A prominent, noticeable tattoo is a conversation piece, but a small tattoo is more likely to surprise and endear those already close to you.

When a specific symbol carries a potent personal meaning, keeping it simple and strong is often the best way to go for small but significant tattoos.

Depending on their placement, small tattoos can be secretive or merely coy. A symbol on the hand, face or neck is visible to all and almost never covered, but still retains some subtlety with its miniature size.

A tattoo on the shoulder, chest or lower leg hide at some times and peer out at others, making these locations exemplary middle ground.

Read on for 43 small tattoo designs that will inspire and beguile when researching your next tattoo idea.

See more about – The Top 51 Awesome Small Tattoo Ideas

1. Black and Gray Small Tattoo Ideas

Here is a wonderful example of an American traditional design that uses an expert application to catch the eye instead of bold colors or large size. The line work in this black and gray tattoo is impeccable: the straight lines are perfectly square and the curves in the sails are exact and consistent.

The arcs in the waves are smooth and the shading throughout this tattoo is exceptional. A tattoo this detailed would be impressive if it was on someone’s full chest or back, but the fact that it is small enough to be placed on the forearm and still maintain this level of detail is a testament to the mastery of the artist.

This is another spectacular example of the level of detail that can be achieved in these small, black and gray tattoos. Here, the artist uses fine line work and gray wash to perfectly achieve the impression of a pencil sketch of one of the more iconic motorcycles ever produced. This piece is remarkable for the amount of details that the artist incorporates.