Tattoo quotes are a crowd favorite perfect for a meaningful tattoo and great for those who are new to tattoos, or for someone who just loves a particular quote! Plus they don’t break the bank.
This page is meant to give you some inspiration for your tattoo quotes, and some of these tattoos aren’t perfect, but most of them are good examples of good tattoo quotes.
CLICK TO SKIP TO TATTOO QUOTES AND PICTURES
Our compilation contains all types of quote tattoos like meaningful tattoo quotes, tattoo quotes for men, and tattoo quotes for girls.
At the end of this page we also have some information for you, but for now enjoy the tattoos!
157 Awesome Tattoo Quotes Pictures
1. All work and no play makes jack a dull boy…
This is a quote from the 1980 horror film by Stephen King called The Shining. The man in the picture is Jack Torrance (played by Jack Nicholson.)
The design of this tattoo is very interesting and is well done, bravo.
2. Pain is temporary quitting lasts forever
We have all heard this before, but where did it come from? I believe it is a shortened version of Lance Armstrong’s famous line:
“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.”
—Lance Armstrong
Makes a great quote for a tattoo.
3. Carry the fire
This could be a quote from “The Road” a book about a father and son fending for themselves during an apocalyptic event.
“Carry the fire” can be interpreted to mean the hope and good in humanity during this time. This tattoo is a beauty.
4. No rest for the wicked
“No rest of the wicked” is a popular line and it has been used a lot, so this tattoo could be inspired by a lot of different things.
The birds might give a clue, but your guess is as good as mine. I love the saying though and it makes a good tattoo!
5. Into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul
A quote from John Muir, also known as John of the Mountains, a man who spent most of his life protecting the wild.
The design is very fitting for this tattoo quote.
6. If I am going to spend eternity visiting this moment and that, I’m grateful that so many of those moments are nice
A quote from the book Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut.
A simple tattoo quote with above average length. It seems like the sentences could have been straighter (text tattoos are hard to make look “straight,”) but overall a nice tattoo.
7. I didn’t die for nothing
I am not sure what this quote means or where it came from, but I am in love with the casket and scythe.
8. How do you run from what’s inside your head?
I think this is a line from Alice in Wonderland, but I am not 100% sure so don’t quote me on that (heh.)
I’m actually really digging the butterfly (moth?) a lot in this tattoo design.
9. I love you more than I could ever put into words. Your darling husband xo xo xo
Tattoo quotes about love always make me aww! This seems to be a wife who has tattooed a part of a letter from her husband.
10. The crownless again shall be king
A quote from the movie The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R Tolkien. If you look up the rest of the quote, the broken blade makes a lot of sense and is very well designed tattoo.
11. If you truly love nature you will find beauty everywhere
One of Vincent Van Gogh’s lines. I love the script they used for this tattoo quote.
12. Il faut imaginer sisyphe heureux
This is quote from The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus.
This is in French. It essentially means “one must imagine Sisyphus happy.” Sisyphus, a cruel Greek king who is being punished, is the one pictured in the tattoo pushing the boulder up the hill.
Once he nears the top, the boulder rolls back down the hill, and he must start over again.
The quote means we should try to find meaning in what you’re doing even if it seems meaningless. Assign your own meaning to your life and be happy.
I really like the idea of this tattoo quote.
13. Create memories
A short quote tattoo about creating memories. Not much to say other than it seems well done.
14. She is clothed with strength & dignity and laughs without fear of the future
A quote from Proverbs 31:25 NLT
A good sentiment to have, and makes a good tattoo!
15. The things that make me different are the things that make me
Learn to love the unique things about yourself, even the stuff that might seem like bad qualities. At the end of the day this is what makes you, you!
Who knows? Stuff you perceive as bad can actually be good if you learn to look at them differently.
A wonderful tattoo.
16. Then out spake brave Horatius, the captain of the gate: to every man upon this earth death cometh soon or late. And how can man die better than facing fearful odds, for the ashes of his fathers, and the temples of his gods
A quote from the Lays of Ancient Rome by Thomas Babington Macaulay.
Longer tattoo quotes on ribs are good since that is probably the best spot for long quotes, but be careful, rib tattoo quotes can be painful!
17. Being happy never goes out of style
A line from Lilly Pulitzer, a fashion designer, and she was right!
18. We will meet again
I can’t tell for sure from the picture, but I think this is two different people with the same tattoo quote.
Could be tattoo quotes about family?
