Animal-Themed Tattoos: A eternal love for Fauna

When we think of nature, we think of two things. Plants and Animals. Animals are generally loved not just because of their look, but also their traits and deeper meanings. Around the world animals carry symbolism in culture and can signify personal beliefs as well. If you’re wondering why animal tattoos get so much love, we’ll break everything down for you.

Popular animal tattoo choices, and their meanings

With the large amount of animals existing on the planet. There are quite a few that have shown themselves to be favorites for tattoo designs. These animals bear character traits that people share and want to express. Let’s dive into some of the choices from the animal kingdom: 

1. Lions

One of the most common examples of an animal tattoo is the Lion. A lot of people choose the king of big cats because of the traits it represents. Strength, courage, and leadership are clearly shown with a lion on a tattoo. A lioness can signify family, love and strength. With the lioness being an essential part of a pride of lions.

2. Wolves

Wolves are the dog counterpart of the lion. With a lot of people resonating with wolves to get them tattooed. The loyalty, teamwork and instincts of wolves are traits that people admire. This can be true for people loyal to their family and friends, working together with a team, or even a lone person with sharp instincts. 

3. Birds

From land we take to the skies, with a wide choice of birds that are chosen for tattoo designs. With the large variety of bird species, each one of them carries traits and meanings that people can get their own meaning from. Eagles are usually chosen to symbolize strength. Owls are chosen to represent wisdom. Swallows carry innocence and a sense of adventure. With so many to choose from, all of them commonly represent a sense of freedom, hope and spirituality.

4. Tigers

The apex predator of the jungle, Tigers are another big cat that is commonly chosen for tattoos. Known for their strength and courage, they are an excellent choice for those qualities to be shown through tattoos. Especially in Asian themed tattoos, where they are seen as protectors.

5. Snakes

While snakes can be viewed in a negative light, they in fact do have positive and often wider meanings when it comes to tattoos. Rebirth, mystery and transformation are part of the meanings associated with snakes. It can also help those looking for a more striking animal for a design, especially with their intricate scales and patterns.

6. Butterflies

A gentle animal that carries its own beauty. The transformation of a butterfly from a caterpillar is one that is a strong metaphor for personal growth and new beginnings in life. The bright and light colors from their wings add to the optimistic meaning of the tattoos.

7. Elephants

One of the largest land animals today, elephants are loved and respected for not just their size and strength, but also their wisdom and patience. Many cultures also see them as a sign of good luck and fortune. Bringing more than just a personal meaning to their designs.

Tattoo Styles That Work for Animal Designs

Considering that animals are the subject of tattoo designs. This opens up so many avenues for design styles that are used for the tattoos designs. Each style can shape the meaning of the tattoo design to focus on one meaning, or combine several others into one cohesive design.

1. Realism

Going for a lifelike approach for your tattoo is one way to show your love for an animal. As they say, imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. With the details such as fur, feathers and patterns clearly shown, it also presents the symbolism of the animal in its rawest form.

2. Watercolor

With the vibrant splashes of color, watercolor compliments animals that tend to come with a more optimistic and vibrant appearance such as birds and butterflies. The positive symbolism of these animals become much more pronounced, especially with suitable colors to complement to meaning and visuals of the animal.

3. Traditional/Old School and Neo-Traditional/New School

These tattoos have aged like fine wine, with the designs and meanings of the animals still being relevant in this day and age. Whether you call it traditional or old school tattoos. These tattoos make use of bold lines and solid colors to bring out the character of animals. Neo-Traditional/New School tattoos add another dimension with the use of colored shading, different line sizes to create more detailed designs.

4. Geometric

If you want a design with clean shapes and lines, geometric renditions can give an alternative take on animals. Geometric can also be used to compliment realism as background patterns or accents to make a design more dynamic and modern.

5. Minimalist

Another modern trend for design is minimalist designs take utilize small sizes and simple lines. These designs work great for smaller animals or features from animals that stand out. Think outlines of animals, paw prints or outlines of antlers or a shark fin.

6. Japanese or Oriental Designs

Traditional style tattoos that harken back to cultural roots are a great blend of visual style and deep meaning. Using bold colors, lines and accents in order to create designs that stand out and highlight the meaning of the animals.

What Goes Well with Animal Tattoos?  

Animals alone can make for a great tattoo. Although adding objects, background or even accent patterns can bring more life to the designs.

1. Flowers

 A natural object that doesn’t just compliment visually, but also by meaning. The shape and color of flowers can compliment an animal, but also add another layer of meaning to your tattoo. As flowers also tend to carry their own symbolism.

2. Nature Scenes

The natural environment of an animal will instantly compliment any design. As their own home is something that people can instantly relate to the animal naturally.

3. Symbols

While an animal can carry their own meaning and symbolism. Adding another symbol can add another layer of personal expression and meaning to a tattoo. Crosses, arrows, stars, the sun and moon are great examples of symbols that work both through visuals and meaning.

4. Mandala and Geometric Patterns

Geometric styled patterns add another layer of visual depth to animal designs. Whether through background, accents or even within the designs as patterns for added dimension.

5. Abstract Art 

While abstract art is open to interpretation, this is another way to add raw self expression to a tattoo. Brush strokes, color splashes or even shapes and lines can add visual depth to a design.

Picking the Perfect Animal Tattoo  

Choosing an animal tattoo involves a mix of research but also personal knowledge. Choosing an animal to represent yourself is a big choice. Taking the time to think about who you are and what to do you want to show to the world can be daunting. Although try to see how the animal can relate to you, and how you would like it to be represented visually. Researching the animal, looking for image references and tattoo references will help you build a great concept of how you want your tattoo to look. Which will help an artist turn your concept into a final design.

Conclusion 

Animal-themed tattoos can just seem like a regular tattoo choice. Although there is so much more to them than what you can see visually. A whole depth of personal meaning and representation lies within these tattoos that are shown to the world. Which can almost literally feel like wearing your heart on your sleeve. So take your time, do your research and find the right animal for you.

Here at Golden Hours, we are happy to help you with a new piece. Send us a message on our contact page or message us through the contact information below to schedule a consultation and booking. We’d love to have you in!