What Makes a Good Tattoo? Exploring Meaning and Personal Stories

“So, what’s the story behind that one?” Sound familiar? That was my mom’s classic reaction when I showed up with a fresh piece of ink on my wrist. I fumbled, trying to spin a heartfelt tale about family connections represented by each little point – a story quickly debunked by my dad’s knowing smirk.

“Okay, okay, you got me!” I admitted, wrist newly decorated but meaning admittedly absent. Truth is, that little wrist tattoo? It was a whim, a $50 Friday the 13th special at the local shop. Yet, it’s the tattoo that sparks the most questions. Cashiers, fellow travelers (remember those days?), everyone wants to know: “What is that?” (Friendly advice: asking is fine, touching is a definite no-no!).

“As I get more tattoos, I’m learning to appreciate both the spontaneous, fun pieces and the larger, more meaningful ones.”

Now, years later, its “meaning” is simply a snapshot of where I was and how I felt back then. And honestly, sometimes that’s all the meaning a tattoo needs. I liked it, I got it. Other tattoos, far grander than this wrist doodle, were months in the making, loaded with significance that continues to evolve. My first tattoo, a linked line drawing representing my twin and me, holds a meaning that’s been steadfast. Then there’s the horse skull for my mum (her favorite animal), adorned with her favorite plant, channeling Georgia O’Keeffe with a touch of edge. Some are deeply joyous, others echo moments of pain. As my tattoo collection grows, I’m finding a balance between those spur-of-the-moment pieces and the larger, more intentional artworks with profound personal narratives.

Some tattoo ideas linger as dreams, like the matching elephant tattoos my aunt and I planned for a Thailand trip that never happened. Others cycle in and out of consideration as my tastes and priorities shift. Tattoos can be intensely personal, but they absolutely don’t have to be. Ultimately, what makes a tattoo “good” is a deeply personal decision.

We asked our community to share their perspectives on tattoo meaning and their favorite tattoo stories, and the responses were fantastic. Keep reading for some inspiring stories! And if you’re itching for new ink post-pandemic, check out these amazing tattoo artists we admire.

Liz

Close-up of Liz's arm tattoo, a colorful floral bouquet featuring calendula and poppies, symbolizing healing and resilience.

“My first machine tattoo (I usually do stick-and-pokes) was on Friday the 13th, March 2020, the day after my birthday, right before NYC went into lockdown. Surreal timing, to say the least. Initially, I wanted to get tattooed by this artist purely for their style. Meaning wasn’t the initial focus, but as we talked, the design evolved into a bouquet of healing flowers like calendula and poppies. Now, it reminds me that even in the chaos of 2020, self-compassion and care are crucial.”

Casha

Close-up of Casha's forearm tattoo, featuring the handwritten phrase "I love you, dad" in black ink, a memorial to her father.

“The tattoo with the deepest meaning is on my right forearm. It says ‘I love you, dad’ in my dad’s handwriting. I got it a week after he passed away unexpectedly. It was done by my favorite artist and a dear friend. It’s a constant reminder when I miss him, a visual reassurance that even though he’s gone physically, his energy is still all around me.”

Kara

Close-up of Kara's arm tattoo, a delicate branch of baby's breath created in a minimalist stick-and-poke style, representing an 'eternal flower' gift.

“I was dating a guy who was incredibly talented at stick-and-pokes, but you couldn’t just ask for one. He offered them in his own time. I have two from him, and one is my absolute favorite: a baby’s breath branch. He said he wanted to get me flowers for my birthday but felt overwhelmed by choices online, so he decided to gift me an eternal flower instead. ”

Henah

Close-up of Henah's side tattoo, the phrase "my dearest darling" in elegant cursive handwriting, a tribute to her mother's loving words.

“My favorite tattoo is on my left side, close to my heart – literally and figuratively! It’s what my mother always calls me, ‘my dearest darling,’ in her handwriting. My mom is the most important person in my life, and I wanted to honor our relationship in a way I could always hold dear. Generally, I believe tattoos don’t need to have profound meaning (it’s your body, your choice!), but for me, all three of mine are deeply sentimental and intentional.”

Amanda

Close-up of Amanda's arm tattoo, a detailed line drawing of a house, her childhood home, evoking nostalgia and memories of the past.

“My favorite tattoo is of my childhood home. I can never go back to it because it’s no longer there. My family sold it in 2012, and it’s been completely changed, but I loved that house so much. My second favorite is a phrase my grandmother used to say, ‘small steps around the corner.’ It’s about approaching the unknown, whether physically or mentally, by slowing down and taking things one step at a time.”

Beau

Close-up of Beau's ankle tattoo, the name "Björk" in simple stick-and-poke lettering, a tribute to her musical inspiration and personal hero.

