Some tattoo collectors prioritize simple symbolism over grand designs of bright color and complexity.
A heart outline tattoo – in either the positive (love and friendship) or negative (loss and grief) – is the exact minimalist idea simple ink employs to convey a strong message with little fuss.
In general, outline heart tattoos are quickly etched and deftly executed, although some add a few flourishes to broaden the theme or intensify the message as required.
Development in tattoo artist skillsets and machine/ink innovation has also helped these simple designs go beyond the rudimentary to become quality applications across a range of styles.
The following heart outline tattoo ideas show off how well simple technical depictions of hearts done with quality linework can be top drawer tattoo expressions.
1. Ankle Tattoo Ideas
2. Black Ink Tattoo Art
3. Finger Tattoo Ideas
4. Realistic Tattoo Ideas
5. Red Ink Tattoo Designs
6. Shoulder Tattoos
7. Small and Tiny Tattoo Ideas
8. Tattoos for the Upper Arm
9. Wrist Tattoos
FAQs
What does a heart outline tattoo symbolize?
Outline hearts are simple designs used to depict clear ideas crisply. Traditional love heart outlines can convey love and high regard for those close to you, or even the possession of a loving nature as a personality characteristic.
They can also be used to be depict loss, grief, and memorialize people, situations, or feelings, while anatomic style or realistic hearts can add a layer of nuance and subtlety to a collector’s interpretation.
What does an anatomical heart outline tattoo mean?
An anatomical heart outline tattoo may symbolize love or the very essence of life itself. While not the same as a simple two-dimensional heart or love heart design, an anatomical heart goes one step beyond to depict true flesh and blood.
They’re also extremely popular small tattoo designs because they can work cool line and effect applications into another small but simple ink idea that has more layers than a simple love heart.
How much does a heart outline tattoo cost?
For the very quick, very small simple heart outlines tattoo shops institute a shop minimum. This can be much less than $100 for some parlors, however each one is different and you’ll need to check before committing
More complex work can cost around $200 for an hour from an experienced, skilled professional for a heart outline piece, however even larger size ones will cost a lot less than tattoos that are fully fleshed out with color and shading.
In demand ‘star’ artists and single needle specialists can charge up to $500 per hour, however for these simpler designs you’d be purchasing the brand more than the ink itself.
Are heart outline tattoos for men or women?
One glance at tattoo collectors these days show that times keep changing. Gone are the days where your birth gender determined where and what type of tattoo you got from the tattoo artist.
Both men and women enjoy heart tattoo designs, in custom or flash tattoo. It extends beyond just having a heart outline, both men and women enjoy the different representations of love hearts, anatomical hearts, and simple symbolism.
Where should I put my heart outline tattoo?
Heart outline tattoos provide a wealth of opportunity for looking for versatile options where their ink can be covered or left to make a statement.
Popular spots for heart outline tattoos include:
- Behind the ear
- Over the foot and ankle
- The inner forearm, outer forearm and wrist
- Across the knuckles, fingers, and back of the hand
- The upper chest and across the shoulder
- Along the ribs
Due to their more delicate nature, you’re less likely to find heart outlines on the back, upper bicep, or thigh.