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Home Tattoos 101 Best Traditional Dragon Tattoo Ideas You Have to See to Believe!

101 Best Traditional Dragon Tattoo Ideas You Have to See to Believe!

by Jamie Wilson
Traditional Dragon Tattoo

Dragon tattoos are very famous, and if you are also a fan of the traditional tattoo style, then these amazing traditional dragon tattoos are just for you.

Traditional Dragon Tattoo
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Traditional tattoos are very famous.

Not just the American traditional art style but the Japanese and Chinese traditional tattoos as well. The dragon is a mythical creature that is also a very popular tattoo subject.

We can see mentions of dragons throughout the cultures of the world but they are varied in nature. In the Western world, the dragon is a scaly, winged creature with fire breath. While in the Eastern culture they are water deities who have serpentine bodies and no wings. In all cultures, dragons are immensely powerful. This is why traditional dragon tattoos are so famous. They combine the ferocious imagery of the dragon with the bold traditional art style. If you also want to get a traditional dragon tattoo, then these tattoo ideas are just for you.

American Traditional Dragon Tattoo Ideas

American Traditional Dragon Tattoo Ideas
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Dragons are really cool. These mythical creatures have been present in both the Eastern and Western cultures. If you have always wanted to get a dragon tattoo in the traditional style then this tattoo idea is perfect for you. It combines the bold, black lines and bright colours with the powerful imagery of the dragon. It will look amazing on anybody if they decide to get it.

Amazing Japanese Traditional Dragon Tattoo

Amazing Japanese Traditional Dragon Tattoo
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Among all the traditional art styles, the Japanese traditional tattoo style is very famous. The legend of the dragon in Japan matches with other Eastern cultures as they are depicted as water deities who have magic. In the Eastern world, Dragons are serpentine and they do not have wings. In traditional Japanese dragon tattoo is done in amazing details and the use of bold colours really bring the image to life. If you are looking for a beautiful dragon tattoo in the Japanese style, then this tattoo idea is perfect for you.

Black and Grey Traditional Chinese Dragon Tattoo

Black and Grey Traditional Chinese Dragon Tattoo
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The Dragons in the Chinese culture are similar to their Japanese counterparts. In China, the dragon is a symbolism of power and control over waters and rivers. If you want to get a detailed and beautiful Chinese dragon tattoo in black and grey, then this tattoo idea is perfect for you. It combines traditional and new art styles to create a masterpiece. The flowers add to the background. If you want to get a tattoo like this then find a tattoo artist who can bring this vision to life. The best site for this tattoo is on your back.

American Traditional Dragon Head Tattoo Ideas

American Traditional Dragon Head Tattoo Ideas
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If you want a smaller tattoo in the American traditional art style then this tattoo is perfect for you. This tattoo of a dragon head is a powerful symbol without being too large or imposing. The best location for this tattoo is on your arm or forearm. The bright colours look amazing and the bold outlines complete the look of the small yet bold tattoo.

Traditional Japanese Dragon Tattoo Sleeve

Traditional Japanese Dragon Tattoo Sleeve
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Japanese dragons are very famous for sleeve tattoos. By combining the dragon with some other elements, artists create amazing sleeve tattoos. This tattoo is no different. It totally covers the arm and the dragon seems to be alive because it is so rife with details. Japanese designs are hard to make because they are so intricate. So if you want to get this tattoo, make sure to find a tattoo artist who is fluent in this style. This tattoo is also quite large, so we recommend this for people who have experience in getting tattoos.

Fantastic Neo Traditional Dragon Tattoo Ideas

Fantastic Neo Traditional Dragon Tattoo Ideas
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The Neo-Traditional style is a marriage between traditional and the new school tattoo styles. They look amazing and bold like the traditional tattoos while using a more varied and modern colour palette. They look amazing and sometimes almost three-dimensional. Dragon tattoos in this style is surely something to behold. This tattoo uses a wide range of colours throughout the tattoo and yet it does not take away from the details of the face of the dragon. The best location for this tattoo is the forearm but you can use any other location that can room this tattoo.

