Alexander Parks
Skull tattoos are one of those tattoo ideas that are iconic and versatile for men. There are numerous ways you can make skull tattoos. Kindle your creative ideas and be realistic when considering skull tattoos. Tattoo skull can be made as head tattoos or skull tattoos on hand, there is no shortage of ideas here. Even though the skull tattoos for men are quite a craze, this type of artwork is often misunderstood due to obvious reasons.
A skull is considered a symbol of death and destruction, hence skeleton tattoos are not preferred by many tattoo lovers, but there are many meanings to it too that needs to be understood. Once these misunderstandings are cleared and you understand the real meaning, then you will definitely love sporting the skull tattoo on hand. A cool looking skull tattoo can display different meanings depending on the types of images that are portrayed and styled.
Skull tattoos look great at any place on the body, be it hand, chest or even a shoulder. Skull tattoos are versatile when styling and designing is concerned. They look good even as standalone designs or as a small design that is a part of a larger design.
There are many different and cool skull tattoo designs to pick from and the following list of skeleton tattoos is a good example of how a skull tattoo can be placed to make it look interesting.
1. 3D Skull Tattoos
The 3D skull tattoos will make a tattoo look real, due to all the detailing in the design. The lighter shades are used to create depth and dimension. A realistic tattoo theme can teach anatomy lesson for those who love science. It can even give a glimpse of life after death.
A unique human skull looks ideal in color with complete shading, but a realistic skull with scary artistic patterns can make it look dangerous and naughty. There are thousands of different ways to create this skull tattoo on hand by experimenting with images like fangs, claws, and glowing eyes with just some impactful shading technique.
If you are a rocker or love in a skull design. This is a great ideas for men who would like to have skull tattoo on your body. It is 3D style that will make you look more outstanding than others. If you are considering to put the skull tattoo. Let’s try this idea, 3D skull tattoos. This is just a guide that we hunted for you. All is cool. Some of them are so strange but it looks beautiful. If tattoos are more dimension and realistic, then it more beautiful and mysterious.
2. Skull and Rose Tattoo
Rose and skull tattoo design is a good combination of two traditional patterns; the skull and roses. This motif depicts a poetic, artistic and a gothic design, which is quite contradictory. The rose and skull tattoo represents both the beauty and pain of life, good and bad within a person or even represents lost love. The meaning varies and has a different meaning to different individuals. This tattoo pattern is adapted in many different art styles with the use of bold lines and colors that is traditional, minimalist or hyper realistic.
3. Skull Face Tattoo
Skull tattoos for men includes the strong looking skull face tattoo that has the ability to bring you back to life. This is an intense piece of work that was made popular by Rick Genest, who was also famously known as “Living Skeleton” and was nicknamed “Zombie Boy” for his body full of face tattoos.
If you take into consideration the ink and your lifestyle, the skull face tattoo is a perfect match. Another interesting skeleton tattoo is the half skull and half face tattoo, which depicts a life where you are living in a world between life and death. Even though a skull face tattoo looks intense remember the full body and face tattoos are extremely painful and may take several sessions to complete.
4. Skull with Crown Tattoo
Are you ready to take your tattoo game to the next level? Then you need to check out the skull with crown tattoo! This design combines the edginess of a skull tattoo with the regal elegance of a crown tattoo, creating a truly unique and awe-inspiring piece of art. Imagine having a skull with a beautifully detailed crown inked on your body, showcasing your rebellious spirit and your undeniable sense of style. Whether you choose to place it on your arm, chest, or back, this tattoo will undoubtedly make a bold statement and turn heads wherever you go. Don’t settle for ordinary tattoos when you can have something as extraordinary as a skull with crown tattoo!
5. Skull with Wing Tattoo
Be careful when you are in Hell’s Angel territory. The skull wings tattoo are pretty impressive chest piece designs that combine these two design elements seamlessly making it very attractive.
6. Small Skull Tattoo
Since the skull tattoos have a unique appearance, they are particularly great for small sized tattoos. Usually, head tattoos look appealing when they are done with very minimal art style and black ink with less shading. A small sized skull tattoo can be created behind the ears, on your hand or on your wrist.
7. Skeleton Middle Finger Tattoo
If you want to show off a bit of ink one the middle finger, the skull tattoos are just ideal. It is a simple and easy to make skeleton tattoo design that can be made even in a small area. The small skull design is a good way to grab attention without going for big designs.
