symbols for keep going

30 MEANINGFUL SMALL BUTTERFLY TATTOOS TO INSPIRE YOU THIS SPRING & SUMMER

Butterfly tattoos are an excellent choice for those. Despite their widespread popularity, these tattoos retain their allure. To help you find unique tattoo ideas, here is a collection of 30 small butterfly tattoo ideas and from black and white to vibrant colors. These artworks are sure to inspire your next tattoo. Keep reading!

BUTTERFLY AND SWORD

A samurai sword symbolizes the soul and honor of a samurai, treated as an extension of their identity in Japan. The combination of swords and butterflies in tattoos reflects the courage and fighter spirit, with butterflies historically representing samurai clans like the Taira clan. Despite its apparent simplicity, this intricate butterfly tattoo carries significant weight and meaning due to its historical context.

BUTTERFLY AND CHRYSANTHEMUM NECK TATTOO

If you’re born in November, you might know the chrysanthemum, the month’s birth flower. Beyond its beauty, the chrysanthemum represents life and rebirth, similar to a butterfly. Each color of chrysanthemum holds a distinct meaning; for instance, the red chrysanthemum in this butterfly neck tattoo symbolizes love and passion.

BURNING BUTTERFLY

While butterfly tattoos typically symbolize change and beauty, this burning butterfly adopts a more serious tone. With one wing vaporized, it narrates a story of challenges and struggles, portraying a poignant metaphor for resilience in the face of adversity.

BUTTERFLY AND SEAHORSE TATTOO

The butterfly embodies the spirit of spring, the seahorse symbolizes the essence of summertime, and the maple leaves serve as a nod to the vibrant colors of fall. This tattoo beautifully encapsulates the ever-changing seasons, creating a harmonious blend of nature’s transitions.

BUTTERFLY AND MORNING GLORY FLOWER

The exquisite flowers forming one of the wings are morning glories, known for their vibrant blooms that thrive from summer to early winter. These flowers, easy to cultivate, often attract butterflies, creating a harmonious and lively atmosphere. Just like in this colored butterfly tattoo, the combination of morning glories and butterflies forms a beautiful symphony of life.

SIMPLE SMALL BUTTERFLY TATTOO

Butterfly tattoos don’t always need vibrant colors; they can be just as beautiful in black and white, as seen in this simple outline wrist tattoo. An advantage of black and white tattoos is their longevity, as they tend to preserve better over time. If you’re concerned about color fading, opting for a straightforward outline butterfly tattoo might be a more suitable choice.

DRAGON BUTTERFLY TATTOO

The distinctive feature of this butterfly tattoo lies in the concealed oriental dragon intricately woven into the wing patterns. This extraordinary blend of delicate beauty and mythical strength forms a captivating narrative on the wearer’s skin.

BUTTERFLY TATTOO COVER-UP

This shoulder tattoo, unlike the typical combination of butterflies and flowers, has a unique twist. Originally a single butterfly tattoo, it underwent a transformation as the patterns faded, evolving into a design featuring both a flower and a butterfly. Vibrant colors now conceal most of the old tattoo, but upon closer inspection, the original butterfly can be found at the center of the new one, symbolizing a sense of rebirth.

SMALL BUTTERFLY TATTOO IDEAS

A small butterfly tattoo need to convey its profound meaning. Compact butterfly tattoos can create a striking visual impact, reflecting your individual character. Amidst various small butterfly tattoo ideas, the most compelling ones embody themes of love, hope, and positive transformation. From my perspective, an exemplary small butterfly tattoo serves as a potent talisman, serving as a reminder of the wearer’s remarkable achievements.

HAND BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

One of the prevalent butterfly tattoo designs is the butterfly hand tattoo. Opting for a design that is not overly elaborate, the hand placement complements the butterfly’s shape effectively. Although hand butterfly tattoos are exposed for everyone to see, they convey warmth, friendliness, and a loving nature. Additionally, these tattoos symbolize open-mindedness, adventurous spirit, and a connection to nature. Ultimately, a hand butterfly tattoo on a well-groomed hand can enhance your overall allure.

unique BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

Butterfly tattoos don’t always need intricate details or colors to be beautiful; simplicity and subtle shading can be just as captivating. Black and white simple butterfly tattoos often age well over time. Choosing a minimalistic approach, akin to a moth tattoo style, adds a touch of uniqueness to your overall style. If longevity and avoiding color fading are concerns, a simple outline butterfly tattoo is a timeless choice.

