Tattoos are a beautiful way of expressing yourself, and displaying the important things right there on your body. Our list of meaningful symbol tattoos is super popular, but what if you’re more of a wordy person? Let’s take a look at some tattoo designs incorporating short quotes, song lyrics and all kinds of powerful words.
Word tattoos, as well as being beautiful body art, are a great reminder of the message that is most important to you in your life.
So, let’s take a look at some of our favorite inspirational quote tattoo ideas to help you find the perfect tattoo for the next time you get some ink.
25 Meaningful Tattoo Quote Ideas With Photo Inspiration
Here a few short tattoo quotes with photo examples so you can get some ideas not only for the words to choose, but what kind of font or style you prefer for your new tattoo, and the right place to put this tattoo on your body.
The greatest thing about motivational word tattoos is that you can take inspiration from the type of design you like aesthetically but make it totally personal with your own unique quote or words that mean something specifically to just you.
Please don’t let your dreams die
This tattoo on the lower arm, in a modern minimalist font reminds you not to forget about your dreams.
Guts over fear
Facing your fears is a popular theme for a powerful tattoo quote. This one is short but packs a punch.
Sieze the day or regret the time you lost
This tattoo serves as a reminder that time is limited and we should make the most of the time we have with our loved ones, and to grab every opportunity before it passes.
From love. For love.
This tattoo is a reminder of the unconditional love that flows around us.
Do all things with love.
Do all things with love echoes the bible verse “Let all that you do be done in love” (Corinthians 16:14)
It is the rain that will strengthen your soul It will make you whole.
This long quote reminds us of the purpose of difficult times, and how we will get through them.
Gorgeous
This striking one word tattoo in a classic style oozes confidence, and has a powerful message of self love.
Yolo
The YOLO acronym stands for you only live once, so this bold knuckle tattoo is a reminder to seize the moment.
Pure
This simple and minimal wrist tattoo serves as a reminder to keep pure intentions and do the right thing.
I will fight
This arm tattoo has a powerful message reminding you to fight for what you believe in.
Eu prometo que vou tentar
This classic tattoo in a masculine style has a quote in Portuguese which translates to I promise I will try.
Revolution / Love
This one word tattoo actually combines two words – revolution and love, because love IS the revolution.
Just ride
This tattoo has a beautiful script font, which is not the easiest to read but works well if you have something meaningful to yourself that you don’t need everyone to be able to read from a distance.
Fear
A simple reminder to face and overcome your fears.
Stay Strong
Stay strong is a powerful reminder to keep going, this is combined with other symbols and designs to make up a full sleeve.
Just a girl who decided to go for it
This back tattoo has vertical writing going all the way down the spine, to create a striking spine tattoo that really grabs attention.
In the end we call become stories so make it a good one
This chest tattoo echoes the message that we only have one short life and to make it worthwhile.
Map Coordinates
Writing out the coordinates for a particular meaningful location or place is a beautiful and subtle tattoo idea.
Save Me Please
This is a powerful neck tattoo
Like Never Before
Hope
subtle hope wrist tattoo
My little leprechaun you will always be in my heart
This sweet memorial message could be for a baby or child who will always be in your heart.
Nous sommes bons a rien mais capable de tout
This upper back tattoo is a quote in French meaning we are not good at anything but capable of everything
Born to be happy
This simple message reminds you to choose happiness.
These short meaningful quotes make beautiful tattoos, with words that will see you through tough times, remind you of the power of love, and help you reach a brighter day.
We all pick our tattoos for different reasons, so pick a quote tattoo that makes you feel empowered, alive and motivated.
20 Best Tattoo Quotes
Let’s take a look at some more popular quote ideas and motivational words that work really well for tattoos.
Here’s a list of quotes to get you started, but the best thing is to pick something that you’ve come across in the journey of life that really itched something in your brain, or some words of wisdom that stuck in your mind. Something with a special meaning to you.
- Trust your journey
- Je ne regrette rien (I regret nothing)
- Be Still
- Be your own sun
- Imperfectly perfect
- You are exactly where you need to be
- After every dark night comes a glorious morning of a new day
- Nothing loved is ever lost
- I am, I am, I am (Syvia Plath)
- Still I Rise (Maya Angelou)
- Do it anyway
- Create your own sunshine
- Imperfection is a form of freedom
- Perpetual Optimism is a force multiplier
- Keep Your Head Up
- Enjoy the little things
- Que sera sera (what will be will be)
40 One Word Tattoo Ideas
- Passion
- Always
- Brave
- Integrity
- Alignment
- Balance
- Breathe
- Alive
- Strength
- Believe
- Fighter
- Future
- Resilience
- Imagine
- Wanderlust
- Hiraeth
- Saved
- Freedom
- Peace
- Joy
- Love
- Serendipity
- Karma
- Strive
- Adventure
- Memories
- Blessed
- Heal
- Calm
- Power
- Trust
- Now
- Family
- Soar
- Pray
- Story
- Warrior
- Grateful
- Focus
- Surrender
Some other ideas are to take inspiration from bible verses, literature such as your favorite books or poems, a quote or phrase from your favorite movie, letters received from loved ones (even more beautiful if tattooed in their own handwriting), and song lyrics.
10 Motivational Tattoo Quotes with Black Ink Designs
Here are a few tattoo designs if you prefer to picture the isolated design rather than photos of real tattoos on bodies.
Whatever your concept, when you take it to tattoo parlors, your tattoo artist will make it unique and put their own stamp on it.
It’s all about the process
Be stronger than your excuses
Don’t be afraid to fail, be afraid to not to try
Don’t quit just do it
Don’t Stop until you’re proud
Don’t tell people your dreams, show them
Stars can’t shine without darkness
Work hard pray harder
You are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream
You don’t have to be perfect to be amazing
Tips for Getting a Quote Tattoo
Think carefully about the font. Remember that delicate crisp lines can become less sharp over time. If you have the prettiest tiny delicate tattoo design, plan to have it sharpened up a few years down the line (this is absolutely fine, just expect that)
Small tattoos blue over time more than bigger tattoos so consider the size too.
More Inspirational Tattoo Quotes Ideas
You might also like to check out these tattoo ideas, and inspirational quotes before you go ahead and get inked.
- Inspirational Tattoos with Symbols
- Arabic word tattoo ideas
- Butterfly Tattoo symbolism
- What do star tattoo mean?
- What do bear paw tattoos mean?
- What do cheetah print tattoos mean?
- Motivational work out quotes
- Motivational quotes for hard times
- 46 Beautiful Maya Angelou Quotes to Inspire Self Love
- 50 Best Self Love Quotes and Captions
You might like this book of emotional quotes and poetry – I am the architect of my own destruction. (Amazon affiliate link)
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Anna is a Wales-based writer and graduate from SOAS University of London.
As the voice behind On Your Journey, she empowers women to embrace holistic well-being and spiritual growth through her expert insights into wellness and symbolism.
When she isn't writing thought-provoking articles, you'll find her busy crafting and raising her 4 children.
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