8. Skeleton Clock Hand Tattoo
A skeleton clock hand tattoo is a good tattoo design if you want it to look cool and thoughtful. These two images are strong and compelling. The skeleton tattoo on hand is linked with death. It can represent your life or afterlife. Skeleton has many different meanings, but the most common idea being mortality. Clock also has the similar meaning and is also associated and is considered a symbol of life and death. Clock conveys the message that everything in this world is temporary or time is running out. How you interpret may be different, either it can be for positive or negative.
9. Skeleton Hand Tattoo
Skeleton hand tattoos are just outstanding, but they are not for those who want to blend into the crowd. Due to their high visibility, scary appearance and fascinating look, they exuberate a powerful statement. A human skeleton is scary and associated with death, but depending on the design it can also represent fearlessness, temporary state and renewal. Depending on your thoughts and individuality, you can interpret these images as positive or negative.
10. Skull Butterfly Tattoo
The idea of a “death moth” meaning a moth with a skull on its back does not appeal you, then try to combine them. This beautiful inner arm tattoo design places the skull on the wings, making it a skull design, but without taking away from the moth features.
11. Skull with Crown Tattoo
Crown is associated with kings and queens, which makes it all the more popular. It represents luck, authority and power. When you combine the crown with the skull, the whole pattern takes an altogether new meaning. The symbol will remind you of using the power wisely and responsibly or be aware of becoming power hungry. It also reminds the wearer of better times in his next life or that his success is short-lived and will fade one day. Every image can be interpreted in many different ways by the wearer.
12. Punisher Skull Tattoo
The punisher skull tattoo has been adopted by comic book lovers and law enforcement personnel as an inspiration. The symbol of the punisher has been appreciated as the bloody skull that represents the outlaw justice. The famous Marvel character, Frank Castle as a former soldier uses his combat skills as a vigilante named “The Punisher”. He destroys the skulls of bad guys to seek revenge and justice.
13. Pirate Tattoo Ideas
Pirates have traditionally seen the skulls as a symbol of rebellion, intimidation and strength. Pirate flags have been adorned with skulls and crossbones, known as the Jolly Roger. It is also a warning to the other ships.
If you want to include the wild spirit of the pirates into your skull tattoo add a torch, gun, eyepatch, bandana or a tricone hat. Other classic sailor tattoos like anchors, swallows and roses can be created to make a pirate themed skull tattoo on hand or any part of body. These cool skull pictures with the pirate theme are not for the faint hearted.
14. American Traditional Skulls
American skulls are the most common design choices for Neo-American tattoos. Add a few other American traditional elements like heavy blackwork and flowers to create a cohesive piece of ink art.
15. Sugar Skull Tattoo
Sugar skull tattoos are a craze among tattoo lovers due to their unique look and meaningful symbolism. Traditionally the sugar skulls represent the departed soul. They are placed at the grave on the Day of the Dead in Mexico.
The sugar skulls tattoo for females are colored brightly, surrounded by flowers and often has a smile. This reminds their loved ones that the departed soul is at peace. This is one of the reasons, a sugar skull tattoo is a permanent tribute to the passed away soul.
16. Matching Skull Tattoos for Couple
Couple can bond with each other by matching skull tattoos. The whole process of choosing a design and getting inked together increases the bond between couples. Mostly the themes are love and togetherness forever. Matching tattoos with skull design are a symbol of togetherness for couples.
17. Skull and Snake Tattoo
The skull and snake tattoo are one of the most common combinations in the tattoo world. This is a classic piece of tattoo work for tough guys. They symbolize death, cunning, destruction and poison. Snake has some darkness associated with it and it is edgy and a possibility of death makes this tattoo ideal for guys who recognize the balance of nature.
18. Flaming Skull Tattoo
The flaming skull tattoo is considered a badass skull tattoo who is cool and masculine. The depiction is about power, destruction and fear. The name of the tattoo itself is intimidating.
19. Forearm Skull Tattoo
Tattoos on back of head is common, but a forearm skull tattoo is usually suited to a linear or vertical tattoo. It is also an excellent area for making a round design like a skull. The shape of the arm and ink attracts a lot of attention. Ask your artist to place the skull at the best area of the forearm so that the design stays flat and follows the curves of your muscle. This way, it will prevent warping and the image stays good. For a more interesting look try the 3D skull tattoo.
20. Skull Neck Tattoo
Tattoo on the neck has increasingly become popular over the last decade. With a huge number of celebrities wearing them, the popularity of skull neck tattoo along with sugar skulls tattoo for females and males have increased exponentially. If you want to show off your tattoo, then the skull neck tattoo is ideal.
21. Viking Skull Tattoo
The Vikings are associated with warrior spirit. The Viking skull tattoo is a good option for those with a bit of Norse blood and for those who want to show off their rich heritage.
