Some connections deserve more than a group photo.
Whether you’re celebrating a friendship, honoring a sibling bond, or choosing something meaningful with your partner, matching tattoos can turn a shared story into artwork you carry with you.
At Birdie’s Tattoo in East Nashville, we can help you explore designs that feel personal to each of you. And yes, you can get matching tattoos without agreeing on absolutely everything.
Do Matching Tattoos Have to Be Identical?
They don’t. Matching tattoos can share a theme, symbol, or visual style while looking different on each person.
You might choose the same flower in different sizes, complementary images, or two designs inspired by a shared memory. One person might prefer delicate linework while another wants a bolder interpretation.
A useful starting point: choose tattoos you each love individually, with a connection that makes them more meaningful.
Matching Tattoo Ideas for Friends
The best friendship tattoo ideas often come from something specific to your relationship: a tradition, an inside joke, or a place that matters to you.
Ideas to explore include:
A shared symbol: A star, lightning bolt, or little object with a story behind it.
Favorite flowers: The same bloom, or a different flower for each friend.
Music-inspired designs: An image connected to a favorite song, concert, or record.
An inside joke: A small illustration that makes perfect sense to you and almost no one else.
A shared adventure: A design inspired by a trip, hometown, or memorable experience.
Before choosing, ask yourselves: “Would I want this tattoo even if we weren’t getting it together?” Everyone should be excited about their own piece.
Matching Tattoo Ideas for Couples
Couples’ tattoos can be subtle, playful, or deeply personal. Names and anniversary dates are options, but there are plenty of other ways to represent your relationship.
Consider:
A place that matters: A botanical or architectural detail inspired by where you met.
A shared interest: Books, music, animals, cooking, or whatever you love doing together.
Complementary designs: A sun and moon, two different birds, or related images that work independently.
A meaningful symbol: Something connected to a memory or tradition.
A shared motif in different styles: The same subject interpreted to suit each person.
Choose something that feels like you. Your relationship has its own personality; your tattoos can, too.
Matching Tattoo Ideas for Siblings
Sibling tattoos can honor your history together while leaving room for your individual tastes.
Some starting points:
Childhood references: An illustration inspired by a favorite game, family tradition, or place you grew up.
Birth flowers: Each sibling’s flower, arranged together or tattooed separately.
Related botanical designs: Different branches, leaves, or blooms with a shared visual style.
Family symbols: An object or image with meaning across generations.
Coordinated artwork: A different design for each sibling, connected by linework, color, or theme.
You’ve probably spent enough time debating who gets what. This time, everyone can choose their favorite.
Flash or Custom: Which Is Better for Matching Tattoos?
Both can work.
Flash tattoos are designs an artist has already created. If you find something you all love, ask the artist whether it’s available to be tattooed on more than one person. Some designs are repeatable; others are intended for one client.
Custom tattoos give you room to build around your shared story. You can bring a few references, explain the connection, and work with an artist to develop related designs.
You don’t need to arrive with a finished drawing. A clear idea of what matters to you is a useful place to start.
Choosing Size and Placement
Matching tattoos don’t need matching placement.
One person might want an upper-arm tattoo while another prefers an ankle or forearm. Think about visibility, clothing, and how the design fits each person’s body.
Size matters, too. Lettering and intricate details need enough space to read clearly. Rather than deciding that everything must be tiny, let your artist recommend a scale that suits the artwork.
If you’re choosing tattoos that connect when placed side by side, consider how each piece will look on its own. Most of the time, that’s how you’ll see it.
How to Plan a Matching Tattoo Appointment in Nashville
For two or more people, contacting the studio ahead of time is the best way to plan. Even small tattoos require time for individual design decisions, placement, setup, and tattooing.
When reaching out, include:
How many people want tattoos.
Whether you want identical or complementary designs.
Reference images or a short description of your idea.
Approximate size and placement for each person.
Your preferred date, especially if you’re visiting Nashville.
Each person’s budget.
Pricing depends on the individual tattoo’s size, detail, placement, and time required. Related designs may have different prices if their scale or complexity varies.
Give everyone room to make their own decisions, too. Matching tattoos should feel like an enthusiastic yes from every person involved.
Getting Matching Tattoos at Birdie’s
Whether your idea is sentimental, slightly ridiculous, or a little of both, we’d love to hear the story behind it.
Birdie’s Tattoo offers free consultations to help you explore your designs, discuss placement and sizing, and plan the next step.
Find us at 604 Gallatin Avenue, Suite 212, in East Nashville.
Ready to make it a shared experience? Book a free consultation at https://birdiestattoo.com/book-now or call 615-572-6227.
Come with your favorite people. Leave with something that’s yours.