Unless you have a fear of drowning, there’s no chance that you’re not mesmerized by water bodies, especially oceans. And while the crystal clear waves and deep blue hue of the water that makes up each ocean are surely something to behold on an ocean tattoo, did you know that only 5% of oceans have been explored as of 2024? We didn’t, either!
Despite how little we’ve explored, there’s no better feeling than dipping your toes or letting your whole body go when diving into an ocean. Though the visuals in real-time are temporary, you can forever engrave the view with an ocean tattoo, the main agenda for this guide.
Before we dig deep to search for gold, which, in this article, are the variations an ocean tattoo comes in, let’s take a look at some of the fundamentals regarding ocean tattoos and what they mean. And if you’re not ready yet, buckle up and join the queue!
Illustrations Beyond Their Artwork: Exploring The Inner Meaning Of Ocean Tattoos
At the end of the day, the metaphor of an ocean tattoo isn’t only deep, but also just as engaging and powerful as the visuals it provides, associated with one of three interpretations.
The most common reason many side with ocean tattoos is to show their appreciation for mother nature, and appreciate the beauty of the deep, blue sea. Indeed, when push comes to shove, there’s nothing more serene than the waves and depth carried by the ocean.
Another scenario explains the depth of one’s personality, which is when the tattoo features all kinds of symbols to make the final concept as expressive as possible. From exposing hardship to celebrating tokens of happiness, an ocean tattoo knows no bounds when this agenda is selected.
Many also believe that ocean tattoos are affiliated with life, carrying the ability to provide food, water, and oxygen, all of which are necessities for human beings until eternity.
Celestial Ocean Tattoos For You To Try Out This Year!
Now that we’ve finally made it to the next portion, it’s time to take a look at the options that are currently available on the market. Don’t stress too much, however, since each ocean tattoo is as multifaceted as chameleons.
From covering ideal body parts to unveiling noteworthy designs, here are the best ocean tattoos that can increase the appreciation anyone has for nature.
Ocean Wave Tattoo
One of the frontrunners of this movement is an ocean wave tattoo, which captures poetry in motion. The image provided by this option is surreal, having the edge over any tattoo that is associated with nature.
An ocean wave is indescribable when viewed in real life, but also manages to blow away artists when converted into a tattoo. The illustration often carries a refreshing note of blue, which can be divided and transformed into a two-dimensional scheme with white.
The symbolism of an ocean wave is big in Japan, associated with the importance of isolation and stepping out of the comfort zone. Using faded tones to generate a vintage-esque aura is a great way to display this tattoo.
Ocean Sleeve Tattoo
Since there are many creatures who are codependent on the status of the ocean, accumulating all of them to form a tattoo can be a bold move to make, yet worthwhile. Additionally, if you believe that no body part has enough room to accommodate the compilation you’ve come up with, why not go for a sleeve tattoo?
An ocean sleeve tattoo can be dismissed due to how much time it takes. Furthermore, due to the pain involved, many may discard entertaining such an elaborate scheme.
However, as long as you have patience, and break the process into multiple sessions, the tattoo shouldn’t feel like a chore you’re dealing with.
Small Ocean Tattoo
There’s nothing more enthralling than obtaining your first tattoo, as it really sets the tone for the kind of aesthetic you gravitate towards. Many believe in going all out, while the rest believe in moving cautiously. And if you happen to agree with the latter, allow a small ocean tattoo to be your first tattoo!
The artwork is compact and minimal, making it easy to obtain. Saving time is also possible, especially if you reach out to a professional to cater to these needs.
A small ocean tattoo looks best on the wrist. On various occasions, it has also been linked with delicate areas such as the ankle, collarbone, and so on.
Mountain And Ocean Tattoo
The serenity found in a picture involving an affair between a mountain and ocean is rather sublime, and can really improve one’s mental health.
While trekking up a mountain to capture the bond it shares with the ocean can give your endurance a kicking, getting a mountain and ocean tattoo can be a quick and easy way to unlock that view.
