15 Single Line Tattoos That Are Simply Beautiful - Mashable

There are endless possibilities to consider when contemplating your next ink. But in the vast sea of roses and sailor tats, finding something truly original or inspiring can be difficult. If you're looking for something different, it's time to check out single line tattoo inspo.

Before continuous line drawings became popular jewelry mainstays, the style was often employed in art classes as a drawing exercise. Mastered, the practice becomes a highly impressive technique in which an artist must complete an entire image using as few lines as possible -- and ideally, only one.

1. Girl With a Pearl Earring Feeds Birds

View this post on Instagram

Reworking an iconic artistic concept can give an old portrait new life. This tattoo is clearly inspired by Vermeer's masterpiece "Girl With a Pearl Earring." The birds are a nice touch.

2. A Passionate Kiss

View this post on Instagram

Portraits are an essential form of single line work and involve finding subtle ways to move between eyes, lips, and ears. Here, adding a hand at the nape of the neck adds flair and extra difficulty to the continuous line.

3. Floral Beauty

View this post on Instagram

This floral piece is absolutely gorgeous. While the tattoo is not purely a single line work, it draws from that style. The addition of greenery adds plenty of texture to this black & white bust.

4. Intertwined Lovers

View this post on Instagram

This spare portrait is really exceptional, calling back to illusions of lamps or faces. The continuous line adds dimension here that other styles may not be able to access.

5. Chuck Taylor Converse

View this post on Instagram

This is such a simple yet well-executed idea, and truly looks like its made out of one continuous line. If you're looking for a neat ankle tattoo, something basic yet personal like this one may be the way to go.

Mashable Top Stories Stay connected with the hottest stories of the day and the latest entertainment news. Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Thanks for signing up!

6. Simple Giraffe

View this post on Instagram

This tattoo took something standard and made it original. Choosing an "over the shoulder" shot of a popular tattoo image adds something majestic to this otherwise straightforward idea.

7. Chaotic Wasp

View this post on Instagram

This continuous line style is as chaotic as the insect it depicts. When selecting an artist for your continuous line tattoo, finding a style that aligns with the emotion of your drawing can add a lot of character to your piece.

8. Jesus Scene

View this post on Instagram

This work is intentionally cluttered, with tight, overlapping lines, and takes a minute to comprehend fully. Once you get it, it's a wonderful take on a traditional Jesus scene, with the continuous line adding dimension to what would otherwise be just another religious tattoo.

9. Modern Torso

View this post on Instagram

This tattoo reads as a 21st-century reupholstering of a classic Roman bust. Through the middle you can see the wire holding it together, as if it were made of plaster, and there's a plant growing out the top.

10. Third Eye Bust

View this post on Instagram

This style is incredibly chaotic but an essential depiction of continuous line artwork. The dizzying array of circular lines makes the piece feel powerful yet tranquil.

11. Scrawling Elephant

View this post on Instagram

Even though at first glance this tat looks relatively simple, it's actually fairly trippy. Depth is key when selecting new ink.

12. Flower Power

View this post on Instagram

The placement of these flowers is gorgeous. They surround the face like a simple bob, adding some natural power to the 1940s vibe.

13. Geometric portrait

View this post on Instagram

This portrait has a lot going on, and we're loving it. Both sharp and smooth, the face becomes a needle on the right side while the cradling hand resembles a balloon. It's delicate and intricate all at once.

14. One-sided bishop

View this post on Instagram

This is an elegant modern design for a dedicated chess player (and anyone who wants +2 intelligence).

15. You and your cat

View this post on Instagram

Don't hide behind "Cat Mom" pillows, wear your pride on your sleeve. This is the coolest way to announce to the world that you and your cat are besties forever.

Featured Video For You Lady Gaga's new tattoo is inspired by 'A Star Is Born'