People have been getting portrait tattoos of family members and other loved ones for generations. However, animal portrait tattoos have become exceedingly popular over the last few years, especially in San Diego, CA. While some pet portrait tattoos memorialize furry friends that have passed away, other animal portraits have deeper meanings than many people think.
That’s why Beauty and Ink put together a short guide explaining the meaning behind several animal portrait tattoos and their significance.
Beauty and Ink is one of San Diego, CA’s leading tattoo studios. We specialize in several tattoo styles that will help you look your best while commemorating significant events and memories you want to preserve through elegant body art. Whether you want to capture your pet’s best features in sophisticated animal portrait tattoos or remember an important event from your past through a custom design, Beauty and Ink is here for all your tattoo needs.
The Meaning Behind Animal Portrait Tattoos
Animal portrait tattoos are realistic designs of pets or wildlife that often have deep stories behind them. Although some people get custom pet portraits to remember old pets, many get lions, tigers, and other animals to symbolize aspects of life that mean something or motivate them. Below are a few prevalent animal portrait tattoos and their meanings.
Lion Tattoos
Lions are one of the most common animal portrait tattoos in San Diego. They are highly respected and majestic creatures that symbolize strength, leadership, and fearlessness in many cultures. Many people get lion tattoos to remind them that they are strong enough to overcome hardship and set a good example to others that might look up to them.
Many new fathers and mothers get lion portrait tattoos to signify parenthood and positive guidance. Lions are known as the kings of the jungle and often raise their young to become courageous leaders. Most parents want to raise their children similarly and get lion portrait tattoos to encourage them to be the best role model/parent to their young ones.
Wolf Tattoos
Wolf tattoos are also exceedingly common and represent several things throughout western culture. Wolves are highly intelligent and often represent spirituality, rebirth, and devout loyalty. However, the wolf’s symbolism has drastically changed over the years, with some people focusing on their less positive traits.
Wolves also have negative connotations and often represent death, destruction, and danger in many cultures. Despite their less favorable attributes, wolves are complicated creatures that symbolize different things to different people. Wolf portrait tattoos are just as complex and have several meanings that fluctuate from person to person.
Koi Fish Tattoos
Koi fish tattoos are also extremely complex and symbolize several things through artistic designs. These tattoos started in Japan and other Asian countries and use color to represent specific attributes.
For example, a red koi fish tattoo expresses immense bravery, motherhood, or power, while a blue one symbolizes masculinity and determination to overcome hardship. Below are a few other prevalent koi fish tattoo colors and their meanings.
- White: rebirth, growth, success, and transformation
- Black: overcoming life’s struggles and battles
- Purple: inspiration
- Yellow or gold: Prosperity and joy
Some people use several colors in their koi fish tattoos to signify multiple meanings that motivate them or represent something meaningful. Koi fish tattoos are much deeper than people realize and can symbolize numerous things spanning multiple cultures.
Pet Portrait Tattoos
Again, custom pet portrait tattoos have experienced a surge in popularity over the last decade or so. More and more people are memorializing their four-legged friends with beautiful body art that portrays them in realistic or cartoonish ways. Many bring in pet photos that tattoo artists use to create lifelike pieces that animal lovers can carry throughout their lives.
Like wolf tattoos, pet portrait tattoos mean different things to different people. Some want a photo-realistic tattoo that reminds them of past pets, while others desire comical designs that paint their furry companions in a humorous light. Pet tattoo symbolism is seemingly endless and often fluctuates depending on the person.
Owl Tattoos
Owls have a reputation for being one of the wisest creatures in the animal kingdom. Many folktales portray owls as brilliant guardians that protect wisdom from corruption and wickedness. Owl tattoos often symbolize knowledge and understanding, motivating people to achieve their goals.
Owls also represent mystery, the supernatural, and nocturnal life in several parts of the world. Some communities believe owls communicate with souls and preserve knowledge after someone passes away. Like most animal portrait tattoos, owls represent numerous things that range depending on the culture and person.
Butterfly Tattoos
Butterflies are beautiful insects that often signify growth and transformation. Butterfly tattoos are no different.
Many people get butterfly tattoos to represent meaningful transformations throughout their lives. The colors often symbolize important life changes that helped a person grow into who they are today. Their meanings fluctuate from person to person, making them extremely personal tattoo designs.
Contact Beauty and Ink for High-Quality Animal Portrait Tattoos in San Diego, CA
If you want a first-class animal portrait tattoo that captures your favorite animal characteristics, contact Beauty and Ink. Our San Diego-based tattoo artists will develop a photo-realistic or cartoonish tattoo design that allows you to cherish your pet or spirit animal throughout your lifetime. Give Beauty and Ink a call at (619) 951-9916 and schedule an appointment with one of our animal portrait specialists today!