The graphic contains various shading techniques, and carries tons of detail. While the feeling of wearing this tattoo can’t be described with words, don’t forget to consult with a professional for memorable results.
Blue Ocean Tattoo
Monochromatic schemes are often dropped and discarded in the modern era of tattoos, often being labeled as a concept that is one-dimensional. Despite all the criticism, monochromatic colors never fail to leave spectators in awe, especially when being the leading component behind a tattoo.
If you’re hoping to depict your ocean tattoo with a mix of promising colors and simplicity, opt for a simple sketch and focus on one scheme. For instance, if you’d only like to showcase the love you have for the ocean, adopt a blue ocean tattoo and enhance the color palette with layers of tones that pair well with blue.
Oceanside Tattoo
Running towards the ocean and letting the sea take your breath away is quite therapeutic. However, being by the ocean is just as promising, especially if your sensitive skin bars you from the moisture of seawater.
An oceanside tattoo represents all the people who find more peace in being by the sea as opposed to taking a dip. It captures the majestic feeling with an artwork that tends to last forever with regular touch-ups.
Adding various components is the best way to make this tattoo worthwhile, so don’t forget to check out the bond between the ocean, sun, and the moon.
Simple Ocean Tattoo
Another option that favors newbies involves a simple depiction of an ocean tattoo, composed with either a stick and poke set or a colourless scheme. The artwork ranks low on the tattoo pain chart, being compatible with various locations.
Positioning and implementing the concept is a walk in the park, and can be installed by any tattoo artist regardless of experience.
The time frame typically works wonders for those with a busy schedule, requiring an hour at most to reach completion.
Deep Ocean Tattoo
Exploring the depth of the ocean might be impossible to carry out in real life without professional assistance, but can be doable if adopted by a stencil to pull off an ocean tattoo. It is quite peculiar in the planet of ocean tattoos, but tends to speak to wallflowers the most.
A deep ocean tattoo consists of dark colors, mainly to move away from imaginary and mythical designs. Adding squids can be sufficient if you’re hoping to add to the realism invested into this tattoo.
Feminine Ocean Tattoo
An ocean tattoo doesn’t come with requirements, or cater to one of the many genders in the modern era. When illustrated delicately, however, the artwork mostly speaks to the female mind more than the rest.
A feminine ocean tattoo carries basic elements, but mostly goes above and beyond to highlight the beauty behind a woman. In order to do that, the tattoo mostly works with delicate body parts, such as the ankle, and the neck.
The tattoo might not have enough means to compete with loud designs, but gets the job done if increasing one’s appeal is the main objective. Requiring very few touch-ups, this option is perfect for those working under a budget.
Japanese Ocean Tattoo
In addition to having an obsession with ocean waves, Japanese culture is quite big on water bodies, mostly oceans. It’s not the view that pulls them towards the creation, but the peaceful energy levels that they provide.
A Japanese ocean tattoo often depicts the ocean with faded and retro tones, as well as crisp clean shades.
Often, the waves are what they highlight, through the help of concentrated borders and abstract components.
Moon And Ocean Tattoo
Scientists believe that the ocean shares a special connection with the moon, which explains why they often gravitate towards the object. The gleaming light of the moon reflects best on the flowy visuals of the ocean, creating an incredible image that can be adopted for a tattoo.
A tattoo between the two carries tons of detail, all of which bring out incredible results. The artwork does run big, though, rendering compact areas incapable of working with the concept.
When all is said and done, this tattoo isn’t just for those with a knack for art, but also for enthusiasts into astronomy. Using the forearm is the go-to, mainly due to the exposure it receives.
Black And White Ocean Tattoo
Classic schemes are perhaps the best themes to turn to if you don’t want to accumulate too much attention with your ocean tattoo. Doing so can also be perfect if you lean onto tattoos that age like wine in the long run.
Adding just an emblem of the ocean should suffice in this scenario. The world is your oyster, it seems, so don’t hesitate to include more components if necessary.
