Reviewed & updated: October 19, 2022 by Jamie Wilson BA
If you are a tattoo lover, then you are always on the hunt for a new tattoo. We all know about the usual tattoo designs, but why not take it to the next level with an octopus tattoo? If you want to know more about this unusual octopus tattoo designs, keep on reading!
What Is The Symbolism Of an Octopus?
The octopus symbolism varies a bit from one culture to another. An octopus can symbolize intelligence and creativity. Because of its look, it also represents flexibility and something strong. Octopus is also very determined and has a strong ability of sense. All of these things give a lot of meaning to the octopus. Therefore if you do decide to get an octopus tattoo, there is undoubtedly going to be a lot of meaning behind it.
1. Octopus Tattoo Shoulder Designs
An octopus tattoo works excellent as a shoulder tattoo because octopuses are usually large. So if you want to do the octopus tattoo in its full glory, you will need a large surface to work with. Octopus tattoos are usually done in black ink, and they can have a lot of meaning behind them. In case you aren’t afraid of big tattoos, then this octopus tattoo might be your match!
2. Skull Octopus Tattoo
In case you are just getting into tattoos, or if you are looking for your first tattoo, then this small skull octopus tattoo could be what you’ve been looking for! Hand tattoos don’t generally hurt that much and are an excellent place for a first small tattoo. The only downside of this octopus tattoo is that it is visible at all times. So if you have conservative work colleagues or family members, maybe you should avoid this small hand octopus tattoo.
3. Forearm Octopus Tattoo Design
Your octopus tattoo can look super cool when the tattoo artist adds that magic touch to it. Octopuses have tentacles which can be used for fine detailing. This octopus tattoo is a fantastic choice for people who are experienced and want to turn their body into a work of art. The all-black ink gives the octopus a scary look, while still maintaining that artistic look to it.
4. Octopus Chest Tattoo
Octopus tattoos like this one are made for people who have done several tattoos before. Because of the size and the placement of the tattoo, it might take you some time to get it done. You will most likely have to make several visits to your tattoo artist until it is all done. You can always add some elements to your octopus tattoos, such as water or an anchor. Therefore, your tattoo can symbolize a lot more things.
5. Traditional Octopus Tattoo
Traditional octopus tattoos and traditional tattoos, in general, are characterized by a lot of colors and black outlines. They often have a cartoonish look to them, meaning they can look very artistic. This tattoo is an excellent choice for people who like colored tattoos and aren’t afraid of being in the center of attention since we are sure everyone will compliment you on this fantastic octopus tattoo!
6. Japanese Octopus Tattoo
Octopus tattoos can be done in many different styles. One of them is Japanese Octopus. This tattoo is characterized by an all-black design, perfect lines, and black detailing. Japanese tattoos aren’t recommended for beginners since they do take a lot of time to be done. They are also associated with a higher level of pain. So you might want to skip this octopus tattoo if you are getting into tattoos.
7. Tentacle Octopus Tattoo
When doing octopus tattoos, you can keep the focus on the tentacles. They can be used for detailing and are a great way to extend your tattoo. It does take some time to do a Kraken tattoo, meaning you will need to spend several hours in a chair. This octopus tattoo is an excellent choice for everyone who doesn’t like sharp lines.
8. Half Octopus Sleeve Tattoo
You won’t see that many colored octopus tattoos even though they offer an excellent platform for a colored tattoo. You can do the water in blue, the octopus in purple, orange, and the outline in black. This will give dimension to your octopus tattoo, meaning it is going to look more prominent. So if you are not a fan of old fashioned black tattoos, why not give it a go with this stunning colored octopus tattoo?
9. Amazing Octopus Tattoo
If you are a fan of beautiful and symbolic tattoos with many details, then maybe you have found the perfect match! This octopus tattoo is quite large, it has many details, and it can be a symbol for many things. It uses only black ink, and it achieves this badass tattoo look with lots of shading. Be aware that even though the shoulder isn’t a painful place for a tattoo since it is this huge, it might get a bit uncomfortable. Still, we are sure you are going to love it!
10. Cartoon Octopus Tattoo
This cartoon octopus tattoo combines so many different elements. It has precise lines, a significant amount of colors, and it looks like a painting. An octopus tattoo like this one is very fun, and it is truly a piece of art. Since the design is so intricate and it also has many colors, it will take you some time to get this tattoo done. Nonetheless, it is still an amazing and unique octopus tattoo.
11. Octopus Leg Tattoo
An octopus leg tattoo like this one is excellent for anyone who has a high pain tolerance. All leg tattoos hurt like hell, and when you do an octopus tattoo with so many details and colors, be prepared for pain. Aside from that, there is nothing else wrong about this octopus tattoo. It looks quite beautiful, it can be used as a cover-up tattoo, and it can also be easily hidden during conservative work and family meetings.
12. Foot Octopus Tattoo
From head to toe, we wanted to make sure there is an octopus tattoo for everyone. Now, this simple, all-black octopus tattoo is an excellent choice for almost everyone. Foot tattoos don’t hurt that much. You can easily hide your octopus with socks and shoes. Since it is done on your foot, the fading will be much slower of your octopus, meaning it will last longer. All in all, it is a great tattoo choice for both beginners and experts.
Having Said All of That,
An octopus tattoo isn’t something you see every day. Still, it is a beautiful looking tattoo that can be done in so many ways. You can keep your octopus small, or you can use it as a cover-up. It can be done in an edgy looking all-black style, or you can make it fun by adding color to it. All in all, we hope you liked these octopus designs and who knows, they might be your next tattoo of choice!
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