The hand or footprint of your child or significant other can make a simple and meaningful design. If you have more than one child, you may want to tattoo the names of each underneath or within the corresponding print. For the print of a significant other, you can use a current print. However, if that print is larger than you want your tattoo to be, use the one on his birth certificate, or have your artist scale down his print until it is the proper size.
A tattoo of your own right handprint over your heart can be a symbol of loyalty or patriotism. If you want the tattoo to be symbolic of loyalty to your family, consider tattooing your last name under or within the print. If the tattoo is meant to be patriotic in nature, consider inking it in the colors of your national flag, such as red, white and blue for the United States, or green, orange and white for Ireland.
If you are an animal enthusiast, consider tattooing the exact print of a pet, or the generic print of an animal you respect, but most likely can't print, such as a tiger or bear. Find a generic print from a book or online and consider tattooing the print in the color of the animal, such as orange with black stripes for a tiger. Household pet prints should be treated much like a child's print -- printed in black ink and labeled with the animal's name.
A sign language tattoo is the one type of script that does not use letters or numbers in any capacity. Consider tattooing two hands, either representing the two letters that make up your initials or forming the sign for a specific word. The message will need to be somewhat short and sweet, since most phrases require multiple signs and motions. Using one word or just a couple letters can make a beautiful tattoo.