“My favorite tattoo is a stick-n-poke on my right ankle that simply says ‘Björk.’ It’s my favorite for a couple of reasons. Björk is a huge inspiration, and her approach to life, art, and love is so genuine and powerful. Having a constant reminder of her impact is helpful for me daily. Also, a good friend gave it to me. The homespun, personal nature of a stick-n-poke always adds the connection to the person who gave it. It feels like a gift from someone you care about, which adds extra significance. All my tattoos are stick-n-pokes for this reason!

BONUS REASON: I love telling people I have a Björk tattoo, and instead of it being her face or lyrics, it’s just her name – there’s something wonderfully absurd about that.”

Emma L.

Collage of Emma L.'s two tattoos: a small crab tattoo on her arm and a heart with a banner reading "books" on her upper arm, representing her zodiac sign and love for reading.

“I have two favorite tattoos: a little crab by Jen Wong because I’m a Cancer and deeply identify with that sign, and a heart on my upper arm [with a banner] that says ‘books.’ That one’s a stick and poke from my best friend Kat, combining two things I love. I don’t think tattoos necessarily need meaning. I have plenty of silly ones I love just because they’re fun I see getting tattoos as a form of collecting, like anything else.”

Samuel

Close-up of Samuel's arm tattoo, a simple black line drawing symbolizing a pivotal moment of warmth and hope experienced in California with friends.

“In 2015, I was in a really dark place after a traumatic experience. I booked a trip to the US [editor’s note: to visit me, in California!] Sitting at an In-N-Out in the California sunshine with my closest friends – enjoying the best cheap burger ever – I felt warm again.

The hope I found in that moment is now permanently on my body. I hope [my friends] understand what that trip meant to me.”

Shelby

Close-up of Shelby's arm tattoo, a vibrant and stylized egg, based on a painting by her grandmother and appreciated for its novelty and personal connection.

“My egg tattoo is my favorite! It’s based on a painting by my grandmother, and I’ve always loved it. Plus, it’s pretty unusual, so I often don’t explain the meaning and just say, ‘Yeah, I love eggs…’ if someone asks. I really don’t think tattoos have to have a deep meaning at all!”

Evania

Close-up of Evania's arm tattoo, the Kanji characters for "1,000 push-ups", representing a personal mantra of self-trust and reliance on support systems.

“It’s a bit of a story, but this tattoo is a reminder I need every day – and anyone who knows me knows my memory is terrible, so it’s like I need it on my skin. Think Momento, but without the dead wife and self-deception. All my tattoos stem from lessons learned or things I need to remember because each challenging experience has shaped who I am.

While not my favorite tattoo, it’s my most recent lesson, and it came from an unexpected source. It’s in Kanji, translating to ‘1,000 push-ups.’ I live with a mental illness, and episodes are followed by blackouts where I lose memory of events. I used to endure lectures about my actions, actions I still agonize over. For 28 years, I couldn’t trust myself. That shifted when someone I loved exclaimed, ‘1,000 push-ups if I’m wrong!’ It wasn’t from some profound book or famous figure – the line was from a cheesy TV show, where a character asks his wife to trust him, promising 1,000 push-ups if wrong.

Now, this phrase was being used to challenge me to trust myself, through the trust of others. The world often feels chaotic, my mind constantly races, and self-doubt was constant. However, I can trust the people in my life: my closest friends, my chosen family, and supportive colleagues. This partner said if I trusted him, then I indirectly trust myself, because he trusts me. That perspective was new. If I genuinely trust those around me, I can believe in the potential and qualities they see in me. I love, respect, and admire my friends.

I don’t want to be wrong in believing in myself, especially since I can’t even do one push-up – let alone 1,000.”

Nat

Close-up of Nat's shoulder tattoo, a floral arrangement featuring a California Poppy and Lily of the Valley, symbolizing her love and bond with her two step-daughters.

“My favorite piece is a floral arrangement on my shoulder, a dedication of love for my two step-daughters. It represents our special bond. The California Poppy matches Emma’s, my eldest step-daughter’s, tattoo. She also has a California Poppy, and the Lily of the Valley is for Lily, the youngest.”

Emma T.

“My favorite tattoo is a Pomegranate surrounded by olive branches on my hip. It was my first larger piece, so I wanted it to be meaningful. Every Jewish New Year, my grandma gives me a pomegranate, its seeds symbolizing good things to come in the new year. Pomegranates also represent fertility and femininity in Jewish tradition, important to me as a doula. Funny story: its meaning is deeply connected to my grandma and Jewish tradition, but she would hate it if she knew I had tattoos! In Judaism, tattoos are traditionally discouraged. Although this tattoo has meaning, I don’t think all tattoos need to. I have others I simply love for their aesthetic!”