19. Everything was beautiful, and nothing hurt
Another quote from Kurt Vonnegut’s book the Slaughterhouse-Five.
20. I will either find a way or make one
Tattoo quotes and guys usually end up with something like this, but I like it.
21. Doing what you like is freedom liking what you do is happiness
As for tattoo quotes with meaning, this one speaks to me. Not sure where it comes from, though.
22. Beauty lies within the heart
Another tattoo quote on the ribs. I think it is well done.
23. And in that moment I swear we were infinite
A shortened quote from the book The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
This looks to be the on the wrist. You need to be cautious with tattoo quotes on the wrist because they tend to fade.
24. You will cope well
A memorial tattoo quote. The person tattooed a part of their late father’s last birthday card to them on their wrist.
A great reminder from Dad.
25. Absolute Lithops Effect
This is a band’s name.
26. Speaker for the Dead
Speaker for the Dead is a sequel book for the book Ender’s Game.
The moth is pretty cool looking. Reminds me of the The Silence of the Lambs VHS cover as well.
27. Just breathe
Short quotes to tattoo are a favorite for the wrist.
28. Don’t go losing sleep scared of shadows…
Lyrics from the song Emmylou by Vance Joy. To me this tattoo quote means to stop worrying about the bad possibilities.
What do you think?
29. Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live
Tattoo quotes about love are always welcomed. This one has a nice script going for it, too!
30. We’re all mad here
Another Alice in Wonderland quote.
31. Sky above me, earth below me, fire within me
Tattoo quotes on chest area are probably the better placements for medium length tattoos like this one.
They curve well with the natural curvature of the area. Love this tattoo!
32. God damn it be kind
A tombstone with the words “God damn it be kind,” seems like someone was mad about the inhumanity in the world even on their deathbed.
This is another quote from Kurt Vonnegut.
33. Let the monsters see you smile
This seems to be from the song Life is Beautiful by Vega 4.
For tattoo quotes on the forearm, this type of placement is probably one of the better choices.
34. Ask her if she still keeps all her kings inthe back row
A quote from the controversial book Catcher in the Rye by
J. D. Salinger
35. I am not afraid to walk this world alone
Lyrics from Famous Last Words by My Chemical Romance.
36. And if I fly or if I fall. Least I can say, I gave it all
Some of the lyrics from Sissy That Walk by RuPaul. I can see this as a motivational tattoo, sweet.
37. Fear is the mind-killer
A snippet of a quote from the book Dune by Frank Herbert. I get a little anxious so I can agree with this one.
This tattoo would be a good reminder for myself to stop worrying so much.
38. I find faith with you
Not sure where the quote is from, maybe it is an original, but I dig the chain-smoking skeleton!
39. In the end, I want my heart to be covered in stretch marks
Like I said tattoo quotes for love are my weak spot, but this one is quite clever.
A heart filled with love will have stretch marks!
40. I was not built to break
Tattoo quotes about strength are one of the more popular choices.
This quote is from a Whitney Houston song.
41. You don’t need to climb a mountain to know that it’s high. The ship is safest when it’s in port, but that’s not what ships were built for.
The first part of this quote seems to be off. I think the first comma should be removed.
The first quote is from the book Aleph by Paulo Coelho.
The second quote is from the book The Pilgrimage also by Paulo Coelho
42. She strikes without purpose
A cool grim reaper tattoo with lyrics from the song Serpents by Neck Deep.
43. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt
We have seen a similar one earlier, so I won’t be repeat, but this tattoo has a different design. Which one do you like more? I like the roses.
44. Never tell me the odds
A Star Wars quote with really food line work in my opinion. Added to the tattoo quotes forearm collection.
45. I grew a flower that can’t bloom in a dream that can’t come true
A cherry blossom design with lyrics from the Korean pop group BTS’s song Fake Love.
46. What we do in life echoes in eternity
One of the more famous lines from the movie Gladiator (2000) Tattoo quotes for men typically fit this type of theme, and I love it.
47. These pretzels are making me thirsty
A quote from one of the numerous funny moments in the hit TV show Seinfeld.
48. Wild horses couldn’t drag me away
Lyrics from The Rolling Stones’ hit song wild horses.
A perfect choice for the forearm. I also like the script used.
49. Rage, rage against the dying of the light
This is from the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. I like the font used for this tattoo.
50. Not today;
This seems to be a tattoo meant to prevent self-harm. I believe the semicolon represents Project Semicolon, an organization that aims to prevent suicide.
