Tattoos have been around since the dawn of civilization, but for most of that time they were used to communicate social status, or as divine protection. Nowadays, most people get tattoos to express love, pay homage to family, or to remind themselves of what’s important. Others get them just for fun. The most whimsical tattoo trend is watercolor tattoos, which forego harsh black lines, in favor of soft shading in all the colors of the rainbow, so that the resulting ink looks like it was painted on.
Not everyone wants full sleeves of color, so these tiny watercolor tattoos are perfect for anyone who wants a subtle burst of joy and beauty. All of these tiny tattoos look like miniature works of art.
Watercolor tattoos are particularly stunning, because creating that effect on the skin is no easy feat. Artists have to blend bold, striking imagery with the subtle dynamic coloring and mimic the natural beauty water and watercolor paints have. No two watercolor paintings look alike, and that is certainly true for no two watercolor tattoos.
Many of them incorporate natural elements, like flowers, birds, and even fruit, because who but nature does color better? Some are perfect for someone with the travel bug, others still might hold personal meaning. Tiny watercolor tattoos are also great for anyone who works in a less than tattoo-friendly environment, or who’s jumping into the world of tattoos for the first time. If our bodies are also our canvases, why not go out there to play?
Poppy Watercolor Tattoo
This ankle flower's petals look so real, it feels as though they might blow away with another step.
Sweet Cherries Watercolor Tattoo
This tiny pair of cherries looks like it was taken out a vintage magazine or lifted from a '50s dress pattern.
Bird Trio Watercolor Tattoo
These tiny birds in flight are mesmerizing.
The Tiniest Rose Watercolor Tattoo
For anyone who doesn't like wearing earrings but wants a little wow factor on their lobes.
Strawberry Watercolor Tattoo
This tiny strawberry has us pining for summer.
Lemon Watercolor Tattoo
When life hands out lemons, make lemonade, but also get a gorgeous tattoo.
Fluorescent Butterfly Watercolor Tattoo
Symbolically, butterflies are all about transformation and growth, but this one is also just really pretty to look at.
Ladybug Watercolor Tattoo
Don't leave anything to chance! This winged creature is a symbol of good luck in many cultures.
A Tiny Garden Watercolor Tattoo
Why not plant beautiful flowers where they will always be seen.
Colorful Lines Watercolor Tattoo
This tattoo is inspired by an album cover of K-pop band BTS, but it could also be a (very talented) child's meaningful squiggles.
Let the Suns Shine Watercolor Tattoo
No one can look at these colorful rays and not feel happy.
Fruit Harvest Watercolor Tattoo
A reminder to get your five servings of fruit every day.
Hot Air Balloon Watercolor Tattoo
Take flight with this tiny tattoo, because life is an adventure.
Hummingbird Watercolor Tattoo
Hummingbirds can symbolize lightness and vivaciousness, and this colorful tiny bird looks like it's got that life philosophy down.
Conch
Feel the call of the sea but love the wonder of space? Combine them in this magical galaxy conch tattoo. It's so delicate and intricate, it's hard to believe it is on skin and not paper.
Fearless Watercolor Tattoo
A tiny, colorful mantra.
Globe Watercolor Tattoo
Passionate travelers can appreciate how colorful the globe truly is.
Spaceship Watercolor Tattoo
This tiny tattoo is literally out of this world.
Magic Kingdom
Any Disney mega-fan will recognize this iconic symbol. Against the backdrop of a swirling, gorgeous watercolor design, the Magic Kingdom looks even more magical
Book Watercolor Tattoo
Print book lovers rejoice! We've found our identifying mark.
Delicate Flower
This design is so striking, we'd almost be afraid to touch it for fear of smudging it. We love how the simple black stem is able to make a striking statement thanks to the delicate details of the flower petals.
Olive Branch Watercolor Tattoo
Olive branches have been a symbol of peace since the times of Ancient Egypt, but they're also just very beautiful.
Snuggly Fox
How adorable is this sweet fox? While it isn't exactly "tiny" is is relatively small but still has a huge impact with its gorgeous blurred style and its storybook character vibe.
Spider Lily
Spider Lily flowers are equal parts fierce and graceful. This gorgeous watercolor tattoo totally captures that spirit with its fiery color and whimsical style. Plus, the placement is absolutely superb.
Stethoscope
Whether a tattoo lover is a doctor or nurse, this stethoscope design with a heart in the tubing will show just how passionate they are about their career. The watercolor background adds a lot of dynamic beauty to it, and gives it a softer feel.
Simple Flower
Sometimes simple is best, and in the case of watercolor tattoos simple can be stunning. Check out how "coloring" outside the lines makes for a true piece of artwork.
Winnie the Pooh
Children's literature always makes for a nostalgic and beautiful tattoo. The timeless illustrations in A.A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh was destined for a watercolor tattoo reimagination — though we doubt the author could have ever predicted it.
Bumblebee
Everyone would be buzzing about a tiny watercolor bumblebee tattoo. Look how adorable it is, and how inexplicably detailed.
Cosmos
If this tattoo isn't proof that minimalist tattoos are impactful… Just look at this beauty. It has a blush watercolor palette and has a simple, powerful quote. We are so in love!
Groot
Who says watercolor tattoos have to be serious? This sweet little mashup tattoo (combining Guardians of the Galaxy and The Little Prince), is super adorable, small, and just a ton of fun.
Galaxy Cat
Cat lovers will drool over this gorgeous tattoo idea. A simple outlined is amped up with a dreaming watercolor style filling, with bright gaps shaped like the stars. Truly, and pun full intended, out of this world.
Realistic Puppy
Watercolor tattoos don't have to be ethereal. They can be hyper realistic while still being totally minimalist, and this little watercolor beauty proves it.
Ink Drop
For those who love to write or draw, this simple tattoo can be a powerful symbol. The simple droplet of ink is brought to life by the bright watercolor red.
Rainbow
This gorgeous and simple freehand tattoo is a cute way to bring some color to a tattoo design. We love the whimsy and child-like style it was created with.
Butterfly
Butterflies can represent a bevy of things to different people. This gorgeous watercolor butterfly can be customized with meaningful colors. We love the "drippy" effect in the blackened outline portion as well.
Colorful Kitty
When a love of animals intertwines with a love of tattoos, beautiful things can happen. This minimalist outline of a cat is a great example of that. We love the bright splotches and use of color.
Moon
The moon is certainly beautiful, and is more so when it is so powerfully captures. We love the black and white watercolor splotches and how it gives a gorgeous, eerie effect.
Watermelon
For those who love fresh fruit and the beauty of nature's bounty, this watermelon tattoo is just perfect. Fruits always look so beautiful when done in watercolor to it makes sense someone would want something so fresh and pretty on their skin.
Deathly Hallows
Is a tattoo list complete without a Harry Potter inspired tattoo? This Deathly Hallows symbol gets a magic upgrade with this flowy water color background.
BFFs Forever
Nothing says forever quite like a tattoo. And forever looks pretty gorgeous when it is immortalized like this.
