tattoos around the eyes

24 BEST SKETCH TATTOOS

Welcome to a curated collection of 24 exceptional sketch tattoos that showcase the versatility and beauty of this artistic style. From minimalist designs to intricate compositions, these tattoos offer a glimpse into the diverse ways in which artists and individuals have embraced the raw and unrefined aesthetic of hand-drawn sketches. Prepare to be inspired as we explore the fascinating world of sketch tattoos and discover the unique stories behind each design.

SKETCHY DECORATIVE TATTOOS

DOG PAW SKETCH TATTOOS

Dog paw tattoos can symbolize a love for dogs in general or honor a specific beloved pet. Often used as memorials, these sketches offer a stylish, artistic appearance. Their symbolism includes furbabies, man’s best friend, pet memorials, and tributes to pets.

HAMSA SKETCH TATTOOS

The Hamsa, a Middle Eastern symbol representing the hand of God, is traditionally worn for divine protection. Hamsa sketch tattoos offer a contemporary take on this ancient, sacred symbol. Their symbolism includes protection and the hand of God.

ARROW SKETCH TATTOOS

An arrow, beyond symbolizing the Sagittarius star sign, can represent resilience and progress despite life’s setbacks. Just as an arrow pulled backward is propelled forward, this serves as a metaphor for overcoming obstacles. An arrow sketch tattoo signifies that your journey is ongoing and that life’s details are still unfolding. Its symbolism includes Sagittarius, hope, and overcoming difficulties.

SKETCHY OUROBOROS TATTOOS

An ouroboros sketch tattoo features a snake consuming its own tail, a symbol found in various alchemical and philosophical traditions. This design often represents the cycle of life, eternity, and completeness. The symbolism of ouroboros tattoos includes the cycle of birth and death, eternal life, and renewal.

NAUTICAL SKETCH TATTOOS

LIGHTHOUSE SKETCH TATTOOS

Lighthouses once offered crucial guidance to sailors, symbolizing hope and the promise of land after long voyages. A lighthouse sketch tattoo can serve as a beacon of hope for those feeling lost, reminding them to stay connected with others and care for their mental well-being. It also reflects the idea of having a guiding light through difficult times. The symbolism of lighthouse tattoos includes guidance, hope, and finding light at the end of the tunnel.

COMPASS SKETCH TATTOOS

Sketch compass tattoos are a striking choice for a meaningful design. Despite technological advancements, a compass remains a vital tool for travelers. The compass rose’s visual appeal makes it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts or those with a spirit of adventure. Compass tattoos symbolize navigating through challenges and embody the idea that “not all who wander are lost.”

OCTOPUS SKETCH TATTOOS

Octopuses are fascinating beings, often described as otherworldly due to their intelligence, complex personalities, and ability to change shape, color, and texture. Their unique qualities make them a popular choice for tattoos, as their design is versatile and flattering on any body type. An octopus sketch tattoo can make a distinctive statement. The symbolism of octopus tattoos includes intelligence, mystery, scientific curiosity, extraterrestrial life, and Hawaiian spirituality.

JELLYFISH SKETCH TATTOOS

The jellyfish is a mesmerizing creature, and a jellyfish sketch tattoo beautifully captures its majestic and mysterious nature. While their graceful movement can be calming, jellyfish also have a potentially dangerous sting. Such a tattoo can serve as a reminder to adapt to life’s currents. Jellyfish tattoos symbolize tranquility, going with the flow, and can also signify caution.

HORROR SKETCH TATTOOS

SKETCHY SKULL TATTOOS

Skulls serve as a “memento mori,” a reminder of life’s transience and the inevitability of our impermanence. They can inspire us to embrace life fully and live in the moment. Sketch skull tattoos, with their eerie and macabre aesthetic, amplify this sense of fleeting existence. They symbolize the acceptance of our mortality and the courage to face it with a sense of defiance and humor.

BIRD SKULL SKETCH TATTOOS

Birds are frequently associated with messages from the beyond, and a bird skull tattoo intensifies this connection to the afterlife. A bird skull sketch tattoo can serve as a poignant memorial or a reminder to fully embrace life. Its symbolism includes the freedom of the soul, acceptance of one’s fate, and communication with those who have passed.