I like this tattoo. I feel like it represents “owning” your past, but also helps conquer the bad days to come.
51. Though these sheltering wall are thin, may they be strong to keep hate out and hold love in
I’m not quite sure where this back tattoo quote comes from, but I think it is a sermon of some sort.
This is very well done, and a good spot for this length of a quote.
52. Keep moving forward
Simple but effective. This short tattoo quote reminds us to keep moving and not to dwell on the past.
Also, if someone happens to be lagging behind this shirtless man, they’ll get a decent reminder.
53. Drink the wild air
A shortened quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson.
The full quote reads:
“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
54. A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor
This is one of the tattoo quotes with meaning I can get behind. Essentially, those who do not struggle can never grow.
The ship is really well done in my opinion.
55. Ain’t that just the way
This tattoo seems to be lyrics from the song Ain’t That the Way by Lutricia McNeal.
The design seems to be sad teapot entangled by some maple branches. Not sure if that imagery appears in the music video, but I dig it.
56. I solemnly swear that I am up to no good
A quote from one of the very popular Harry Potter books Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
I like the placement on the chest with this one. The script could be a tad bit better, though.
57. Life, uhh… finds a way
I think this quote is used in Jurassic Park, but I am not sure.
The tattoo design seems to be an evolving Jesus’ fish, which is somewhat contradictory by design, of course.
58. It was not always like this, of course. On occasion it’s been worse
This quote is from the book Grendel by John Gardner.
I have never read the book, but this tattoo seems to give off the air of someone who is down on their luck, but has had it worse.
59. Are you a man? Are you a bag of sand?
Song lyrics from Man / Bag of Sand by Frightened Rabbit.
I’m not too sure what the quote itself is supposed to mean, but the design of this tattoo is something I can get behind.
60. Time will prove everything
Not too sure where this one comes from, but if you think about it, time can also disprove things. So this tattoo must be talking about something specific.
Pretty good placement on the forearm.
61. Everything happens for a reason
This is a saying popular for tattoos since it says so much in a few words, and I bet most people can get behind the meaning too.
Decent script and a nice spot on the ribs.
62. Pray for peace, prepare for war
This seems to be a slightly modified translation of the Latin phrase “Si vis pacem, para bellum” which translated into English means “If you want peace, prepare for war.”
A popular tattoo quote for men.
63. So it goes
Another popular saying from Kurt Vonnegut. He seems to be quite popular because I see his words pop up often for tattoos.
I love the design. I wonder if this is something from the book Slaughterhouse-Five?
64. My eyes have seen the glory
It is quite obvious this person is a fisher, but where is the quote from? It seems to be from the Battle Hymn of the Republic. The only difference being that the original is “mine” instead of “my.”
I wonder what meaning this tattoo has for this person?
65. You keep me wild – You keep me safe
I cannot find the exact source of this quote, but it seems to be a popular for tattoo quotes for couples like we have here.
The foot placement is nice, but there seems to be a line weight difference between the two. I wonder if the tattoo on the right is newer?
66. I’m not from this world
This is a lyric from the song—not surprisingly—I’m Not from This World by Nine Inch Nails.
I love the addition of the UFO. It is quite fitting.
67. My story isn’t over yet ;
Another example of a my story isn’t over yet tattoo with a semicolon. Remember, the semicolon represents the organization Project Semicolon, whose mission is to help people overcome suicidal thoughts.
68. There’s always sunshine after the storm
A reminder to keep looking forward to the sunshine while in a storm, which of course isn’t supposed to be taken literally.
It means that even though things are bad now, they’ll eventually get better. The placement on the arm is great.
69. Hold on 2 your butts
A Jurassic Park reference with a fitting dapper Dinosaur. A wonderfully thought out arm tattoo quote.
70. If that’s all there is my friends, then let’s keep dancing
This is a tattoo of song lyrics from the Is That All There Is? By singer Peggy Lee with a wonderful flower design.
71. Life is for the brave
My take on this tattoo is that it is meant to be a quote about strength and courage.
72. Go and love some more
This is line is spoken by Maude in the 1971 film Harold and Maude. This is clearly a tattoo quote about love and the design has excellent line work.
73. You may be gone from my sight, but you are never gone from my heart
A meaningful tattoo quote which is clearly a memorial for someone loved. Sentimental tattoos like this always get to me.
