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16 Shared Ink Designs And The Personal Stories That Inspired Them, According To Our Artists
Matching tattoos have a reputation problem. Mention the idea and someone will inevitably bring up the couple who got each other’s names tattooed and broke up four months later. But matching tattoos can mean so much more than that. They can be a small symbol shared by sisters, a line from a favorite song chosen by a group of friends, or the same flower picked by a mother and daughter for completely different reasons.
We’re a tattoo studio in King’s Cross, London, and we see pairs and groups come through our doors regularly. The best matching tattoos tend to have one thing in common: they mean something to the people wearing them, even if nobody else would understand the significance. We’ve gathered 16 examples below, along with the stories behind them.
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#1
Two Dogs Climbing Out Of Portals
Two friends who live in different cities. Each got the other's dog holding their drink of choice, which tells you exactly what these two do when they finally manage to be in the same place.
Tattoos done by Shanji.
The best part about a matching tattoo is that there really aren't any rules. You don't have to get the same design, put it in the same place, or even choose something that makes sense to anyone else. It can be a tiny symbol, a shared reference, two completely different designs, or simply something that reminds you of a particular person and a particular time in your life.
If you're getting tattooed together, make the day part of the memory too. Choose an artist whose style you both love, take your time deciding on the designs, and enjoy the experience rather than worrying about making everything perfectly identical.
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#2
Husband And Wife, No Hidden Meaning, Just Two Apples Having A Lovely Time
#3
Two Robins, Two Moods
Same bird, same branch, completely different tattoo for 2 sisters. One went minimal, one went full colour.
Neither of them compromised, which is rarer than it sounds.
Tattoos made by Shanji.
And don't be afraid to make it personal. The tattoos in this list work because they belong to the people wearing them. Some celebrate family, some friendship, some shared adventures, and some are simply an excuse to do something fun together.
Years from now, you might not remember exactly what the tattoo looked like on the day you got it. But you'll probably remember who was sitting next to you, what you were laughing about, and how excited you were to walk out of the studio together.
That's what makes a great matching tattoo worth getting: it's not really about matching. It's about sharing a moment you'll always have with you.
#4
Two Wizards
A slightly grumpy cartoon wizard tattoo as a reminder of the childhood toy they both loved.
Not every matching tattoo needs a reason. Sometimes you both just think something is funny or brings you warm emotions.
Tattoos made by Marie.
#5
"Love You Always"
Two sisters, a butterfly each, and their mum's handwriting underneath both.
Tattoos done by Fernando.
#6
Two Small Sardines
Two friends and one inside joke. They know why it's a fish. Nobody else does, and that's usually the sign of a good one.
Tattoos made by Junior.
#7
Three Friends, Three Tattoos, One Very Good Day
Matching tattoos don't have to mean matching designs. These three came over from the US and walked in together to mark the friendship, then each picked something completely different.
Same day, same artist, three personalities intact, one shared experience.
Tattoos done by Edyta.
#8
Coldplay Fans
They went to a Coldplay gig, had a lot of fun and decided to take home a souvenir with their favourite lyrics.
Husband and wife, straight from a Coldplay show in London, decided the night needed something more permanent than a tour t-shirt.
Tattoos done by Edyta.
#9
A Hen Party That Ended In A Tattoo Studio
Sashes, a bride-to-be, and five friends who decided the day needed a permanent souvenir.
Most hen parties come with a list of things you're made to do. This is the only part still visible the next morning.
Tattoos made by Matt.
#10
"What Color?"
Two words from a film they both love, in color letters.
Tattoos made by Junior.
#11
Two Sisters, Two Stingrays
And honestly, stingrays make a pretty great sister tattoo. They glide through life looking completely unbothered — which is probably a useful quality to share with your sister.
Tattoos made by Junior.
#12
Family Trip To King's Cross Escalated Slightly
Getting four people to agree on lunch is hard. Getting them to agree on something permanent is another sport entirely.
Tattoos made by Fernando.
#13
Three Good Colleagues And Their Employer’s Logo
Three people who work at the same company got its logo tattooed on their forearms, then went to a corporate event that afternoon.
Nobody made them do it, and that's the part of the story and shows the great culture they work in.
Tattoos done by Shinji.
#14
Three Tourists Taking Home A Permanent Souvenir From London
Tattoos made by Carou.
#15
The Pixies Logo, Inked Twice And Matt Having Fun
Two fans, son and dad sharing the same passion and taste in music.
Tattoos made by Matt.
#16
Mum's First Tattoo
Her daughters have been tattooed for years. When their mum decided to get her first one, they got the same sparkles to give her courage and mark their bond forever.
Tattoos done by Junior.
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