Tattoos have come a long way from crude initiation symbols and sailors’ fancies; they have developed into a widely respected and revered art form.

From intricate works of geometric detail to watercolor inspired masterpieces, the body can be dramatically transformed into a walking work of art with the help of a committed ink artist.

What moves you as a man will surely make for great tattoo art, and ultimately you need not look any further than within when seeking the design that’s right for you. Landscapes, items of retro nostalgia, cinematic scenes, medieval alchemy, gothic architecture, and sprawling world maps are just a few of the incredible designs that have been inked on the canvas of the skin. From Van Gogh to tribal iconology, the world is filled with unlimited tattoo inspiration.

When looking for your own epic tattoo design, go with what you are drawn to, as others will surely do the same when seeing your own ink creation. Musician or craftsman, painter or entrepreneur, the world of great tattoo art begins and ends with what inspires and moves you in your own. Some men opt for full sleeves and body armor, choosing from their own personal archives and finding their own ingenious ways to implement them into one seamless whole. Others opt for stand-alone symbols and references that speak to them, from Banksy icons to anime heroes.

The greatest tattoos are the ones chosen without heed of passing trends or time-honored imagery. They are as unique as you are, and reflect your world from within and out. No subject is too taboo, no color scheme or anatomical placement off-limits; from 3D designs to antiquated nods, your tattoo is your moving legacy.