American traditional jungle tattoo

We know the feeling: You’d like to get your first tattoo but are scared to make the leap. You have questions about how to pick a good design and what subject to choose, and you’re nervous about the commitment and wonder if you’ll ever regret getting one. In these cases, you can’t go wrong with a minimalist tattoo!

Parrot tattoo

Vector illustration of a panther and cobra snake tattoo design

Get inspired by the colorful and unconventional designs of the American traditional tattoo. 50+ ideas and their meanings in one article.

Leaves by Tine DeFiore inked on the left forearm Related Tattoos

You know the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover?” The same rule can be changed into “Don’t judge a person by its ink.” Getting some body art inked is probably one of the best ways for self-expression—be it a drawing in remembrance of your past beliefs, shenanigans or a minimal tattoo filled with deep meanings. No tattoo design is meaningless or ugly because there’s always something bigger behind it. At least to the person who chose the unique tattoo.

Nature Sleeve by Selina Medina @girlytattoos

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