Tattoos carry significant meaning for most people who get them. Often, they're chosen to commemorate an important life moment, like a birth or a relationship, or to symbolize struggles and obstacles that the person had to overcome. But what about getting a meaningful tattoo as a way to launch a brand new year that hasn't even happened yet? Tattoos are also reminders, and they prompt us to work toward our goals and dreams, to communicate quotes and messages, and to remind us of a particularly significant ideal or belief we want to focus on going forward. And that makes them the perfect vehicle for making resolutions and forging ahead into the year ahead.
Whether it's a symbol of renewal or rebirth, a reminder to focus on joy or look for the good in life, or a representation of what we hope the next year will bring, tattoos are a powerful gesture that creates a lasting and meaningful work of art. Getting a tattoo to start a new year sets an intention. And in the world of tattoo art, there are so many stunning, creative, and unique intentions to choose from.
Here, we've gathered 40 gorgeous and eye-catching tattoos that are perfect for marking a period of transformation, change, and growth. Each one is a symbol that can be carried not just into the next year, but for all time. These tattoos come in every style, color, size, and location. Some are quotes. Some are symbols. Some are complex and colorful drawings. But the one thing each and every one of them has in common is that they get to the heart of what it really means to grow and evolve. It might be time to book an appointment with a favorite artist, because it's going to be hard to resist getting one of these in 2020.
Seasons Changing Tattoo
This stunning shoulder tattoo represents the seasons changing and coming full circle, in nature and in life. What a perfect way to enter a new year and decade than acknowledge that the year ahead will be full of these natural changes?
Vis Ta Vie Tattoo
Sometimes we need a little reminder to set achievable intentions for the year, rather than lofty goals. "Vis ta vie" is French for "live your life," and it's the perfect small reminder to keep moving forward each and every day.
Wave Tattoo
There is something so peaceful about the water, even when it is raging. Just like the tide rolls in and out, the new year is time to begin a new life cycle, and a wave is the perfect symbol for that transformation, year after year.
Rebirth Tattoo
On Instagram, this tattoo is labeled simply "rebirth." Each year is a time for a person to experience a rebirth of her own– no matter what that looks like. A fitting title for a distinctive piece about growth and transformation.
Say Yes Tattoo
We often talk about the need to "say no" for self-care, but sometimes we're made happier by actually embracing new experiences soon. Go for a year of yes with this reminder to take chances, stay open-minded, and try new things every day.
Horseshoe Tattoo
A horseshoe is the perfect symbol for a new year. Why? Because it's a symbol of luck! And the added flower gives a nod to growth and change.
A New Start Tattoo
Every great oak starts as a small sapling — which is something we should definitely apply to ourselves. Symbolize a fresh start and a new year with a beautiful nature tattoo of a vibrant baby tree growing from the ruins of the tree that came before it.
Lotus Tattoo
Sometimes it pays to be literal in intentions and tattoos. This tattoo has a lotus, which is a symbol of rebirth, and a Buddhist symbol for new beginnings. Perfect.
Compass Tattoo
Starting a new year can often mean the start of a new journey. A stunning compass tattoo will guide the wearer as he or she changes directions, not just this year, but every year.
Phases of the Moon Tattoo
People follow lunar cycles all year in hopes of aligning their intentions with new phases. After all, the moon has a new beginning every month and is the perfect reminder that everything is just a phase.
Tree Ring Tattoo
Want a tattoo that can be added to at the start of every new year? A tree gets a new ring for every year of its life. Now, thanks to tattoos, humans can do the same thing. It's a beautiful way to mark growth .
Seed to Flower Tattoo
Everything in natural changes, evolves, and grows. Why should we be any different? This flower tattoo represents growth, change, and what beauty can come from making a brand new start.
Phoenix Tattoo
Perhaps this past year was one that needs to spark a rebirth. A phoenix is the ultimate sign of new beginnings, but this one pairs the symbolism with a full moon and stunning color work to make it even more meaningful.
Feather Tattoo
If a full phoenix seems like too big a piece, a simple yet gorgeous phoenix feather is a great alternative that still has the same special meaning.
New Chapter Tattoo
The most beautiful thing about life s that we are the authors of our own stories. This adorable book tattoo is also a reminder that every day is a new chance to write another fresh chapter in the story of our lives.
