July 30th, 2021

50 Ridiculous Rib Tattoos

Have you tattooed your ribs?

When it comes to getting tattooed, not all locations on the body are created equal. Some spots, such as the bicep or forearm, are pretty manageable for both the artist and the client to endure. While others, like the ribs, can be seriously unbearable for both parties. However, we still see epic rib pieces produced every single day.

Many clients, especially first time clients, don’t realize the blood, sweat and tears put into rib tattoos. Let’s break is down for you. For the artist, this location is very tricky for several reasons. One, you’re having to pull straight lines while your client is breathing. Two, you’re having to maneuver between flab/muscle/skin and bones, which are vastly different surfaces. Three, in order to execute these tattoos, you’ll need the clients to stretch— therefore making the stencil two to three times larger than it will be when they stand straight. Four, unless you’re getting a small piece done, a full rib piece will likely take many hours, often spread out over multiple sessions. And five, tattooers are almost always standing to do rib tattoos and this is a huge back backer.

For the clients, it’s often no easier a feat. If you’ve ever been kicked in the ribs or have broken a rib, you’ll know they’re extremely sensitive. Now imagine getting a tattoo there, but also having to remain perfectly still and breathe in a controlled way for hours on end.

But, despite these challenges, rib tattoos are still absolutely stunning. They’re a huge canvas for breathtaking pieces and if done right, they’ll hold up well over time. Take a peek at 50 rib tattoos that blew our freaking minds in the gallery below, then let us know if you have a rib tattoo of your own in the comments section on social media.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Arlo DiCristina (@arlotattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by carlos torres (@carlostorresart)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by carlos torres (@carlostorresart)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by carlos torres (@carlostorresart)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sam Barber (@sambarbertattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by MATT JORDAN (@mattjordantattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Po Zhang aka POPO (@popotattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Po Zhang aka POPO (@popotattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Teneile Napoli (@teneile_napoli)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Teneile Napoli (@teneile_napoli)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Steve Butcher (@stevebutchertattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by David Corden (@davidcorden)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by David Corden (@davidcorden)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Anaïs Chabane (@anais_chabane)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Anaïs Chabane (@anais_chabane)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by TATTOO ARTIST LA (@nora_ink)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by TATTOO ARTIST LA (@nora_ink)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ❈ Blum ❈ (@blum.ttt)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by chris primm (@primm_)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by filouino (@filouino)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by filouino (@filouino)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jake Danielson (@jaketattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jake Danielson (@jaketattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Corpsepainter (@julian.siebert)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Corpsepainter (@julian.siebert)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Corpsepainter (@julian.siebert)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ℭ (@jozzycamacho)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by _ (@tilda_tattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by H ✷ (@asoultobare)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by H ✷ (@asoultobare)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by H ✷ (@asoultobare)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lina Hsiao (@linahsiaotattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lina Hsiao (@linahsiaotattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lina Hsiao (@linahsiaotattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Undying Art (@dead.tattooer)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jess Mascetti (@jessmachete)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @mermaidsketches

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nikki Simpson (@nikkisimpsontattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Andrés Acosta (@acostattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Andrés Acosta (@acostattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Andrés Acosta (@acostattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by PhilGarcia805 (@philgarcia805)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by PhilGarcia805 (@philgarcia805)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by PhilGarcia805 (@philgarcia805)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by PhilGarcia805 (@philgarcia805)

Editor's Picks

Heartless Ink Banner Art
Bridging Classical Art and Modern Tattooing

Esteban Rodriguez brings the discipline of classical fine art to the living canvas of skin, creating hyper-realistic tattoos that merge technical mastery with emotional depth.

Show your Ink Fashions Fashion
Show Your Ink Fashions Brings Custom Style to Tattoo Culture

Show Your Ink Fashions creates custom shirts designed to showcase your tattoos as wearable art, blending fashion with personal expression.

Culture
The Ultimate “Superman” Tattoo Roundup: Just in Time for Superman’s Return to Screens

With Superman’s big return to theaters, fans are revisiting some of the most iconic ink inspired by the Man of Steel.

diplo_cover