9. Elbow Animal Tattoos

Another location for tattoos that has outgrown its clichéd outlaw past is the elbow. Twenty years ago just about the only tattoo design that you would see on an elbow would be a spider web, carrying strong connections to the prison tattoo sub-culture. Nowadays elbow tattoos are limited only by the skill of the artist and the imagination of the client. 

One popular trend for elbow tattoos—on the inside and outside of the elbow—incorporates the movement of the joint into the design of the tattoo. The elbow also provides the wearer with a considerable amount of discretion regarding the tattoos visibility thanks to the relatively high placement on the arm.  

10. Stomach and Side Animal Tattoos

In recent years the side of the body has become a more popular location to get tattoos for a few reasons. First of all, the side of the torso is a large canvas; depending on the proportions of the individual, often times the torso is only surpassed by the back for available skin. 

The side of the torso is also interesting thanks to the variety of lines and shapes in the different parts of the body. From below the waist band, over the stomach and abdomen, across the rib cage and into the arm pit: this diverse range of muscles, bones and skin can help a skilled artist make a more interesting and dynamic tattoo. Finally, the powerful significance of having a lion “on your side” is undeniable.  

11. 3D Animal Tattoos

The boundaries of what is possible in the world of tattooing are constantly being pushed. Thanks to the thousands of skilled and dedicated artists that are constantly redefining the limits of the medium there are new styles and trends debuting daily around the world.