50+ Outstanding Watercolor Tattoos: Check These Stunning Designs (2024 Updated)

There is no secret that body art and tattoos are mainly something people genuinely love more and more. These ink lines are always in style, whether there are small tattoos, wrist tattoos, inner arm or ear tattoos, complex or minimalist tattoos.

You might have seen these kinds of body art everywhere. They are part of numerous cultures, as well as a strong point in street style highlights.

The bright colors, the fine lines, maybe the intricate details, all these designs make these works of art an extraordinary way of expressing ourselves.

However, what makes watercolor tattoos particular and one of a kind is the many different ways to redecorate them, add some twists, and adapt them to your personality.

For instance, ask the artist to add washes of purple and blue as a backdrop to provide that pure delicacy. Go further and wilder and bring out the beauty of tattoo art with lots of other colors.

Of course, you can make the tattoo a lot more abstract by swiping the colors. Now, if you don’t have enough inspiration, I got your back. Scroll on for the most outstanding watercolor tattoo designs.

What Is Watercolor Tattooing?

When it comes to the specific details of watercolor tattooing, these designs lack the black outline of traditional tattoos. The black shades would probably fade away the beauty of vibrant colors, so artists prefer to avoid it.

The result of watercolor tattoos is a less cartoon-like design, but more of a realistic body art. Luckily for you, even within the style of watercolor tattoos, there are different techniques to choose from for your next body art piece.

Some artists ask for a lot higher prices when adding color splashes and more detailed lines. Others would go for more refined looks, using only pastel shades or muted-down colors so that the final body art piece will look like an actual watercolor painting.

Although some of them are pretty common, the watercolor twist will add a relaxed vibe to these ink art pieces. Check the images and choose your next body art inspiration:

Birds And Insects Watercolor Tattoo

If you are a nature lover, these models will be great for you.

Watercolor Butterfly Tattoos

Watercolor butterfly tattoos usually blend different hues so that the result will be a mesmerizing bright and bold piece of ink art.

When it comes to butterfly tattoos, there are lots of variations in terms of designs and styles. It is up to you what elements you will be choosing so the artist can incorporate them into the original model.

As long as you want to express freedom, transformation, beauty, and hope, tattooing yourself with a butterfly is an inspired choice.

Although it is just an insect, the butterfly is also associated with femininity and delicacy, so that it would be an excellent inspiration for feminine body art.

Watercolor Hummingbird Tattoos

Once having a hummingbird watercolor tattoo, it is like someone just painted your skin in vivid colors. The vibrant shades would be ideal for people who want their body art pieces to stand out. No wonder why a hummingbird watercolor tattoo is something to show off.

This wonderful winged creature is usually related to life and hope, as well as positivity. Individuals who had a challenging or a more dramatic past and finally saw the escape and light would appreciate this design.

The hummingbird is the symbol of stronger characters and overcoming turmoil.

Phoenix Watercolor Tattoo

Phoenix birds are mythical creatures rich in symbolism; people would mostly associate the Phoenix birds with rebirth and death, as these creatures are cyclically regenerating.

It is said that Phoenix birds are rising from their ashes, so they are the symbol of strength and regeneration. As such, when deciding to get a tattoo, you can consider the Phoenix design as its meanings are associated with overcoming hardship and challenging times.

Furthermore, this design is a beautiful piece as long as the artist uses the watercolor technique, as the fantastic shades are like bringing the bird to life.

Due to the beauty of this model, you will doubtless want to have the Phoenix ink design somewhere you can see it daily. The inner arm, the shoulder, or the leg are great spots for this tattoo.

However, keep in mind that the watercolor tattoos are fading faster, so the best placement is somewhere on the skin that is not exposed to sunlight.

Owl Watercolor Tattoos

Owls are amazing creatures and also visually appealing tattoo designs that will look stunning on your skin. Although most people perceive them only as nocturnal birds, these creatures are also rich in symbolism. They are a true sign of wisdom, watchfulness, and protection.

Moreover, owls are associated with transition and mystery. In some cultures, such as Native Americans, people believe that owls are the guardians of knowledge. Ancient Greeks used to think that these birds are the portrayal of the goddess.

