101 Best Small Shark Tattoo Ideas That Will Blow Your Mind!+2023

Reviewed & updated: December 12, 2022 by Jamie Wilson BA

Looking for some cool ideas for your next tattoo? We have just the same. Here are some of the best examples of small shark tattoo designs that you will absolutely love.

In many cultures, sharks are perceived to be sacred animals.

Yes, they are often thought to be dangerous and evil. However, some people also associate them with strength and adventure.

Take the example of Polynesian cultures. The Polynesians used to view the shark as a symbol of protection against all evil forces. They were the protector of mankind and was equally feared and respected. Simultaneously, in other cultures, they are known for their ability to stay alert even when they are asleep. They are the true epitome of hard work, stamina, and focus. So why not reflect all these qualities through an amazing shark tattoo design? Mentioned below are some of the best small shark tattoo ideas that you need to check out for your next design.

Hammerhead Shark Tattoos

The hammerhead shark is one of the most famous symbols in the world of tattooing. They represent protection and therefore are an ideal choice for men. In this image, the artist has used dotwork to create this design on the leg of the individual. For those new to tattooing, dotwork refers to a tattoo technique where the artist uses several dots to create a visually attractive look. The delicate and soft execution makes the tattoo experience painless and therefore is preferred by most tattoo lovers out there. The above-mentioned image contains one similar example of a tattoo done with the dotwork technique. The artist has mainly used black ink to create this whole design, and it indeed looks incredible. If you are looking for similar ideas, then you should definitely consider this one for your next tattoo design.

Tribal Shark Tattoos

Shark tattoos can be of varied shapes and styles. In this image, we can see one beautiful example of a tribal shark tattoo drawn on the leg of the individual. It indeed looks quite aesthetic and equally meaningful. Tribal tattoos, in particular, are usually done in black ink. No other bright colors are used in these kinds of designs. Furthermore, you can also see a lot of unique patterns and symbols in tribal designs that can vary from simple to complex. Each of these symbols carries different meanings. They can represent protection, bravery, power, and strength. When you incorporate a tribal design into your tattoo, it enhances the overall meaning of your tattoo. The above-mentioned image is an example of the same. The artist has very creatively drawn a tribal tattoo design with different unique patterns, like arrows and flowers. The tattoo does not at all look over-the-top and is a must-have for all those who like these kinds of designs.

Realistic Shark Tattoos

This one, right here, has to be one of the best designs that we have seen so far. Look how creatively the tattoo artist has done the shading of this design so as to give it a 3-D look. Largely preferred by women, these kinds of small and realistic shark tattoos are one of the best designs because of their simplistic looks and their powerful meanings. Sharks are one of the greatest predators in the water. They are feared by all other marine animals and even humans. This makes them a classic icon of strength and fearlessness. They are also known to be extremely intelligent creatures. If you want your tattoo design to highlight all these qualities, then you should definitely go for this one. What’s more, you can even place them anywhere on your body, like your leg, ankle, wrist, and forearm, and they will look equally great.

Colored Shark Tattoo Designs

If you are looking for a vibrant and colorful design, then you should definitely go for this one. The above-mentioned image contains a stunning example of a shark tattoo design etched on the wrist of the individual. The artist has chosen a bright shade of blue ink to highlight the water, and as for the body of the shark, he has gone with a silver color. When put together, it offers quite an interesting and vibrant shark tattoo design that is easily noticeable even from a distance.

If you are thinking of whether to get a shark tattoo or not, then think no more. In today’s pop culture, sharks are one of the most popular creatures because of their unique strength and fearless nature. There have been so many movies on them, like Jaws, Meg, and Sharknado, some of which have even earned millions at the box office. So why not use this for your next tattoo design?

Shark Jaw Tattoo Designs

An interesting fact about sharks is that they have been roaming this planet since the Jurassic era of dinosaurs. Some species of sharks are even considered powerful enough to kill a human being. For this reason, they are also often considered to be a symbol of immortality. In this image, instead of the mainstream shark’s body tattoo, the artist has simply drawn the jaw of the shark on the arm of the individual. The tattoo definitely looks incredible and sends out a powerful message of the wearer’s personality. The artist has very creatively highlighted the sharp razor teeth of the shark, using black and grey ink. The best placement for this tattoo design is the knee and the arms.

Shark Fin Tattoo Design

Here is another unique representation of a shark tattoo etched on the body of this individual. Although fairly popular among women, this design will look equally great on men as well, if done in the proper manner. In this image, the artist has simply drawn a very cute design of the shark’s fin using plain black ink. Right below, he has incorporated a wave design so as to denote the water. A lesser-known fact about the shark fin is that it is considered to be a delicacy in various cultures. Even in today’s world, you can find delicious soup made out of shark fin in Chinese, Taiwanese, and Indonesian households.

Minimalist Small Shark Tattoos

For those, who prefer small and minimalist designs over large and dramatic ones, this one is a must-have. The image mentioned above contains a beautiful design of two sharks floating in the water. The tattoo generates a very calm and soothing vibe, which is in contrast to the dangerous and fierce nature of the creature. For this design, the artist used black ink to color both the sharks’ bodies and also added shadings near the sides, thus giving a 3-D look. One of the best things about minimalist designs is that you can place them on any part of your body, and they do not even cost much. If this is your first time getting tattooed, then you should definitely go for this design.

Traditional Shark Tattoo

Traditional tattoos are one of the timeless styles of tattooing. They are characterized by their use of bold lines and bright colors. They have been in existence for several decades and are largely popular even in today’s world. Typically, in traditional tattoos, you will find minimal shading and simple designs. In this image, we can see one such beautiful example of a traditional shark tattoo drawn on the forearm of the individual. To add that certain feminine touch to the design, the artist has even incorporated two beautiful flowers into the tattoo. He has highlighted the same, using a mixture of pink, yellow and green colors. As for the shark, he has chosen a stunning shade of silver ink. If you look closely, you can also see the sharp teeth of the shark that the artist has drawn using white ink.

Blue Shark Tattoos

The above-mentioned image contains a beautiful example of a simple and minimalist small shark tattoo drawn on the body of the individual. To highlight the body of the shark, the artist has chosen a bright shade of blue ink instead of the mainstream black color. When placed against the beautiful skin tone of the individual, the tattoo surely looks quite aesthetic and is pleasing to the eyes. The color you choose to highlight your tattoo design should be in sync with the overall meaning that you want to deliver. For example, in this image, the wearer has chosen blue ink, which is synonymous with water, and therefore enhances the meaning of this whole tattoo design.

Cute Shark Tattoos

When it comes to body art, you can explore different designs and styles before finally telling for the perfect one. You do not necessarily have to go for a powerful or dangerous look to send out a deep message. You can achieve the same using a cute and simple design. The above-mentioned image is a rendition of the same. Unlike all the designs that we have seen so far, this tattoo portrays quite a fun and adorable look of the most-feared creature of water. To amplify the meaning further, the artist has even incorporated some cute bubbles into the design. If you like this kind of cute design, then you should definitely consider using this one as a reference for your next tattoo.

Most people associate the shark with fear or danger. However, these majestic beasts have so many other qualities other than just aggressiveness. You can portray all these through different tattoo designs. On that note, here are a few other cool examples of small shark tattoo designs that you must check out.

Feature Image from Pinterest