A few key considerations come to mind when thinking about a new tattoo, and chief among them is where to place it. If you’re looking for something small, you could always go with a cute thumb tattoo. They may not be the most common within the world of hand tattoos, but artist Jaz Paulino of High Hopes Tattoo in New York City says that the element of surprise works for some body art.
“This placement feels more unique compared to where you'd typically get finger tattoos,” Paulino tells Bustle. “I find thumb tattoos to be so unexpected, yet they have the potential to leave a really big impact depending on the design.” And the design options for thumb ink are plenty: you could go with dot work, fine linework, geometric designs, portraits, you name it.
Since these tats feature more micro-sized designs, Paulino recommends scouting a tattoo artist who specializes in hand and finger tattoos. She also notes that thumb tattoos — and any hand tattoo, really — are more likely to experience fading. It’s exposed to sunlight more regularly, and, as she explains, “We use our hands for literally everything, and that has a lot to do with the healing process.”
To better your chances of winding up with the eye-catching design you sat for and making sure it lasts, remember to follow your artist’s aftercare instructions. Those could vary by design or even climate, but, as general rules of thumb (ahem), you want to avoid swimming, baths, and direct sunlight, and to keep your new ink properly moisturized.
Now, the fun part: Scroll ahead for 20 thumb tattoo ideas that are sure to inspire your next ink.
1
Slithering Snake
Consider an ombre snake tattoo like this one that slithers along your finger.
2
Single Flower
Flower tattoos are a classic design, and this simple yet dreamy one extends from the thumb all the way up to the wrist.
3
Plant Leaves
Plants are also always popular in the tattoo world. These simple sprigs fit perfectly on a thumb placement.
4
Treble Clef
This treble clef design is perfect for music lovers and obsessive concertgoers.
5
Colorful Florals
You could also go bold with this something like this vivid multicolored flower.
6
Sun & Moon
Here, thumb tattoos on both hands tell the story of the sun and the moon, done in fine linework.
7
Unalome Symbol
In Buddhist culture, unalome symbols like the one seen here represent a journey toward freedom of clarity of the mind, and enlightenment.
8
Celestial Objects
Channel the cosmos with thumb ink like this that showcases the moon, stars, and planets.
9
Art Deco Design
Go fancy with dainty thumb adornments like this art deco design.
10
Tiny Butterfly
Nostalgic ’90s-style butterfly tattoos are especially hot right now, and this tiny shaded one is super adorable on the thumb.
11
Pair Of Scissors
For the fashion designer, a pair of fabric scissors like these would feel perfectly apt.
12
Hollow Heart
This sharp hollow heart and dots are totally sweet and easy if you’re going the outline tat route.
13
Star Sunglasses
These adorable star sunglasses conjure all the vibes of Sir Elton John.
14
Dagger
For a bolder take on a thumb tattoo, go for a piece like this dramatic dagger artwork.
15
Queen Of Hearts
This queen of hearts thumb tat done in red ink is subtle yet statement-making.
16
Wi-Fi Symbol
Here’s another tat done in red ink: a quirky Wi-Fi symbol.
17
Egyptian Ankh
This cross — representing “life” — is one of the most recognizable of the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.
18
Woods Scene
For this outdoorsy person, this graphic scene of trees and a half-moon makes for a cute piece of body art.
19
Twinkling Stars
Keep it simple and dreamy with a couple of twinkling stars, like the ones seen here.
20
Dreamy Rose
Rose tattoos are having a moment amid the Y2K era resurgence, so consider a detailed one like this for your next hand tat.
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