Cardinal Tattoo Ideas

Popular Cardinal Tattoo Styles

A red cardinal is often the first thing that comes to mind when considering what the bird looks like. But there are many different cardinal tattoo styles that showcase this bird.

• Colorful – While red is the most recognized color for a cardinal there are also yellow and orange variations. 
• Black and White – In this cardinal tattoo design style, it’s not just that no color is added, it’s that no color is considered. Instead lines and shading are used to define the shape.
• In Nature – Many cardinal tattoos feature the bird on its own, but this style is slightly more ornate with the cardinal in a tree, flowers, bush or other natural habitat.
• 3D – A talented tattoo artist can take your cardinal tattoo design and bring it to dimensional life. 

Best Cardinal Tattoo Placements

Before deciding where you want your cardinal tattoo to be placed, decide what it means to you. That’s because placement can subtly change the meaning of the tattoo. Some of the more popular placement locations include:

• Chest – This is a “statement” location for a cardinal tattoo. When it’s placed here, it is done so as a sign of love or remembrance.
• Shoulder blade – Using the shoulder blade as a focal point, but overflowing onto the back as needed is ideal for larger, more natural scenes.
• Side – The side is a simple space to celebrate your love of this bird.
• Wrist – A carefully designed cardinal tattoo will always be visible on your wrist. 

Women’s Cardinal Tattoo Ideas

Because of its symbolism and meaning, the cardinal tattoo has long been a popular choice among women. Some of the favorite designs include:

• Cardinal of remembrance –  Because cardinals have been thought to be spirit world messengers, they are often paired with the date of a lost loved one. This type of cardinal tattoo design very specifically calls out a special connection with a loved one.
• Fine-line, perched cardinal – The delicate design of a cardinal perched on a branch holds a simple elegance.
• Flying cardinal – A cardinal captured in mid-flight with its wings outstretched can be a powerful piece of art.

Men’s Cardinal Tattoo Ideas

Men often choose a cardinal tattoo with a design intended to make a bold, direct statement. Because of that, most of the popular cardinal tattoo designs for men tend to use dark lines and intricate shading. Some of these cardinal tattoo designs include:

• A geometric bird – This fun design takes the soft curves away and re-focuses everything into hard angles. It’s a more artistic version of a cardinal.
• The “logo” – This is a simple design, without much feather detail. In many ways it is reminiscent of a sports team logo.
• A sketchy, rough cardinal – In this cardinal tattoo design you can really see the hand of the artist at work. It’s a fully realized cardinal, just without the polish.

 Cardinal Tattoo Meaning

There is a belief that after someone close to you passes and you see a cardinal it is a message of comfort and love from the person you lost.

Others see a cardinal as a symbol of:

• Love

• Devotion

• Hope

Cardinals also hold a special place for Catholics and Christians who believe that the bird’s red feathers represent the sacrifice of Jesus.