Getting a tattoo is polarizing — some think of it as a major life decision, whereas others don’t.

When I booked the appointment for my first tattoo, I treated it as a rite of passage into adulthood and independence. When I got my second one, it was on a whim after arriving at a music and arts festival. At the end of the day, your tattoo is your decision.

But it is a permanent decision. Unless you want to go through the painful and expensive process of having it removed or covered, do your research. A simple henna tattoo is a good way to test out a design.

Another option is to get a minimalist tattoo.

What are Minimalist Tattoos?

This style is founded on the concept of “less is more.” Tattoo designs in this style are often simple —clean and crisp line work or geometric shapes.

Although it has gained popularity for its almost unnoticeable quality, it can also make for a bold statement. As an isolated image, a minimalist tattoo design can stand out just as much as a larger piece.

Where Do You Put Minimalist Tattoos?

There is no set rule for tattoo placements, especially when it’s small. My minimalist tattoos, for example, are placed behind each ear.

When choosing where to put your tattoo, consider the following:

• How much pain you can tolerate
• How much friction the area will be subjected to
• How easy it will be to apply aftercare on the area

Minimalist Tattoo Ideas to Consider

Your tattoo is a reflection of your personal taste. It can have a meaningful reason, but it can also be something cute. If you’re unsure of what to get, you can check out these simple tattoo ideas for inspiration. Then, you can ask your tattoo artist to personalize it for you.

A Makeshift Ring

A ring-style tattoo is a cute option for a minimalist tattoo. It can be anything that wraps around your finger — like a single minimalist line, a ring of leaves, or even a special someone’s initials.

A Simple Shape

When I got my minimalist tattoos, I went for the simplest iterations of the sun and moon. You can do the same but with other celestial symbols or geometric shapes.

A Single Word

Rather than a full phrase, consider having a single word tattooed on you. It can be something as simple as “love” or “breathe.” Sometimes it only takes a word to get the entire message across.

Before Getting Minimal Tattoos

Whether or not you’ve decided on a design and placement, there are some things you have to consider.

• Some artists won’t do minimalist tattoos because it’s not their specialty
• Minimalist and micro tattoos don’t last as long as larger pieces because finer lines fade faster
• No matter how simple the design is, mistakes can still happen for this tattoo style

If you really want to get a minimalist tattoo, make sure you do your research beforehand. This will make the cost and pain worth it in the end. And it leaves you with a permanent piece of art that you like.