Originally tattoos didn’t feature much color because the selection of inks was limited. However, over recent years a multitude of inks has become available to create a full color palette. This article compiles one hundred photos of tattoos that stay true to the roots of the art by using little to no color. From black and gray pieces to completely black pieces this article will give you the inspiration for your next sans-color tattoo.
Sleeve Featuring Falling Deer
While multiple images contribute to this sleeve the falling deer becomes the focal point because of its oddness and prominent placement.
Half Mandala Chest Piece
A black rose is given a stylish background in this tattoo rendered on the wearer’s shoulder.
Tree Stump and Forest Silhouette
A tree stump is represented on one forearm while a forest silhouette is represented on the other.
Stylized Waves Vignette
A vignette shows a stylized depiction of cresting waves and shining sunlight.
Branch and Leaves
A stencil on the wearer’s left forearm portrays a branch with leaves.
Abstract Paint Swirl Sleeve
An abstract black paint swirl fills the space between the pieces on the wearer’s left arm.
Mandala Designs
Tear drop shaped mandala designs are embellished with hanging beads on the wearer’s shoulders.
Mandala Forearm Sleeve
A mandala inspired forearm and hand piece is embellished by a microdermal piercing on the wearer’s middle finger.
Mandala Forearm Design
A dark mandala inspired piece adorns the wearer’s forearm and hand.
Landscape Armband
An armband frames a panoramic landscape of pine trees and the moon.
Standing Bear
A black bear reared up on its hind legs is featured in this forearm piece.
Stylized Wolf Portrait
A stylized wolf portrait is rendered on the wearer’s forearm in black and gray ink.
Molar
A molar is portrayed on the wearer’s left hand.
Stylized Landscape
This beautiful tattoo, depicted on the wearer’s upper left arm, features a ringed planet shining down on glaciers floating in the ocean.
Dark Forearm Symbol
A familiar symbol is represented on the wearer’s forearm in this tattoo.
Lion Eating a Skull
This macabre piece shows a lion’s head biting down on a skull.
Bird on Forearm
A rope bracelet and bird adorn the wearer’s wrist in forearm in this photo.
Lego Man
The instructions for assembling a Lego man are rendered on the wearer’s forearm in black ink.
Stylish Back Piece
A stylish back piece is rendered in the center of the wearer’s back in black and gray ink.
Full Sleeve
The wearer’s body is adorned in multiple pieces including a bird perched atop a banner reading, “Refuse to lose,” on his chest.
Mandala Neck Piece
A mandala inspired neck piece ends between the wearer’s shoulder blades in this tattoo.
Dark Anklets
A pair of black bands are rendered on the wearer’s ankles in this tattoo set.
Abstract Ankle Piece
An abstract crossed design is rendered on the wearer’s ankle in black ink.
Birds and Butterflies Half Sleeve
A half sleeve comprised of butterflies, birds, and flowers is rendered on the wearer’s upper arm in black and gray ink.
Banksy Tribute
A small girl watches as her red balloon floats into the distance in ode to Banksy rendered on the wearer’s right shoulder blade.
Heart and Red Triangle
A realistic black and gray heart is accented by a red triangle and arrows signifying the direction of blood flow near the ventricles.
Oil Rig
An oil rig is portrayed drilling into a heart shaped well in this tattoo depicted on the wearer’s chest.
Camera Setting
A representation of a camera setting is rendered on the wearer’s arm in black ink.
Stylized Rose
A stylized black and gray rose is depicted on the wearer’s forearm.
Leg Sleeve
Multiple images contribute to the tattoos seen in this photograph.
Moth on a Branch Vignette
A circular vignette contains the image of a hand holding a branch on which a moth is resting.
Heart Splatter
Black paint splatter takes the shape of a heart in this forearm piece.
Forearm Roses
Colorless roses are rendered on the wearer’s right forearm.
Flowers on Heel
An array of flowers are accented by microdermal piercings in this tattoo located near the wearer’s left heel.
Abstract Torso Piece
An abstract black pattern runs down the wearer’s torso in this tattoo.
Honeycomb Sleeve
An abstract honeycomb sleeve leads into a more complex pattern in this black and gray tattoo.
Dangling Beads Chest Piece
A black and gray design starts on the wearer’s sternum, runs between her breasts, and fans out underneath her rib cage.
Stylized Cat Portrait
A stylized cat portrait features a diamond on the animals forehead and is located on the wearer’s right forearm.
Interlocking Triangles
The Germanic symbol the Valknut is depicted on the wearer’s hand in black ink.
Ornate Neck Piece
Another elaborate neck piece descends the wearer’s back and ends between the wearer’s shoulder blades.
“Hands Remember”
A hand is shown driving a dagger through another hand. The piece is surrounded by flowers and the quote, “Hands Remember.”
Ornate Armband
An ornate armband is rendered on the wearer’s upper left arm.
“Yay!” Wrist Piece
A black speech bubble features the word, “Yay!” The word was created with the negative space inside of the bubble.
Detailed Moth
A touch of orange adds incredible depth to this moth piece located on the wearer’s torso.
Stylized Rose
A stylized rose is rendered on the wearer’s forearm in black ink.
Flying Butterflies
Three butterflies apiece adorn the wearer’s forearms.
Gradient Armbands
Gradient black armbands adorn the wearer’s forearms in this photo.
Wolf in a Headdress
A wolf in a headdress and a bird skull with antlers are the images portrayed on the wearer’s forearms in this photo.
Ship Half Sleeve
A traditional depiction of a ship is featured on the wearer’s upper left arm.
Flowers and Feathers
This tattoo, located on the wearer’s shoulder, depicts various flowers and feathers.
Forest Silhouette
Depth is added to this forest silhouette by varying the color of the tree based on distance.
Bear and Woman
An angry girl and bear riddled with arrows are featured in this tattoo set portrayed on the wearer’s forearms.
Abstract Mountain Lion Portrait
This stylized portrait of a mountain lion features half of the cats head replaced with a landscape. The branches of the barren trees replicate the lines in the animal’s face while the moon represents the eye.
Octopus
A black and grey octopus is rendered on the right side of the wearer’s stomach.
3/4 Sleeve
A 3/4 sleeve features white accents that enliven the images in this photo.
Skull in Top Hat
A skull is depicted wearing a black bowler hat on the wearer’s upper arm.
Stylized Landscape
A stylized landscape shows pine trees towering in the background while felled trees lie in the foreground.
Flower Silhouette
A single stem bearing multiple flowers is rendered on the right side of the wearer’s chest.
Moth and Flowers
A moth, flowers, and a portrait of a woman comprise the sleeve seen in this photo.
Armbands
Thin black lines wrap around the wearer’s forearm and wrist.
Cresting Wave Vignette
Cresting waves are pictured inside of a circular vignette in this forearm tattoo.
Gradient Forest Silhouettes
A gradient collection of dots turns into a forest silhouette on the wearer’s forearm.
Circular Mandala
A mandala design featured inside of a circle is rendered in the center of the wearer’s back.
Hand Holding Flowers
A hand holding a pair of flowers is featured on the wearer’s upper right arm.
3/4 Sleeve Armbands
Simple black designs are featured on the wearer’s arms in this photograph.
Octopus in a Cage
An octopus trapped inside of a cage is depicted on the wearer’s leg.
Finger Buck
A buck is represented on the wearer’s middle finger while the animal’s horns extend up onto the wearer’s hand.
