Collarbone tattoo

The bone runs close to the skin here and the area is narrow and curved, so a collarbone piece is usually elongated and light. The artist runs the composition along the bone — slightly above or below it — so the line stays even as you turn your head and move your shoulders.

Crisp fine lines, small graphic pieces and delicate realism come out well on the collarbone.

• Lettering — short phrases and words running along the bone.
• Branches and flowers — olive, laurel or sakura sprigs following the curve of the collarbone.
• Birds — swallows or a flock flying towards the shoulder.
• Wings — a symmetrical piece spread across both collarbones.
• Ornaments and jewellery — chains and patterns that look like a necklace.

The collarbone is a place for a tattoo that adorns like jewellery: it highlights the neck and shoulders and looks beautiful with an open neckline. At the same time it is easy to hide and can later continue onto the chest, upper arm or shoulder.

1. 1Consultation — we discuss the idea, the size and whether the piece will sit on one collarbone or both.
2. 2Design — the artist builds the composition along the curve of the bone and checks the symmetry.
3. 3Transfer to the skin — the stencil is placed and moved until it sits straight, then checked as you turn your head and move your shoulders.

Most collarbone pieces are small and done in one short session. A symmetrical composition across both collarbones or a piece that extends onto the chest usually takes one session, and several if densely detailed.