VALAK SKETCH TATTOOS

Valak can refer to two distinct entities. Most famously, it’s associated with the unsettling nun character from The Conjuring series, prompting many horror enthusiasts to get Valak tattoos as a tribute to the character’s chilling design. Alternatively, Valak is also known as “the president of hell,” a notorious demon from legend. The key symbolism of a Valak tattoo includes: the embodiment of evil, a powerful demon, and the demon nun from The Conjuring series.

SKETCHY CLOWN TATTOOS

Clowns were once seen as harmless, but they have evolved into a prominent icon in the horror community. With periodic scares involving evil clowns in pop culture, their eerie reputation endures. A sketchy clown tattoo can be a striking tribute to this unsettling evolution. Clown tattoos symbolize subverting the norm and revealing the sinister truth behind a seemingly cheerful exterior.

SKETCHY EGYPTIAN TATTOOS

SKETCHY ANUBIS TATTOOS

Anubis was revered as a formidable protector of the deceased, safeguarding their resting places and souls. He played a crucial role in the “weighing of the heart,” a ceremony that determined a person’s fate in the afterlife. A sketchy Anubis tattoo revitalizes this ancient symbol with a modern touch. Anubis tattoos symbolize guidance through the underworld and moral judgment, representing protection and a reaffirmation of belief in the afterlife.

EYE OF HORUS SKETCH TATTOOS

Horus, the sky god, is associated with the sun and moon through his eyes, akin to the symbolism of a phoenix. An Eye of Horus sketch tattoo is a striking way to assert your strength and resilience while offering a protective and healing presence. This tattoo symbolizes restoration of health and safeguarding against harm.

BASTET SKETCH TATTOOS

Bastet is a prominent goddess in Egyptian mythology, recognized for her feline head and deep association with cat worship in ancient Egypt. For those who cherish feline companionship, a Bastet sketch tattoo can be a fitting tribute. As a domestic cat goddess, Bastet symbolizes a nurturing and harmonious home life. Bastet tattoos represent fertility and the protection of one’s home and loved ones.

ANKH SKETCH TATTOOS

An ankh sketch tattoo offers a modern twist on this timeless symbol. Rich with mystical meanings, the ankh represents a union of masculine and feminine energies, symbolizing fertility and balance. It is believed to confer eternal life and, intriguingly, some suggest it was used by ancient Egyptians to harness electricity. Ankh tattoos embody mysticism, balance, the fusion of masculine and feminine energy, early scientific advancements, eternal life, and resurrection.

SKETCHY GREEK TATTOOS

MEDUSA SKETCH TATTOOS

Medusa is a multifaceted mythological figure whose symbolism varies widely. Although Medusa tattoos are often depicted in portrait style, a sketch tattoo offers a striking and nuanced way to capture her enigmatic beauty. Medusa tattoos symbolize the femme fatale, protection from evil, and serve as a feminist icon.

PHOENIX SKETCH TATTOOS

The phoenix is a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal for those who have faced life’s challenges. Consumed by flames, the phoenix rises anew from its ashes, beginning afresh. A sketchy phoenix tattoo can vividly convey the dynamic elements of flames and feathers. Phoenix tattoos represent rising from adversity, rebirth from difficult circumstances, and overcoming obstacles.

POSEIDON SKETCH TATTOOS

Poseidon, the mythological king of the sea, makes for a unique and striking tattoo subject. A Poseidon sketch tattoo creatively captures this majestic figure and appeals to those with a passion for ocean imagery. Poseidon tattoos symbolize a deep connection to the sea and a “watery” (emotional) nature.

ZEUS SKETCH TATTOOS

A Zeus sketch tattoo is a striking choice that can vividly portray the stormy and tempestuous essence of this formidable deity. This design brings to life the dramatic lightning and dynamic energy associated with Zeus. Zeus tattoos symbolize ultimate authority, protection, and his complex nature as a shape-shifter and occasional Lothario.

FLORAL SKETCH TATTOOS

ROSE SKETCH TATTOOS

A rose sketch tattoo is a stunning choice, embodying the essence of passionate love and feminine beauty. Roses are renowned for their romantic allure and are often associated with setting a mood of desire. Rose tattoos symbolize beauty, romantic love, passion, and enchantment.

SUNFLOWER SKETCH TATTOOS

Sunflowers, with their large, bright blooms, symbolize health and abundance. They represent prosperity and a bountiful harvest, especially for those who live off the land. A sketch sunflower tattoo offers a distinctive design for this vibrant flower. Sunflower tattoos symbolize abundance, radiant energy, hope, and joy.

