11+ No Outline Tattoo Ideas That Will Blow Your Mind!

by Tori Jones
No Outline Tattoos

Once you cross the barrier of an outline, a plethora of beautiful tattoo designs come up. So leave the outline behind, get your standalone no outline tattoo.

No Outline Tattoo
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Tattoos without an outline are just as beautiful and unique as tattoos with outlines – the methods of tattooing may be different, but the outcome is always something stunning.

What really sets great work apart is the ability for the tattoo to stand alone and fill in areas of the body. The tattoo speaks for itself.

Many artists prefer drawing out the design of the tattoo with an outline. However, there are some styles that can go without black outlines. As you can see in these examples, they will not lose their appeal and effectiveness in doing so. These artists also show greater artistry through using strong colour packing and photo-realism techniques. When people think about tattoos, they often think about the bold black outline that encases the stronger colours inside. No outline tattoos are different than normal, traditional tattoo designs. They sometimes look like photo-realistic paintings that surpass the stereotype of traditional tattoos, showing off brilliant creativity and colouring techniques.

Moon Phase Floral Back Tattoo

Moon Phase Floral Back Tattoo
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Phases of the moon can represent change, flexibility, transitions from childhood to adulthood, the mystery of life, dreams, shadows, and eternity. With this tattoo, you can create a unique talisman that will reflect your personal journey.

The intricate black ink has been efficiently used in the right proportion to bring out a realistic effect. It is an eye-catching choice for a back piece.

Crescent Moon Floral Tattoo

Crescent Moon Floral Tattoo
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Mark the advent of a new chapter in your life with a crescent moon tattoo that would reflect the new beginning. A crescent moon tattoo perfectly embodies the deep sense of acceptance, hope, happiness, and optimism. The floral patterns inside make it look all the more beautiful. This particular style of the crescent moon stands out from the others because it is done without an outline.

Snake And Butterflies Tattoo

Snake And Butterflies Tattoo
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Snakes have symbolic significance in many cultures. And humans have been adorning their bodies with accessories demonstrating snakes for a long time now. When you think of snake tattoos, graphic blackwork snake tattoo with a lot of intricate patterns and shading comes to your mind. This pink and purple colour gradient snake with bits of sparkles in between and a couple of butterflies would be a splendid addition to your body art.

Some tattoos are meant to be done without outlines because an outline may look odd with certain tattoos. This snake and butterflies tattoo is one such tattoo that shines brighter without an outline. Let the colours speak for themselves!

Pepper Twig Arm Tattoo

Pepper Twig Arm Tattoo
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Tattoos are not something unusual these days. So when getting a new tattoo, the first thought that comes to your mind is, how to make your tattoo stand out. Your tattoo artist might come up with some ideas or you can bring your designs and ideas to the table. The goal is to get a unique tattoo that would be sure to stir a sensation among others. For example, this pepper twig tattoo is inked throughout the arm; the stem is drawn with a single thin line and the slender leaves are portrayed with different colours. The tattoo creates an effect as if someone had painted their body with strokes of watercolours. The rendition of the entire tattoo is very chic and gives off a tropical vibe.

Green Whale Tattoo

Green Whale Tattoo
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Green whale tattoos are few and far between. It is probably because people naturally think of black outlines when they hear about whale tattoos. But, the truth is that most whales are different shades of light grey with creamy underbellies. Green whales are not an everyday sight. They are also not so commonly seen in tattoos.

The different shades of sea green envelop this whale in a way that makes you want to go and explore the unending depth of the ocean. Ask your tattoo artist to draw it without a black outline if you want it to be perfect and realistic looking.

Phoenix Back Tattoo

Phoenix Back Tattoo
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Ready to take on the world with a powerful and vibrant back tattoo? Bring a pop of colour to your back with a blazing phoenix tattoo. The phoenix has a wide array of symbolism, and therefore, offers a vast backdrop upon which you can create a meaningful tattoo. Signify the transformational stage in your life with this blazing phoenix tattoo.

The artist has executed this tattoo without an outline gorgeously with the shades of red, orange, and yellow. The fiery effect is contrasted against the skin too well. Gushing with confidence and fervour, this tattoo will surely make heads turn.

Rainbow Heart No Outline Water Colour Tattoo

Rainbow Heart No Outline Water Colour Tattoo
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Tired of the bleakness of life? Unleash the colours of the rainbow on your skin with a colourful heart tattoo. Among the many tattooing techniques, the watercolour technique does not always require a black outline.

The colours of the rainbow are perfectly executed in this tattoo. It’s filled with happiness and optimism.

No Outline Plectrum Tattoo

No Outline Plectrum Tattoo
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A plectrum is not at all a usual design chosen for a tattoo. But there should be no end to uniqueness. Your body is like the strings of a guitar, strum it with a plectrum tattoo to create a beautiful melody. Without the black outline, the plectrum looks as if it’s floating on the skin. The soft colours of the ink may look a little faded. But it’s just the shades.

Roadrunner With Cactus And Sun Tattoo

Roadrunner With Cactus And Sun Tattoo
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If you’re someone who loves to get a little illustrative with body arts, then this one’s for you. A roadrunner with cactus and the sun in the background – the perfect desert pack of a tattoo. The colours in the feathers of the roadrunner are also thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best visual effect.

No Outline Flower Tattoo

No Outline Flower Tattoo
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Make your body art bleed nature! Prettify yourself with a vivid presentation of flowers, buds, and leaves. Flower tattoos look the most realistic when done without a black outline. For example, this perfect piece of body art – a neat work with the details and the colour pigment, the highlights, the edge of the tattoo blended perfectly with the skin.

Most people have this misconception that tattoos without a black outline fade faster than those with an outline. But it’s more or less a myth. Outline, or no outline – when it comes to last – it’s the same thing. In fact, tattoos without an outline open the door to more realistic styles.

Still looking for inspiration, then checkout this blog post about outline tattoo ideas

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