Picking out body art is a very personal and individual adventure that takes a long time…or at least it should. Since tattoo designs are as varied and diverse as people, actually probably more so, you should pick a design that means something to you. The ones that are the most loved for the longest are tattoo designs that are timeless. These are the ones that can't be dated, or that have claims to something popular on TV in a particular decade. Sure, you may LOVE Grey's Anatomy…but is that McDreamy reference really going to be McCool in ten years? Would you approve of someone's Happy Days tattoo today? Remember, you will have to explain the meaning of your body art to your own grandchildren someday. Do you want them to admire it, or laugh at the crazy old-person tattoo? Timeless tattoo designs are the ones that have always been around in some sense or another and the ones that have meanings not tied to trends. .

The anchor is a traditional sailor symbol, and is often worked into a design that also includes swallows (birds) or a nautical star.
Religious symbols will probably never fade, and they are as diverse as the different religions. Crosses, crucifixion pictures, praying hands, and Bibles are all popular choices.  Quotes with religious ties (Bible verses, etc.) are also widely known tattoo designs.
Blades…daggers, swords, and knives…have been seen in tattoos for decades as well. The symbolism is often dark, such as a dagger that pierces a heart or a rose woven over a sword, both indicating a severed love.
Grim Reapers are also a timeless tattoo design, although the actual style changes over the years.
No matter what you choose for your own tattoo design, make sure that it means something to you, personally. If you can offer an explanation of why you chose a particular design that is deeper than “it’s pretty,” then you probably have found a good match! The same applies to a design that you’ve loved and wanted for a long time (years…not hours).

Hearts are one of the most popular designs, and there are thousands of ways to incorporate hearts into a unique tattoo. The symbol for love is often used in a design that also includes roses, another symbol for love. Traditionally, a name was added to heart tattoos usually in a ribbon that runs across the top of the heart. Name tattoos aren’t as popular as they used to be…mainly because too many people broke up with a lover and ended up stuck with their ex’s name on them forever. The hearts and roses live on, though.
Broken hearts are almost as common as whole ones…traditionally depicted with a dagger or arrow piercing them. They represent betrayal or a lost love, either from a death or a break-up. Again, there are different variations of the broken heart tattoo design that can indicate a time period, but the basic idea is the same.

Anchors and pin-up girls are tattoos that seemed dated for a while, but they just keep coming back. Especially the retro pretty-lady tattoos. They change with the fashions of the day, and are more colorful than they used to be, but they are still based on the same idea. The biggest change these retro tattoo designs have seen in many years is that more and more women are getting them as a sign of confidence and female empowerment. The anchor is a traditional sailor symbol, and is often worked into a design that also includes swallows (birds) or a nautical star. Religious symbols will probably never fade, and they are as diverse as the different religions. Crosses, crucifixion pictures, praying hands, and Bibles are all popular choices. Quotes with religious ties (Bible verses, etc.) are also widely known tattoo designs.