ORCHID SKETCH TATTOOS

Orchids are cherished by flower enthusiasts for their uniqueness and allure. Their captivating beauty and calming properties make them popular in spas. With numerous species to choose from, you can select an orchid for your sketch tattoo that reflects your personal style and individuality. Orchid tattoos symbolize elegance, sensuality, and gentle strength.

HIBISCUS SKETCH TATTOOS

The hibiscus, with its striking shape and alluring scent, is a sensual and vibrant flower cherished around the world. Often associated with tropical climates, its beauty makes hibiscus tattoos highly popular. A hibiscus sketch tattoo, however, offers a unique twist that sets you apart. Hibiscus tattoos symbolize natural beauty, vibrant life, and passionate love. They can also serve as a tribute to Hawaii or Malaysia, regions that hold this bloom in high esteem.

CONCLUSION

The realm of sketch tattoos offers a captivating blend of artistry and authenticity, captivating individuals with their raw and unrefined aesthetic. From minimalist designs to intricate compositions, the 24 tattoos showcased in this collection serve as a testament to the versatility and beauty of this artistic style.

As we continue to explore the ever-evolving world of body art, sketch tattoos undoubtedly hold a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate the power of hand-drawn expression.

THESE PEOPLE COULD HAVE USED A TWICE THOUGHT BEFORE GETTING THEIR NEW TATTOOS

Tattoos are a form of self-expression, a way to mark significant moments or simply to adorn the body. However, sometimes, a tattoo can go horribly wrong. Whether it’s a typo, a poorly executed design, or a tattoo that simply doesn’t age well, there are plenty of examples of people who might regret their decision to get inked. Let’s take a look at some of the most cringe-worthy tattoos.

WORKING FROM HOME WENT TOO FAR

Sure, we’ve all had those days when choosing an outfit feels too much, and going without seems tempting. But, as we all know, society expects a bit more modesty. Enter this guy, who’s bypassed the wardrobe dilemma entirely. No more clothes shopping or sun exposure worries for him—talk about a bold move!

GOING WITH THE LOVE ANGLE

It’s clear what they were aiming for with this tattoo, but a complete reversal might be the best bet now. While a permanent tribute to a child’s significance is touching, a permanent spelling error? Not so much. The humor here lies in the fact that not only has mom unintentionally become an “angle,” but the statement itself is, you guessed it, also at an angle!

ANYONE KNOW WHAT DATE HALLOWEEN IS?

Alright, we’re assuming this isn’t meant to be the Bride of Chucky, but who could it be instead? Avril Lavigne? Britney Spears? Amanda Seyfried’s character from Mean Girls? Honestly, we’re stumped, which doesn’t exactly speak well for the tattoo artist. And what’s she holding with those creepy claws? It looks like either a tiny microphone or a gigantic lipstick. Once again, we’re at a loss!

WE’RE ABSOLUTELY OWLING

This hawk, falcon, or whatever it is, might need to lay off the snacks if it wants to stay airborne! But if it can’t take flight, it’ll at least make a steadfast shoulder companion for its owner. Maybe the bird isn’t as chunky as it appears; it’s just that its small beak makes its round body look even more pronounced.

PLAY AT YOUR OWN RISK

Oh no. If this is some sort of gambling machine, we definitely don’t want to be around when it pays out! It has all the signs of a bachelor party blunder or maybe the result of a losing bet—fitting with the theme, at least. We can only imagine how many people have tried to insert a coin into this slot. Not a pleasant thought.

FINDING DIRECTION IN LIFE

Spelling mistakes are bad enough, but when your entire tattoo is a compass, getting the directions right should be a top priority. Mixing up East and West might be somewhat forgivable (though it is permanent ink!), but confusing North and South? That’s quite the feat. Luckily, this lady’s compass is unlikely to lead her astray since she won’t be able to see it anyway!

PUTTING YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD

This is a classic example of a terrible idea executed flawlessly. The design itself is superb, but we can’t quite grasp the reasoning behind permanently inking a sneaker onto your foot. And who’s going to tell him that a pair of Chuck Taylor Converse costs less than the time spent on this tattoo? Still, the craftsmanship of the artwork is undeniably impressive.

