Luna
When considering where to get a tattoo, there are a few variables to keep in mind. For starters, think about the amount of space you have to work with when considering a design. If you’re looking to get something intricate or large, shoulders are the perfect placement option. Because shoulders offer such a large, blank canvas—considering both the shoulder bone itself and the shoulder blade—design possibilities are endless. Go for a larger tattoo on the shoulder and make a statement, or you could choose a smaller design and contrast a minimal tattoo with the negative space.
Shoulder tattoos are also as visible as you make them. When you wear sleeveless shirts, you can expect to see your ink, but it’s possible to place them to be covered up as much as you’d like—by a t-shirt, long sleeves, or not at all. Plus, depending on where your ink is placed, you’ll be able to see it, which means you’ll get to admire the artwork just as much as other people. Feeling inspired? Same.
So ahead, find 45 shoulder tattoo examples to start your search for your next tattoo.
Word Shoulder Tattoo
A small word or phrase tattoo on the shoulder blade will feel dainty against the large amount of negative space. Go for a rounded cursive font for a touch of whimsy.
Line Art Shoulder Tattoo
If you’re interested in a floral design but don’t want the typical bouquet, try designing something in one specific style, like this line art ink. Due to the nature of the style, you can opt for a larger design like this one or a smaller design.
Girls Girls Girls
Line design tattoos are certainly the look du jour, and shoulders are no exception.
Outline-Only Shoulder Tattoo
The outline-only paper crane sits beautifully on the front of the shoulder bone because it uses negative space to its advantage. The simplicity keeps it feeling dainty despite its size.
Shoulder Blade Tattoo
If the round part of the shoulder doesn’t seem like the right placement, try placing your ink on your shoulder blade. This is a more flat, defined space that will allow you to get your tattoo without having to consider how it will move with your body.
Dandelion Seeds
Accentuate the delicate area between your shoulder and collarbone with a dandelion tattoo, featuring seeds that transition to birds.
Leaf Shoulder Tattoo
If flowers aren’t your thinking but you still want a flora design, try opting for something like a leaf instead. There’s still an innate sense of movement, and you can be less flowery (literally) with your design.
Extending Flowers Shoulder Tattoo
Florals are ideal designs to extend either down the arm or up to the collarbone, as flowers naturally grow in one direction. Sticking to black ink only allows you to focus on the design and the details, rather than the color.
Tiny Floral Shoulder Tattoo
Go for a very small design, like a floral, to amazingly contrast with the large amount of negative space. Opt for a thin outline for a delicate tattoo design.
Curving Outward Shoulder Tattoo
Rather than mimicking the shape of your shoulder bone to give your design movement, trying going against the natural form. Because this floral curves inward, it contrasts with the shoulder itself and makes an even more drastic impact.
Wave Shoulder Tattoo
Mirror the movement of your shoulder by getting a design with some natural movement already, like this wave. Use darker—but not black—outlines to give the image depth while staying whimsical.
Colored Hibiscus
Add an element of color with this pink shaded hibiscus tattoo.
Combined Shoulder Tattoo
Rather than choosing between two designs you love, why not combine them? The large size of the shoulder makes for tons of room to create the tattoo of your desires without overwhelming your skin.
Salvador Dali Shoulder Tattoo
The unique angle of the shoulder bone poses some pretty unique design opportunities. Try picking something with a similar structure, like this Salvador Dali melting clock ink.
Circular Shoulder Tattoo
The round shape of the shoulder socket makes the perfect placement spot for circular designs like flowers. If you’re going to have a lot of shading, stick to thin lines to keep from overwhelming the design.
Sun Shoulder Tattoo
Looking to place a sun tattoo? Try the shoulder. The center circle mimics the shoulder socket, and the rays have the same natural sense of movement.
Butterfly Shoulder Tattoo
These two butterflies almost seem to be flying right off of the skin. To get this effect, pick an animal in motion to get tatted, like these flying butterflies or a running horse.
Spread Out Shoulder Tattoo
Try spreading out your design across your entire shoulder, rather than limiting it to one spot. The thin outlines mean you can keep adding to the design without it becoming too much.
Large Floral Tattoo
Go for a larger-scale floral piece if you want to make use of all the shoulder space. Go for softer pastels and no black ink for a lighter-feeling tattoo.
Innovative Shoulder Tatttoo
Abstract designs are given the freedom of space to really make a statement. Since they can add innate movement or balance, there are a million design options.
Star Socket Shoulder Tattoo
While a ring design around the shoulder socket emphasizes the area, keep the actual tattoo itself relatively simple. If you crowd the bone with too much detail, it may look somewhat sloppy.
Lunar Phases Shoulder Tattoo
Lunar phases are a great idea for getting inked along the top of the shoulder bone. The natural elemental images pair beautifully with your natural body part!
Upright Shoulder Tattoo
While it’s great to mimic the shape of the top of the shoulder bone, try getting a straight up-and-down design to evoke the line of the side of your shoulder.
Feather Shoulder Tattoo
A feather is weightless as is, but when allowed the space to add ample details, it can feel as if it’s floating above the skin. The shading gives it a realistic design as well.
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