I love the contrast of the stem from the rest of the flower.
74. Lead me, follow me, or get the hell out of my way
A quote from George S. Patton Jr., in his book Patton Principles.
George S. Patton Jr must have been someone who didn’t mind being led by people who he thought were capable leaders, and also didn’t mind leading those who wished to follow him—but he definitely did not like those who were apathetic.
75. “Why‽”
Simple tattoo quote of the word why with a interrobang (! and ? merged into one character.) I wonder what the meaning behind this one is?
76. If everything’s a dream, don’t wake me
This is quote is from the popular oldie video game for the PlayStation called Final Fantasy 7 (FFVII.) The design even has Cloud’s buster sword!
77. Fearfully and wonderfully
The full version of this quote is “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” from Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
78. Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet.
The foot is a perfect spot for this tattoo. Too bad it will only be a decent reminder when their shoes are off or when they are wearing sandals.
One of the few tattoo quotes in this compilation that include the author as well.
79. Will you follow me wherever my mind goes
A lotus tattoo with some of the lyrics from the song Aquarium by Mac Miller.
80. Words are like bees, some create honey and others leave a sting
Doesn’t this speak the truth!
81. Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light
The second Harry Potter book tattoo quote featured in this post. This one is also from the book Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling.
82. It echoed loudly within him because he was hollow at the core
This is one of my favorite tattoos featured. This is a quote from the book Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. A book often studied by English Literature and Studies students.
I’m impressed with the rib cage on this one.
83. For her I’d risk it all, because of her I will not fall
A mother-daughter duo or maybe a couple? It is hard to tell from this photo, but either way this is a tattoo quote about love or a tattoo quote about family. I can get behind both!
84. A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed
A tattoo of the 2nd amendment with a big American eagle.
85. The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of us, but those who win battles we know nothing about
A tattoo quote about strength. I can agree with the sentiment behind this one. Sometimes the strongest people are those who quietly fight battles within themselves, but there is nothing wrong with asking for help when needed.
86. Too weird to live, too rare to die!
A big, awesome design accompanied by the name of Panic! At the Disco’s fourth studio album. Tattoo quotes can song lyrics, book lines, TV show lines, or anything you like.
87. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you
From Isaiah 43:2 NLT
The full quote is:
“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”
Beautiful, isn’t it?
88. I am not throwing away my shot
This could be from Hamilton. It could also be a “not going down without a fight” tattoo quote on the arm.
89. Get in loser
This tattoo quote is pretty humorous! It is a well-design tattoo of an alien picking up his human buddy.
90. We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars
Oscar Wilde is the original speaker of this tattoo quote on a thigh.
91. Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.
Yoda’s wise words from Star Wars with a wonderful watercolor design with light sabers.
Love this side tattoo quote.
92. Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, it might have been
Written by John Greenleaf Whittier, this saying means to take chances instead of regretting it later down the line.
93. I solemnly swear that I am up to no good
Another Harry Potter tattoo quote, but this one has a wand and feather. The font is very well chosen.
94. Throughout the pain, throughout the fear, just know that I am here ;
Another semicolon tattoo, this time on a male, who has chosen to use lyrics from the song “F*ck the Yankees.” which I think fits very well.
95. Crazy is crazy but not insane
A short tattoo quote on the side of the ribs. I’m not quite sure where this quote comes from.
96. This too shall pass! I am a warrior!
The phrase this too shall pass is often used for tattoo quotes about strength.
It is always good to have a reminder that good things are ahead when you are having a bad time.
97. You’re the same decaying organic matter as everything else
I really, really like this design and I think Chuck Palahniuk’s line from Fight Club really fits this tattoo very well.
98. Without struggle there is no progress
Another quote tattoo about strength, this one has some watercolor and an arrow, which is pretty cool.
99. If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn’t. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn’t be. And what it wouldn’t be, it would. You see?
Another Alice in Wonderland Tattoo. This one has a very ambitious design but it is pulled off very well.
100. Everything happens for a reason
A everything happens for reason tattoo. I think these type of tattoo quotes appeal to people because it helps them cope with life’s curve balls.
101. My story isn’t over yet
The third my story isn’t over tattoo, though this one doesn’t have the semicolon, the sentiment is there still.
102. I have an everlasting itch… for things remote
One of the better tattoo quotes for adventurers. This quote is from the book Moby-Dick, or, the Whale by Herman Melville.
Tattoo quotes on forearms with designs like this are hard to pull off, but this is well executed.