NECK BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

Neck tattoos carry symbolic significance related to communication and engagement. Specifically, neck butterfly tattoos symbolize an individual’s openness to new connections and experiences. These tattoos represent the wearer’s willingness to share their journey of overcoming past challenges and evolving into a better version of themselves. Currently, a prevalent choice for neck butterfly tattoos features a light-shaded butterfly design with intricate wing patterns.

BUTTERFLY WITH FLOWER TATTOOS

Combining flowers with butterfly tattoos adds an extra layer of beauty and meaning. Whether it’s roses or chrysanthemums, flowers complement butterfly tattoos, infusing them with additional symbolism of love, passion, and sensuality. The choice of flower colors also plays a crucial role, allowing for variations that make your tattoo stand out uniquely.

SEMICOLON BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

The semicolon tattoo, when standing alone, serves as a symbol of support for individuals facing suicide, depression, addiction, and various mental health struggles or for those who have triumphed over these challenges. Much like the semicolon prompts a pause in a sentence, those adorned with the semicolon butterfly tattoo use it as a powerful reminder that their narrative is ongoing. This tattoo is a meaningful choice for suicide survivors and individuals confronting emotional trauma daily.

MANDALA BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

In various cultures, the back and spine are symbolic of life’s core. A butterfly tattoo on the back serves as a celebration of life, embodying vitality and strength, especially when paired with complementary symbols. A mandala-style butterfly tattoo covering the entire back can be breathtaking! Additionally, incorporating quotes into your back butterfly tattoo, with delicate flowers serving as stems, adds a unique touch.

THIGH BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

The wrists, neck, shoulders, fingers, and ankles, being among the most visible parts of the body, are well-suited for small butterfly tattoos. Conversely, larger butterfly tattoos find an ideal canvas on the back, legs, chest, and thighs. Thigh butterfly tattoos, in particular, bear a deeply personal or sentimental touch, narrating tales of love and synergy. To personalize the effect, you can complement your butterfly thigh tattoo with flowers according to your preferences.

BLUE BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

Blue butterfly tattoos serve as a reminder to find inner peace and harmony in your life. The color blue, associated with calmness and joy, paired with the butterfly’s symbolism of birth and rebirth, signifies transitioning into a new phase on your life journey. Additionally, the blue butterfly tattoo carries meanings of faithfulness and reliability.

3D BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

Taking a literal approach, 3D tattoos elevate tattoo art to a new dimension. Representing one of the contemporary trends in tattooing, these photorealistic tattoos demand creativity, thoughtful design, and, most crucially, exceptional talent from the tattoo artist. The finest examples of this style aim for a level of realism that closely resembles photographs.

MONARCH BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

Witnessing the migration of Monarch butterflies in autumn, with their stunning orange and black colors, is a truly beautiful experience. I had the privilege of encountering this spectacle during a hike near the Delaware Water Gap, where thousands of monarch butterflies filled the air. The transformation from an unassuming worm to a majestic butterfly makes the monarch butterfly tattoo a symbol of evolution and profound life changes.

RED BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

In the vast spectrum of tattoo colors, there are numerous matching options for butterfly tattoos. Throughout history, red shades have symbolized femininity, and red butterflies, in particular, have been linked to themes of love and romance. Across various cultures, the fluttering wings of a red butterfly are believed to convey a lover’s promise. Red, with its associations of desire and passion, becomes the ideal color for a butterfly symbolizing love.

SKULL BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

Skull tattoos carry symbols of strength and power, offering a sense of protection. They can also represent the demise of an old life, the conquest of the past, and the emergence of positive changes. Combining skulls, symbolizing death, with butterflies, representing new life, signifies triumph over challenging obstacles or a transformative journey through death and rebirth—a symbolic representation of the circle of life and death.

SMALL BUTTERFLY TATTOOS ON WRIST

Wrist tattoos gained popularity in the 50s and 60s, particularly within the gay and lesbian communities. During those decades, individuals in these communities embraced wrist tattoos as symbols of their sexuality. Today, butterfly tattoos on the wrist continue to carry profound personal meaning, reflecting an individual’s sexual perspectives and the challenges they have successfully navigated.

BUTTERFLY TATTOOS BEHIND THE EAR

Behind-the-ear tattoos symbolize “hearing the word of God and letting your faith guide your decisions.” Small butterfly tattoo designs behind the ear carry a similar profound meaning, serving as a constant reminder of your strength to continue walking the path towards a new and improved life.

