It takes a bit of bravery to get collar bone tattoos. Why? First, they hurt. Second, they are incredibly hard to cover-up with clothing. Still interested? Hell yah, you are! One Life to Live, right?

Collar Bone Tattoos

Bye-bye to the bicep – one of the most popular new spots for tattoos is the collar bone.  Made popular by celebrities like Rihanna and Ruby Rose, the color bone is a daring yet delicate way for women to get creative. Not only women are in on the spacious real estate their ink, but men are finding ways to have their chest pieces naturally guided by the clavicle. It’s a perfect spot to have quotes run naturally along, or to help guide the natural flow of bigger pieces. From the famous to the unfamiliar, check out some of the best collar bones tattoos out there.  Whether it’s a place you want to start or the next spot for your body-art collection, here’s 53 ideas to get you inspired!

53. Save the Date Collar Bone Tattoos

When you’re looking to commemorate a moment, it makes a great statement to have it etched next to your heart. Done at Kat Von D’s iconic shop High Voltage, this feminine take on the chest piece is a bold and beautiful way to preserve a special day, and it looks adorable peaking out from her jacket!

52. The sky is the limit

Talk about getting geometric! This impressive bird is created from all circles and shapes, all while utilizing the collar bone’s natural lineage to direct the wings. It’s the meeting of minimalism and intricacy with a little help from the natural curves of the body.

51. Follow your heart

The talented artists at NYC’s famous Bang Bang tattoo shop are incredibly skilled with single-needle work. Keep Bang Bang in mind for collar bone tattoos. This is the epitome of delicacy – from the art itself to the method. What better place to show what makes your heart beat then the left side of your chest?

 

50. A little goes a long way

In such a prominent spot as the clavicle, some people opt for the minimalist approach. This is a great ellipses tattoo that’s for for men and women. It’s very simple but goes a long way in terms of expressing yourself. The ellipses is a popular tattoo to denote the passing or continuation of time no matter what.  These simple tattoos make great collar bone tattoos.

49. Little and Fierce Collar Bone Tattoos

“Though she be little, she is fierce,” is a great line (and another popular tattoo!) but Shakespeare, but in this “live a little” tattoo, we get the same idea. The bold placement, simple serif font, and use of the commanding period make this a small but assertive statement to onlookers.

48. A rose by any other name

Keeping with the Shakespearean theme but upping the ante on being bold, these beautiful roses extend from the shoulders along both clavicles. The rose is timeless tattoo option, and draping them along your clavicle adds a touch of elegance to your ink.

47. Real men wear red

Roses are notoriously associated with love and often that leads to women. However, men can get equally incredible rose tattoos without the threat of sacrificing masculinity. This amazingly original design by Dr. Woo has a unique placement but comes to a head directly under the collar bone – a fan favorite!

 

46. One with nature

This incredible pine tree branch is a sharp yet delicate depiction of the wonders of nature. It aligns effortlessly on the collar bone, depicting just how graceful the natural curvature of our bodies can be.

45. Talk nerdy to me collar bone tattoos

Tattoos of different languages are very widespread, and when it comes to numbers Roman numerals are often the go-to. This tattoo gets creative by paying homage to computer language. This extremely simple yet exceedingly profound tattoo is binary code for “73,” which has its own allure to the individual. NYC artist Jonboy is renowned for his minimalist work, and this is a very loud and proud piece and placement to showcase that.

 44. Escape from reality

 

Collar bone tattoos provide a lot of opportunity to express yourself. In this piece, the artist combined the quote aspect with the object artwork creating one organic piece. Like Alice down the rabbit hole, these books are almost flying away, taking the reader, and the wearer, on an adventure.

43. Dust yourself off

A minimalist idea meets elaborate artwork in this stunning display. This beautiful display stretches out the simple word “try” and uses the guidance of the clavicle to expand into a fading flower.

42. Hidden in plain sight

 

The last-say in subtlety is white ink. If you’re fair of skin and really want to make people work to see the art, white ink is the way to go. It adds an extra air of delicacy to the collar bone, and, in this case, gives an extra twist to the ever-popular feather.

 

41. Color outside the lines

 

The feather is a perfect example of how well collarbone tattoos work with the right concept. This version of the feather allows the subtle outline of the image to be the bones of the bigger piece. Splashed with color and combined with a quote, it’s a perfect execution of bold and minimal.

40. Make a statement collar bone tattoos

Your clavicle doesn’t necessarily need to have a quote to make a statement. This simple concept of the “silver lining” is beautifully riding along the collar bone for maximum or minimum exposure (depending on what you’re wearing) to the reminder that there’s good in everything if you so happen to look hard enough.

39. On a cloudy day

Collarbone tattoos can really be enhanced by combining aspect of other popular ink locations. This sunflower tattoo is beautifully combined with a the loving quote and reference to the endearing song many of us have had sung to us growing up. Here is more collar bone information, from a medical perspective.

 

38. You are my sunshine

Instead of a quote, you can depict how much life and warmth is in the sunflower. This beautifully colored sunflower tattoo looks like it is basking in sunshine and radiates right from the highest point of her chest – a constant reminder to keep smiling!