103. Live the life you love; Love the life you live
Getting a tattoo quote on the wrist and a design is really hard, but this genius idea of using the words themselves to form the infinity design.
104. No gods, no masters
Anarchy! This is a very popular anarchists saying, and it fits well with the grim reaper design.
105. Love yourself xo
Like I said, tattoo quotes about love really get to me, even if it is about loving yourself.
The lavender is cool too!
106. See you space cowboy…
This might seem a little off, but that is because this is paying homage to the older but popular anime Cowboy Bebop. At the end of the show this exact quote is shown on screen.
107. Stay humble
This tattoo quote on the rib is short and sweet. Kendrick Lamar? Maybe not… The saying has been around for a bit.
108. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth
A sheep surrounded by a quote from Matthew 5:5.
109. Keep your face towards the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind you
Walt Whitman is the originator of this tattoo quote about being positive. The butterflies add a nice touch.
110. Drink the wild air
Our second drink the wild air tattoo, this time with a little heart and a name.
111. Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise
A famous quote from the famous book Les Misérables by author Victor Hugo on a watercolor background.
112. This is your life and it’s ending one minute at a time
Here is a Fight Club tattoo again, but this time this quote is said by Tyler Durden.
The watch is a nice touch and I like how it is disintegrating, adding to the sentiment of the quote.
113. If you have a pulse, you have a purpose
Using both wrists to fit two shorter tattoo quotes to create a longer meaningful one is genius.
114. Take every chance, drop every fear
Dr. Seuss, who was a famous children book author, teaches children lessons they carry into adulthood, and this is proof.
115. When the demon that’s inside you is ready to begin. And it feels like it’s a battle that you will never win. When you’re aching for the fire and begging for your sin. When there’s nothing left inside, there’s still a reason to fight
Lyrics from A Reason To Fight by Disturbed.
Honestly this one was a little hard for me to read.
116. Life before death, strength before weakness, journey before destination
Tattoo quotes for strength have been pretty popular for a long time now.
117. Everything was beautiful, and nothing hurt
I believe this is the third everything was beautiful, and nothing hurt tattoo featured, only this time it is on a tombstone.
This must be a popular quote.
118. I move the stars for no one
A tattoo quote on ribs from the famous David Bowie’s song Within You.
119. All was well
Short quotes to tattoo are popular because they’re easy to fit and can convey a lot.
Yet again, this is from Harry Potter.
120. Let sleeping dogs lie
Idioms make good tattoo quotes ideas. Just make sure you pick one that is widely used; otherwise, people might not get it.
121. Trial of miles, miles of trials
This guy is clearly a hiker judging by this tattoo. The line work in the font seemed off to me at first, but now I think it feels more authentic. It reminds me of an old sign put up who knows when.
122. Hope anchors the soul
Tattoo quotes for girls usually use this type of script.
123. Normal is an illusion. What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly
This is in my top three for sure. The credit for this goes to Charles Addams, the creator of The Addams Family.
The spider really pops.
124. Strength is what we gain from the madness we survive
A good example of a quote tattoo about strength. This one travels vertically through her back.
125. It can’t rain all the time
This quote is from the movie the The Crow, so the crow in the design is very fitting.
126. There’s a bluebird in my heart that wants to get out
A beautiful poem “Bluebird.” written by Charles Bukowski with a black and white heart, and a wonderfully colorful bluebird.
127. Rise up
Tattoo quotes on the chest are usually short like this one on this girl.
128. I’ve got the world to go
Song lyrics seem to be very popular choices for tattoo quotes. This one is from Frank Sinatra’s song I’ve Got the World on a String. I think…
129. Light is easy to love. Show me your darkness
This is a quote from the book Darkchylde by R. Queen.
130. That means we love you. Grand-pa & Grand ma
Looks like this is a tattoo quote of this person’s grandparent’s letter to them.
131. Let it be
Let it be is a popular saying for short tattoo quotes. The script on this one is pretty cool.
132. Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tries, and a touch that never hurts.
These words were spoken by Charles Dickens, unfortunately I think this tattoo has an error. “tries” should be “tires” I think.
133. It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live
This tattoo quote on arm reminds us to actually pursue dreams to make them into reality.
Another Harry Potter tattoo from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
134. I suppose it will all make sense when we grow up
Obviously a quote from Calvin and Hobbes. I love the tattoo, the artist did really well.