Traditional Chinese Red Dragon Tattoo

Traditional Chinese Red Dragon Tattoo
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The dragon is a mythical creature famous for its awesome powers, one of which is the fire breath. The red dragon tattoo style has become very famous recently and even some celebrities have tattoos in this style It basically uses red ink all throughout the tattoo for the linework which makes it look unique. This traditional Chinese tattoo of a dragon is also done in the same way. It is hard to focus on the details of the tattoo with just one ink so make sure to find an artist who can do justice to this art style. This style of tattooing is famous amongst women and the perfect locations for it are the back or the forearm.

Colourful Traditional Japanese Dragon Tattoos

Colourful Traditional Japanese Dragon Tattoos
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Unlike the bold lines of the American traditional tattoos, the Traditional Japanese tattoos focus a lot more on minute details. This style of tattooing is very famous but also very hard to execute. You can see that even though this tattoo is colourful and bold, it still has immense detailing. Even the background of the tattoo is detailed which brings up the overall quality of the tattoo. This tattoo is very large and will look great on anyone’s thigh. But it will also hurt a lot and take multiple sittings. So this tattoo is better for people who have previous experience of getting tattooed.

Beautiful Black and Grey Dragon Tattoos

Beautiful Black and Grey Dragon Tattoos
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Black and grey tattoos are as traditional as it gets. These tattoos are very famous and a lot of people prefer them over colours as these last longer. If you are also a fan of the black and grey art style then this dragon tattoo is perfect for you. It uses only black ink but is still amazingly detailed. It will look fantastic on anyone’s thigh or back.

Amazing Neo-Traditional Dragon Head Tattoo Ideas

Amazing Neo-Traditional Dragon Head Tattoo Ideas
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We talked about the amazing neo-traditional art style already. But if you do not want a dragon body but a dragon head tattoo, do not worry, because we have the perfect tattoo idea for you. This tattoo uses a variety of colours to bring tattoos to life. The background is also very bright and detailed with the dragon head in the centre. The bold outlines and bright colour usage of the traditional art style are also apparent in this amazing tattoo. If you want a dragon head in this style, then this is the best idea for you.

If you want more dragon tattoo ideas then we have some more just for you.

  • Traditional Vietnamese Dragon Tattoo Ideas
  • Traditional Dragon Tattoo Flash
  • Traditional Koi and Dragon Tattoos
  • Traditional Phoenix and Dragon Tattoos

Find a good artist who can bring your perfect visions of dragon tattoos to life and happy tattooing!

Feature image from Pinterest

What is the meaning of a traditional dragon tattoo?

A traditional dragon tattoo typically symbolizes power, strength, courage, and wisdom. It is a common tattoo design to represent overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. The dragon is also often associated with mystery and magic. As such, it can be seen as a reminder of the unknown journey that each person must embark on in life – one filled with both triumphs and hardships. In Eastern cultures, dragons are seen as benevolent forces who can bring luck and fortune to those who honor them. Thus, a traditional dragon tattoo may be used to commemorate an important accomplishment or as a lucky charm. Ultimately, this type of tattoo is deeply personal and its meaning can vary from person to person.

How much does a traditional dragon tattoo cost?

The price of a traditional dragon tattoo will depend on several factors such as the size, complexity, and details of the design. Generally speaking, larger tattoos tend to cost more than smaller ones. Additionally, more detailed designs may cost more than simpler ones. The experience level of the artist can also affect the cost of a tattoo – experienced artists typically charge more than those with less experience. On average, a traditional dragon tattoo can cost anywhere from $200 to $2,000. However, prices may vary based on the above factors.

How big should a traditional dragon tattoo be?

The size of your traditional dragon tattoo will depend on a few factors such as personal preference, budget, and the placement of the design. Smaller tattoos typically look best on more delicate areas such as the wrist or ankle, while larger tattoos can be placed on wider surfaces like the upper arm or back. It is important to consider how much detail you would like to include in the tattoo, as details can become less visible if the design is too small. Ultimately, it is up to you and your artist to decide what size works best for your particular design.

What colors are used in a traditional dragon tattoo?

Traditional dragon tattoos generally use black ink with shades of grey to create a detailed, 3-dimensional look. Other colors such as red, yellow, and blue can be used to bring the design to life and add an extra element of vibrancy. The choice of color is ultimately up to you and your tattoo artist. Discuss what colors would be best for your particular design, keeping in mind which colors will stand out the most on your skin tone.

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