Each one is getting common tattoos. Do you want something new and different for your next ink? Most people desire to pick a separate design that looks different from a traditional tattoo. For different tattoos, you must consider a negative tattoo. Something is enticing about these types of tattoos that allow the viewer’s imagination to run wild. Uncover the negative tattoo meaning and design that you consider to get it.
What Are Negative Space Tattoos?
Negative space tattoos offer you a unique kind of body art that uses the natural color of the skin because it is part of the tattoo design. The tattoos leave specific spaces uninked so the skin can form shapes and images. Instead of filling every area with ink, the tattoo leaves certain spaces uninked. By using this technique, one can achieve striking visual effects that convey depth and dimension, often communicating a deeper meaning at the same time.
Most of the time tattoos make with white and black color ink, however, other colors are also acceptable. Artists can add different styles and designs including portrait, geometric, and abstract compositions and they can also use negative space.
Negative space tattoos have gotten a lot of fame in a short period among tattoo lovers who want different designs and styles. It is a good idea to have negative space tattoos if you don’t want a bold design. Furthermore, these tattoos are excellent for individuals who want a sophisticated and understated look.
Characteristics of Negative Space Tattoos
![What Are Negative Space Tattoos | 20 Best Tattoo Designs 2 Characteristics of Negative Space Tattoos](https://tattoorecover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Characteristics-of-Negative-Space-Tattoos-1024x745.webp)
Negative space tattoos are prominent for their creative use of skin as a canvas. Here are some amazing features:
- Contrast: Drawing attention to both inked and uninked areas provides a bold visual effect.
- Creativity: Drawings and paintings by artists often feature abstract and imaginative designs because they play with shapes and forms.
- Symbolism: The uninked areas convey a sense of absence or presence, which gives these tattoos a deeper meaning.
20 Best Negative Space Tattoo Designs
1. Floral Designs
Beautiful flowers add negative space for a unique twist.
![What Are Negative Space Tattoos | 20 Best Tattoo Designs 3 Floral negative space tattoo](https://tattoorecover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Floral-negative-space-tattoo.webp)
2. Geometric Patterns
Clean lines and shapes make a modern aesthetic.
![What Are Negative Space Tattoos | 20 Best Tattoo Designs 4 Geometric Patterns tattoo](https://tattoorecover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Geometric-Patterns-tattoo.webp)
3. Animal Silhouettes
A design featuring animals whose skin is part of the overall design.
![What Are Negative Space Tattoos | 20 Best Tattoo Designs 5 Animal Silhouettes Negative Space Tattoo](https://tattoorecover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Animal-Silhouettes-Negative-Space-Tattoo.webp)
4. Mandalas
Complex patterns that use negative space to improve their beauty.
![What Are Negative Space Tattoos | 20 Best Tattoo Designs 6 Mandalas Negative Space Tattoo](https://tattoorecover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mandalas-Negative-Space-Tattoo.webp)
5. Celestial Themes
Moons and Stars are designed with negative space to imitate the night sky.
![What Are Negative Space Tattoos | 20 Best Tattoo Designs 7 Celestial Themes Negative Space Tattoo](https://tattoorecover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Celestial-Themes-Negative-Space-Tattoo.webp)
6. Minimalist Symbols
Small, fine designs that are impactful and leave much to the imagination.
![What Are Negative Space Tattoos | 20 Best Tattoo Designs 8 Minimalist Symbols Negative Space Tattoo](https://tattoorecover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Minimalist-Symbols-Negative-Space-Tattoo.webp)
7. Nature Scenes
Landscapes are designed where your skin represents elements including clouds or water.
![What Are Negative Space Tattoos | 20 Best Tattoo Designs 9 Nature Scenes Negative Space Tattoo](https://tattoorecover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Nature-Scenes-Negative-Space-Tattoo.webp)
8. Lettering
Words or phrases that add negative space for prominence.
![What Are Negative Space Tattoos | 20 Best Tattoo Designs 10 Lettering Negative Space Tattoo](https://tattoorecover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lettering-Negative-Space-Tattoo.webp)
9. Abstract Art
Creative designs that challenge conventional tattoo beauty.
![What Are Negative Space Tattoos | 20 Best Tattoo Designs 11 Abstract Art Negative Space Tattooon on body](https://tattoorecover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Abstract-Art-Negative-Space-Tattooon-on-body.webp)
10. Portraits
Expressions of negative space based on faces or figures.
![What Are Negative Space Tattoos | 20 Best Tattoo Designs 12 Portraits Negative Space Tattoo](https://tattoorecover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Portraits-Negative-Space-Tattoo.webp)
11. Music Notes
It is the sign of sound & rhythm through negative space.
![What Are Negative Space Tattoos | 20 Best Tattoo Designs 13 Music Notes Negative Space Tattoo](https://tattoorecover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Music-Notes-Negative-Space-Tattoo.webp)
12. Celtic Knots
Complex designs that intertwine with uninked areas.
![What Are Negative Space Tattoos | 20 Best Tattoo Designs 14 Celtic Knots Negative Space Tattoo](https://tattoorecover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Celtic-Knots-Negative-Space-Tattoo.webp)
13. Animal Tracks
Natural impressions are created by taking advantage of the skin.
