Reviewed & updated: November 24, 2022 by Jamie Wilson BA
If you are a jolly person who loves bright colors then the sunflower and butterfly tattoo is the ideal choice of tattoo to get inked with.
A symbiotic relationship is shared between a flower and a butterfly.
The butterflies help in the process of pollination from one flower to another. On the other hand, the flowers provide them with nectar which they feed on with their proboscis for nutrients.
Now both butterflies and flowers are eye-catching and beautiful; when done as body art, it provides a natural curve to the meaning of the tattoo. The traits of femininity, innocence, and serenity are demonstrated by this tattoo design but they are also equally popular among men.
From an infinite pool of flowers like rose, sunflower, lavender, and lotus can be fused with the multiple numbers of butterflies present in the world like the monarch, morphs, and painted lady to get the desired tattoo design.
Butterfly And Sunflower Tattoo
From etching it as a black and white sunflower and butterfly tattoo to using color pigment to make it more attractive this is one of the most common floral tattoo designs. The tattoo size is mostly small to medium and totally depends on the tattooer. The best place to put this tattoo design correctly is the forearm, bicep, wrist, ankle, shoulder, back, and calves.
In many many cultures, a butterfly is associated with freedom, transformation, rebirth, and commitment. Whereas sunflowers with their bright yellow are known for love, happiness, and joy. When fused together several meanings can be obtained and prominent among them is the commitment to happiness and joy in life. The meaningful sunflower and butterfly tattoo can also be done by someone who is a lover of nature and wants to pay homage to mother earth.
Sunflower Sleeve Tattoo
The sleeve sunflower tattoo is one of the most popular designs when we talk about a floral tattoo. This arm sunflower tattoo can be done as either half or as a full-sleeve sunflower tattoo. Popular both among men and women the choice of ink can be traditional black or the yellow color of the flower. Depending on the size of the arm sunflower tattoo the time that will be needed to create this beauty will range between 10-15 hours.
It is known to us about the heliotropic feature of the sunflower, which means that it will follow the movement of the sun and face it with its bright yellow, and joyful face. This is the very reason the sunflower tattoo is associated with joy and cheerfulness and it also provides a subtle message to be a reason for warmth and happiness in someone’s else life. The hand sunflower tattoo is not that painful if you can avoid certain sensitive areas but still are not for beginners.
Simple Butterfly Tattoo
One of the most beautiful and vibrant insects to dawn the earth simple butterfly tattoos are extremely popular among men and women. From black ink to usage of multiple inks can be used for doing these tattoos.
The best place to do these tattoos are the forearm, shoulder, wrist, ankle, chest, and any portion of the body part suitable. These simple tattoos demonstrate hopeful love, freedom, rebirth, and royalty. For many people, simple butterflies are the first tattoo to start their journey in the tattoo world.
Small Sunflower Tattoo
The small sunflower tattoo is an extremely popular choice among women. They can be either done as a vibrant yellow sunflower tattoo or as a black and white sunflower tattoo depending on the choice of the person. The beautiful thing about this tiny sunflower tattoo is that though it is minute in stature still it can resonate deep and powerful yet subtle messages.
The tattoo artist while doing these small tattoos uses a single needle and less pigmentation which makes them an ideal choice to even get inked in delicate parts. Through the concept of minimalism, these tattoos reflect freedom, joy, family, and love. The only problem with these small designs is they tend to fade faster than other large tattoos.
Blue Butterfly Tattoo
One of the most majestic-looking butterfly tattoo ideas is the blue butterfly tattoo. Though the design is common in the tattoo world the blue butterflies are rarely seen. Believed to be bringers of good luck and bliss when seen in the wild they are a sight of magnificence.
These butterfly tattoos can be done on the arms, legs, back, and chest by using blue and black ink. As these butterflies are the first ones to be seen in the spring season in many cultures, particularly in Japan they are believed to be the bringer of a prosperous and healthy year. They also represent concepts of adventure, creativity, and freedom.
Realistic Sunflower Tattoo
With the usage of realistic colors, these simple sunflower tattoo designs are sometimes hard to demarcate from photographs. The concept of realism advanced in France in the 1850s but is fairly a new idea in the tattoo world. Only a skilled artist with proper ink movement can sew this realistic sunflower tattoo in the desired portion of the body.
While doing the realistic sunflower yellow ink or the sunflower ink is used and is both popular among men and women. These realistic tattoos can be etched as an ankle sunflower tattoo, a back sunflower tattoo, a forearm sunflower tattoo, a wrist sunflower tattoo, a shoulder sunflower tattoo, or a hip sunflower tattoo. These delicate designs of sunflowers symbolize devotion and intelligence.
Red Butterfly Tattoo
Red is the color of passion and love and be it a butterfly or rose this is the first thing it will reflect. Native Americans believed seeing a red butterfly can bring good luck to people. Done in red ink they are popular among males and females equally. The size of these tattoos can range from medium to large and the best places to get inked with them are the forearm, biceps, chest, shoulder, back, ankles and calves.