 

37. Where words fail…

…Music speaks; or art. The popular idea of music note tattoos finds a perfect home on the collarbone, having the treble clef break into small notes that float up clavicle.

36. Sing me a song

Music knows no boundaries, as we can see how effortlessly this tattoo can be stylized for men as well as women. With a little more lines and the option, in this case, for the bass clef, this music tattoo sings the same song to a different man.

35. Mistakes happen

This life lesson was made popular when Rihanna inked it in the same spot, but DaVinci style, but you don’t need to read it from a mirror to make the same impression. Just another quote to help you keep your head up and your chest out!

34. Proverbs 31:25

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” An uplifting quote from the bible with an uplifting position on the collar bone! It is beautiful how the font truly seems to clothe her, as it drapes over her chest.

33. Felines need loving too collar bone tattoos

Cat lovers everywhere, especially on the internet, are finding cute ways to commemorate their clawed pals. This adorable and minimalist cat silhouette found a home walking gracefully down this clavicle, leaving a little trace of love in a paw print. Creative and classy!

32. Always…

Letting go of the Wizarding world was tough for Harry Potter fans across the globe, but tattooing some of the best quotes from the book has helped to keep the fandom alive and well (especially now that they’re old enough to ink!). This cute clavicle quote is drawn from the Harry Potter series, but can also be done with someone personal in mind. As far as collar bone tattoos goes, this one is magical. Get it?

 

31. Experience the Magic

There are two types of people in this world: those who like Disney and those who live and breathe Disney. For all the devoted Disney fanatics, this collar bone tattoo uses the iconic Magic Castle to blend with a heart beat to make a simple, direct, and lasting statement.

30. Second star on the left

Another popular and timeless Disney tribute is the Peter Pan reference “second star to the left and straight on ’til morning.” The collar bone is a perfect plain to have the two stars twinkle side by side and remind you and others to always have a little fun in life.

 

29. Tribute

Literary and movie tattoos are widespread in tattoos. If Disney or Harry Potter aren’t your thing, put your own twist on it! There is no limit to getting creative with what we love. This tattoo features the mockingjay pendant worn by Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games. It can be to show love for the book or movies or a reminder to be fearless and strong. Also the clavicle is a great spot to mimic just where Jennifer Lawrence keeps it pinned!

 28. You are divergent

 

Soon after the The Hunger Games made its silver screen debut, Divergent joined the club and brought its own fandom with it. We’ve seen bird collar bone tattoos, but these birds also have a special meaning as a shoutout to the book series. Like the main character, Tris, these three ravens serve as “a reminder of where I was…a way to honor my old life.”

27. Winter is Coming

Just like with Panem and Post-apocalyptic Chicago, Westeros has a place among tattoo connoisseurs. This is an incredible statement to House Stark, the protectors of North, and a constant reminder that winter is coming. This tattoo works great under the collar bone. If you’re more Team Lannister, their stag would also find a great home on the clavicle!

 

26. Matching

Clearly, collar bone tattoos work perfectly for both men and women. If you don’t want to go the ring-route, there are other ways to match with your mate. Here’s a touching example of couples both devoting prime ink realty to love of each other, as inspired by Game of Thrones. These are pet names given to the kind and queen of the Dothraki. If you’re not a Game of Thrones fan, there are plenty of endearing quotes and pet names to split between you and your love!

25. Love to Love

Even in the coldest winters and when things look hopeless, people sometimes need a little reminder of what they always have to hold onto. This tattoo seems to do just that; a reminder that though everything else may fail you, love never will.

 

24. Learn to Fly

The image of the swallow is not new in the art of tattooing, but has made a viral comeback in the collar bone tattoos world. One of the original “Sailor Jerry” designs, this classic bird has personal details included. It’s fluttering between the shoulder and the color bone, allowing for the addition of more collar bone tattoos to complete the look!

 

23. Smooth Sailing collar bone tattoos

Sailor Jerry made tattooing popular in western culture, but this ship is its very own depiction of the mast and sails of the seven seas. Done by Dr. Woo, it’s not surprising to see such detail and how it finds a way to perfectly and seamlessly align with the collarbone.

22. Eternal Elegance

Lace tattoos are increasingly popular and eternally elegant. There is no limit to how you work with them. Whether you’re looking for a small piece, or a sleeve, the different patterns offer a lot of freedom and versatility with design. This piece is beautiful draped over her shoulder to create a lacey look that is sure to stun.

 

21. Moving Mountains

Some collar bone tattoos use the slanted space to create the illusion of movement. This particular piece chose to do the opposite. These three peaks found a home right beneath the boney chest region where they will forever stay.

 

20. Flaws and All

When you’re choosing a tattoo, sometimes there is a lot of pressure for it to be thought out and perfect. This piece reminds us that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be ideal. One thing that is close to perfect is the placement – collar bone tattoos are infinitely versatile for all personalities!

19. Colors of the Wind

Venturing off from black is often a big risk, but this piece does it gracefully. The autumn leaves have picked up a wind stream along the collar bone, each with their own color that the artist masterfully shaded instead of filling in solidly.