![What Are Negative Space Tattoos | 20 Best Tattoo Designs 15 Animal Tracks](https://tattoorecover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Animal-Tracks.webp)
14. Mythological Creatures
Designs with negative spaces that create dramatic effects, such as dragons and phoenixes.
![What Are Negative Space Tattoos | 20 Best Tattoo Designs 16 Mythological Creatures Negative space tattoo](https://tattoorecover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Mythological-Creatures-Negative-space-tattoo.webp)
15. Ocean Waves
Water-inspired designs.
![What Are Negative Space Tattoos | 20 Best Tattoo Designs 17 Ocean Waves Negative space tattoo](https://tattoorecover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Ocean-Waves-Negative-space-tattoo.webp)
16. Tree Silhouettes
Branches and leaves are portrayed in negative space using nature-inspired tattoos.
![What Are Negative Space Tattoos | 20 Best Tattoo Designs 18 Tree Silhouettes Negative space tattoo](https://tattoorecover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Tree-Silhouettes-Negative-space-tattoo.webp)
17. Feathers
Light, airy designs that symbolize freedom and spirituality.
![What Are Negative Space Tattoos | 20 Best Tattoo Designs 19 Feathers Negative space tattoo](https://tattoorecover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Feathers-Negative-space-tattoo.webp)
18. Skulls
Designed with negative space to achieve an edgy aesthetic.
![What Are Negative Space Tattoos | 20 Best Tattoo Designs 20 Skulls Negative space tattoo](https://tattoorecover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Skulls-Negative-space-tattoo.webp)
19. Butterflies
Transformative and beautiful designs.
![What Are Negative Space Tattoos | 20 Best Tattoo Designs 21 Butterflies Negative space tattoo](https://tattoorecover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Butterflies-Negative-space-tattoo.webp)
20. Crescent Moons
Mystic design that captures the essence of the night.
![What Are Negative Space Tattoos | 20 Best Tattoo Designs 22 Crescent Moons Negative space tattoo](https://tattoorecover.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Crescent-Moons-Negative-space-tattoo.webp)
Do Negative Space Tattoos Age Well?
Negative space tattoos can age well, but the longevity of the tattoo is based on some factors:
- Design Complexity: Complex designs that fade faster as compared to simple designs with clean lines tend to maintain their clarity over time.
- Tattoo Placement: Place your tattoo on those areas of the body that are less prone to friction and sun exposure.
- Tattoo Maintenance: Proper maintenance and care, including moisturizing and protecting from the sun, can help you to maintain the tattoo’s appearance.
Tattoos fade or blur before time, even well-cared-for ones, so choosing designs carefully is important.
How to Cover Negative Space Tattoos
If you wish to cover a negative space tattoo, follow these tips as it will help you:
- Bigger Designs: Choose a large tattoo in which the existing design can be incorporated into a new design.
- Color: Colors can cover up tattoos while adding an edgy aesthetic to them.
- Layering: Use complex patterns or designs that can overlay the negative space tattoo effectively.
- Consultation: Make sure the cover-up is done by an experienced tattoo artist who knows what they’re doing.
Adding negative space to a tattoo offers a creative approach to body art, allowing for individual expression and creativity. Knowing the nuances of this style can improve your tattoo experience, whether you are considering a new design or thinking about covering an existing tattoo.
What You Should Know About Negative Space Tattoos
It is quite important for you to know about the basics of negative space tattoos, whether it is good or not for your body. Before getting a negative space tattoo session you will need to consider these important points.
Tattoo Location
Once you decide to get a negative space tattoo, the first step for you is to choose the placement of your body with fewer scars and blemishes such that the tattoo’s outline remains blank. Also the perfect area for you to tattoo that part of the body that does not have too much hair growth because it will be the reason to distort the tattoo shape.
The Design Of The Tattoo
To choose a tattoo for your body first, you need to understand whether it is convertible into a negative space tattoo or not. All tattoo designs are not suitable for this style. Unlike tribal tattoos, blackwork tattoos, illustrative tattoos, and watercolour tattoos have solid shapes and integrated lines that are ideal for negative space designs. Realistic and traditional tattoos are not the perfect choice for negative space designs.
Usually, these tattoo styles are characterized by details and colors. Creating a tattoo using negative space requires minimal details and solid colors.
The Artist
For a negative space tattoos, you need to pick the right and experienced tattoo artist. Because this style needs a professional level of skill and perfection. Unlikely, all artists have the experience to complete this task. It is important to find a tattoo artist who has a strong reputation and a portfolio of negative space tattoos that are perfectly finished.
It would be helpful if you could get suggestions from friends or family members who have experienced a positive result with a negative space tattoo artist. For more information about the artist, you can also take a look at their reviews, previous work, social media or website.
Final Thoughts
By adding negative space to your tattoo, you can add a sense of depth to your appearance, making your design prominent apart from other traditional tattoos. You have to plan and execute this style carefully to ensure the final product is something you will love forever. I also mention famous the style of the negative space tattoo that is suitable for your body and tell everything about it. Follow tattoorecover and get more information about tattoos.
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