BUTTERFLY TATTOOS ON SHOULDER

Combining vibrant butterflies and flowers remains one of the most popular tattoo choices for women. The shoulders and clavicles are considered the most feminine spots for placing tiny butterfly tattoos. Striking the right size balance is crucial; going too big may look drastic against your overall look, while going too small may make your tattoo less noticeable.

TRADITIONAL BUTTERFLY TATTOOS

Traditional American, Western, or Old School tattoos stand out as one of the boldest and most iconic tattoo styles, known for clean black outlines, vivid colors, and minimal shading. Traditional butterfly tattoos embody these characteristics, irrespective of the color, shape, or size of the tattoo.

BUTTERFLY TATTOOS ON ANKLE

Placing tattoos on ankles carries profound meaning. In the past, individuals would wear an “anklet” in memory of a loved one, serving as a lasting tribute. Today, an anklet tattoo signifies the conclusion of a meaningful relationship. When a butterfly tattoo is positioned on the ankle, it signifies the closure of a significant chapter in the wearer’s life, yet the memories persist.

ORIENTAL-STYLE RED BUTTERFLY TATTOO

In China, butterflies symbolize the quest for love and freedom, as seen in the well-known Chinese legend, The Butterfly Lover. This tragic love story revolves around two individuals who, despite stark differences in their backgrounds, fell in love. Ultimately, they chose to end their lives and transform into butterflies together. This oriental tattoo not only captures the beauty of the butterfly but also conveys the yearning for freedom, reminiscent of the legendary couple.

DALI’S FLOWER

This tattoo draws inspiration from Salvador Dali’s 1981 painting, Flordali II. The tattoo artist, inspired by the original artwork, reimagines the butterfly wings as flower leaves. While maintaining the essence of the concept, there’s a departure in the choice of patterns and colors. The tattooist opts for a more vibrant and intricate version, making it an ideal choice for individuals who appreciate rich and lively colors.

CONCLUSION

In summary, small tattoo butterfly ideasnot only serve as powerful and inspiring symbols but also encapsulate personal journeys, transformations, and the beauty of life. These designs are a testament to the enduring strength of the symbol and its ability to express individuality in the world of body art. Hopefully, you will discover a butterfly tattoo that truly reflects the essence of yourself.

30 MATCHING BEST FRIEND TATTOO IDEAS FOR YOU AND YOUR BESTIE

If you’re seeking a unique and meaningful tattoo to honor your close relationships, let us help you achieve that. Tattoos are not just decorative symbols on the body; they are also a way to express deep emotions and significance in connection with your closest friend. Below are 30 matching best friend tattoos, ranging from simple designs to more intricate concepts. Keep reading!

PINKY PROMISE TATTOO

A pinky promise holds a sacred significance among friends, representing an unbreakable commitment. It’s no wonder that this promise has evolved into a popular tattoo choice. The tattoo serves as a symbol of the enduring friendship and the mutual pledge to keep promises. It’s a delightful and distinctive tattoo that both of you can share.

CUTE BEST FRIEND TATTOOS

Our upcoming tattoo concept is incredibly adorable! Each friend showcases an illustration of a girl using a tin can phone, symbolizing their constant availability to listen and talk whenever needed. We appreciate how the tattoos seamlessly align to create a unified design.

HEART OUTLINES

Expressing care doesn’t always require a large tattoo. Consider opting for a small design, such as the featured black outline heart. This tattoo is versatile and subtle, making it suitable for everyone. It serves as an excellent choice for a first tattoo, and you can even add some color to the heart if desired.

UNIQUE 3 BEST FRIEND TATTOOS

A meaningful quote can be a wonderful choice for a tattoo, and in this instance, two best friends each sport half of a shared quote: “Together forever, never apart. Maybe in distance but not in heart.” This beautiful quote signifies that their friendship endures regardless of physical distance, emphasizing their everlasting bond.

MATCHING ANCHOR TATTOOS

Compact tattoos are currently a popular trend. In this case, these best friends chose a charming and petite anchor design. The anchor tattoo symbolizes stability and loyalty, reflecting their commitment to each other.

BEAUTIFUL ROSE TATTOOS

Moving on, we present a lovely rose tattoo concept. Each friend has embraced a rose tattoo adorned with an infinity design, signifying their everlasting friendship. If roses aren’t your preference, any flower tattoo can be chosen, perhaps opting for each other’s favorites.

