We’re a long way away from looking at inked people like they’ve come from another planet. In fact, tattoos have become so mainstream that it’s hard to find a person who doesn’t have a single tattoo. Social media is rife with beautiful designs, techniques and talented tattoo artists sharing their work with the world.
[ Everything You Need to Know About Getting Your First Tattoo ]
If you’re thinking of getting a tattoo, placement is just as important aschoosing a design. The choices are endless: the ankle, wrist, collarbone and back are all top spots, but the shoulder has been gaining popularity with women over recent years. An undeniably seductive spot, the shoulder is the perfect canvas for creative artwork. Since the shoulder is rounded, a design that curves to its shape works best. You can go small or choose something more elaborate that extends down the back, arm or chest. And shoulder tattoos have another thing going for them: they’re just as easy to conceal with clothes as they are to show off, depending on the occasion.
Need some inspiration? Click through the gorgeous shoulder tattoos in the slideshow above.
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tasteful shoulder tattoos
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Colorful flowers
Floral tattoos are well-suited for shoulder placement. This larger design perfectly frames the shoulder as it gently climbs up the neck and down the arm.
Image: @yelizozcan_tattooer
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Minimalist tattoos
Minimalist tattoos are having a moment and tend to be the choice of many for their first-ever tattoo. This simple lock tattoo is paired with a key tattoo on the back of the other shoulder. Balance is key, right?
Image: @wittybutton_tattoo
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Black roses
A simple outline of roses and their leaves extends from the shoulder onto the collarbone, proving that placement can make or break a tattoo.
Image: @rachellchengg
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Back of the shoulder
The back of the shoulder is also a great spot, as evidenced by this origami tattoo.
Image: @ninaautering
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Memorial tattoos
People tend to get tattoos of dates, symbols and names related to people, places or events that mean something to them. This back-of-the-shoulder tattoo features a daffodil, a date and a name, all tastefully put together.
Image: @blondiekeogh
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Lotus flower
Pink lotus petals hug the shoulder and almost look like they're painted on the skin.
Image: Instagram
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Saturn lollipop
This unique shoulder tattoo merges Saturn with a lollipop. Any guess on its meaning?
Image: @caistattoo
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Wave tattoo
For that wave-riding, beach-loving girl, this artistic shoulder tattoo of ocean waves is an interesting piece if you're looking for a combo of modern and classic imagery.
Image: @vedinxtattoo
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Quote tattoos
The shoulder is a great place for a short quote written in a small font. Every time the wearer looks in the mirror, it can be a reminder to just let life happen.
Image: @mnsantanatattoo
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A powerful message
The placement of this tattoo is everything. The effect of the gun shooting a bouquet over her shoulder is the perfect combination of sweet and tough.
Image: @woonatattoo
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The Little Prince
Is there a book that made a huge impression on you and impacted your life in some way? A tattoo of a detail related to that book, be it the image or a quote from its pages, is the perfect homage.
Image: @sanjatattoo
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A different kind of rose
For centuries, roses have been one of the most common tattoo choices and their appeal is obvious. However, you don't have to go with a traditional look. This conceptual interpretation focuses solely on the outline, giving it a very modern feel.
Image: @cagridurmaz
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Botanical tattoos
This botanical shoulder tattoo has an almost 3D look that resembles a drawing more than a tattoo.
Image: @zihee_tattoo
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Tiny flower
The shape of a single flower done in multiple colors sitting at the front of the shoulder has a feminine and decorative effect on the body. It's also easy to add more details around it later on if you feel the desire to make it more prominent.
Image: @soltattoo
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A romantic approach
This rose shoulder tattoo has a hidden word etched into the stalk, giving it an elegant, romantic look.
Image: @jk.tat
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Over the moon
This small shoulder tattoo is placement goals. The bright, ombre shading makes it truly special.
Image: @wittybutton_tattoo
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Watercolor splash
For the artistic soul who likes unconventional designs, this watercolor tattoo is the perfect base for a special quote.
Image: @peztattoo
