Love is an undeniable force that can often have both positive and negative outcomes, and it isn’t uncommon for men to wish to express those negatives when they arise.
A broken heart is a multi-tiered symbol that not only speaks to the physical pain that one might go through at the loss of a loved one but also to the greater metaphor of the destruction of the literal mechanism for love.
Broken heart tattoos serve as an excellent reminder of what once was, and they can be stylized in many different ways that can correlate to the individual or the situation. There’s a vast difference between love lost as a result of death and love lost to time or degradation. A broken heart tattoo design can be used to showcase lost love and grief in either situation, and each is just as meaningful as the other.
The classic heart is perhaps the image most associated with love, trust, and compassion, so the imagery of a broken heart reaches deep within the psyche of man. A broken heart has this strange sense of finality, as if nothing could possibly repair what has already been destroyed. The idea that a tattoo can be used to act as a visual reminder of that pain and loss only goes to show that such remorse is a healthy part of life. Check out our list of broken heart tattoo ideas for men.
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1. American Traditional Broken Heart Tattoos
The western school of tattooing arose from the American Traditional style and many of the classic images and designs of this style have become synonymous with tattooing itself. One of these common elements in the American Traditional style is the .
In the past, this tattoo style was governed by a strict set of rules regarding color and subject matter, although in recent times, this structure has relaxed a bit, resulting in some amazing . The bold lines and densely packed color are perfectly suited to and the variety of elements that can be incorporated into a means that the only limit to an American Traditional tattoo is the ‘s skill and the client’s imagination.
Large and striking, and prominently displayed on the chest, the tattoo design below uses vibrant colors to apply the familiar flash designs of a pierced by a dagger, while the extra head on the eagle creates a stylistic twist that helps set this tattoo apart from similar American Traditional pieces.
Here, the takes a stripped-down approach to the , using densely packed red ink to create the gradation of tones and negative space for highlights. This is a classic .
In these pieces, the uses bold, fully saturated black lines to create the wolf and shattered while simultaneously ensuring that the ink won’t fall out of the notoriously painful and tricky on the palms of the hands.
Here, bold black linework creates this that utilizes hatching to create shadows. This bleeding is reminiscent of hand-cut lithographs from the 19th century.
This excellent piece uses classic American Traditional flash images like the skull and pierced . Note the precise application of lines and smooth whip shading to create a tattoo that incorporates details like gold teeth. These elements make this a standout.
2. Black and Gray Broken Heart Tattoos
From smooth shading and a subtle gradation of tones to fine line hatching that is evocative of 19th-century lithographs, there is a successful black and gray approach to every .
In this interesting piece, the artist takes a detail-oriented approach to make this stylized pierced tattoo stand out, thanks to the meticulous application of stipple shading, which creates depth and texture.
Here is another interesting black and gray piece that uses an illustrative approach reminiscent of lithographs while incorporating a stylized snake coiled around the along with several piercing broad swords that wouldn’t look out of place in the hand of an armored knight.
There is something special about black and gray . This style maintains a subtle elegance that is almost impossible to achieve with bright colors, and the best of these pieces are reminiscent of film noir and black and white photography.
However, black and gray isn’t just about photo-realism and portrait work, although it is an excellent choice for these styles. This of a demonstrates the versatility of black and gray ink.
3. Abstract Broken Heart Tattoos
Realism and anatomy are great for some people’s , but for others, this straightforward approach is downright stifling. For these folks, a more abstract approach is a of producing the design they are looking for.
Some of the most significant and influential artworks of the last century have been abstract, and it is no surprise why. There is something exciting about seeing a piece of art that contains layers of and symbolism, and are no different. Whether applied in vibrant colors that recall Picasso’s later work, or black and gray designs that incorporate disparate elements to create an absurdist masterpiece, an abstract approach is a great choice for .
This excellent black and gray incorporates two contrasting styles to create a single tattoo. It’s a that is equal parts anatomically correct and geometrically abstract.
This artist uses an illustrative approach that effectively uses hatching to capture the curves and veins of the , while the machete, script, and fez give this tattoo an absurdist composition that is undoubtedly one of a kind.
Here, the uses an illustrative approach to show a and exhibit in the face of . This meaningful is done in black and gray with white ink for highlights to illustrate the wearer’s attempt to mend his .
4. Anatomical Themed Broken Heart Tattoos
While some people prefer the stylized shape that we have seen since childhood, others believe an anatomically correct is the perfect choice for these odes to lost. The is perfectly suited to this approach, thanks to its distinct shape and instantly recognizable valves.
These anatomically correct designs also provide artists the opportunity to use vibrant colors to capture the vivid reds and purples of the flesh and blood of the , the most vital of organs. It is worth noting, however, as these interesting pieces demonstrate, that color is not necessary for this approach. An equally successful anatomical can be produced using only black and gray ink.
5. Neo Traditional Broken Heart Tattoos
A direct descendant of the American traditional school, neo-traditional is an interesting style that continues to gain popularity in the tattoo community. This approach is favored by many for the way it maintains the bold linework of American Traditional while taking a looser approach that is more open to artistic creativity.
While American Traditional work has definitely relaxed its attitudes in terms of acceptable colors and subject matter, the neo-traditional style has an even stronger “anything goes” attitude toward designs. The application of bold lines and densely packed colors ensures that these stand the test of time, while artistic freedom means that the sky is the limit regarding subject matter and designs. These exciting neo-traditional demonstrate what is possible with this innovative approach to .
6. Simple Broken Heart Tattoos
Many people enjoy vibrant colors and intricate detail in their ; for other people, a is best. However, simple doesn’t mean uninteresting or ugly; it’s quite the opposite, in fact. The stylized that has adorned Valentine’s Day since childhood arose in the 5th century BC, if not earlier, and this modest yet instantly recognizable shape is perfect for these simplified designs. Whether utilizing unadorned black ink to create a or vibrant reds to apply this shape, sometimes simple goes a long way.
Click on the links below for more galleries exploring the art of the heart tattoo: