Small tattoos can be very meaningful, but when you choose to ink a small quote, the significance skyrockets. Imagine having your favorite verse, motivational words, or a book quote inked on your skin. I know it sounds like a fabulous idea!
Here’s my collection of 20 small quote tattoo ideas that are big on meaning and are sure to inspire your next ink.
1. “All We Have Is Now”
The title of your favorite song can be a great idea for a quote tattoo. This example features a song by Royal Blood—it’s all about enjoying the present moment and making the most of it. Seize the day—time flies, and before you know it, it’s all gone.
2. “Everything Happens For A Reason”
I love the typography of this small quote, especially the combination of bold print fonts and cursive lettering. The quote is a powerful reminder to accept all obstacles and challenges life throws at you, as they are essential parts of your growth and important lessons.
3. “Speak In Oceans, Love In Sunsets”
This small, poetic quote with an image of a seashell looks wonderful on the arm. “Speak In Oceans” suggests deep and meaningful conversations, while “Love In Sunsets” is about the beauty of love and enjoying moments together, like watching a sunset.
4. “Dreams Do Come True”
The side stomach is an interesting choice of placement and the design reflects the power of believing in your dreams: if you sincerely believe in them, they might become reality. So, keep pursuing dreams, no matter how small or big they are.
5. “Someone Who Can Make All Your Missing Things Appear”
This is an incredibly creative design: it looks like a dictionary definition for the noun “mom”. Moms truly have special powers, and we often don’t appreciate them enough.
6. “Lights Will Guide You Home”
Coldplay fans will go crazy for this one. The following verse decodes the meaning: “To yourself, if you feel your living is dark enough.” It’s about the inner sparkle, the intuition, the sixth sense—the subtle hints that give you all the answers and guide you, if only you know how to listen.
7. “Look On The Bright Side”
Being optimistic is awesome, it makes life much easier! That’s why this small quote is a fantastic choice if you want a permanent positive vibe etched on your skin.
8. “This Life Is More Than Just A Read Through”
A quote from the Red Hot Chilli Peppers’s song “Can’t Stop” is a great choice for those who need a reminder to slow down and fully enjoy every moment of life and every experience instead of rushing through them.
9. “Be Your Own Happiness”
This quote tat will inspire you to take control of your own happiness, reminding you that it lies within you. Be your own happiness! Don’t expect other people to make you happy!
10. “You Drew Stars Around My Scars”
Swifties will love this quote tattoo featuring a verse from “Cardigan.” It’s about love that heals, protects, and supports you through tough times.
11. “Be You, Love You, All Ways, Always”
Self-love woman, that should be your priority, and this quote ink is a wonderful reminder to be yourself, and always love yourself no matter what.
12. “Turn The Pain In The Power”
If resilience is your theme, consider getting a small tattoo with a quote like this one. Remember, whatever troubles you face right now will only make you stronger and more resilient for all future setbacks.
13. “No Great Love Was Perfect”
“No great love was perfect” quote tattoo inked just above your elbow is an important message about the high expectations we have when it comes to love. Every love is unique and far from perfect. Forget the fairytales—real love is beautifully imperfect!
14. “May Your Delulu Become Trululu”
This funny and engaging quote tattoo on the thigh is a personal reminder to keep trying until you master it, while believing in yourself along the way. In essence, it carries the same message as “fake it till you make it.”
15. “Observe Not Absorb”
If you’re an empath it can be hard not to absorb other people’s emotions. That’s why this small quote tattoo is perfect for sensitive souls, reminding them to observe without being overwhelmed by everything happening around them.
16. “There Is No End To Your Light”
This poetic quote etched under the elbow is a reminder to shine bright and inspire those around you. Spread optimism and positive vibes, you’ll be surprised how they multiply.
17. “Time Will Tell”
Small quote, big meaning—a perfect choice for your next script ink. Be patient, time will tell if it was the right or wrong decision. Sometimes things need to age before showing their true face.
18. “Faith Over Fear”
An elegant cursive font and placement on the side of the forearm make a small quote tattoo with deep significance. Don’t be afraid of uncertainty and believe everything will turn out just right.
19. “To The Moon And Back”
A love song quote on your forearm is a great way to show your significant other how much you love them. This song by Savage Garden was a big music hit in the 90s for a reason—it’s timeless.
20. “If Not Me, Who? If Not Now, When?”
If you’re sick of being indecisive and letting life pass you by, this quote tattoo is perfect for you. It will inspire you to take action now rather than waiting for someone else to make the move.