8 Inverted Tattoo Ideas: A Rebellion Against The Ordinary
Let your skin speak about your unique perspective with upside-down ink designs.
Lucas Cummins is an Ohio-based tattoo artist who has been making his mark on the tattoo industry for the past 2 years. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for vibrant expression, Lucas specializes in neo-traditional, color, and abstract style tattoos.
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Experience: 3 yearsGracia Odile is a teacher-turned-beauty and lifestyle writer with three years of professional experience. She has a bachelor's degree in English from St. Stephen's College, a master's in Anthropology from the University of Madras, and a degree in education from GGSIPU.
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Experience: 11 yearsRamona 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.
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Experience: 2 yearsPahul Nanra is a content writer with a penchant for all things fashion and beauty. She has two years of experience in writing across beauty and lifestyle genres. She is an English Honors graduate from Delhi University with a diploma in Fashion Designing from YMCA.
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As a general rule, your tattoos should face your body’s center. However, a new trend is emerging lately that is challenging this established norm of body art. Yes, we are talking about inverted tattoos. Unlike traditional tattoos, these ink designs flip the tattoo image upside down. Alternatively, they feature a clever play of negative space to create an optical illusion of a flipped image or use colors that look different under different lights. Some designs also feature ambigram text where the tattoo remains readable even when viewed from a different angle. If you are looking for some of these unconventional and creative designs, this article is for you. Read it to explore the most popular inverted tattoo designs for your next ink session.
In This Article
8 Best Inverted Tattoo Ideas
Here are some of the most unconventional inverted tattoo ideas that are sure to make heads turn wherever you go:
1. Inverted Cross Tattoo
The inverted cross in this design is simple and bold. It is associated with the martyrdom of Saint Peter, one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus. Due to this, it is also known as the Cross of Saint Peter or Petrine Cross. If you are looking for meaningful yet simple tattoo designs then this one makes for a cool choice, symbolizing rebellion and atheism in the modern context.
2. Inverted Triangle Tattoo
An inverted triangle usually represents a reversal of roles or hierarchy. The tattoo above features it with its base at the top and the pointed end pointing downwards. The tattoo is bold, simple, and super-clean. It also symbolizes change, transformation, womanhood, and the moon.
3. Inverted Rose Tattoo
Check out this piece if you need a tattoo that represents rebellion against societal norms. It features a rose with its stem pointing upwards and the petals cascading downward. Usually, the red rose symbolizes beauty and love. However, in its inverted form, it indicates finding them in unconventional or unexpected places.
4. Inverted Tattoo Sleeve
This half-sleeve tattoo features an inverted goat in black and gray. It is highly detailed and perfectly captures the goat’s intense gaze and fur texture. The tattoo also has an inverted pentagon on the goat’s head, commonly associated with occult practices and satanism. With the goat, the design may represent Baphomet, a demonic deity that symbolizes balance in various mystical traditions.
5. Negative Space Inverted Tattoo
This tattoo uses negative spacing to depict a fern structure. The image is also inverted with its stem oriented upwards and the leafy fronds cascading downward. Since a fern leaf symbolizes growth and renewal, its inversion may represent a different perspective on this transformation journey. Further, despite being upside down, it makes for a touching aesthetic tattoo.
6. Inverted Flower Tattoo
This tattoo features a flower bunch with its stem oriented upwards and the blooms cascading downwards. The flowers are intricately detailed and feature muted shades. They symbolize personal growth, resilience, uniqueness, and the beauty of embracing new perspectives.
7. Inverted Spider Web Tattoo
Instead of inverting the tattoo upside down, this design uses negative space to create an illusion of an inverted spider web. The design also features a spider on the top and a black and gray palette to maintain a classic and bold look. This tattoo symbolizes a rebellion against traditional norms. It also reminds us that sometimes, things are not what they seem.
8. Inverted Skull Tattoo
A traditional skull motif often symbolizes mortality. However, in this design, it has its jaw at the top and the head at the bottom. This creates an unconventional perspective towards life and death. The tattoo is highly detailed and perfectly shaded to capture the skull’s contours. It may also represent rebellion and defiance.
Unlike traditional ink designs that face the body’s center, Inverted tattoos are designed to face the wearer. This way, they usually appear inverted to the viewer but correct to the person wearing the tattoo. They may also use an ambigram tattooing style or negative spaces to create the illusion of a flipped image. You choose any design for these tattoos, ranging from simple symbols like a cross to flowers and skulls. The listicle above features some of these ideas. Go through it and get inspired for your next ink!
Read full bio of Lucas Cummins
Read full bio of Gracia Odile
Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
Read full bio of Pahul Nanra
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