Dark black ink tattoo designs are not only classic, but offer up a variety of different design options that you won’t see with color tattoos. For instance, the depth and shading in a dark black tattoo are more noticeable and provide a certain feel that colored tattoos lack. You also have the option for open outlines as well as filled or shaded images which will give you more options as well. Since many individuals love dark black ink tattoos, here are 100 images for you to use as inspiration if you are thinking about getting this style of tattoo for yourself.
1. Hearts
Heart tattoos are fairly common, however this beautiful tattoo is certainly one of a kind.
2. Roses
You may find many roses in black and white, though this particular tattoo stands alone due to the framing surrounding the rose.
3. Opposites
Here is another option for you as this tattoo possesses many different artistic techniques to provide the image including pointillism for the shading.
4. Black Mandala
While mandala tattoos are common, the amount of black surrounding this piece isn’t. Not only does this make it unique but creates an entire back piece out of a single tattoo.
5. Dark Black Ink Collection
There are some people who love dark black ink tattoos and will possess a collection of them such as this sleeve which has many examples within it.
6. Snakes
These snakes are done in both black as well as white creating a yin-yang feel to the piece, however the dark black one possesses shading where the other does not.
7. Values
Black ink offers the wearer of a design more value options in the shading, where color tattoos use a blending technique to create depth rather than value.
8. Poppies
These poppies are a perfect example of a dark black tattoo and the value used when shading the piece.
9. Black Out
This design may look like a cover up, but these kinds of tattoos are fairly common with dark black ink tattoos and provides a simple design option.
10. Moth
Other design options that you will find include that of moths and butterflies, though most people prefer them in color some find the beauty in the black designs.
11. Life and Death
Whether you prefer color over black ink or not, you will never be limited in your possibilities when choosing a design that you like.
12. Lips
While different, this tattoo offers another beautiful example of the possibilities that await you with a dark black ink tattoo.
13. Realism
A great deal of realism is possible with dark black tattoos because of the ability to work the ink in a variety of ways to create an image.
14. Bands and Outlines
This black band contains the line work for a floral design, but due to the darkness of the band the floral pattern stands out far more than it would in any other color.
15. Dark Outlines
Only dark black can allow for the dark depth that is necessary for these kinds of designs as other colors won’t provide the lifespan that black ink does.
16. Flowers
This flower tattoo, like other dark black ink tattoos, possesses many things you cannot get from colored inks and will last far longer.
17. Pinky Swear
The fun nature of this tattoo makes you think about finger prints as much as the nature of the pink swear.
18. Mixed
Just because a tattoo is created from dark black ink doesn’t mean that color cannot be used, but rather that it causes the colors to seem brighter.
19. Galaxy
In this interesting tattoo only black ink is used and possesses an unrealistic feeling while commemorating something the wearer loves.
20. Cactus
Outline tattoos always look better in dark black.
21. Peonies
Believe it or not there are many floral tattoos that possess no color and only dark black ink.
22. Gradient Line
This line tattoo shows a gradient effect along the spine, but offers up a variety of thoughts about the design.
23. Framed
Dark black offers the ability to frame other designs in an interesting way as well as offer a focus to the design.
24. Hidden
This tattoo offers a great deal of shading that highlights and shadows various portions of the design.
25. Darkened Circle
Here is another great example of the highlighting that is occurring when a tattoo, including simple outlines, are framed by black ink.
26. Bound
The nature of this tattoo design requires the help of the wearer, but certainly says a great deal about the design.
27. Reversed
While the flower in this design is mostly left open and unfilled, outside of the triangle is dark black offering framing.
28. Elements and Trees
This tattoo offers black and grey images done in dark black ink with a variety of shading to create a single piece out of different elements.
29. Cleopatra
Not everyone is an Egyptologist, but this Cleopatra-like image provides you with a wide array of ideas outside of animals and plants.
30. Bouquet
This beautiful piece shows off a smoother gradient in the shading than seen in previous examples.
31. Sea and Sky
No matter what the design, dark black ink can be used to create it.
32. Head in the Clouds
Even fun tattoos such as this aren’t off limits to a great tattoo artist.
33. Honey Comb
But don’t be deceived at the simplicity of some black ink tattoos as they are not only time consuming but take patience and care.
34. Spiral
No matter what the shape or shading needs of the design, black ink is an amazing option.
35. Solid Bands
Even though some look pretty bare, these tattoos can make a statement and mean a great deal to the wearer.
36. Leafy Black Outline
Leaf designs are best outlined in black due to the ease of getting the outline to stand out.
37. Night Sky Band
Small details are easily done in dark black ink through the use of shading and delicate application.
38. Moon Rose
The detail seen in this rose and moon tattoo is done through the use of different needles to create shading as well as the line work.
39. Lighthouse
Various shading techniques offer a unique look to your dark black tattoos.
40. Space
The pointillism in this piece offers a different take on various light sources.
41. Moth
This tattoo of a moth on this girl’s shoulder possesses more realistic shading than what would be offered with other colors and techniques.