ELEPHANT TATTOO

Our following tattoo concept highlights coordinating elephants. Elephants, being symbols of honor, strength, protection, patience, and more, make a wonderful choice for best friend tattoos. The shared meaning behind the elephants creates a meaningful tattoo for both of you, while also forming an aesthetically pleasing single tattoo.

LOTUS TATTOO

Lotus tattoos are truly beautiful. Consider getting matching lotus designs with your friend. Collaborate on the design and colors to craft a lotus that holds unique significance for both of you. These enlightening tattoos are sure to look stunning on anyone.

SOUL SISTERS TATTOO

Here’s a delightful tattoo concept centered around soul sisters. Soul sisters are the women we turn to for advice, the friends who embrace us, and individuals with similar souls and attitudes. These two friends have chosen to adorn matching soul sister tattoos, creating adorable and meaningful ink that resonates with us.

CUTE AND QUIRKY PEANUT BUTTER TATTOO

Just as some people can’t have peanut butter without jelly, the same sentiment holds true for these friends. They’ve opted for an endearing and whimsical tattoo design – one friend with a peanut butter bread and the other with a jelly bread. Together, they form the perfect sandwich, symbolizing that they complement each other, and the two friends are at their best when together.

BEAUTIFUL MOON AND SUN TATTOO 

Our upcoming tattoo concept showcases a moon and sun design. These best friend tattoos complement each other, yet also make striking individual tattoos. Collaborate on designing the sun and the moon to add a unique touch for both of you. The moon and the sun are symbols that complement each other, making them perfect representations of friendship.

MATCHING BIRD TATTOOS

Birds, known for their singing that lifts our spirits, symbolize freedom and free spirits, making them popular tattoo choices. In this case, two friends have opted for matching bird tattoos. You can personalize a similar concept with any bird of your preference, perhaps selecting the bird that holds special meaning for both of you.

BEST FRIEND SYMBOL TATTOOS

When selecting a symbol tattoo with your best friend, thorough research is crucial. With numerous symbols and meanings available, there’s likely one that encapsulates your feelings for each other. Symbols can be as intricate or simple as you prefer, so opt for something that aligns with both of your styles. A minimalist yet impactful choice is the double triangle symbol—one pointing up, the other down. It signifies the deep connection between two opposites and resembles the Nordic Rune Inguz, representing creativity, new beginnings, and embarking on a new phase of life. 

SUN AND MOON BEST FRIEND TATTOOS

Sun and moon tattoos aren’t exclusive to romantic couples; they’re also perfect for best friends with contrasting yet complementary personalities. The sun often symbolizes outgoing, extroverted individuals, while the moon represents more reserved, introverted types. Combining these symbols signifies perfect unity, illustrating how your friendship remains perfectly balanced despite your differences.

MEMORIAL BEST FRIEND TATTOOS

Honoring a lost friend through a memorial tattoo is a lasting and deeply personal tribute. The design options are diverse, ranging from a simple initial or birthday to an intricate sleeve tattoo with symbolic elements. Roses are a common motif in these tattoos, symbolizing eternal and immortal love that surpasses death. Red and black roses, specifically, carry associations with memorials, while the flower itself can also signify new hope and new beginnings.

SIMPLE BEST FRIEND TATTOOS

Meaningful tattoos don’t have to be intricate. For a tattoo that reflects your easy friendship with your best friend, simplicity is an ideal choice. Consider getting each other’s initials or opt for straightforward geometric shapes, lines, or dots. If you share the same religious faith, subtle inkings can express your shared beliefs. Popular placements for simple tattoos include the wrist and fingers, ensuring that, despite their small size, you’ll always be able to see them.

BEST FRIEND HEART TATTOOS

The heart tattoo, a timeless and universally recognized symbol of love, is not exclusive to couples. These tattoos convey that your best friend holds a special place in your heart. The design is versatile, allowing for customization to match your unique style. A floral heart might appeal to best friends with a feminine taste, symbolizing a love that has blossomed over time. Some opt for a full-color heart, choosing a hue that reflects their best friend’s personality – yellow for friendship or green for trust. 

GUY AND GIRL BEST FRIEND TATTOOS

When choosing a tattoo with your best friend of the opposite sex, opt for a design that complements both of your styles. Neutral symbols prevent the tattoo from appearing overly romantic or excessively masculine or feminine. Lightning bolts, especially if you’re both Harry Potter fans, are a popular choice. Anchors or numbers, like birthdays, the date you met, or coordinates of a special place you’ve visited together, are also trendy and meaningful ideas.

