10 Moon Tattoos
Every moon tattoo on this page was drawn and tattooed by Eli Inking, an illustrative tattoo artist based in Bristol. Most are fine line; a few use dotwork, bold black or a spot of colour. I see clients from all over the UK and further afield, and I tour other cities through the year.
Sizes and placements
A moon works at almost any size. On this page there's a tiny crescent on the back of a hand, a little moon on the upper back, crescent faces on the back of the arm, a full moon on a shoulder blade and a row of moon phases across a thigh.
The back of the arm is the most popular spot for a moon face: it gives the face room and sits nicely on the curve of the arm. Forearms suit pairs, like a sun on one arm and a moon on the other. Hands, wrists and the upper back suit a small, simple crescent, and thighs have room for a row of phases.
Fine line means the drawing is made of single, clean lines rather than heavy fill, so a moon face stays light and delicate. I'll always suggest a size that keeps the face readable for years, rather than squeezing too much into too small a space.
Make it your own
Every design is original, and I'm always happy to make a moon yours: a different face, a full moon instead of a crescent, a few stars, a spot of colour, or a sun to go with it. If one of these is your kind of moon, book a tattoo.
Prefer suns? Have a look at ten fine line sun tattoos, or something more playful in ten whimsical tattoos.
Ten moons I've tattooed
Crescent moons, full moons, moon phases and moon faces, in fine line, dotwork, bold black and a little colour.
1. Moon face
A crescent moon with a sleeping face, drawn in one loose line on the back of the arm. This one's fully healed.
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2. Moon with a red flower
A crescent moon face with a tiny red flower at its lips. One spot of colour goes a long way.
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3. Full moon
A full moon in soft dotwork, craters and all, on the shoulder blade.
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4. Moon with rays
A small crescent face with little rays around it, right in the middle of the upper back.
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5. Tiny crescent
Just a little crescent on the back of the hand. A moon doesn't need to be big.
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6. Half moon tile
A half-lit moon in a small square tile, between a dog and a bird. Tiles like this build up nicely over time.
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7. Matching sun and moon
A rising sun in one arch and a crescent moon in the other, one on each forearm.
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8. Blue moon and seahorse
A blue crescent moon face looking across at a skeleton seahorse, on the forearm.
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9. Reaching for the moon
A skeleton reaching up to a bold blue moon, from my flash design The Moon Won't Come Down.
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10. Moon phases
Five moons, from crescent to full and back again, resting on a leafy vine across the back of the thigh.
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Moon designs, ready to be tattooed
All drawn already, all available. There are plenty more moons, suns and dancing figures on the artwork page.
FAQS
Are these designs original?
Yes. Every drawing here is mine, and every tattoo was done by me. I don't copy other artists' work, and I'd ask the same of anyone who finds these on Pinterest.
Can I have one of these, or something like it?
Many of my moons are flash, already drawn and ready to tattoo. I'm also happy to make one your own: a different face, a full moon instead of a crescent, a few stars, or paired with a sun.
How small can a moon tattoo be?
A plain crescent can be really small, like the one on the back of a hand on this page, which makes it a lovely first tattoo. A moon with a face needs a little more room so the features stay clear as the tattoo settles. I'll suggest the right size for the design you pick.
What does a moon tattoo mean?
That's yours to decide. A moon is often linked with change, cycles and new beginnings, and plenty of people simply love the shape. If yours has a story behind it, I'd love to hear it.
Do you do sun and moon tattoos?
Yes, often. A sun and a moon side by side, one on each knee or forearm, or dancing together in one design. Have a look at my fine line sun tattoos too.
How much does a moon tattoo cost?
Tattoos start at £130 and go up from there with size and detail, and I'm always happy to give a quote. A deposit (usually £60) secures your appointment.
Where are you based?
I tattoo at Nice and Good Studio, 8 St Gabriel's Business Park, Easton, Bristol.
It's appointment only and I'm not there every day, so everything goes through the booking form rather than dropping in.
Want a moon of your own?
Tattoos start at £130 and go up from there with size and detail. I'm always happy to give a quote.
Before you book, have a read of my useful information for people looking to book.