 

18. Shot to the Heart

This tattoo combines two elements of popular tattoos into one very unique collar bone piece. It’s a very simplistic arrow with a feather knotted around it for the Native American look. The arrow is simple but the artist allowed some creativity to shine in the feather, making a beautifully unique tattoo.

 

17. Forever and for Always

Arrows can be manipulated a multitude of different ways to become unique. Where some choose to add a symbol others can add a word, or in this case, a statement.

 

16. Dark Side of the Moon

This crescent found a perfect home in the crevice of the collar bone. The different phases of the moon can be seen in different variations of tattoos, but this small and simple design is the just enough to make the clavicle sparkle.

 

15. Happy accident

Another piece from the Manhattan-based artist Jonboy, this single word on the collar bone shows a lot of joy. The S in serendipity is stylized to look almost like an infinity symbol, making it a look effortless without it being a happy accident.

 

14. Dear John

You don’t always have to hide your feelings. This very blatant tattoo leaves little to the imagination. No spaces needed to relay the message, and have it right next to your heart.

13. Life and Death

Sometimes song lyrics become life mantras. This lyric from a song on the 1973 James Bond film of the same name was made exceedingly popular by the Guns ‘N Roses cover of it. Interestingly enough, it’s message hasn’t died out and makes for a wonderfully bold collar bone tattoo.

 

12. Opposites attract

Life and death are opposites, while fear and love seem to hover on the same plane. This cleverly stylized tattoo connects fear with love by a very fine line that is guided perfectly by the collar bone.

11. You hold the key

A skeleton key is a very popular tattoo option. They have different meanings, depending on the person who decided to ink it, but this specific design gives a hint to the overall motive. Believe is neatly etched in the center of the key, showing perhaps that believing in something can unlock a lot of opportunity.

 

10. Be careful what you wish for

Men’s tattoos don’t have to be big and elaborate to be masculine. These three short simple words make a great collar bone decoration, and state that something beautiful can also be very dangerous.

9. Personal journey

When the search for the perfect spot for your tattoo is over, you’re ready to voice other beliefs. This is another version of a tattoo that uses several elements Sailor Jerry Style, to create one organic piece. It follows the curve of the collar bone perfectly and still blends effortlessly into the existing shoulder piece.

 

8. Thunderstruck

Lightning bolts can be representative of many things. Some show their Harry Potter support, others reminisce of the days of AC/DC, and yet some pay homage to the Greek god Zeus. Whatever the meaning, they can be flashy (no pun intended) or very simple, like we see here.

7. Tree of Life  Collar Bone Tattoos

Choosing a tree as a tattoo can represent growth and often refers to the several branches and the roots from where it grows. Depending on the person it could mean many different things and this tree is a beautiful depiction of life. As far as collar bone tattoos go, this tree has found a perfect indentation to spread its roots.

 

6. Swing from the chandelier

Classy, timeless, illuminating; this chandelier tattoo is artfully hung from the collar bone, making an effortless statement. A chandelier tattoo has a lot of freedom in terms of intricacies and the collar bone is an ideal place to hang it from.

5. Potpourri

It’s not always easy to decide what tattoo you want when the fever hits you. If you decide on the place first, you can just work from there. This piece features several different elements of femininity. From the floral pattern to the red hearts, this tattoo has found perfect harmony within itself and a perfect home situated on the shoulder along the collar bone. Experiment with soft, muted colors for a natural feel.

4. Birds of a Feather

Whether it is a sparrow, a dove, an eagle, or a raven, there are various options for spreading your wings when it comes to ink. This bird tattoo chooses to employ five of the same bird, flying not in unison but in the same direction. It could have many meanings depending on the idea of the artist and the canvas, but it certainly fits effortlessly in the jet stream of the collarbone.

3. The caged bird

This feminine bird is a beautiful piece of dot work tattooing. The dot work method creates this soft look that offers nature shading. Combined with the hard lines outlined for this bird, it is a very delicate and feminine look along the clavicle. This particular one is stylized to look less realistic and have the flirty eyelashes and curling detail to be wholly unique. Adorable and elegant!

2. The fabric of life

In a generation of such vast technology, we often forget about the basics of craftsmanship. On this simple tattoo, we get the illusion of stitching of a heart, complete with the thread and needle laid across her shoulder. It even appears to have the needle stuck through her skin — a lasting nod to handmade and individually crafted art of fabrics or even of individual humans.

1. A little love

As far as collar bone tattoos go, there are endless options depending on your taste, lifestyle, interest, etc. This list was not all inclusive, but certainly touched on the countless different ways that the clavicle’s curvature can be a guide for the beautiful art of tattooing. Whether you are looking for your first piece or are adding to a larger one, having a little bit of inspiration from others work can help bring your idea to life. This final piece is a small touch that still has so much to say. It is a simple hollow heart. People often forget that hearts can have many different shapes; one side may be bigger than another, it could be slanted, it could be long and narrow or wide. A lot more goes into a tattoo than a first glance might prove. Whatever you choose to ink on your collarbone, do it with personality!