FUNNY BEST FRIEND TATTOOS

Laughter is a cherished aspect of friendship, and sharing the same sense of humor can forge a lasting bond. If your friend never fails to make you burst into laughter, a funny tattoo is an ideal choice. Whether it’s puns, cartoons, or cheeky jokes, anything goes as long as it brings a smile to both of your faces. Elevate the humor by selecting tattoos that others will instantly understand when they see them together.

COOL BEST FRIEND TATTOOS

Best friends with unique, artistic, or edgy styles should go for a cool tattoo. These tattoos are all about the art, so choose an artist whose designs resonate with both of you. For a trendy cool tattoo, consider a black line drawing without shading. These minimalist tattoos make a bold statement on fair skin, allowing you to incorporate meaningful symbols without overcomplicating the design. The back of the arm is a stylish placement choice, different from the forearm or bicep.

CREATIVE SALT AND PEPPER DESIGN

Here’s another whimsical and creative idea – these best friends opted for a salt and pepper design. One has a salt pot, and the other has pepper. It’s a fantastic symbol of friendship, emphasizing that you can’t have salt without pepper. This type of tattoo can be placed anywhere on the body.

STYLISH, MINIMAL CIRCLE

For those seeking simple and understated best friend tattoos, consider this next idea. Each friend sports a black circle outline tattoo on their wrists, a cute and versatile design suitable for anyone. If you prefer, you can recreate these tattoos with your favorite colors instead of the black outline.

PRETTY OLIVE BRANCH TATTOO

Opting for olive branches as tattoo designs is quite popular, given their symbolic representation of peace and goodwill. This design idea is particularly fitting for friends, conveying your care and commitment to nurturing a positive relationship. Additionally, the visual elegance of olive branches adds a touch of beauty to the overall aesthetic.

UNIQUE YIN AND YANG FEATHERS

The Yin and Yang symbolizes the harmony between opposing energies, making it an excellent choice for best friend tattoos. These two friends have creatively interpreted this idea by opting for feathers instead of the classic symbol. We find this unique idea truly captivating.

COLORFUL MOON TATTOOS

If you’re in search of a small tattoo, consider this idea. Two adorable and colorful moons make for a stylish design for you and your friends. What makes this idea appealing is that the tattoos complement each other but also look fantastic as standalone tattoos. You can replicate the blue and purple moons or choose two different colors of your preference.

MATCHING MAP TATTOO

Here’s another idea for matching tattoos – a heart outline adorned with a map and airplane. This design is ideal for friends who share a love for traveling together. You can opt for a similar tattoo or even consider incorporating a section of a map that highlights the places you’ve visited together. Perhaps a map showcasing your favorite country or vacation destination.

CUTE CACTUS TATTOO

Our next idea is incredibly adorable! These tattoos showcase two distinct cacti designs. It’s a quirky and unique concept that provides a matching friendship design while also expressing your affinity for trendy plants. It’s perfect for friends who enjoy playful tattoos and have a green thumb!

STAR SIGN TATTOOS

If you and your friends are passionate about astrology and enjoy reading each other’s horoscopes, then this idea is perfect for you. These friends have all chosen matching star sign tattoos, creating a stylish and meaningful concept. You can replicate this look or opt to have the star signs tattooed elsewhere on your bodies.

COMPASS TATTOO DESIGN

Here’s another idea featuring compass tattoos. Compass designs are ideal for best friends, symbolizing enduring and steadfast friendships. They convey the message that no matter where life takes you, you both will always find your way back to each other. This cool tattoo idea also carries a beautiful and profound meaning.

ANIMAL TATTOOS

If you and your BFF share a love for animals, then this idea might be perfect for you. These two individuals have chosen cute animal tattoos. The matching aspect lies in the consistent tattoo style, yet they also stand out as cool individual tattoos. You can replicate your and your friend’s favorite animals or perhaps select an animal that represents each of you.

CONCLUSION

In the diverse array of topics, from friendship symbols to creative and unique ideas, matching tattoos for friends are not just an artistic expression but also an excellent way to showcase the special bond between friends. From best friend tattoos small and subtle designs to creative and impressive tattoos, the choices are endless. After reading this article, we hope that you will find girly best friend tattoos that resonates with your closest friend.