Now, these tattoos can be fused with other things like flowers, knives, female figures, and many more to derive several meanings. When done with flowers it will highlight the beauty of nature, while with female figures it will demonstrate the delicate and feminine feel. In some cultures like in Scotland, it is believed that red butterflies are witches in disguise and can be tattooed by members of evil cults.
Foot Sunflower Tattoo
If you are new to the tattoo world then it is suggested not to get these tattoos. Though the foot sunflower tattoo is a gorgeous design, it is extremely painful. Mostly black ink is used for these tattoos but sometimes they can be done as realistic sunflower tattoos.
These sunflowers represent longevity, joy, love, and devotion. They can be both done by men and women and extra floral details can be added to make things more interesting. These good tattoos mostly cover the lower leg portions.
Pink Butterfly Tattoo
The pink butterfly design is extremely popular among women as this design upholds feminine traits. The best places to put these tattoos are the wrist, ankle, bicep, forearm, back, and shoulder.
Size can range from small to medium, but interestingly the small ones look extremely cool and are the first choices according to several artists. Sometimes women get these tattoos as a symbol of youthful joy or while starting a new chapter in life.
Watercolor Sunflower Tattoo
Watercolor painting is one of the oldest art mediums in the history of painting. But doing a watercolor sunflower tattoo is another feat altogether. A more advanced tattoo technique is used to get this sunflower design which consists of blurs, bleeds, and fades, and only an experienced artist can get it done.
The concepts of joy, friendship, longevity, and intelligence can be done with this watercolor art style tattoo technique. These floral tattoos can be inked as a sleeve tattoo, a wrist sunflower tattoo, a back sunflower tattoo, a forearm sunflower tattoo, or an ankle sunflower tattoo.
If seen closely both the sunflower and butterfly are the bringers of good luck and joy and are soothing to the eyes for their vibrant colors. In some cultures, both were seen as important gifts of nature. The Chinese royalty believed sunflowers were associated with warmth and happiness and used to consume sunflower seeds for gaining intelligence, whereas butterflies were associated with love and marriage. Though the meanings have changed over a period of time both of them are still popular choices as tattoo designs.
Other tattoo designs which can be inked with butterflies and sunflowers are:
- Abstract butterfly and sunflower tattoo.
- Snake sunflower tattoo.
- Sword butterfly tattoo.
- Sun and sunflower tattoo.
- Fire butterfly tattoo.
feature image from Pinterest
What is the meaning of a sunflower and butterfly tattoo?
A sunflower and butterfly tattoo is a popular symbolic design that can represent many things. On one hand, the sunflower represents growth, warmth, positivity and joy while the butterfly symbolizes transformation, creativity, freedom and beauty. Together they are a powerful combination – they remind us to focus on what brings us joy in life and to find the beauty in change. This kind of tattoo can be a reminder to embrace life’s transitions and the beauty that comes with it. It may also be used to celebrate the joy of life, or as a way to honor someone who has passed away, or to show appreciation for loved ones. Whatever its meaning, this design is sure to bring a sense of comfort and inspiration.
What are some of the most popular sunflower and butterfly tattoo designs?
The design possibilities for sunflower and butterfly tattoos are endless, as they can be combined with other images or symbols to create something unique. Some of the most popular designs include a single sunflower paired with a set of butterflies, clusters of sunflowers and butterflies, colorful combinations of the two, and abstract versions. Many people choose to add other elements to the design, such as stars, hearts, and words. The placement of the tattoo can also be tailored to express its meaning – for example, a sunflower and butterfly could be placed on the wrist or foot to represent one’s journey through life. No matter what design you choose, this kind of tattoo is sure to bring a sense of joy and inspiration.
How much does a sunflower and butterfly tattoo cost?
The cost of a sunflower and butterfly tattoo will depend on several factors, such as the size of the design, the complexity of the artwork, and where it is located on the body. Generally speaking, simple tattoos tend to be cheaper than more intricate designs. The average price for a small sunflower and butterfly tattoo is around $80-100, while larger and more intricate designs can cost anywhere from $200-400 or more. It is important to note that professional tattoo artists usually charge by the hour, so the price may be higher if your design is complex or requires a lot of time to complete. Additionally, some shops may have an additional fee for supplies or customization.
How do I choose a sunflower and butterfly tattoo design?
When choosing a sunflower and butterfly tattoo design, it’s important to take the time to think about what the design means to you. Consider its symbolism and how it represents your journey in life. You may also want to consider different placement options – some people prefer more visible placements such as on their arms or legs while others opt for more subtle placements on their torso or back. Once you’ve decided on a design, make sure to choose a reputable artist who can bring your vision to life with skill and precision. With a little bit of research, you’re sure to find the perfect sunflower and butterfly tattoo that reflects your unique style and celebrates your journey.