22. Smoke Skull Tattoo
Guys who need their skull tattoo to be unique and full of details, the smoke skull tattoo is perfect. Using fine lines, shading or blackwork an artist can create a skull tattoo with just the wisps of smoke. This particular tattoo design is a piece of art and to make this, you will definitely need a skilled artist. Make sure you go to an experienced and skilled artist to make this beautiful piece of art.
23. Tribal Skull Tattoo
If you love to sport something unique and one that commands respect, then you should go for the tribal skull tattoo. These tattoos are bold because of the black and grey coloring, which also makes it look sharp. This tattoo theme gives the design a dark and scary meaning. You can wear them on different areas like leg, arm or part of the sleeve and still they appear amazing pieces of artwork.
24. Simple Skull Tattoo Design
Not only complex tattoo designs, even the simple skull tattoo design can look just great. The simple looking skull tattoo designs depend on the unique shape of the skull to ensure the tattoo stands out and conveys a message. An artist can use clean lines, black ink and no shading to create this simple design. This simple skull tattoo is good for men who are laidback and prefer to show off less.
25. Half Face Half Skull Tattoo
You can customize your tattoos if you don’t like a whole skull tattoo. Create a tattoo that matches with your taste and preferences, like splitting the skull into half or even adding a face design.
26. White Ink Skull Tattoos
Skulls are usually depicted in black, but add white ink to your tattoo for a unique twist. White ink is used for detailing, to add shine and dimension to the otherwise flat and dark ink.
27. Bull Skull Tattoo
The meaning of bull skull tattoo means rugged and determined and this is beautifully captured in the bull skull tattoo. The bull is an assertive animal and is popular for its virility among the native Americans as well as the colonial cowboys. The intimidating nature of the bull means it stands for its authoritative presence and complete confidence. People who love rodeo will love this deadly bull and the astrology buffs get the same kind of happiness from their animal friend in the form of the sign Taurus.
28. Skull and Cross Tattoo
If you want to mix your creative side with your beliefs, then you should experiment with the skull and cross tattoo. These patterns convey a lot of meaning and is an intricate piece of artwork.
29. Back of Head Tattoo
The back of head tattoo is like a devil watching your back at all times. Skulls are a great option if you want to include some layers to your scary tattoos on back of head. Your skillful artist may be able to bring to life the skull’s design in different patterns.
30. Cat Skull Tattoo
Cats have been connected to different scary things like witches, to bad luck and to nine lives. They have been embraced by darkness lovers and a cat skull tattoo is a natural progression giving the furry loving creature a death like darkness.
31. Red Ink Skull Tattoo
Skull design with red ink tattoos can be customized to include other elements, such as mask or spider web, to create a unique design. Whether you’re looking for a simple red skull tattoo or something more elaborate, there are endless possibilities when it comes to this striking design.
32. Sun, Moon and Skull Tattoo
Skull tattoos have long been a popular choice for men looking to make a bold and edgy statement. Combining the sun, moon, and skull in a tattoo design creates a unique and powerful image. The sun represents vitality, energy, and life, while the moon symbolizes mystery, femininity, and the subconscious.
The skull, on the other hand, is often associated with death and mortality. When these elements are combined in a tattoo, it can convey a deeper meaning, such as the balance between life and death or the duality of light and darkness. Skull tattoos with sun and moon motifs are particularly appealing to men who want to showcase their fearless and rebellious nature while embracing the beauty of the celestial bodies.
33. Laugh Now Cry Later Tattoo
The Laugh Now Cry Later tattoo design features a smiling skull with a crying mask, executed in an old school style. This popular design choice combines contrasting emotions to create a visually striking and thought-provoking image. The skull symbolizes mortality and the transience of life, while the crying mask represents the hidden pain and struggles that we often hide behind a smile.
The old school style adds a vintage aesthetic to the tattoo, giving it a timeless appeal. Laugh Now Cry Later tattoos serve as a reminder to embrace both joy and sorrow, acknowledging the duality of human experience. The intricate details and bold colors of this design make it a captivating choice for those seeking a meaningful and visually impactful tattoo.
34. Tarot Card Tattoo
The Empress tarot card is often depicted as a symbol of fertility, abundance, and nurturing energy. However, some individuals choose to incorporate a skeleton into this traditional imagery for their tarot card tattoo. This unique twist adds a touch of darkness and mystery to the symbolism. The skeleton tattoo can represent the impermanence of life and the reminder that death is a natural part of the cycle. It can also symbolize the transformative power of embracing our mortality and facing our fears. Overall, the skeleton in the Empress tarot card tattoo offers a thought-provoking interpretation that invites contemplation on the duality of life and death.