DON’T STOP BELIEVING

A big shoutout to all the kids who paid attention in elementary school—this is why spelling matters! Many jobs require a solid grasp of language, and tattooing is definitely one of them. Even if a client provides a design idea, it’s up to the artist to double-check and ensure everything is correct. Unless, of course, they were playing a prank on this guy: plot twist!

A NOT SO KILLER QUEEN

Is this real life or just fantasy? Freddie would surely be in an emotional landslide if he saw this artist’s take on him. The tattoo is based on such an iconic image of the Queen star that it’s clear who it’s meant to be, but the execution falls short. For starters, what’s going on with his left eye?

STATING THE OBVIOUS

It’s hard to imagine anyone disagreeing with this statement! Despite its jarring nature, there’s something endearing about the irony and self-deprecation of this tattoo, making it slightly less problematic than some of the others on this list. Finding positives isn’t easy, but at least all seven words are spelled correctly—a definite win! Beyond that, we’re at a loss. Fans of red and black might have a different opinion.

THAT’S A LITTLE BIT CHEEKY

Alright, we get it—you’re a proud parent. But a face tattoo? The ink color and intense shading give this tattoo an oddly aggressive vibe. It’s a shame because the subject matter is really cute! Unfortunately, this piece might end up in a folder with countless other face tattoos that perhaps should have been declined by the artist.

WHEN YOU HAVE EYES IN THE BACK OF YOUR HEAD

Anyone with kids knows that claiming to have eyes in the back of your head is a great way to get them to behave when they think you’re not watching. Maybe that’s the idea behind this unusual tattoo. To be fair, the tattoo itself is impressively realistic and well-executed, though the accompanying haircut doesn’t do it any favors.

HAS ANYONE SEEN BRENDA?

Oh, Brenda, you must be quite the special lady. Although this tattoo borders on the creepy or psychotic, there are definitely some romantic undertones. We’re sure everyone would agree that we hope this guy and Brenda stay together, or things could get awkward for his next partner. Unless, of course, his next partner is also named Brenda.

JUDGEMENT DAY SHOULD BE INTERESTING

It’s hard to know where to begin with this one. The obvious issue is the apparent typo—though we assume it’s a typo? If it was intentional, the joke isn’t clear at all. Awkward. Once you get past the mishandled text, your attention shifts to the, um, image below. What appears to be a swollen hand with a ladybug on top is actually a fetus. Yikes.

NO ONE’S IDEA OF A HAPPY MEAL

This might be one of the most bizarre tattoo concepts we’ve ever encountered. This reimagined Ronald McDonald is giving off serious Heath Ledger’s Joker vibes and honestly looks like it’s straight out of a horror movie. Who knew the mascot of the world’s largest fast-food chain could be so ripped? Presumably, he’s not eating burgers all day—though maybe that’s the secret to a six-pack?

GOTHAM PROBABLY DOESN’T NEED A HERO LIKE THIS

Our first impression of this somewhat scrawny caped crusader is that it looks like a child’s drawing turned permanent by a proud parent. If that’s the case, we understand, kind of. However, if this was designed by an adult, our sympathy is much lower. The set of razor-sharp teeth in Batman’s wide-open mouth looks quite menacing. He’s supposed to be a bat, not a shark, right?

NOTHING WRONG WITH A BIT OF SELF-REFLECTION

Most people who regret a tattoo from their younger days usually consider removal or, if that’s not feasible, a convincing cover-up. Less common, though, is the addition of a disclaimer asterisk, but we’re actually here for it! This touch of self-deprecation turns what could be a slightly tragic tattoo into a humorous moment—in a good way. Instead of hiding from his past, this guy is playfully embracing it.

KEEPING IT REAL CLASSY

Who’s going to break the news that his tattoo actually adds up to 489, not “party time”? This is one of those tattoos you hope is done with a temporary marker or biro pen, but unfortunately, it’s permanent ink. Still, if anyone asks about his hobbies, he doesn’t need to say a word—he can just roll up his sleeve.

DON’T LOOK AT IT DIRECTLY!

If you’re getting a tattoo focused on perfect circular shapes, like moon phases (which we assume is the intention), it’s crucial that the circles are actually round. Granted, tattooing on a limb with its uneven surface is challenging, but this is particularly problematic. Not only are the moons oddly shaped, but the eclipse shadow is all over the place.

