Geometry and Mandalas
Pattern tattoos like geometric tattoos and mandala are deeply rooted in symbolism and aesthetics, drawing inspiration from the intricate patterns found in nature and sacred traditions.
Geometry tattoos often feature precise, symmetrical designs that explore the beauty of mathematical shapes and their interconnectedness. These tattoos can range from simple lines and polygons to complex tessellations and fractals, each carrying a sense of balance, harmony, and precision.
Mandala tattoos, on the other hand, originate from ancient spiritual traditions, representing the universe and the search for completeness and unity. With their circular patterns and elaborate detailing, mandalas evoke a sense of peace, meditation, and spiritual awakening. Together, geometry and mandala tattoos offer a captivating blend of artistry and meaning, making them a popular choice for those seeking both visual appeal and profound symbolism in their body art.
While being very different in aesthetic, meaning, and history, both styles are listed here together, as both styles rely on repeating patterns, and require a high precision, attention to details, and delicate accuracy. Lastly, some of my work features a successful blend of geometric patterns with mandalas, creating an interesting final product.
Sacred Geometry &
Norse Full Sleeve Tattoo
This full tattoo sleeve is a bold fusion of geometric tattoo art and spiritual symbolism, crafted entirely in blackwork and dotwork for a clean, timeless aesthetic. The piece flows organically from shoulder to wrist, weaving together multiple layers of meaning and texture.
At the top of the arm, the design features a large field of hexagonal mandalas, reminiscent of traditional asanoha and kikkō patterns found in Japanese textiles — symbols of strength, protection, and longevity. These structured patterns gradually transition into flower of life geometry, a symbol associated with creation, balance, and the interconnectedness of all life.
A dynamic negative space ribbon slices through the sleeve diagonally, creating movement while separating major symbolic zones. Below the elbow, the focus shifts to Norse symbolism:
The Vegvísir, or Norse compass, is said to help guide one through rough weather or spiritual storms — a symbol of direction, clarity, and perseverance.
The Valknut, a triple-triangle mark associated with Odin, represents the journey between life, death, and rebirth, often worn as a mark of courage and warrior spirit.
Bind runes and ancient script elements add further mysticism and authenticity, drawing from Norse esoterica.
The inner forearm also features a Metatron’s Cube framed by organic lotus-like shapes — a powerful sacred geometry form representing balance, harmony, and the underlying blueprint of the universe.
This sleeve is perfect for anyone seeking a meaningful geometry sleeve tattoo that combines sacred patterns with mythological storytelling. It’s a statement piece for those drawn to the structure of the cosmos, the power of ancient symbols, and the elegance of black-and-grey linework.
Geometry Sleeve
(2 years healed)
This geometry sleeve was done between August and October of 2021, when I still lived in Jacksonville FL and worked at Bold City Tattoo. We had a total of 4 sessions, and approximately 30 hours of work.
The sleeve features geometry patterns, “flower of life” background, and an elbow mandala, and uses stipple shading. The tattoo of Ganesha on the shoulder is by another artist - it already existed when this customer-turned-friend initially approached me, and we worked around that existing tattoo to design the rest of the sleeve. At that point, this was one of the more challenging sleeves I had to do.
As with another sleeve from 2021, I didn’t take almost any photos initially. While already working at Thunderbolt Tattoo in Atlanta, I was guest-spotting in Jacksonville, and called my friend to come by the shop so that I could take the photos of the healed sleeve. The photos below are a little over 2 years healed.
Mandala Sleeve
(3 years healed)
I completed this sleeve for a client over a series of sessions between late 2020 and early 2021. The whole piece took about 45 hours to complete, give or take. The sleeve includes custom mandala design, as well as working around previous tattoos and working them into the design.
This was one of a more challenging pieces of work, as it is highly detailed, with a lot of small design patterns. At the same time, I wanted to make sure that the tattoo is going to last well, therefore despite a lot of small details, I had to make sure to maintain good line thickness .
The sleeve was done at Bold City Tattoo in Jacksonville FL, and I only took a few cellphone photos originally. Later, after I had already moved to Atlanta and started working at Thunderbolt Tattoo, I returned to Jacksonville to guest-spot at Bold City Tattoo for several days, and met up with the customer to take photos of now 2.5-3 years healed sleeve. The light was really poor, and the client had a recent still healing elbow injury (visible on several photos), but it was still great to take the photos of this completed (and now several years healed) mandala tattoo sleeve.
Geometry sleeve
This geometry sleeve was worked on between May 2022 and May 2023 based on client’s availability. In total, it took about 60 hours of work. The sleeve features geometry patterns, mandalas, stipple shading.
Done at Thunderbolt Tattoo in Atlanta GA.