Table of Contents
Are you looking for a really unconventional tattoo design that plays with ink? Then here are some amazing Negative Space tattoo designs for you to check out!
Negative space tattoos are those where the actual design is shown by creating a contrast between the wearer’s skin and the surrounding ink.
Negative space tattoos work as a reverse image where the main design shows up on your skin. They are also known as blackwork tattoos if the negative space tattoo uses only black ink to fill in the empty spaces around the design.
Negative space tattoos can be quite expensive because of the amount of additional ink that is used in order to fill in the blank spaces around the actual image. In addition to that, the completely black tattoo may also turn green or blue over time as the skin ages gradually through decades. The smaller negative space tattoos also do not age well due to the blurring of colours. Not many people choose negative space tattoo designs but they look beautiful and unique especially because of how unconventional and rare they are as a crisp tattoo design.
Simple Negative Space Tattoo Designs
If you are getting a tattoo for the first time, you can definitely try out a negative space tattoo. While most people get large and complex negative space tattoos, there are a number of proficient tattoo artists who can also create an amazing design for you that will be minimal and awesome. You can also share your own cool and artistic designs that will help the artist in making the ultimate negative space tattoo design.
Stunning Designs For Colourful Negative Space Tattoos
If you are a big fan of the style of using heavy colours in your tattoo, then you will definitely appreciate a vivid and colourful negative space tattoo. The picture above is a perfect example of the blank space being filled with bright colours that are full of details and nuances. The outline of absent areas of skin on the body in between is reflecting the actual drawing.
Awesome Negative Space Tattoo Idea With Floral Motifs
The best way to elevate the beauty of your tattoo is to add a flower or bunch of flowers to it. The same remains the truth for negative space tattoos as well. The picture above shows a simple negative space flower tattoo with outlined florals that is not very flashy but extremely elegant and eye-catching nonetheless.
If you are searching for more designs for black coloured flowers for your negative space tattoo, check out these amazing black and grey rose tattoo designs.
Designs For Negative Space Tattoo Based On Abstract Art
If you think you have a drawing in mind for your tattoo but that will not suit the usual tattoo styles very well, then you can speak to different tattoo artists to see if you can convert it into a negative space tattoo design. In simpler terms, a negative space tattoo will show the actual shape or details of the picture by contrasting it with a heavily coloured in part on your body. As seen in the example above, the artist has done an amazing job of taking an abstract artwork and converting it into a stunning negative space tattoo. A geometric negative space tattoo would look awesome as well if your artist uses geometric designs and patterns to create optical illusions.
Quirky And Fun Negative Space Tattoo Designs
A lot of people think that it is not easy to play around with negative space tattoo designs. However, the example above will definitely prove them wrong. The wearer has gotten a fun negative space tattoo based on their favourite musical band Nirvana. The artful details on the smiling form adds a psychedelic and groovy effect to the whole tattoo that is only possible because the outline was filled with black ink. You can also add a negative space lettering tattoo or negative space name tattoo if you are looking for more negative space tattoo patterns. A negative space script tattoo would look great in contrast to your skin with the help of negative space tattoo lettering.
Designs For Negative Space Tattoo On Your Arm
If you want a tattoo for your arm but do not want a boring tattoo, you can definitely look at other options. One of the most amazing tattoos that you can get on your arm is the negative space tattoo that essentially creates an optical illusion on your body with the help of clever drawing and strategic placement of the outline of the main form. You can also search for animal motifs and get a negative space wolf tattoo or negative space lion tattoo.
If you are in search of more inspiration for negative space tattoos, check out these slightly different blackout tattoo designs!
Awesome Designs For Negative Space Tattoo Sleeve
If you are looking to fill up your arms with a full sleeve tattoo, you can ask your tattoo artist to create a negative space tattoo sleeve. As seen in the picture, the tattoo artist has used various colours like blue, orange, green, red and yellow to lead to a negative space watercolour tattoo. Within that design, the artist has left a bar of skin empty strategically so that it creates a contrasting image. These carefully drawn lines and shapes bring out the beauty of the entire tattoo rather than creating a mess.
Gorgeous Illusions Created By Negative Space Tattoos
Tattoo lovers around the world look for different styles of tattoos through which they can reflect their personality. Some prefer traditional tattoo designs while some prefer to experiment with different forms of art and shapes. One of the most amazing things about negative tattoos is how they create reverse images and shapes on our skin with the help of an interplay between shadow and light. Consequently, it becomes very easy for the tattoo artist to combine dark shading and neat outlines to create a stunning illusion tattoo.
As seen in the picture, the artist has played with the colour of the skin and the black ink and has alternately placed the lines to create an awesome negative space tattoo.
Designs For Scenery Tattoos With Negative Space Style
Any beautifully drawn scenery is always aesthetically pleasing to look at. A truly lovely scenery will also instil a sense of peace and calm all over you. However, if you want to get a scenery tattoo but with a slight twist, you can opt for a negative space tattoo. In the picture above, the tattoo artist has created the picture of nature through the negative space style by keeping the main figure blank but by filling in the rest of the space in the form of trees and mountains to keep the nature theme intact.
Negative Space Cross Tattoo Designs For Christians
If you search for negative space tattoos on the internet or ask to see some samples in your local tattoo parlour, you will find that there are many examples of negative space tattoos with the Cross in Christianity that is associated with the life of Jesus Christ.
As seen in the picture above, you can either choose a colourful negative space tattoo for highlighting the Cross in between, or you can also choose a monochromatic black negative space tattoo.
While a lot of people love to get traditional tattoos where the outlines and contours of the design are done with coloured ink, negative space tattoos completely reverse the idea and do the opposite. As a result, it is a unique and unconventional tattoo design that looks amazing. Therefore, if you want a tattoo that will definitely stand out in a crowd, go for a negative space tattoo!
Feature Image from Pinterest – Love this design? Try a Temporary Tattoo
What is a negative space tattoo?
A negative space tattoo is a style of body art that uses the shapes and forms of the negative spaces between other design elements to create a unique and intricate piece. Negative space tattoos are often used to create abstract or symbolic designs, such as mandalas, using a variety of techniques and materials. These tattoos can be done in traditional black ink
What are the benefits of a negative space tattoo?
Negative space tattoos offer a few distinct advantages over traditional body art. For starters, they can be very versatile in terms of their size and complexity. Depending on the design, negative space tattoos can range from small and subtle to larger and more intricate designs. They also allow for greater creativity in choice of materials, colors and placement. Negative space tattoos can also be used to create a rich background for other tattoos or as part of a larger design. Lastly, because the negative spaces are left uninked, they often require less frequent touch-ups than other tattoo styles.
What are some common negative space tattoo designs?
Common negative space tattoo designs include animals and plants, geometric patterns, mandalas, words or phrases, abstract art, tattoos that feature two different objects (such as a tree and a bird), portraits with an inverted color scheme, and various shapes or symbols. Additionally, these tattoos can be paired with other styles to create a unique design.
What colors contrast best with negative space tattoo?
Colors that contrast best with negative space tattoo designs are those that create a stark contrast. This can be achieved by using colors on the opposite ends of the color wheel, such as black and white, or bright colors such as yellow and purple. Neutral colors like gray, brown and navy blue can also provide a nice contrast against lighter skin tones. The idea is to create a striking contrast between the negative space and the inked areas. Depending on the design, multiple colors can be used to further enhance the effect.
