Tattoos are one of the coolest forms of self-expression. Nothing explains someone's personality quite like an intricate design or meaningful message inked on their skin. One of the most important qualities of a new tat is the placement. Placement can affect the way a design moves and how it will change over time, so it's critical to choose the right spot on the body to ink up. Elbows are a totally underrated location to add a new design. Plus, they look so cool when the elbow is bent back and forth, it can almost look like they are living designs. And, of course, everybody wants to know how badly it hurts to get this spot done.
Many arm tattoos heal rather easily, but the elbow is a different story. Make sure to keep it covered and any time it's moving around the design should be properly moisturized. Before getting a tattoo, make sure to follow all of the tattoo artist's pre- and post-tattoo instructions.
Elbow tattoos are for the truly committed tattoo enthusiast. Getting an elbow tat is one of the most painful locations to get tatted. Because there is so little padding between the elbow skin and the bone and nerves, expect quite a bit of shock when creating this artwork. Of course, for some the pain is what makes the tattoo worth it in the end. For others, there would be better places to get inked. The elbow can be such an interesting canvas for tattoo artists to work with, and people get so creative with the designs. Many people opt for circular images around the elbow to wrap around the bone. Mandalas, spiderwebs, and flowers are all popular designs for the spot. Considering getting the elbow all tatted up or continuing with an arm sleeve? Here are 20 tattoo ideas that are so elegant and classy, and look amazing on the elbow.
Olive Branch
Perhaps this person is really invested in world peace, or the olive branch symbolizes a moment of clarity in their life. Either way, the olive branch tattoo is a popular idea that looks so classy and delicate in this placement. The branch frames the elbow perfectly, and looks cool and asymmetrical on this arm.
Lotus Flowers
Lotus flowers represent enlightenment, and in many Eastern cultures are considered the most beautiful and pure symbol. Tattoos of lotus flowers show that the person is a spiritual and well-connected individual. The lotus flower is bowl-shaped and fits perfectly on the rounded edge of an elbow. Elbows are a prime spot for lotus flower tattoos.
Rose
Flower tattoos are so popular, because they are always gorgeous. Roses are a symbol of love and passion, and are the flowers for people born in the month of June. If the rose is the tattooed person's birth flower, then perhaps that is a meaningful enough reason to get it inked. Or, it could be a perfect homage to a loved one who was born in June. The rose fits perfectly on the elbow, and looks good in color or black and white.
Mandala
The circular mandala looks amazing wrapped around the elbow. These geometric shapes are symbolic of the universe in many Eastern religions. They are great symbols of peace and connection to the world. The circular shape looks great on the corner of the arm and has cool movement when bending the arm back and forth.
Sunflower
Sunflowers are symmetrical and circular, so they also look good wrapped around someone's elbow. The bright and bubbly flowers symbolize happiness. Sunflowers are meant to bring joy to someone's day, and could represent friendship. Sunflowers work well as matching partner or friend tattoos.
Ouroboros
A snake eating its own tail is called an ouroboros, and many will remember the symbol from Harry Potter. While it is a frightening image, and seems to be evil in nature, it's actually representative of the circle of life and the cyclical nature of the universe. Once again, it looks impressive wrapped around someone's elbow, and is a popular placement for the tat.
Butterflies
Butterflies make such sweet and tender subjects for tattoos, especially when getting tattooed with a loved one. While this isn't exactly on an elbow, it still looks great placed just above the elbow on the back of the arm. There are so many varieties of butterflies to choose from, or create an abstract image that looks like the insect and a work of art combined.
Shell
This shell is perfect for the everyday ocean-lover. This artwork almost looks like the shell from The Little Mermaid, and fits perfectly on the tip of this elbow. The bright yellow shade has an animated quality, but there are plenty of ways to make them look more realistic and natural. The best way to get the most individual tattoo is to work directly with an artist.
Tree Stump
Nature-lovers would definitely get a tattoo of a tree. This tree stump tattoo could represent the wise and long-lasting nature of giant trees. Counting the rings of a cut tree reveals its age, and that's what this massive elbow tat appears to be. The stump is surrounded by little leaves to give even more of a wild forest feel.
Spiderwebs
Spiderwebs bring the perfect gothic vibe. While they can be scary, spiderwebs are also gorgeous designs. Add a spider for a darker or more natural touch. This person chose to ink the web on both elbows for a symmetrical look. For this kind of ink, make sure to get a tattoo artist who specializes in shading and linework.
Sun
This artistic sun features a profile face that looks different looking straight on or from a side view. Paint a sun on the elbow and it will look perfectly round and symmetrical, but add a face and there is a whole new layer added. This dimension is flawless, and the pointed end of their elbow makes for a perfect schnoz.
Ship's Wheel
Symmetry is key for an elbow tattoo, and a wheel is a great design to get a perfect circle. This ship's helm is great for those who spend plenty of time on the water. Or, perhaps they are just a huge fan of Pirates of the Caribbean. The pirate's life isn't for everyone, but anyone with a ship-themed tattoo clearly has a love for the sea.
Shark Jaw
This shark's jaw bone has so much detail, and fits around the arm perfectly. The wide open mouth of a shark can be a bit ominous with the sharp teeth on full display. This tattoo is perfect for someone who is a fan of marine biology or is interested in ocean life. It's also just a great symbol for being the toughest person in the room.
Peacock Feather
A feather is a great addition to any arm sleeve. The peacock feather works well on an elbow, because it has a rounded top that could fit over the point of an elbow in a seamless way. Peacock feathers are so gorgeous and have so much vibrant color to them. Anyone who wants to work with a lot of color in their inks should consider this design.
Compass
Another circular object that looks so cool as a tattoo design is an old-fashioned compass. Be like Captain Jack Sparrow with a compass that points to the hearts' greatest desire with a compass on the tip of the arm. This is another design that would work out in black and white or would look just as cool in full color.
Puffer Fish
Animal-lovers should consider getting a few tattoos of their favorite wildlife. Anyone intrigued by puffer fish could definitely opt for an elbow tat of the creature. When puffed up, the puffer fish is perfectly round and fits in an interesting way. Try the design in a bright and vibrant shade or in a sleek black and white look.
Peony Flower
For anyone willing to wait it out and take their time with a bold design, a giant peony flower like this ink is worth the time and pain. The artist captioned their post, "Hannah is a BEAST spending 7 hours getting a huge floral piece yesterday." The shading, color, and lines of this piece clearly took a lot of effort. It paid off.
Snowflakes
Snowflakes are another intricate circular design that could look so cool when the elbow bends. While no two snowflakes look alike, neither do two tattoos. This design works with the body's movement and will change shape as the arm moves. Mandalas, snowflakes, or even stars are all complex designs that will take time, but are a fascinating and stunning look.
Tiny Elephant
For people who are interested in more dainty artwork, the elbow is also a good stage for those designs. This adorable tiny elephant is small enough that it could be a good first tattoo. Anyone dipping their toes in the experience should start small and get bigger throughout time. This adorable animal is totally sweet.
Tiny Flamingo
Another tiny animal design, this flamingo looks so dainty and cute floating just above the elbow. While flamingos are famously vibrant and bright, and rather flamboyant, this line tattoo scales it back to the basics of shape and form. It's rather elegant in its own way.