Dragonfly Watercolor Tattoo

Dragonfly tattoos have strong symbolistic meanings, so they signify harmony, positivity, strength, and even good luck. That being said, if you are looking for a piece of body art that is meaningful and brings only good vibes, then let yourself be inked with a dragonfly design.

These small, beautiful, winged creatures have bright and vivid colors, so make sure you include them in your tattoo. This tattoo style is an excellent match with the watercolor technique.

Floral Watercolor Tattoos

If you are more of a romantic kind of person, then you might prefer flowers over birds and insects.

Sunflower Watercolor Tattoo

If you are looking for a watercolor tattoo rich in symbolism and eye-catching, then don’t miss the Sunflower design. A watercolor sunflower ink art is ideal for people full of optimism or simply love summer symbols.

The bright yellow color, along with the beautiful green shades, is linked to feelings of vibrancy and happiness.

The bloom of Sunflowers is related to fertility, warmth, positivity, so no wonder this ink design would look amazing on feminine bodies. If some tattoo designs would look outstanding using the watercolor technique, well, the sunflower deserves your attention.

However, keep in mind that yellow ink shades tend to fade faster. However, if you take care of your tattoos properly, you will keep the shades vibrant for a more extended period.

Rose Watercolor Tattoos

Of all the flowers you could choose to get inked with, roses are probably some of the most popular ones, and there is a strong reason behind that. Roses are symbols of romanticism and also represent a good balance between pain and beauty.

However, although they look so delicate and elegant, roses can harm people who touch them. As such, these flowers have ambivalent meanings: beauty and passion but also revenge and power.

Most individuals choose to have watercolor rose tattoos in red ink, but you can also add other shades, as the watercolor technique allows you to be creative. In the end, you will get that appealing option. The different colors will blend amazingly well together and create that vibrant look you are looking for.

Also Read: 60+ Inspirational Rose Tattoo Design Ideas: Ultimate Guide (2023 Updated)

Lotus Tattoo in Watercolors

Lotus flowers have always been a fascinating tattoo option, not only due to their beautiful look but also for the flower’s power to grow even in the worst conditions. This is one of the main reasons why people choose this stunning watercolor tattoo model.

This sacred plant is also a great reminder that we can survive hard times no matter the circumstances.

Animals Watercolor Tattoos

I am personally more of an animal kind of person. So here are my favorite models of the day.

Elephant Watercolor Tattoo

When preparing to make your very first watercolor tattoo, an elephant design would be the ideal symbol of body art you need. Elephants are the emblem of wisdom, excellent memory, and power. And if you add some watercolor shades, these vivid colors will bring the ink piece to life and add even more symbolistic value.

Finally, you will get meaningful artwork. Elephants are fantastic tattoo inspirations and are also associated with loyalty, strength, longevity, and wisdom.

Furthermore, they are an excellent choice for feminine bodies, mainly because the herd’s head is most of the time for females. As such, the result would be a great representation of female power.

Cat Watercolor Tattoos

Cat tattoos are the most inspired yet permanent way to honor your love for pets. Ideally, artists may draw watercolor cat tattoos with splashes of color to make them more vivid and cheerful for women and men.

Cats represent intelligence, luck, as well as gratefulness. However, for some people, cats are connected with mystery or cunning.

Once applied the watercolor technique, you will obtain an abstract interpretation and a more powerful visual impact. Let your creativity flow and decide what colors you want to incorporate into your tattoo.

Paw Print Watercolor Tattoo

Whether you choose to make it more abstract or follow the paws’ contour perfectly, this is still a fantastic watercolor body art idea. If you want to honor the presence of the memory of a pet in your life, this is an outstanding yet artistic choice to bring the favorite creature to life on the skin.

Although, in essence, this is quite a simple design, the final look will be appealing. You can do the colorful paws, minor or more significant, and place them anywhere on the skin to make a statement.

Watercolor Nature-Inspired Tattoos

Let’s look at more nature-inspired models.

Watercolor Feather Tattoos

Delicate, smooth, and fragile, feathers are also the symbol of strength, freedom, and wisdom. If you find yourself related to these concepts, then this feather tattoo would be a great choice.

