What Are Friendship Tattoo Ideas?

Okay, so you and your bestie are thinking about getting inked together?

Seriously awesome!

But like, what friendship tattoo ideas are actually good?

Not just some Pinterest fail waiting to happen, right?

I get it.

You want something meaningful, something lasting, something that screams "we’re inseparable" without being totally cheesy.

Let’s dive into some real talk about friendship tattoo ideas that actually work.

Finding the Perfect Friendship Tattoo: Where Do We Even Start?

First things first, ditch the pressure.

This isn’t about finding the perfect tattoo, it’s about finding something that resonates with both of you.

Think about:

• Your shared history: What inside jokes do you have? What memories stand out?
• Your common interests: Are you both obsessed with a certain book, movie, or band?
• Your individual styles: Do you both lean towards minimalist designs, or are you more into bold and colorful art?
• Placement: Where on your bodies do you want these tattoos? Same spot? Different?

My best friend Sarah and I got matching little cacti on our ankles.

Why?

Because we always said we were "prickly on the outside, soft on the inside" and we both loved desert vibes.

Super simple, super us.

Awesome Friendship Tattoo Ideas: Beyond the Basics

Okay, let’s get some ideas flowing.

Here are some of my favorite friendship tattoo ideas, broken down for easy inspiration:

• Matching Symbols: Classic, but always works. Think:
  • Hearts
  • Stars
  • Infinity symbols
  • Puzzle pieces (but maybe avoid this one if you’re worried about drifting apart, just sayin’!)
• Complementary Designs: Tattoos that complete each other.
  • Sun and moon
  • Lock and key
  • Peanut butter and jelly (if you’re into that kinda thing!)
• Inside Jokes: These are the BEST.
  • A quote from your favorite movie
  • A symbol representing a funny memory
  • The name of your imaginary band
• Minimalist Art: Simple, clean, and timeless.
  • Geometric shapes
  • Single lines
  • Tiny flowers or animals
• Quotes or Lyrics: Choose a phrase that means something to both of you.
  • "Partners in crime"
  • "Not sisters by blood, but sisters by heart"
  • Lyrics from your favorite song

Pro Tip: Consider getting the tattoos done by the same artist, even if you choose different designs. It creates a visual connection.

The Importance of Matching Tattoo Placement

Placement matters!

Here are some popular spots for friendship tattoos:

• Wrists: Easy to show off, but also easy to cover.
• Ankles: Subtle and cute.
• Fingers: Bold and visible, but can fade quickly.
• Shoulder blades: More discreet, but perfect for larger designs.
• Ribs: Can be painful, but offers a larger canvas.

My cousin and her bestie got matching paper airplane tattoos on their wrists.

Super cute and a constant reminder of their shared love for travel.

Making Your Friendship Tattoo Unique

The key to a great friendship tattoo is personalization.

Don’t just copy something you saw on Instagram.

Think about how you can make it your own:

• Add your own spin to a classic design. Change the colors, add details, or incorporate other elements.
• Work with a tattoo artist to create a custom design. This is the best way to ensure your tattoo is truly unique.
• Incorporate your individual styles. Maybe one of you wants a watercolor tattoo and the other wants a geometric design. Find a way to blend them together.

Before You Get Inked: A Few Words of Caution

Okay, real talk time.

Tattoos are permanent.

Friendships… well, they can change.

Before you commit, make sure you’re both on the same page:

• Talk about what happens if your friendship ends. It’s not fun to think about, but it’s important to be realistic.
• Choose a design that you’ll both be happy with, even if your friendship changes. Avoid names or overly specific references that might not age well.
• Go to a reputable tattoo artist. Don’t skimp on quality!

Friendship Tattoos: FAQs

• Do friendship tattoos have to match? Nope! They can be complementary, symbolic, or completely different but still meaningful.
• How much do friendship tattoos cost? Depends on the size, complexity, and artist. Expect to pay at least $50-$100 per tattoo.
• Are friendship tattoos a bad idea? Not necessarily. As long as you’re both thoughtful about the design and placement, they can be a beautiful way to celebrate your friendship.
• What if we break up as friends? This is a tough one. You can consider tattoo removal (expensive and painful), covering it up with a new design, or simply accepting it as a reminder of a past friendship.

So, there you have it.

Hopefully, this has given you some inspiration for your friendship tattoo ideas.

Remember, the best tattoo is one that’s meaningful to both of you, reflects your unique bond, and is executed by a skilled artist.