20 Tattoos That Are Pure Masterpieces

Tattoo artists are going all out with their skills! From elaborate stencil work to rare custom designs, they are inking away beautifully. With fine art making its way into the world of tattoos, many artists are redefining the standards for body art. We’re talking free hand and illustrative work. Add to this the cutesy designs from newer artists, and we’ve got a whole mix of exquisite designs. So, it’s true, tattoo artists are inking masterpieces, and we just can’t believe how artistic these are!

#1 . An aesthetic sword

Done by Danny at ink&co in SH, China from r/tattoos

Can we talk about the details here? The shading, colors, fine lines of the flowers, there’s a lot to love!

#2 . Carp-e diem

2nd session of my first tattoo! Done by Ava Thorn at Momentum Tattoos in Tampa, Fl. The blue colouring killed me lol from r/tattoos

#3 . Voyager of the sea

A little nautical sleeve action done by Cole at Anchors End in Hudson, WI from r/tattoos

#4 . This one’s groovy

Tattoo by Carly Muñoz at Glass Moon Tattoo in Denver, Colorado. from r/tattoos

#5 . Fantastic beasts

Orca with sea life in the details by Lydia at Mind’s Eye Tattoo in Tacoma, WA from r/tattoos

This body art captures the majestic sea life and the orca beautifully. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the tiny mermaid too!

#6 . In bloom

Cherry blossoms by Isabel @ Stucklife Tattoo in Stockholm, Sweden from r/tattoos

#7 . Rainbows and all…

A trippy tattoo done by Roberto Euán in Goldlagrimas studio, Los Angeles, CA. from r/tattoos

#8 . Too real

Sword done by Dana Jones at Hunter Gatherer Tattoo in Philadelphia, PA from r/tattoos

#9 . Phases

Watercolor moon phases by Eli Roe @ Evil Genius in Lafayette, IN from r/tattoos

Look at that watercolor effect! While astronomical wonders are always popular choices, this one is simply unreal.

#10 . Universe on the sleeve

First session for Galactic Sleeve by Nick from Time Machine Tattoo, Lancaster CA. Color next. from r/tattoos

#11 . Flowers and stalks

Wheat stalks and lily of the valley, by Jasper at Skull and Lotus. (Calgary, AB) from r/tattoos

#12 . Body canvas

First tattoo finally finished, artist: Patrick Shakley, Monarch Tattoo Studio, Denver, CO from r/tattoos

#13 . The coolest one yet

Disco head done by Bruno at Generation8Tattoo, Los Angeles from r/tattoos

This might be smaller than the others on the list, but there’s a lot going on here with the fine lines and shadows!

#14 . Big bold sunflower

Sunflower by Jorge at Legion Tattoo in Glendale, AZ from r/tattoos

#15 . Scuba adventure

My new scuba diving inspired half sleeve! Created by Aaron Kolell @ Evolution Ink in Watertown, Wi from r/tattoos

#16 . This is some rad ink

Neotraditional faceless tattoo by Cristyan Medina of Studio A in Houston, TX from r/tattoos

#17 . The Godfather of all tattoos

“The Godfather” done by Handz @ Bulletproof INK. Fairfield, CA from r/tattoos

If we could get an actor tattooed on our arm for life, we’d pick Marlon Brando too!

#18 . Prism break

My eevee addition to my sleeve. Done by Rayne of The Chapel, Monroe LA from r/tattoos

#19 . Delia Deetz

Delia Deetz (Beetlejuice) by Kelly Doty at Helheim Gallery, Salem MA from r/tattoos

This tattoo of Delia Deetz aesthetically captures the colorful fantasy world of Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice.

#20 . Flower power

Floral Sleeve (Not Finished) by Marc Mckibben at Black Rose Tattoo in Lancaster, OH from r/tattoos