There are lots of interpretations of plumage, but it all depends on the birds they came from. Native Americans were strongly connected to the symbolism of feathers.

The watercolor technique will make the ink come to life and truly stand out on your skin. Choose your favorite shades so the final tattoo will be even more meaningful to you.

Watercolor Tree Tattoos

Watercolor Tree Tattoos are designs that would look stunning on the skin once you use colorful shades. Furthermore, tree tattoos have lots of different meanings, based on the species they are part of.

But generally speaking, trees are associated with commitment and longevity, as well as power, family, attachment, and so on.

Moreover, trees represent new beginnings, making this design a genuinely appealing choice for people who want to leave the past behind and look for future challenges. Watercolor tree tattoos are bold and bright, and they look amazing once you choose a larger skin area.

Modern Art Watercolor Tattoos

Not everybody is inspired by nature. If you are more of an artsy kind of person, maybe you would like an artistic kind of tattoo.

Compass Watercolor Tattoo

The compass is a lot more than an essential navigational tool. This is an object with a powerful symbol. Many individuals link the compass with choosing the direction in life or following a particular path.

The watercolor compass tattoo is an appealing ink piece. If you are looking for a technique to choose from, I recommend the watercolor one, as you can add as many shades as you wish.

Watercolor Heart Tattoos

Hearts are universally recognized symbols and one of the most popular tattoo options, especially for women. Heart tattoos are linked to passion and love, but they can have many other meanings, too: if you choose a black heart, it can be the symbol of heartbreak or death.

On the other hand, if you choose some more vivid watercolors, hearts can be the symbol of creative spirits, devotion, passion, and so on.

Galaxy Watercolor Tattoos

Let me tell you something: when it comes to watercolor tattoos, the galaxy is one of the most impressive inspirations. Nothing would look better than this dreamy body art.

This is the ideal piece to get inked, as it works beautifully with lots of blending colors. The result would be a great cosmos, as well as an eye-catching body artwork.

Be creative in terms of placement, and remember that it is a pity not to show it off. If you are looking for a detailed tattoo, choose some wider spots, such as the leg, back, or chest.

Mermaid Watercolor Tattoos

These mythical creatures are pure magic, aren’t they? If you have been fascinated by the stories about marine characters, a watercolor mermaid tattoo will be your connection with this mythical world.

Due to their colorful tales, mermaids are also the symbol of seduction or sexuality. But you can interpret this as the female power. Choose bright shades so that the final look would be even more spectacular.

Watercolor Tattoos: More FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions people ask before getting tattooed with watercolor body art pieces.

Q: Is it true that watercolor tattoos tend to fade away quickly?

A: Yes, this is the main question that comes through people’s minds. No wonder why this is a million-dollar wonder. So how do watercolor tattoos age? Do they fade away over time? So what should people know from the first instance?

As most tattoo artists would tell you, all tattoos tend to age and fade, and it is perfectly normal due to the UV rays. Time scratches on regardless of the type and colors of your tattoos.

As such, the black tattoos would fade into that fuzzy gray or green, while the watercolor tattoos will soften and lighten over time.

However, if you notice that your tattoos start fading, you can have a bit of a touch-up to keep the tattoo’s colors all fresh and vibrant. But this step is not mandatory at all. You can think of watercolor tattoos as a hair color that grows out nicely.

Maybe you have noticed some watercolor paintings that tend to fade away throughout the edges. The details are not that sharp anymore, the colors are much softer, so the natural aging of watercolor tattoos can look well with the initial contour.

Also Read: Colored Tattoos Vs. Black & Grey Tattoos: Which Tattoo Style Is Better For Your Next Ink?

Q: How long do watercolor tattoos resist?

A: Tattoos, in general, are permanent, so once they are inked into the skin, if you don’t take enough care of them, they won’t last as long as you wish.

The main enemy of watercolor tattoos is the sun, so if you want your tattoos to last and preserve their colors, always cover the ink art with sunscreen.

Furthermore, the best time to take care of your tattoo is as soon as it heals. With proper care and application, and the artist’s skills, even the lightest colors should last a more extended amount of time.

Last Thoughts

So if you are fully convinced that you need a watercolor tattoo in your life, I hope the gathered inspiration will be helpful.

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