Rihanna Tattoos: The Stories Behind Her Ink

Rihanna's tattoos form one of the most photographed collections in pop culture: more than twenty pieces, many small and delicate, several with stories that made headlines. She also helped make one tattoo artist a global name.

Here are Rihanna's best known tattoos, the stories behind them, and what they show about getting tattooed.

The goddess Isis, for her grandmother

In 2012, Rihanna revealed a large tattoo beneath her chest of the Egyptian goddess Isis, kneeling with her wings spread. She got it in memory of her beloved grandmother, known as Dolly, who had died earlier that year.

Isis was worshipped in ancient Egypt as a powerful mother figure and protector, which makes the design a fitting tribute. It is one of Rihanna's largest pieces and among her most personal.

"Never a failure, always a lesson"

On her collarbone, Rihanna has the words "Never a failure, always a lesson" written backwards. She explained that the text is reversed so she can read it herself in the mirror, and has described the phrase as her motto.

Reversed text is a clever choice for anyone who wants a daily reminder in a spot they cannot easily see without a mirror, though it does look backwards to everyone else.

"Rebelle Fleur"

In 2010, Rihanna got "Rebelle Fleur", French for "rebel flower," on the side of her neck. French speakers pointed out that the adjective form would more naturally be written "fleur rebelle." Rihanna pushed back, explaining in a message shared by her tattoo artist that the phrase was meant as two nouns, "rebel" and "flower," so the order was intentional.

The debate is a reminder to check any foreign language tattoo with fluent speakers before it goes on your skin, and to be sure of exactly what you mean, as we recommend in our list of tattoo red flags.

"Thug Life" in white ink

In early 2012, Rihanna had "Thug Life" tattooed across her knuckles by artist Mark Mahoney, in white ink, a tribute to Tupac Shakur. White ink tattoos are subtle but notoriously prone to fading, and knuckle tattoos fade faster than most because hands are constantly washed and used. Over time, the tattoo was reported to have faded almost entirely.

Bang Bang, the artist behind many of her tattoos

Many of Rihanna's tattoos were done by New York artist Keith "Bang Bang" McCurdy. Working with Rihanna helped launch him as one of the world's best known celebrity tattoo artists, and he went on to tattoo stars including Cara Delevingne and Selena Gomez, whose rose tattoo we cover in our guide to celebrity tattoos with real meaning.

Small tattoos, big impact

Beyond her headline pieces, much of Rihanna's collection is made up of small, delicate tattoos, such as stars, script and small symbols, placed on the fingers, behind the ear, on the ankle and along the hip. Her style helped popularise the dainty, scattered "collection" look that many people choose today.

What Rihanna's tattoos teach

• Memorial tattoos can be symbolic. Isis honours her grandmother without a portrait or name.
• Reversed text works if the tattoo is mainly for you.
• White ink and finger tattoos fade. Choose them knowing they may need touch ups, or may disappear. Our guide to how fine line tattoos age explains why small, delicate work needs care.
• Check languages carefully, or be ready to defend your choice.

For more on placements like the collarbone, knuckles and behind the ear, see our guide to tattoo placement names.

Sources: The Hollywood Reporter; CNBC; Capital XTRA.