Tattoos have become more accepted in the last decade. People argue that a tattoo isn't just ink ruining your skin - it's an artistic symbolization of your life. As someone with three tattoos I will say it's not something you should get on a whim, but more of an idea that you've thought about and developed because it's permanent (no names of significant others unless you're married).

So when Texans think of their identity and what they're proud of, it's no surprise there's a ton of people out there representing Texas pride on their skin like badges of honor. From subtle to painstakingly overt, here are some of the best Texas tattoos.

1. We like our guns

2. Check out that landscape tat on the right - #Texassunsets

3. There are some Rangers fans in Texas

4. Dallas Cowboys get some fan ink

Luis (956)286-3834 (956)401-8824 #tatohuax #huaxtekink #laredotattoos #hawkpentattoomachine #laredotxtattoostudio #holalaredo #texastattoo #talento_laredo #eikon #spurs #spurstattoo #dallascowboys #dallascowboystattoo

A photo posted by Huaxtek (@huaxtek_ink) on Mar 14, 2016 at 7:08am PDT

5. Flowers. Texas. What's prettier than that?

Second pass on @britneythinks Texas flowers tattoo. Thanks #dovetailtattoo #sandotattoo #texastattoo #austintattoo A photo posted by Ka Coatl / El Sando (@el_sando) on Mar 11, 2016 at 7:27am PST

6. Uhhh. Whataburger tattoo? Sure.

7. The flag in the background is a nice touch

#Repost @ahoffman_tattooer from @aitattoo in Katy, Texas・・・ Texas tattoos are always enjoyable. #ahoffmantattooer #tattoos #texasinkaholic #texasinked #inkfreaks #katytx #houstontattooers #inkjunkeyz #tattoosnob #tattooartistmagazine #houstontattoos #ink_masters @aitattoo #colortattoo #skulltattoo #flagtattoo #bluebonnettattoo #chesttattoo #tattoo #katy #katytattoos #tx #texas #texastattoos A photo posted by @texas.tattoos on Mar 13, 2016 at 1:34pm PDT

8. Simplicity is beautiful with tattoos

#newink #texastat #ikebana #mizuno #elmstreet #mezamashii

A photo posted by Lauren Mathews (@laurenmmathews) on Sep 24, 2014 at 9:24pm PDT

9. Your favorite stops when riding through Texas

New #TexasTat #Texas #Tattoo #TattedVet #travel #culturedasfuck #usmc A photo posted by Daniel Gamez Gonzales (@daniel.g.gonzales.9) on Aug 17, 2015 at 7:46pm PDT

10. Picasso combined with the best-shaped state in the U.S.

#Texastatt for muh guurll 🌵🌾 #texastattoo #vangogh #starrynight #dallas #skyline #colortattoo #painting #inkrevolutionstudios #inkrevfolyfe #kennytatts @kpcinemagic 😘

A photo posted by Chelsea Thacker (@feelgoodinkk) on Mar 16, 2014 at 3:48pm PDT

11. This tattoo is all Texas

Nawlins shrunken head and my Texas masterpiece! @jennbat1031 #tattoo #merrob2014 #MURRICA #Texas #tattoosoftexas A photo posted by Robyn Hall (@robots_need_love_too) on Dec 11, 2014 at 5:22pm PST

12. Bluebonnets. Texas shapes. 'Nuff said

Texas bluebonnet. This was from my Texas collection. #Texas #Texasbluebonnet #bluebonnet #flowers #flowersofinstagram #tattoosoftexas # tattoosofinstagram #traditionaltattoos #flowertattoo #hellbenttattoos

A photo posted by Michael (@silvertoothpirate) on Aug 23, 2015 at 8:05pm PDT