Getting inked is a deeply personal and often transformative experience. Sharing that experience with your closest friends by getting matching or complementary tattoos elevates it to a whole new level. Friend Tattoos are more than just ink; they are permanent symbols of shared memories, inside jokes, and unbreakable bonds. Whether you’re looking for a subtle nod to your friendship or a bold statement of your connection, the world of friend tattoos offers endless possibilities.
From sisters and soulmates to chosen family, the desire to commemorate these special relationships with tattoos is increasingly popular. Let’s dive into some inspiring friend tattoo ideas, drawing inspiration from various artists and styles to help you and your besties find the perfect ink to celebrate your unique connection.
Sisterly Ink: Same but Different Tattoos
The beauty of friend tattoos lies in their versatility. You don’t need to get identical designs to showcase your bond. Take inspiration from the talented Los Angeles-based tattoo artist Miryam Lumpini, also known as The Witchdoctor™. Her sister tattoos, featuring octopuses in varying colors and intricate details, perfectly illustrate this concept. While each tattoo is unique, they share a cohesive theme and style, representing individuality within a shared connection. This “same but different” approach is ideal for friends who appreciate personal expression while valuing their collective identity.
Tiny Tattoos, Big Meaning for Best Friends
For friends who prefer understated elegance, teeny tiny matching tattoos are a perfect choice. E-nal, an artist based in LA, creates delicate and minimalist designs that pack a powerful punch. These small tattoos can be placed discreetly and symbolize the subtle yet significant impact friends have on our lives. Think tiny flowers, stars, or abstract shapes – minimal designs that carry profound personal meaning for you and your closest companions.
Cheers to Friendship: Wine Glass Tattoos
Is your friendship fueled by laughter and shared glasses of wine? Then matching wine glass tattoos might be the perfect playful tribute to your bond. Shibumi from Shibumi Tattoo Donostia in Spain, offers inspiration with their super cute and small wine glass tattoos. These are a fun and lighthearted way to celebrate those cherished moments of connection and conversation over a favorite beverage. It’s a unique idea for friends who enjoy a good time and want a tattoo that reflects their shared love for life’s simple pleasures.
Celestial Connections: Tarot Sun and Moon Friendship Tattoos
Matching sun and moon tarot card tattoos for friends by Sarah Louise
Matching sun and moon tarot card tattoos on different body parts by Sarah Louise Tattoo Artist Nottingham
Matching sun and moon tarot card tattoos on arms by Sarah Louise
For a more symbolic and meaningful approach, consider tarot-inspired friend tattoos. Sarah Louise, owner of Sacred Coven in Nottingham, beautifully tattooed matching Tarot cards – The Sun and The Moon – for friends Eve and Caitlin. The Sun represents joy, success, and vitality, while The Moon symbolizes intuition, dreams, and emotions. These celestial designs offer a deeper layer of meaning, representing complementary energies within the friendship. What’s even more inspiring is that each friend chose their preferred placement, proving that matching tattoos don’t need to be in the same spot to be significant.
Feminine Energy: Matching Floral Tattoos for Twin Sisters
Matching feminine floral tattoos on twin sisters, representing growth and feminine energy
Twin sisters often share an incredibly unique bond, and what better way to celebrate it than with matching tattoos that represent their shared energy? Jade Cooper-Collins, art director at Cosmopolitan magazine, and her twin sister opted for feminine floral designs to symbolize growth and feminine energy. While the specific tattoo artist is unknown, their spontaneous tattoo trip highlights the beauty of impulsive decisions made with your closest confidante. These tattoos are a testament to the natural connection and shared journey of twin sisters.
Soulmate Tattoos: Different Styles, Shared Meaning
Matching moon and hand tattoos for best friends by Meg Langdale
Matching 'Be Kind' heart tattoos in black dot work by Becky Pope
Matching 'Be Kind' heart tattoos in color by Becky Pope
Friendships can be as profound and life-altering as romantic relationships, and soulmate friendships deserve to be celebrated in a special way. Tattoo collector Amber Carnegie has not one, but two sets of matching friend tattoos, showcasing the diverse ways to honor these bonds. Her first, with best friend Jess, is a moon held by a hand, created by Meg Langdale, commemorating 10 years of friendship. The second, with her friend Aimee, are “Be Kind” hearts by Becky Pope, reflecting their shared ethos of kindness and resilience. Becky Pope’s adaptability in style allowed them to get matching designs in different aesthetics – black dot work and bold color – catering to individual preferences while maintaining the core symbolic connection. This example perfectly illustrates how friend tattoos can be deeply meaningful even when personal styles differ.
The Drowning Girl Club: Solidarity and Shared Experiences
Drowning girl tattoos by Amie Culver and Fidjit, representing resilience and shared struggles
Sometimes, the most powerful friend tattoos are those that represent shared struggles and resilience. The “drowning girl” tattoo, popularized by Glasgow-based artist Fidjit, has become a symbol of overcoming adversity and standing in solidarity with those who have faced challenges. With over 3,500 “drowners” inked, Fidjit has created a community – the Drowning Girl Club – united by this powerful image. Whether it represents overcoming sexual assault, domestic violence, or mental health issues, the “drowning girl” embodies the strength to keep your head above water, making it a deeply meaningful choice for friends who have navigated tough times together.
Ant-tastic Bonds: Super Cute Matching Ant Tattoos
Friendship comes in many forms, and the bond between a mother and son can be just as strong as any friendship. Amie Culver, working at Good Company Tattoo Studio in Brighton, created adorable matching ant tattoos for a mother and son duo. Ants are often associated with hard work, community, and loyalty, making them a surprisingly meaningful and incredibly cute choice for friend tattoos. These tiny creatures symbolize the strength found in collaboration and the enduring nature of close relationships.
Friend tattoos are a beautiful way to celebrate the special people in our lives. Whether you opt for matching designs, complementary symbols, or tattoos that reflect your shared experiences, the most important aspect is the meaning behind the ink. So gather your besties, brainstorm ideas, and embark on the exciting journey of getting friend tattoos – a lasting tribute to your unbreakable bond.