Placement Options for Skull Tattoos
When it comes to skull tattoos, one of the most crucial aspects to consider is the placement of the design on your body. The placement not only affects the overall aesthetic appeal but also has an impact on the symbolism and meaning behind the tattoo. Here are some popular placement options for skull tattoos for men:
1. Forearm
The forearm is a classic spot for showcasing skull tattoos. This location offers a large canvas that allows for intricate designs and detailed artwork. Skull tattoos on the forearm can be easily displayed or hidden, depending on your preference. Additionally, the forearm is a less painful area to get tattooed, making it an ideal choice for those who are new to tattoos or have a lower pain tolerance.
2. Chest
The chest is a bold and prominent location for skull tattoos. This placement allows for larger and more elaborate designs that can cover a significant area of the chest. Skull tattoos on the chest are often associated with strength, power, and masculinity. This placement is ideal for men who want to make a strong statement with their tattoo and showcase their love for symbolism and art.
3. Back
The back provides a vast canvas for skull tattoos, allowing for intricate and detailed designs. Skull tattoos on the back are often associated with protection, courage, and resilience. This placement is perfect for men who want to convey a sense of strength and power. Whether you choose a full-back tattoo or a smaller design, the back offers a versatile and visually striking placement option.
Factors to Consider Before Getting a Skull Tattoo
Before you decide to get a skull tattoo, there are several important factors to consider. These factors will help ensure that you make an informed decision and end up with a tattoo that you will be proud of for years to come.
1. Symbolism and Meaning
Skull tattoos have a rich history and carry various meanings across different cultures and traditions. It is essential to understand the symbolism behind the skull tattoo design you choose and how it aligns with your personal values and beliefs. Whether you resonate with the symbolism of death and rebirth or see the skull as a representation of strength and wisdom, make sure the meaning behind the tattoo resonates with you on a deeper level.
2. Design and Style
Skull tattoos come in a wide range of designs and styles, from realistic and detailed to minimalist and abstract. Consider the style that best suits your personality and aesthetic preferences. Do you prefer a traditional skull design with intricate details, or do you lean towards a modern and minimalist approach? Take your time to explore different designs and consult with a professional tattoo artist to create a custom design that reflects your unique style.
3. Tattoo Artist and Studio
Choosing a reputable tattoo artist and studio is crucial to ensure a positive tattooing experience and a high-quality final result. Take the time to research and find an artist who specializes in skull tattoos and has a portfolio showcasing their skill and expertise. Look for reviews and recommendations from previous clients to gauge the artist’s professionalism and hygiene practices. Visiting the studio beforehand will also give you a sense of the cleanliness and overall atmosphere, ensuring a safe and comfortable tattooing experience.
In conclusion, skull tattoos for men hold a powerful symbolism that is worth embracing. These tattoos have been popular among men for centuries, representing various meanings depending on the culture and individual interpretation.
For some, the skull tattoo may symbolize mortality and the transience of life, serving as a reminder to live each day to its fullest. Others may see it as a representation of strength, courage, and the ability to overcome adversity. Regardless of the specific meaning, skull tattoos for men are a bold and visually striking choice that can convey a sense of masculinity and individuality. Whether it’s a small skull tattoo on the wrist or a large and intricate design covering the entire back, these tattoos are sure to make a powerful statement.
FAQ :
What does a skull tattoo mean?
Skull has various meanings, it does not have to always represent death, but is also considered a soul or wisdom of ancestors. It is also a sign of rebirth and eternal life.
What does a skull and rose tattoo mean?
Skulls and roses are just opposite to each other. They combine life and death with beauty and love making it very popular. It tells us to live life to the fullest as death is inevitable. Live the moment and let free of all the worries.
What does a bull skull tattoo mean?
According to the native Americans, the bull skull is a symbol of life long protection from natural elements. A bull represents courage, strength, durability and agility.
Which part of the body is best suited for skull tattoo?
There is no such particular body part that suits a skull tattoo, but it depends a lot on the design and size of the tattoo. There are endless possibilities. People have skull tattoo on hand, arm, leg, chest and on back too. Women prefer small ones on their wrist. Back of the hand can also be used for a skull tattoo. Be clear of the design and meaning, then that will decide the size and area where the skull tattoo can be made.
How much does a skull hand tattoo cost?
The cost of a tattoo will depend on the various factors like size, detailing and the experience of the artist. The minimum price is fixed, regardless of the size and this will be roughly $100. A big sized tattoo will require lot of ink, shading and time and can cost anywhere above $200.
