One of the most popular places to get inked is on the shoulder — and for good reason. The shoulder provides a large canvas for a sweet piece of ink, allowing people to get really creative with script, imagery, and colors, if they wish to do so. Shoulder tats can be placed on the front by the collarbone, the back on the shoulder blade, or the outside curve of the shoulder. Plus, the shoulder area is easily covered or shown at will. Talk about a prime tattoo location.
In my opinion, shoulder tattoos ask for just the right amount of attention. Shoulder tattoos undeniably catch eyes, but since they're placed off to the side, they're also always subtle and never too in-the-face. From minimalist line and dotwork to detailed graphics, shoulder tats are the ultimate accessory for anyone's style.
This also makes shoulder tattoos great introductions for people to ease their way into the tattooing world. Although veterans of ink will warn that shoulder tattoos can be rather painful, as the needle will be reverberating on a mostly boney area, it is totally worth the discomfort. It's a classic spot for those who have an affinity for ink!
So now that we can all agree that there are literally endless possibilities when it comes to shoulder tattoos, we have to acknowledge that it can be a little overwhelming to choose the right design and placement. We only have two shoulders to adorn with ink, so we have to choose wisely. Good thing we scoured the Internet for 50 stunning shoulder tattoos that are bound to spur inspiration in anyone!
Outlined Peony
How striking is this thickly outlined peony? It's bold but still delicate!
Delicate Butterflies
These lightly done butterflies are the epitome of graceful. We love how it looks like they're about to flutter across her back.
Paper Plane
How adorable is this teeny tiny paper airplane tattoo? Check out the small blue and pink spots of color.
Bouquets
How stunning are these matching shoulder tattoos of black and white peonies? If we were the owner, we'd never wear sleeves!
Forget-Me-Nots
This shoulder tattoo of forget-me-not flowers is bold and striking, it's hard to look away!
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Mandala
The shoulder makes the perfect spot for a dazzling mandala, like this one. We love how the shading varies, which adds more dimension!
Bee Happy
Who wouldn't smile at this adorable little bee tattoo? We love the cheerful reminder that goes along with it too!
Stunning Peonies
This large peony tattoo wraps around the owner's shoulder, and is totally stunning. We love how it almost reaches the owner's collarbone, which makes it seem like a part of her.
Elephant Fam
This shoulder tattoo of three graceful elephants is very soft, thanks to its thin outline.
Colorful Pug
This pug might be the cutest one in history. The geometric pug is decorated with a splash of watercolor, making it super fun.
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Classic Rose
This tattoo of the outline of a rose is a classic choice. In fact, this was the owner's first tattoo!
Hibiscus
In my humble opinion, hibiscus flowers are some of the most beautiful on this earth! This tattoo proves that, just look at the detail.
Crashing Wave
This tattoo of a curling and crashing wave is perfect for beach-lovers. The birds that accompany it give the tattoo a sense of wonderment.
Mandala Sun & Moon
This pair of mandala-inspired sun and moon tattoos are perfect for sisters, moms and kids, best friends, or other close relationships!
Always a Lesson
This person decided to get a powerful quote inked on her shoulder. It reads, "Never a failure always a lesson.
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Floral Skull
This shoulder tattoo of a skull surrounded by flowers is so gorgeous! The dotwork keeps the skull feminine.
Wreath
We think Mother Nature would approve of this nature-inspired wreath. The shoulder truly is the perfect spot for it to wrap around.
Cherry Blossoms
This branch of pink cherry blossoms are accompanied by a sweet reminder: "The best hearts are the bravest."
Watercolor Bird
The shoulder is the perfect canvas for this large watercolor starling bird. Purple and teal really give the bird an air of regality.
The Little Mermaid
Disney fans will rejoice over this Ariel tattoo! But the simple outline and lack of color ensures that this tat isn't childish at all.
More from CafeMom: 50 Inspiring Quote Tattoos That Aren't Cheesy
Flower Mandala
How cool is this flower-shaped mandala? Fans of geometric tats will definitely be pleased looking at this one.
Geometric Whale
This realistic-looking whale is swimming right over the arch of someone's shoulder, which is incredible enough, but then it turns into a geometric pattern.
Om
How cute is this simple Om tattoo? Although it's easy to hide, this tat will remind the owner to breathe.
Constellation
This shoulder tattoo of the Scorpio constellation is the perfect choice for someone who wants a delicate, barely there piece of ink.
Home State Love
What a fun twist on the home state pride tattoo! The flowers and dotwork are absolutely gorgeous to look at.
More from CafeMom: 20 Heartfelt Tattoos That Make Us Wanna Fall in Love
Blueberries
This branch of blueberries is done in deep, rich colors. They're kind of calming, right?
Pretty Purple
We can't get enough of this eye-catching watercolor tattoo of a purple flower. It's perfect for the person who doesn't want harsh black or lines.
Go to the Dogs
This shoulder tattoo is dedicated to someone's dog, and features a majestic nature scene. We love how the dog's tail wraps around the bottom.
Watercolor Splash
This watercolor tat swirls around the owner's shoulder. It's like tie-dye!
Bold Florals
This tattoo of roses and a swallow are unique for its choice of colors! The roses are in a bright orange, while the bird contrasts a dark blue with a bright yellow. Stunning.
More from CafeMom: 24 Hip Tattoos So Stunning We Can't Help But Stare
Mandala Turtle
This turtle is giving off some serious vibes! Using the mandala as the shell is incredibly creative.
Tiny Red Flower
This shoulder tat of a small red flower proves that color tattoos can still be subtle. We love the vintage style of the flower!
Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are definitely a sight to see. Now anyone who is walking behind the owner of this tattoo will get to experience the swirl of lights!
Small Swallow
We wouldn't mind having this cute little swallow follow us everywhere we go on our shoulder either.
Orange Blossoms
How pretty is this orange floral watercolor tat? It's so dreamy.
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Sunflower
This sunflower tattoo is so incredibly intricate, we could lose time staring at it for hours.
Lotus Flower
This lotus flower is absolutely stunning, right? Lotus flower tattoos symbolize how the flower can grow even in the muddiest of waters.
Angel Wings
The shoulder blades make the perfect location for angel wing tattoos!
Singing Magpie
According to the tattoo shop who did this piece of art, in Korean belief, a magpie singing on the Lunar New Year's morning is a sign of good news and fortune.
Watercolor Fern
This tattoo of a fern proves that leaf tattoos don't have to just be green! The colors are almost hypnotizing.
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Geometric Butterfly
Who says butterfly tattoos are boring? This blue butterfly is encapsulated in a geometric design, giving it a cool and modern twist.
Bright Poppies
These orange poppies are like the epitome of sunshine! We'd rock these babies on our shoulders too.
Peter Pan
Fans of Peter Pan will want to grow up so that they can get a fun and bright watercolor tattoo like this!
Floral Anchor
This tattoo of an anchor embraced by flowers is a stunning and colorful addition to this person's shoulder blade.
Snoopy
How adorable is this teeny tiny Snoopy tattoo on someone's inside shoulder? We're sure Charlie Brown would approve.
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Pink Flower
This pinkish reddish poppy has a stem growing out of the owner's armpit, and is a stunning and elegant piece of ink.
Bubbling Turtles
How adorable is this pair of turtles who are hanging out just under the sea's surface? We wouldn't mind having these guys on our shoulders either.
Swirling Fish
This tattoo of swimming fish portrays their fluid motion so well, thanks to intricate dotwork.
Roses
This tat of four red watercolor roses is so elegant, it belongs in a museum!
American Traditional
How bold are these American style rose tattoos!? The blossoms are so vivid, we're happy there's two of them.
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