Best Tattoo Ideas for Getting Inked with Friends
Getting a tattoo with friends is an experience that goes beyond just the design – it's about celebrating your bond, creating memories, and having something meaningful to remind you of your friendship. I've always believed that tattoos are more than just body art; they're stories, moments, and pieces of ourselves captured in ink. So, when my best friend and I decided to get tattoos together, it wasn’t just about choosing something that looked cool – we wanted something that would symbolize our friendship and the special memories we’ve shared over the years. If you’re considering getting inked with friends, here are some of the best tattoo ideas that are fun, creative, and meaningful.
1. Matching Tattoos: A Classic Choice
One of the most popular choices for friends looking to get tattoos together is a matching design. Matching tattoos are perfect because they represent a shared experience, and they look amazing when you wear them side by side. My friend and I chose matching small heart tattoos on our wrists – a simple, yet powerful symbol of the love and support we have for each other. It’s subtle, but every time we look at it, we’re reminded of our friendship.
Matching tattoos don’t have to be overly complicated. You can choose symbols that represent something you both love, a quote that has special meaning to both of you, or even an inside joke that only you two understand. I’ve seen friends get tattoos of matching animals, coordinates of a place they both love, or even symbols like anchors, stars, or arrows. Whatever design you choose, it’s a great way to show your connection with each other.
2. Complementary Tattoos: A Unique Twist on Matching Designs
While matching tattoos are great, complementary tattoos add an extra layer of creativity. These tattoos aren’t identical but instead work together as a whole. It’s like creating a piece of art that can only be fully appreciated when you and your friend are together. When I was considering tattoo ideas with my best friend, we went for complementary designs that would look amazing together but still be meaningful on their own.
For example, one of my favorite ideas is the sun and moon tattoos – one friend can get the sun, and the other the moon. These tattoos complement each other beautifully and have deep symbolic meanings about balance and contrast. You could also opt for puzzle piece tattoos, where each of you gets half of the puzzle, symbolizing how you complete each other. I’ve also seen designs where one friend gets a tree and the other gets roots, which is a beautiful representation of friendship that grows deeper over time.
3. Quotes and Sayings: Words That Bring You Together
Another popular choice for tattoos with friends is getting a shared quote or saying that has meaning to both of you. Whether it’s a line from a favorite movie, a lyric from a song that’s always reminded you of your friendship, or just words that represent the bond you share, these tattoos can be a great way to express something meaningful. When my friend and I were brainstorming tattoo ideas, we ended up choosing a line from one of our favorite books: “We are infinite.” It’s simple but powerful, and every time I see it, I’m reminded of our limitless friendship.
The beauty of quote tattoos is that they can be personal to both of you. You can get the same quote in matching fonts or get different parts of a longer quote that comes together when you're next to each other. This way, the design becomes more personal and unique to your relationship. Popular quotes among friends often focus on love, loyalty, strength, or humor – so pick something that resonates with your bond.
4. Symbolic Tattoos: Representing Your Shared Values
If you and your friend share common values, interests, or beliefs, symbolic tattoos can be a beautiful way to reflect those shared qualities. I’ve always admired friends who get tattoos of symbols that represent their common values, such as peace, unity, or even resilience. For example, if you both love nature, you could choose tree, leaf, or mountain tattoos. If you value freedom, birds, wings, or feathers are great options.
For my own tattoo, my best friend and I chose matching infinity symbols, representing how our friendship would never end, no matter the distance or time apart. It’s a simple yet powerful symbol, and it carries so much meaning for both of us. There are so many options when it comes to symbolic tattoos – from Celtic knots to zodiac signs, to geometric shapes. The key is to choose something that speaks to both of you and symbolizes the essence of your friendship.
5. Adventure Tattoos: A Shared Journey
Another great tattoo idea is to get something that represents an adventure or journey you’ve shared with your friend. Maybe it’s a memory from a trip you took together or a challenge you overcame as a team. These tattoos can be highly personal and a beautiful way to commemorate special moments. My friend and I decided to get matching tattoos of a compass and a map, symbolizing the journeys we’ve shared and all the adventures that still await us.
Adventure tattoos are perfect if you and your friend love to travel or have a shared experience of exploration. You could opt for coordinates of a place that’s meaningful to both of you, a mountain range to represent hiking or travels, or even a simple symbol like a suitcase or airplane. These tattoos serve as a constant reminder of the adventures you’ve had together and the ones you’re still planning!
6. Funny or Whimsical Tattoos: Adding Humor to Your Bond
Sometimes, the best tattoos with friends are the ones that make you laugh. Funny or whimsical tattoos capture the humor and lighthearted nature of your friendship, and they’re always great conversation starters. For example, you and your friend could get matching tattoos of an inside joke, a shared character from a favorite TV show, or a quirky design that makes you both smile. I’ve seen friends get tattoos of things like pizza slices, emojis, or even animals in silly poses.
What’s great about funny tattoos is that they’re often simple and cute, which makes them easy to create as a matching or complementary design. Plus, they can hold a lot of sentimental value, especially if they represent shared experiences that are funny or meaningful to both of you. Every time you look at your tattoo, it’ll remind you of the laughter you’ve shared, and that’s something special.
7. A Personal Story: How I Got My Friendship Tattoo
When my best friend and I first started talking about getting tattoos together, we weren’t sure where to start. We spent weeks brainstorming ideas – what would be meaningful, but also something we’d both love for years to come? After much deliberation, we finally settled on a simple yet powerful design: two matching arrows crossing each other. The arrows symbolize direction, purpose, and how we’ve always supported each other through life’s twists and turns.
Getting this tattoo together was such an incredible experience. We went to the same tattoo parlor, held hands during the process, and walked out with not only matching tattoos but also a deeper sense of connection. To this day, whenever we look at our tattoos, we’re reminded of the strength of our friendship and the journeys we’ve shared.
So, if you and your friends are considering getting tattoos, don’t hesitate! Whether you choose matching designs, complementary symbols, or something totally unique, the experience of getting inked together is something that will stay with you for life.
If you're looking for more tattoo inspiration or need help finding the perfect design, be sure to visit Inked Up Dolls for the best tattoo ideas and services!
