Fashion and tattoos have some similarities. Both have trends, there are specific looks to be admired, and we can look to culture to shape certain aspects. One trend that has emerged in tattooing is tiny tattoos. Some are micro-level tiny and great for those who really don't want to appear to have all of their skin adorned with art permanently. For those looking for a bit more, the small tattoo is where it's at, creating an impact while still leaving skin in its born-this-way state.
The small tattoo is great for first-timers, but it's also fantastic for those who have lost count. A small tattoo can be filler or make up a varied collection. But just because it is tiny doesn't mean it can't be impactful or powerful.
And don't let the "trend" label tarnish anything — because when it's comes to tattoos, there are so many styles that are timeless. With an incredible tattoo artist, a tattoo can truly be a work of forever art. Luckily, there are so many incredibly talented artists out there to choose from — and that's exactly what this collection showcases. In it, discover amazingly detailed pieces alongside simplistic designs — each one perfectly accenting one of the most visible places to get tattooed: the forearm.
For more inspiration for small tattoos, be sure to check out this feature on small thigh tattoos or even this one on small tattoos to get with your BFF. Or, take a look at these small wrist tattoos, for more amazing designs. All of these collections showcase gorgeous works to place nearly anywhere on the body.
When it comes to the forearm, it is quite a visible space. With that thought, this list truly highlights some of the loveliest tattoos that are just perfect for this spot.
Delicate Leaves
This fine art tattoo of a leaf is shaded perfectly and has an extra meaning. Those numbers likely represent something important.
Heartbeat
It may be a simple line, but this one was done with precision. It's also a heartbeat, and this person got it as mother and daughter matching tattoos. Love it!
Geometric Wolf
Geometric patterns always look beautiful in mandalas. It's also lovely to see the geometry in nature, and in this case as a tattoo of a wolf.
'Zero' Lettering
Small lettering can carry big impact. That's what we are seeing here in this "zero" tattoo. It's simple and clean, and its meaning is held by its owner.
Two Lines
This darling handpoked tattoo is two simple lines that wrap all the way around the forearm. It's like a permanent bracelet.
Lightning Bolt
Who could resist a tiny lightning bolt tattoo? Simplicity is sometimes best and this is one case where this simple tattoo ranks high on favorites.
Feminine Flower
It's so fitting this arm is shown against that soft pink cloth. This tattoo is everything feminine — the beauty is in those delicate lines, yet strong shape of the female symbol, and that lovely little daisy.
Tiniest Panda
Reading this is going to be hard after squealing over how adorable this teeny tiny panda tattoo is. I mean, could it be any more perfect? No. No, it cannot.
Watercolor Flowers
The blue of these forget-me-nots looks absolutely lovely in a watercolor style. This tattoo delivers just the right amount of softness.
Artful Embrace
This is such an excellent rendering of this artful embrace. The line work is perfect, as is the placement.
Rune Tattoo
This xx rune tattoo is said to be a Viking rune that means "where there's a will, there's a way." We love how tiny it is.
Little Sword
A duel? With this tattoo, anyone would be ready for a duel … provided it's pint sized and imaginary. How spectacular is this tiny tattoo?
Buzzing Bee
This single needle bee tattoo is superb in all black. We are in awe of how fuzzy it looks.
No Rain, No Flowers
Elegant is one word this tattoo artist uses to describe his work. And that's quite a skill. This stunning font tattoo also has excellent words: No rain, No flowers.
Bowie Cat
Nestled on the forearm, lives this incredulous David Bowie cat, rainbow'd to perfection and ready to connect with ground control.
All About Touch
This delicate tattoo also holds a delicate gesture. The soft stroking of hands are captured beautifully here.
Butterfly
The solid black of this tattoo is just as impactful as the unshaded spots. That's why this butterfly tattoo feels extra delicate, kind of just like this winged beauty in real life.
Alaska
Take a paper airplane to Alaska! Never has a state tattoo captured sweetness quite like this one.
Flower Crown
Flower crowns aren't just adorable atop heads. This finely designed flower crown is delightful as a tattoo on the arm.
Sun Mandala
Mini mandalas will always mesmerize and this beauty certainly shines. This sun mandala delights with solid and dot work.
Exquisite Adornment
Adorning the wrist and inching up the forearm, this lovely tattoo combines some of the most delicate lines and dots. It's timeless and enchanting.
Contemplative Lady
There is so much to behold here. From the dot-work landscape, to the incredible lady, to the darling way it's all packaged with floral and leaves — this tattoo is tops.
Long-Stemmed Poppy
While the poppy bloom is small, it's the stem that creates the larger look. The result is a gorgeous long line on this part of the arm.
Flying Bunny
After squealing with delight at the sight of this adorable tattoo, we may be able to say this is one of the cutest designs ever. Dotted bunny had wings!
Handpoked Heart
This sweet handpoked heart tattoo has the best scenery. It's simple yet conveys the right amount of detail to capture the vibe.
Koi Fish
This smaller tattoo is of a koi fish and what sets this one apart is the fact that it's in black and gray. Colorful koi are gorgeous, but there is something about this one that makes us melt.
Red Rose
The rose is such a classic. This design is outstanding and captures the timelessness of the flower and it's perfectly executed.
Mountain Range
Mountain range tattoos have emerged as a favorite tattoo style. And while the mountains are massive in real life, in tattooing they can be itty bitty, as seen here.
Toucan
In these delightful bright colors, this toucan tattoo must bring a smile to every face that sees it. Happiness in ink forever.
Bow & Arrow
This little bow and arrow has a sweet filigree look. How adorable would it be to have a heart tattoo on the wrist?
Patterns
Sometimes the meaning of a tattoo is personal, or perhaps it's a design that feels absolutely perfect to adorn someone's skin. These patterns, repeated on both arms, are perfectly that.
Forget-Me-Nots
With a lovely light touch, this tattoo of forget-me-nots is extra pretty in this spot.
Two Moths
Moths are truly gorgeous winged insects. The detailing captured on these moth tattoos is top notch.
Botanical Envelope
Every now and then, a tattoo is a bit different than the rest and makes us really excited. This is that kind of tattoo.
Fuzzy Bee
While at first glance this tattoo may seem simple, it's simply exquisite. The lines and dots are excellently crafted, giving this little bee quite a buzz.
Blue Rose
Red roses are always great. Yellow roses are divine. But don't forget the beauty of a blue rose.
Leafy Lines
Great lines can be seen in this airy leaf tattoo. Honorable mention to Saturn!
Rose Bunch
The delicate beauty of these roses, done with single needle and in black and gray, shouldn't be understated. Small and lovely.
Heart of Foxes
Three adorable foxes make up this darling tattoo. We could see this being one for the mamas out there — getting baby foxes mixed in for each of their kids.
Outer Space
With the daintiest lines, this universe tattoo really is something one has to get close to see the details. That's exactly why it's so beloved.