Also, it still doesn’t make sense to me and I have been a legal adult for a while now…
135. I am not afraid, I was born to do this
This tattoo quote on the forearm is a modern English version of Joan of Arc’s words that are a little long to put here.
136. I believe I can
Tattoo quotes for girls are often inspirational like this one.
137. Well, if they freed me from this prison, If that railroad train was mine, I bet I’d move it on, a little farther down the line
An awesome design of Johnny Cash with some lyrics of his and Willie Nelson’s song Folsom Prison Blues.
My second favorite tattoo.
138. Don’t look back… We’re not going that way
This guys tattoo quote on his back reminds us to focus on the future and not the past.
139. You save my life. I save yours. That’s how we work. Until the end
This particular quote is from the book Dark Days by Derek Landy.
140. In war, victory. In peace, vigilance. In death, sacrifice
Video game quotes can also make great tattoos. This one is from Dragon Age and is accompanied with what looks like a coat of arms.
141. I have lived a thousand lives and I’ve loved a thousand loves. I’ve walked on distant worlds and seen the end of time. Because I read
A cool watercolor and book design with a tattoo quote for those who love to read.
142. Find what you love and let it kill you
Allegedly spoken/written by Henry Charles Bukowski, but there is a lot of debate on that.
Though pizza probably is slowly killing me…
143. Too weird to live, too rare to die
Panic! At the Disco again. This tattoo features a panda/wolf hybrid? Ha.
144. Too weird to live, too rare to die
Once more. a Panic! At the Disco too weird to live too rare to die tattoo, this time with a Halloween vibe.
145. I’m tired of this place
Not much too say about this one since I can’t find a concrete source on the quote, so it might be original.
146. As long as there is someone in the sky to protect me there is no one on earth who can break me
A religious tattoo quote on a thigh. Not sure if this is from somewhere specific or not.
147. Keep your chin up; Hang in there
A funny way to portray these usually pep-talk type sayings into something more, uh… darker tattoo.
148. Physical violence is a waste of flesh. Unconditional love is scarce.
This looks like an older tattoo, but the message is still clear.
149. Never lose your sense of outrage
Tattoo quotes on the forearm usually have this type of font since it is less prone to blurring.
This is a quote from Senator Bernie Sanders.
150. Let it hurt until it can’t hurt anymore
I cannot find a source on this, but I think this tattoo means to take problems head on and eventually they’ll be solved.
151. worry often gives a small thing a big shadow
Often cited as a Swedish Proverb, I think this tattoo on this girls forearm means that focusing on small problems can make them seem bigger than they are.
152. Everything was beautiful, and nothing hurt
Wow, I think this is our fourth everything is beautiful tattoo, but I am a fan of the design.
153. “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies,” said Jojen. “The man who never reads lives only one.”
A line by George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones author, that most definitely speaks to all the book lovers out there.
A perfect quote for those who love to read.
154. Take these broken wings and learn to fly
Song lyrics from Mr. Mister’s song Broken Wings.
155. Hate without reason
This seems to be an original tattoo quote idea, there is a second tattoo below.
156. Love without cause
The second part of the tattoo quote above.
157. Be the change
This tattoo means to strive to be the person who changes things rather than hoping someone else does it for you.
Thanks for looking through these photos. Hopefully you’ve gained some inspiration.
We have some information for you below.
Tattoo Quotes Considerations and Common Mistakes People Make
This is going to be a permanent and meaningful tattoo quote that’ll follow you for the rest of your life. You owe it to yourself to make sure everything is of the highest standard, after all, you deserve it—right?
So in this section we’re going to help you do just that.
We’ll be going over the most important things you’ll want to cover and mistakes to avoid before getting your quote tattoo.
But if you are not up for all the reading, no problem. We have a summary at the end which can be used as a checklist.
Mistake #1 Not Double Checking Spelling and Grammar of Your Tattoo Quotes
Someone finds a quote they like on some website (like this very one) and gets it tattooed without double checking it.
Unfortunately for them, their new tattoo quote has a spelling or grammatical error they didn’t catch, which could have been avoided by double checking it.
Honestly, this happens more often that you would think.
Do not be this person! Double checking is an important part of tattoo quotes!
Make sure the quote has proper grammar and spelling. You need to double or even triple check before taking the quote to your tattoo artist.
The correct author is also important if you are going to add it to your tattoo quote.
A good way to quickly check spelling is to type the quote into Google and see if suggests any spelling corrections. Double check once more using a different method and you should be set for spelling.
