Generally speaking, your tattoos should face the center of your body. However, a new trend has emerged that challenges this established norm of body art. Yes, we’re talking about reverse tattoos. Unlike traditional tattoos, these ink designs turn the tattoo image upside down. Alternatively, they incorporate a clever play on negative space to create an optical illusion of a flipped image or use colors that appear different under different lights. Some designs also incorporate ambigram text, which allows the tattoo to remain readable even when viewed from different angles. If you’re looking for some of these unconventional and creative designs, then this article is for you. Read on to discover the most popular reverse tattoo designs for your next inking session.
8 Best Reverse Tattoo Ideas
Here are some of the most unconventional reverse tattoo ideas that are sure to turn heads wherever you go:
1. Inverted cross tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
The inverted cross in this design is simple and bold. It is associated with the martyrdom of St. Peter, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus. Because of this, it is also known as the Cross of St. Peter or the Cross of Peter. Although the tattoo is associated with Christianity, in a modern context it can also symbolize rebellion and atheism.
2. Inverted triangle tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
An inverted triangle usually represents a reversal of roles or hierarchy. The tattoo above shows the triangle with the base at the top and the pointed end pointing down. The tattoo is bold, simple and super clean. It also symbolizes change, transformation, femininity and the moon.
3. Inverted rose tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Check out this piece if you need a tattoo that represents rebellion against societal norms. It shows a rose with the stem pointing upwards and the petals falling down. Normally, the red rose symbolizes beauty and love. However, in its inverted form, it indicates that you can find them in unconventional or unexpected places.
4. Reverse tattoo sleeve
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This half sleeve tattoo features an upside down goat in black and gray. It is very detailed and captures the goat’s intense gaze and fur texture perfectly. The tattoo also features an upside down pentagon on the goat’s head, which is often associated with occult practices and Satanism. With the goat, the design could represent Baphomet, a demonic deity that symbolizes balance in various mystical traditions.
5. Negative space reverse tattoo
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
This tattoo uses negative spaces to depict a fern structure. The image is also inverted with the stem pointing upward and the leafy fronds falling downward. Since a fern frond symbolizes growth and renewal, the inversion can represent a different perspective on this journey of transformation.
6. Inverted flower tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
This tattoo shows a bunch of flowers with the stem pointing upwards and the flowers cascading down. The flowers are intricately detailed and have muted tones. They symbolize personal growth, resilience, uniqueness, and the beauty of embracing new perspectives.
7. Inverted spider web tattoo
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
Instead of turning the tattoo upside down, this design uses negative space to create the illusion of an upside-down spider web. The design also features a spider on top and a black and gray palette to maintain a classic and bold look. This tattoo symbolizes a rebellion against traditional norms. It also reminds us that sometimes things are not what they seem.
8. Inverted Skull Tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
A traditional skull motif often symbolizes mortality. In this design, however, the jaw is at the top and the head is at the bottom. This creates an unconventional perspective on life and death. The tattoo is very detailed and perfectly shaded to capture the contours of the skull. It can also represent rebellion and defiance.
Unlike traditional ink designs that face the center of the body, reverse tattoos are designed to face the wearer. In this way, they usually appear upside down to the viewer, but correct to the person wearing the tattoo. They can also use an ambigram tattoo style or negative space to create the illusion of a flipped image. You can choose any design for these tattoos, ranging from simple symbols like a cross to flowers and skulls. The list above includes a few of these ideas. Read through and get inspired for your next ink!
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