have significant meanings associated with them. Abstract tattoos go against the conventional idea of images. They are depicted in shapes, patterns, and colors to stir up emotions. They are an unconventional way of self-expression. These tattoos also invite onlookers to derive their own interpretation, giving them a chance for self-reflection. This open-endedness also gives the tattoo flexibility so that its meaning can evolve as the wearer matures.

8 Simple Abstract Tattoo Ideas

Here are eight abstract tattoo ideas that you can use as your inspiration. These tattoos are sure to help you gain a broader understanding of the world of abstract tattoos and help you design your next one.

1. Abstract Heart Tattoo

Abstract heart tattoo on the back of a woman
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Hearts are the most classic symbol of love and passion. If you are someone who wants to show their love for this timeless emotion in an unconventional way then an abstract heart tattoo may be the one for you.  Abstract heart tattoos, with their intricate and bold design, can represent love in all its complexities. These tattoos come in uncommon shapes and are sure to turn heads.

2. Abstract Trash Polka Tattoo

Abstract trash polka tattoo on the back of a woman
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Trash polka dots are bold, graphic, and chaotic. When you combine abstract art and the chaotic design of these dots, you get the best of abstraction and realism. The flower and leaves in the tattoo above could be a representation of nature, beauty, and femininity. But the colors are switched to neon red and black on purpose to add a sense of mystery, misery, and destruction. It reminds the onlooker that life and death are just two sides of the same coin.

3. Abstract Line Tattoo

Abstract line tattoo on the back of a woman
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

If you are a lover of all things simple but also have a creative side, this mine work tattoo will suit your taste. It uses crisp and clean lines to create different shapes that roughly resemble waves. The water adds to the fluidity and flexibility of abstract art and reminds you to reach out to the unknown.

4. Abstract Blackwork Tattoo

Abstract blackwork tattoo on the arm of a woman
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Abstract blackwork tattoos generally feature bold black lines and geometrical shapes. People who would like to make a bold statement while showing their appreciation for this form of art can consider getting an abstract blackwork tattoo. The tattoo above is a collection of random geometrical shapes that seemingly don’t look like anything in particular. But it is etched using different techniques to create a pleasant-looking piece. It may denote that even when things look chaotic, there is a hope of beauty when you look at the bigger picture.

5.  Abstract Smoke Tattoo

Abstract smoke tattoo on the arm of a woman
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Smoke in itself has been a subject of various art endeavors. When it is combined with an abstract form of art, you get something that is mysteriously beautiful but also fleeting. The tattoo above is etched in black ink with bold lines, shading, and dotwork to give it depth. The dots look like embers, meaning that the smoke is coming from a fire source. It could be a way for the wearer to express a passion that cannot be kept hidden any longer.

6. Abstract Coffee Cup Tattoo

Abstract coffee cup tattoo on the arm of a woman
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Are you a coffee lover who also likes to express yourself through abstract art? Well then, an abstract coffee cup tattoo will be perfect for you. The one in the picture above shows a coffee cup with steam rising from it, showing it fresh and hot. The spiral abstract steam may represent chaos or uncertainty. And this wariness can be handled expertly once you have energized over a cup of coffee.

7. Abstract Tattoo Of A Woman’s Silhouette

abstract woman silhouette tattoo on the arm of a woman
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Silhouette tattoos are classic and their charm is timeless. Abstract woman silhouette tattoos put a modern twist on this traditional motif. If you are a woman who would like to show her strength and resilience in an unconventional manner, getting an abstract silhouette tattoo can be a good choice for you. The tattoo above is worn on the upper arm denoting that the wearer is proud to openly express their femininity.

8. Abstract Flow Tattoo

Abstract flow tattoo on the arm of a woman
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Flow tattoos represent the movement of water, wind, or energy and embody a sense of fluidity. When you etch it in abstract, dynamic designs the same meaning is emphasized manifold. The tattoo design above features curious patterns and shapes, roughly resembling the flow of air.  It is not only thought-provoking but also extremely visually appealing.

Abstract tattoos are an endless opportunity to titillate your creative mind and express the deepest meanings. You can play with the form, shapes, and patterns. You can go for something minimalistic on your wrist or something grand on your back to add beauty and mystery to your skin. This list of tattoo ideas will help you start your very own design that best represents your personality. No matter what style you choose, an abstract tattoo will always be a unique addition to your ink collection.

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Brik Rangel
Brik RangelTattoo Artist
Brik Rangel is a highly skilled tattoo artist who has 12 years of experience in the field. She specializes in transformative tattoo makeovers and cover-ups. After honing her craft in São Paulo, Brazil, she now works as a tattoo artist and manager at Manhattan Tattoos in New York, and as a tattoo artist at Divine Tattoos in New Jersey.

Read full bio of Brik Rangel
Shreya Mukherjee
Shreya MukherjeeBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Shreya is a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience. After graduating from Christ University, Bengaluru, she started as a writer for a non-profit organization, Bhumi, as an intern. She then wrote for a progressive content website.

Read full bio of Shreya Mukherjee
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
Aparna Harry
Aparna HarryBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Aparna Harry is a beauty and lifestyle content writer with over three years of experience in writing for different genres. She has a master’s degree in English Literature from The English And Foreign Languages University and a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Mysore.

Read full bio of Aparna Harry
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