Want your new tattoo to be unique and deeply personal? Consider a rib tattoo. Whether your design is large enough to wrap around you or small enough to be a secret (until beach season), these ideas will help your creativity shine!
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Floral Vine Elegance
- 2 2. Intricate Mandala
- 3 3. Feather in the Wind
- 4 4. Abstract Watercolor
- 5 5. Script Writing
- 6 6. Geometric Patterns
- 7 7. Animal Portrait
- 8 8. Ocean Waves
- 9 9. Mythical Creatures
- 10 10. Sun and Moon
- 11 11. Butterfly Flight
- 12 12. Tribal Designs
- 13 13. Constellation Map
- 14 14. Floral Skull
- 15 15. Musical Notes
- 16 16. Tree of Life
- 17 17. Hourglass
- 18 18. Crescent Moon
- 19 19. Anchor and Rope
- 20 20. Winged Heart
- 21 21. Coiling Snake
- 22 22. Single Peony Bloom
- 23 23. Ornamental Chandelier
- 24 24. Fine-Line Botanical Sprig
- 25 25. Flowing Script Quote
- 26 26. Lotus and Linework
- 27 27. Hummingbird in Flight
- 28 28. Celestial Sun Face
- 29 29. Wildflower Meadow Strip
- 30 30. Koi Fish
- 31 31. Micro-Realism Rose
- 32 32. Sword and Floral Wrap
1. Floral Vine Elegance
The floral vine is a simple but elegant option. Choose your flower carefully: every one of them has a different meaning!
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2. Intricate Mandala
The detail work in the Mandala tattoo is stunning. Though placing a tattoo on the rib can be painful, this mesmerizing design makes the temporary discomfort worth it.
3. Feather in the Wind
Though some view the feather in the wind tattoo as a freeing symbol, I also see the opportunity to memorialize someone (or several someones) who've passed on. This can be an opportunity to carry those you love with you every day.
4. Abstract Watercolor
This delicate design blends color and softness into an ultra-feminine piece of art. Feel free to vary the linear accents in the middle. This would also be a good place to try a monochromatic color scheme.
5. Script Writing
Whether it's a life motto, a quote from a loved one, or just something you want to remind yourself of every single day, the options for script-writing tattoos are endless. Consider your child's or your spouse's name as well.
6. Geometric Patterns
Blending geometric shapes together can create a design all your own. Add some ovals as flower petals to blend modernity and softness.
7. Animal Portrait
What a perfect way to memorialize your best animal friend. You can also use the animal portrait design to show your spirit animal or one that you feel a special connection to.
8. Ocean Waves
Waves aren't just for beach-lovers anymore. The water can symbolize strength, power, and change… or it can say you just enjoy swimming. It doesn't have to be deep to be meaningful (water pun intended!).
9. Mythical Creatures
Growing up, I used to watch Days of Our Lives. Stefano DiMera set the standard for every villain that came after him. His symbol was the Phoenix, the mythical bird that always rose from the ashes.
Whether you're a soap fan or just love the idea of mythical creatures and the power they represent, this design option may be a great choice.
10. Sun and Moon
This celestial beauty can represent balance as well as permanence. The sun and moon were here long before us and will be here long after us. There is a timelessness that comes with this design.
11. Butterfly Flight
You can vary this design depending on the meaning you want to have behind it. You could have a butterfly representing each of your family members, each of your children. The possibilities are endless.
12. Tribal Designs
Tribal designs are visually stunning, but keep in mind the significant nature of the symbols. Make sure the image carries meaning for you and isn't something you just think looks cool.
13. Constellation Map
This design is subtle, and I have to wonder if you run the risk of it looking like some sort of rash from far away. You may want to consider making the lines thicker.
14. Floral Skull
I am not a skull person. At all. But something about these designs is so haunting and cool that I just can't help but love them.
Though, just in case I change my mind, I think I'd rather have it as a painting than on my body.
15. Musical Notes
Elegant and minimalist, this design could be a few notes from a favorite song, or each note could represent an accomplishment in your life. It would be fairly easy to add new notes throughout the years.
16. Tree of Life
In this design, the roots almost look like a reflection of the tree. The detail from the bark to the leaves gives it a complexity that some of the other designs just don't have.
17. Hourglass
The hourglass is a reminder that everything is fleeting, both the good and the bad. A glance at this would remind you to cherish each moment.
18. Crescent Moon
A great design for a first-timer, this tattoo is simple and delicate but still packs a visual punch. Since this particular place can be very painful to tattoo, a small one might be a good way to start.
19. Anchor and Rope
Who is your anchor and who is your rope? Who keeps you grounded, and who pulls you to safety when you're feeling down? Think about them as you consider this beautiful design.
20. Winged Heart
The winged heart can commemorate the freedom that love gives us. This would be a great tattoo to get to celebrate an engagement.
21. Coiling Snake
The snake tattoo conjures up thoughts of ancient Egypt. Whether you're a fan of Cleopatra or just love the timeless design, the snake tattoo may be a great choice.
22. Single Peony Bloom
This single peony bloom is striking and powerful while still retaining its softness. The detail in the petals almost makes it come to life.
23. Ornamental Chandelier
This polished design draws inspiration from generations past. Its jewels almost sparkle on the skin, and the center pattern is slightly floral. Every time I look at it, I see something different.
24. Fine-Line Botanical Sprig
This is a great choice for someone who loves to garden, but it could also work for someone in the culinary industry. Pick your favorite herb and think about a special dish every time you look at it.
25. Flowing Script Quote
The possibilities for this design are endless. Is there something your mom or dad would always tell you growing up? Is there a movie quote that gets you through even the roughest day?
This design might be the right choice for you.
26. Lotus and Linework
This lotus and linework design is a great choice for rib placement. It stretches elegantly down the side and adds spirituality to the body.
27. Hummingbird in Flight
One of my favorite things about summers where I live is the hummingbirds. We have one particular plant that they love, and if I sit right next to it, they will get very close, and I can see the details of their feathers. I may consider this design myself!
28. Celestial Sun Face
The celestial sun design can be adjusted to be uniquely yours. The face could resemble your own or that of someone you love.
29. Wildflower Meadow Strip
Get back to nature with this delicate and feminine wildflower meadow strip design. Pick whatever flowers you like best. The elongated design is perfect for running up the side of the body.
30. Koi Fish
If you are looking for something bold, the koi fish is a great choice. The scales and water give it a fresh, detailed look, while the shading gives it depth. The flower accents add a chic touch.
31. Micro-Realism Rose
The micro-realism technique on this rose makes it look more like a painting than a tattoo. Notice the fine detail of the petals and leaves. This is the perfect choice if you want something simple but polished.
32. Sword and Floral Wrap
This sword and floral wrap is the perfect symbol for the complexity of human nature. Do you need to be a sword or a rose today? This tattoo shows that you can be both.
