Alia Shawkat’s tattoos include loose forearm drawings and a small smiley on her chest. Some are playful; others are connected to people close to her. The pieces don’t follow one theme, and the photos show only part of their story.
The Two Forearm Doodles
One forearm tattoo is a loose abstract doodle, made from uneven lines and a shape that reads more like a quick sketch than a shaded illustration. Another centers on a triangle with a small, rounded, acorn-like form inside. Both use black linework and leave the surrounding skin open.
The designs don’t try to look perfectly measured, which keeps them close to a hand-drawn source. Steal Her Style also identifies a third forearm doodle as the animated character “Mister Jones.”
If you like this kind of work, start with a drawing you want to keep looking at. An artist can adjust a line so it holds over time without removing the odd shape that made you like it.
Another Alia Shawkat Tattoo: A Triangle Doodle
Shawkat has said she draws a tattoo idea herself, places it on her body more than once, and gets it because she likes the way it looks. She has also described keeping a regular studio practice and spending time with friends who make art.
She has written and co-written film projects, too, and speaks about acting as one part of a wider creative life. Different drawings can sit together without becoming a sleeve built around one theme.
Why Her Style Feels More Like a Sketchbook
The forearm pieces use simple outlines and little shading; the lines do most of the work. In the available photos, they read quickly and keep a loose, hand-drawn look.
Small drawings still need enough room for their lines to remain clear as they heal. If you bring an original sketch to an artist, ask which details may blur and how much space the design needs. You can keep its uneven character while adjusting the size to suit the skin.
A Quiet Memory
The letters “AY” on Shawkat’s fingers and “lurker” on her arm are connected to Anton Yelchin. Friends got tattoos based on his initials after his death; “lurker” is tied to the way he remained present in the memories of people who loved him.
The initials and the word sit in different places, but both refer to the same friendship. Finger lettering is easy to see when her hands are uncovered, though the skin there moves and rubs against things throughout the day. Anyone considering finger ink should ask an artist how that placement may affect the lettering over time.
Alia Shawkat Beyond the Camera
Shawkat is known for playing Maeby in Arrested Development and Dory in Search Party, alongside her work in independent film, writing and painting. The contextual images here show her away from the tattoo close-ups; they aren’t evidence of additional designs.
Her forearm doodles are easier to see in everyday photos, while the chest smiley can stay covered by clothing.