SOMEONE PROBABLY SMOKED A LITTLE TOO MUCH

No, we definitely see the irony here. Let’s call it life imitating art—or in this case, artwork. We’d guess that the person who got this tattoo might enjoy a toke or two, but they probably should have had someone who could spell handle the job. Or maybe someone who wasn’t high? Let’s hope the typo was intentional and part of a joke, which, to be fair, could be kind of funny.

IS IT A BIRD, IS IT A FORMER PRESIDENT?

At least the person had the courage to share this “unique” tattoo in hopes of finding an artist to cover it up. While there may be people who think this SuperTrump design is fantastic, clearly the owner views it as a mistake. Mr. Trump would surely appreciate those abs and that jawline, though!

WHEN YOU RUN OUT OF MONEY FOR THE WHOLE CAST

To be honest, this is actually a pretty good tattoo. But what happened to poor Timon? Or rather, what didn’t happen? It looks like the tattoo artist finished up only for the client to point out that Timon, the hilarious meerkat from The Lion King, was missing. Not to worry, they decided to add him in quickly. Unfortunately, Timon now looks even more like a snack for a hyena.

MERMAIDS SURE AREN’T WHAT THEY USED TO BE

Freshly done and still oozing with blood, one can only imagine the thoughts of the poor guy who has yet to see the monstrosity now permanently inked on his back. We can’t see his reaction, but it must have been something to behold. Honestly, this “piece” is so bad it’s hard to critique it meaningfully.

A WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING

What is it with tattoo artists and wolves? Or, more accurately, what is it with subpar tattoo artists and wolves? It seems the fearsome wolf is a common stumbling block for many, as this example clearly shows. To be fair, even poorly done wolf tattoos usually resemble the animal to some extent! This one, however, looks more like the prey a wolf would be hunting—a sheep or perhaps a deer?

IT’S TIME TO FACE THE MUSIC

No matter how questionable (or downright terrible) a tattoo might be, there’s usually some logic behind it. The execution may be lacking, but the intended design is often clear. Not in this case, though. We’ve stared at this monstrosity for ages and it’s still a mystery! To make matters worse, its location on the body makes it even more painful to look at—covering up half a face is no easy feat.

PIKACHU DID THAT TO YOU?

Poor Pikachu, it’s tough to see you like this! There are undoubtedly thousands of fantastic Pokémon-themed tattoos out there, but sadly, this isn’t one of them. Apparently, the left eye was so poorly done that the recipient requested an eye patch to be added midway through the process. While we’re all for making the best of a bad situation, wouldn’t it have been safer to just stop and rethink?

NOW THAT’S WHAT YOU CALL A PINUP

Ah yes, the tradition of pinup tattoos continues, though this example is lacking in many ways. It’s ironic that a style meant to exude sensuality and allure ends up being anything but. Where do we start with this one? Beyond the fact that this “pinup” looks like it was drawn by an elementary school student, the exaggerated proportions are what really make it stand out. Clearly, a long torso is the new long legs!

IS THAT A JACKSON POLLOCK?

You know that disapproving aunt everyone has who thinks all tattoos are ugly, no matter what? Well, in her eyes, this is what every tattoo looks like. Even the most laid-back “express yourself” types would have a hard time finding anything positive about this one—if we can even call it that. Our only hope is that not everything on this back is permanent ink—please let it be a Sharpie!

RUNNING FROM THE WOLVES

There seems to be something particularly challenging about accurately tattooing wolves. Is it their notorious distant gaze? Their calm yet intimidating presence? Whatever it is, this artist could use more time studying wolves before permanently inking someone’s skin again. While the overall quality of this tattoo is lacking, it’s the wolf cub—or is it a badger?—that really gets us laughing.

THE RECIPIENT WAS FEELING CHIRPY AFTER THIS RESCUE

This is the tattoo equivalent of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. What started as one of the worst attempts at a blackbird (and a framed mirror) has been mercifully salvaged by a skilled artist. This is a perfect example of why it’s okay to halt a tattoo session if you’re worried about the artistic direction—or, in this case, the lack thereof.

CONCLUSION

While tattoos can be beautiful and meaningful, it’s important to approach the decision with caution. A poorly executed tattoo can be a lifelong regret. Always do your research, choose a reputable artist, and consider the potential consequences before committing to a permanent design. Remember, a little extra thought can go a long way in ensuring your tattoo is something you’ll be proud of for years to come.