Watercolor Tattoo Ideas

Popular Watercolor Tattoo Styles

Watercolor tattoos are extremely popular today, thanks to the fact that they are very unique, vibrant and often flowing. People who are more artsy or want that type of appeal will get these tattoos and mix them with traditional styles to convey a specific meaning.

For instance, a very popular style is abstract. The artist will use color splashes without any defined outlines, which makes the watercolor tattoo look as if it was painted onto your skin directly. 

Florals and animals are great for watercolor tattoos, as they can come to live with this style. Daisies, lotuses and roses are among the most popular flower choices, while butterflies and birds are at the top of the list for animals.

Watercolor tattoos are also a great way to present nature or a specific landscape, including forest, oceans and mountain ranges.

Best Watercolor Tattoo Placements

Since watercolor tattoos can be very free-flowing, it’s important to place them in the right spot on your body.

One of the most popular places is on the forearm. Not only does this allow the artist to wrap the tattoo around your arm, but it provides a place where your tattoo can be viewed at all times if you want. You can do this on your upper arm, too, to follow a similar style but be a little more discreet.

The back is a great place for a larger design. Animals and portraits are great here, especially if you’re going to incorporate different elements such as scenery or a background.

The chest and/or neck is usually very good for watercolor tattoos, and it can wrap from one part of the body to another.

Women’s Watercolor Tattoo Ideas

Women usually get watercolor tattoos that emphasize their creativity, softness and beauty. They are very artistic but extremely personal as well.

Among the most popular women’s watercolor tattoos are of birds or butterflies. These can symbolize their beauty, transformation or freedom. In many ways, these tattoos can be drawn to look very dreamlike.

Stars, constellations and other cosmic elements are great for watercolor tattoos. The galaxies can look like they’re being brought to life if you follow this style.

Men’s Watercolor Tattoo Ideas

Men often go bolder with their watercolor tattoos to represent their masculinity and strength. These tattoos also play into the artistic nature as well, though, which brings some softness to them.

Popular tattoos include animals such as tigers, wolves or lions. They can be drawn in very vibrant ways with many flowing colors to represent their courage and power.

Skulls designed with fire or other vibrant elements are great for a watercolor tattoo style, too. You can even have a big background and surrounding elements that make it a very in-depth piece.

Watercolor Tattoo Meaning

Watercolor tattoos are considered very organic because of the style of the blending colors and less defined outlines. This can represent a person’s fluidity, creativity and power at the same time. 

They can also represent the softer sides of life, including beauty, emotion and remembrance.