42. Inked Cat
There are many different techniques used when creating dark black tattoos, like with this inked or watercolor styled cat.
43. Wednesday
No other techniques can create this Wednesday Adams-like tattoo.
44. Henna Style Tattoos
These designs are very representative of what you would find in a henna tattoo.
45. Blooming Roses
Realism in tattoos is complex but dark black ink makes shading seem more delicate.
46. Kitty
This kitty tattoo is another perfect example of the shading capabilities with dark black ink.
47. Leafy Flower
Delicate line work looks perfect in dark black ink.
48. Opposites
You can even find inspiration in opposite style tattoos using black ink.
49. Kitty Face
Choosing a dark black ink design doesn’t eliminate color from the equation, but rather that black is more prominent.
50. Lotus
Some designs offer a particular feeling to the design and remind us of special traits.
51. Sketch
Some designs look better in a certain style and may need the dark black ink to better fit that style.
52. Half Skull
This skull tattoo while only being half a skull is amazingly detailed.
53. Mixed Pattern
This mixed pattern design provides many visual effects.
54. Skeleton
There are many unique designs like this skeleton haloed by lilies.
55. Paw Prints
For those with missed pets these designs are common and are usually bordered by the name of the pet.
56. Floral Outlines
Outlines are not completely common, but are normally done in dark black.
57. High Detailed Bands
Using a small needle, works of art can be created with ease in black ink.
58. Heart and Flowers
This piece wouldn’t be as well shaded if the outline was done in any other color.
59. Life Tree
Life tree tattoos are best suited in a yin-yang style.
60. Mermaid
Unique designs like this mermaid in a can may inspire you to consider options outside of color tattoos.
61. Variety of Flowers
Designs allowing for a variety of something are best for those who intend to obtain a sleeve.
62. Totoro
You may also want to take your passion into account.
63. Micro Tattoos
Micro tattoos are another option for completely black ink tattoos.
64. Back Piece Collection
Once you get one black ink tattoo you may find you will want many others like this image.
65. Moon Man
Other classic designs like this man in the moon can be done with black inks.
66. Tree
Black ink is perfect when obtaining tattoos of trees as the ability to get fine details can be easy without bleeding of ink colors.
67. Paisley
Even paisley patterns look beautiful in black.
68. Zen Lotus
Though lotus designs are becoming more prominent.
69. Leg Sleeves
If tattoos on your arms not your style, you can put them on your legs instead.
70. Dark Mandala
Even mandala tattoos look gorgeous in black ink.
71. Bear
You may also find some who choose animal tattoos with a realistic touch.
72. Hands and Heart
Delicate shading is important when creating realism in black ink designs.
73. Matching
Why not try getting a matching design with a loved one or a friend.
74. Realism Floral
While time consuming, if you have a love of flowers then trying a floral sleeve is a beautiful option.
75. Spiders
The spiders don’t seem to fit due to lack of shading, but the design looks amazing.
76. Nautical
Sometimes you should simply consider a theme for your tattoos.
77. Maple
Is there a symbol that means a great deal to you? Consider it for your dark black ink design.
78. Pine
Pine trees are tall and noble, as well as look beautiful in black ink.
79. Match
You can also consider the same design on two different spots on your own body.
80. Nature
Whether you like animals or plants, nature based tattoos always come out beautiful.
81. Concepts
You can always draw up a concept sketch that will let you pick a variety of ideas and create a single image.
82. Sail Away
When you choose a passion in a tattoo, you can really choose anything, even ships.
83. Cat’s Cradle
More unique designs include this one of a pair of hands playing cat’s cradle.
84. Mermaid Skeleton
Even the bones of mythical creatures are an option for different tattoos.
85. Bouquet and Feathers
You can create your own bouquet in your design complete with flowers and feathers.
86. Stockings
These ships may be at a standstill but the appearance of stocking tattoos are rare.
87. Beetles
Even rarer are that of tattoos consisting of beetles other than lady bugs.
88. Zen Designs
Some other ideas include that of more Zen designs like the mandala and lotus.
89. Bones
Bones are an interesting subject and you can show off your knowledge by tattooing your skeleton above the skin.
90. Holding Hands Outline
The two child-like hands reaching for one another is not only beautiful but can be left unfilled to keep its beauty.
91. Shadows
For more creepy designs think of shadows and things that put others on edge.
92. Treasure
While a bit more provocative, this tattoo is beautifully done.
93. Bark
Some people like flowers while others prefer trees.
94. Land Bound
This tattoo’s style is a bit old school in the sense that it makes you think of a paned window.
95. Double Owl
Black is the only color that these owls could appear this magnificent in.
96. Bound
Symbolism is important in the design that you choose to ensure you enjoy it more every day.
97. Cat Skull
Everyone has different tastes, but this tattoo is certainly different and offers up a new point of view.
98. Memorandums
There are many types of memorials, though they are best when put into words.
99. Reaper
Tattoos of this variety are left for motorcycle clubs as they are always traveling by bike.
100. Moon Phases
The phases of the moon are another wondrous choice to those who love astronomy.