Google will also display results related to your quote. Use these results to double check that everything is accurate.
You could also use a website dedicated to quotes to look up your chosen quote. Chances are, they provide the correct grammar and spelling of you chosen tattoo quote with the correct author. Still double check though!
I recommend these websites:
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes
https://www.brainyquote.com/
After that, you need to make sure the tattoo artist does not make a mistake on your stencil before you let them tattoo it. While most artists take the time to double check their work—do not assume that they will or that tattoo artists are unable to make mistakes.
Mistake #2 Not Fact Checking Your Tattoo Quotes
There are a couple of things you should fact check before getting your meaningful tattoo quotes done.
First and Foremost; Context Matters
Make sure the person your chosen quote is attributed to is someone you are okay being associated with. Not all the nice sounding words said throughout history are from good people.
Bad people can say things that sound fine on their own, but when added into the overall beliefs of the person saying them, suddenly they mean something entirely different.
So take care that the quote cannot be interpreted as a belief you do not believe in, and the person who originally said it is not someone with beliefs you are against.
Some People Never Actually said the Famous Quote Often Credited to Them
Elementary my dear Watson.
Sherlock Holmes
You heard this quote before, right? It is pretty famous one; unfortunately, the fictional character Sherlock Holmes never said this line.
There are tons of examples like this, so if you care about accuracy do some research; otherwise, it is probably fine either way since most people probably will not care.
Mistake #3 Choosing a Bad Spot for a Lengthy Quote Tattoo
You want to choose a place on your body with enough space to fit the tattoo while keeping it readable from at least a few feet.
That long quote you want as a tattoo? It isn’t going to fit on your wrist. Short tattoo quotes fit on places like the wrist! Do not try to squeeze long quotes into places obviously too small.
You might have a more reasonable spot that’ll barely fit the tattoo, but keep in mind—if you are squeezing letters together to make it fit—it won’t look good and it will start to turn into a blob of ink later down the line.
Typically the tattoo artist will assist with this part, and they probably know best, so please take their advice.
Ask them about spots that will fade over time so you can avoid getting tattooed on them.
Personally I would stick to short tattoo quotes. They are easier to place, easier to add into a design of some sort, and do not take up a lot of real estate on your body.
But hey long quotes can work too. Just your time and do not rush it, and you will be fine.
Mistake #4 Picking a Font/Script for Your Tattoo Quote That Is Not the Right Size or Hard to Read
Font or script is a very important aspect of any tattoo quotes, and if this is just glossed over, you are going to have a less than ideal tattoo.
You will want a font or script that can be read easily without having to really concentrate on it, make sure it is not too small.
Not only is small font hard to read, it can also end up blurry down the line, which will make the tattoo look more like a blob of ink instead of text.
On top of this, you will want a font or script that fits the overall “mood” or “emotion” of the quote.
A frilly font is probably not going to fit a quote tattoo about the atrocities of war for example. Unless that clash is something you are going for, it is best to choose something more fitting.
Again, this is something your tattoo artist can assist you with. Ask them questions.
Mistake #5 Not Taking Care of a New Quote Tattoo
A freshly done tattoo is an open wound. It needs to be taken care of, not only for health reasons, but for the longevity of the tattoo as well.
You spent money on this, and it’ll stick with you for a long time, it doesn’t make sense not to take care of it.
Follow your artists instructions, and if you think something is going wrong with the tattoo, let them know.
If you think something is seriously wrong with the tattoo, like an infection, visit a doctor!
Find out how to take care of a new tattoo
Summary of Quote Tattoo Mistakes and Considerations
Avoid Common Tattoo Quotes Mistakes by Doing the Following:
- Double check spelling and grammar (even quotes found on this website!)
- Fact check your tattoo quotes (Who said it? Can this mean what I think it means? etc.)
- Choose a spot big enough for your quote tattoo
- Pick a font/script that fits the mood of your tattoo quote, and make sure it is easy to read
- Take care of your fresh tattoo for health and the longevity of the tattoo
Follow this checklist and it will help you get the perfect meaningful tattoo quote! Please comment below if you have questions, tattoo quotes ideas you’d like to share, or would like to correct a mistake in the article or comments.
Hope you enjoyed.
Resources:
Tattoo fonts
Tattoo aftercare
Find tattoo quotes at:
https://www.goodreads.com/quote
https://www.brainyquote.com/
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