Many classic pieces of sublime art translate well into tattoo designs. The design can be simple, such as a black and gray M.C. Escher sketch, or brilliantly surreal, such as van Gogh's "Starry Night." These pieces of art have withstood the test of time and are by definition sublime for their awe-inspiring qualities and almost religious following. The tattoo will most likely need to be scaled down to fit on your body, but the color scheme and overall feel should attempt to mimic the actual drawing or painting as much as possible.
One idea for a tattoo indicative of the band "Sublime" would be the musical notes or sheet music that make up your favorite "Sublime" song. If you play an instrument or have a favorite member of the band, consider tattooing only the notes that correspond to the instrument either you of plays. But as an homage to Bradley Nowell, the former frontman for the band who died in 1996, consider tattooing the notes that correspond to the lyrical melody.
Think of a song that is, for you, by definition, sublime. A song that causes an immediate gut reaction each and every time you hear it. A song that you would prefer to have on a desert island over food. It can be anything, from classic Beethoven to The Beatles, or even Justin Bieber if that's your groove. Have the musical notes or sheet music to the song tattooed to any number of places on your body; adding the title of the song to the design is entirely up to you.
A memorial portrait is a lifelike rendering of a loved one, family member or hero, living or dead. For a "Sublime" portrait, consider tattooing a photograph of the whole band in the mid '90s, or just Bradley Nowell, as an homage. For a memorial portrait that is, for you, sublime, consider tattooing the likeness of your child or elder family member, such as your grandmother or grandfather. Traditional portraits are done in black and gray shades, but you can choose to incorporate colors if you wish.