Magic 8 Ball Tattoo
What does the future hold? Decide, with a Magic 8 Ball wrist tattoo that makes a permanent and positive prediction. It's all about manifesting that destiny.
Butterfly Tattoo
Animals and insects often have a very spiritual meaning in different cultures. A butterfly is a classic symbol of transformation, but this 3-D twist on the old-school tat is sure to turn some heads.
Diving in Tattoo
No matter what we do, when changes occur we are diving into uncharted waters. An unusual swimmer tattoo is a nod to facing challenges and jumping off into the great unknown.
Hourglass Tattoo
Time moves like sand in the hourglass — and then it tips over and begins again with a fresh start. This is a year way to measure the beginning of something new, and keep as a reminder that no matter what, time is always moving.
Sunrise Tattoo
When going through a hard time or coming out of a tough year, it is good to remember that every day is a chance for a fresh start. A minimalist sunrise tattoo symbolizes a new day and a new dawn, plus it looks ultra chic and stylish.
Evergreen Tattoo
The evergreen stands strong and vibrant through every season, making it the perfect reminder of strength and perseverance in a new year.
Four Seasons Tattoo
A new twist on a four-seasons tattoo that uses clean lines and geometrical shapes to create a truly beautiful work of art.
Wishbone Tattoo
A huge part of any new beginning is the hopes and dreams we bring into it. This tattoo is a reminder to wish and hope for the best.
Dove Tattoo
A dove is a universal symbol of peace but the colors and flowers in this tattoo also suggest growth and love. All good things to bring to 2020.
Be Good Tattoo
Make a New Year's resolution to follow for all time and let that guide the tattoo. This is a great way to remind one's self to just make it simply better this year.
Airplane Tattoo
Dreams often start from a small place and grow into something grand. A simple tattoo that reminds everyone who sees it to dream big and imagine the possibilities.
Road Less Traveled Tattoo
It's not always about reaching a final destination. Each year is a journey, and this tattoo with a little hiker starting out on her own is a brilliant way to capture that.
Pomegranate Tattoo
Some believe pomegranates symbolize prosperity, which is one reason why the fruit is known as a traditional holiday food.This is a gorgeous way to symbolize a bountiful year (or years) ahead.
Fingers Crossed Tattoos
Keeping hope alive each yer is so important. This cute tattoo is the perfect sign of hope for good things to carry into the year ahead.
Open Door Tattoo
It may seem cliche, but the idea of opening a door to new possibilities is one we should carry with us each year. New year, new possibilities, and a brand new open door to walk through into whatever lies ahead.
Pearl Tattoo
Struggle can often lead to beautiful growth. A gorgeous pearl tattoo symbolizes the end result of hard work and is a good motivator to keep moving forward.
Choose Yourself Tattoo
The tattoo reads "In a world full of choices, I choose me." It's s timeless quote tattoo that can set the tone for the coming year and for everything else that comes after that.
Fall Leaves Tattoo
Fall leaves might seem like an odd choice for January, but they're a simple or letting go of the old and starting with something new, and that applies year-round.
Joy Tattoo
Sometimes it's a great idea to focus a year on manifesting one intention. A word or phrase that represents intentions for the coming year makes for a simple yet symbolic tattoo.
Robin Tattoo
The robin has a bright red breast that, to some, symbolizes the rising sun during a new dawn. Looking forward to each day is a beautiful intention to start at the beginning of the year.
Terrarium Tattoo
Evolving doesn't have to be complicated. This cute little terrarium packs a surprisingly poignant little piece of inspiration for the year ahead (and every year after that).
Inhale the Future Tattoo
Every year should have a mantra. And frankly this mantra should be the one that carries into each year. This simple quote sums up everything about starting a new year in six short words.
Knitting Tattoo
We add to our life each year, stitch by stitch. A knitting tattoo is a perfect way to symbolize being a work in progress, and the heart adds a sweet reminder to practice self-love.
Galaxy Rose Tattoo
It's important to recognize the wondrous in the mundane every year that passes. This modern twist on a classic rose reminds everyone not to just to bloom, but to go where we never thought possible.
Ampersand Tattoo
Each new year is a continuation of a story. The ampersand, the symbol for the word "and," is a reminder to stay open to people, to places, to experiences, and to possibilities.