Geometric Ocean Tattoo
Sharp shapes and angles never do any harm, preferably when working with an ocean tattoo. In fact, borders enriched with presentability tend to highlight distinct components of the tattoo, making it a fan favorite on this list.
A geometric ocean tattoo is perfect for those who prefer minimal artwork with a note of elegance. Adding pastel tones is the right way to go about things, while keeping the diagram colourless is another.
Traditional Ocean Tattoo
Draped in solid schemes with thick, curvy borders, a traditional ocean tattoo caters to many. It carries visuals that are loud, often based around shades involving red, green, blue, and yellow.
A traditional ocean tattoo is ideal for the amount of blue it contains. The image often leaves a solid impression, although various shades of each color need to be used. The elements are surely worth it for artistic souls, despite taking a slightly longer time to create than the average tattoo.
Sun And Ocean Tattoo
The sun plays a pivotal part in creating ocean waves, which makes their bond more special than it has to be. The gravitational pull generated by the sun enables the ocean to carry more waves, a motion that can easily be stopped using a tattoo.
An illustration carrying both components is a jarring option for the mind, carrying multiple tons that pair well with one another. Pairing notes of realism might take some time, but shouldn’t be dismissed if a memorable moment is what you’re seeking.
Compass Ocean Tattoo
The artwork involving a compass and the ocean can be rather confusing at first, but makes sense once you dive into the metaphor that the combination conveys.
The ocean often stands as a metaphor for life, while the compass can serve as a tool that navigates the wearer through the ups and downs of it. In other words, the compass is merely a companion that makes it easy to appreciate the positives, and minimizes the setbacks generated from the negatives.
Usually found on those dealing with hardship, this artwork is of great help if your main aim is to achieve survival. The illustration carries tons of distinct features, adding to the already-positive reception of this option.
Tribal Ocean Tattoo
Often, a tribal tattoo carries a simple graphic with a heavy meaning. Similarly, a tribal ocean tattoo carries only the components displayed by a wave, carrying a weight that appears to be unfathomable.
Due to its size, a tribal ocean tattoo is perfect for enthusiasts with a knack for things that come in small packages. On average, the tattoo takes around 5 minutes to cross the finish line.
Realistic Ocean Tattoo
A 3-dimensional scheme can be a great way to ensure you never get tired of your ocean tattoo, although it might cost more than the average entry. Be sure to clear up your schedule, as this ocean tattoo is known for moving like a snail.
With sharp geometric borders, high-contrast colors, and monochromatic tones, a realistic ocean tattoo is the perfect way to showcase the affection you have towards water bodies. Installing it in exposed areas can also add to your appeal.
Ocean Tattoo On Wrist
On the other hand, if you don’t want to absorb more pain for a body modification, try obtaining an ocean tattoo on your wrist. The artwork stays narrow, looks minimal, and even pairs well with other designs. Furthermore, if you have a change of heart, you can add to the stencil in the long run, converting it into a sleeve tattoo for best results!
Lighthouse And Ocean Tattoo
Converting the palette of an ocean might fall short of impressing you and resonating with your aesthetic. Don’t give up, however, and think of alternatives instead.
If you’re in a dilemma, try taking notes from this graphic, involving a lighthouse that carries enough dimensions. It also adds more color to the tattoo, being a great addition to visual-oriented minds.
Bird And Ocean Tattoo
The chemistry between a bird and the ocean is definitely a complex one. While the creatures solely work on improving their vertical and flight, operating over the ocean gives birds the flow they need. When depicted on a body part, a tattoo based on a bird and the ocean works in wonderful ways.
The illustration can be depicted in various ways, as long as the artwork is not too lengthy. You may refrain from adding more components, since doing so can divert attention from the real purpose behind this option.
Ocean Tattoo On Forearm
If you’d like to install a landscape that is vertically gifted, accommodating an ocean tattoo on your forearm should be the main aim. In addition to being able to add minor and major detail to enhance the outlook of the design, this tattoo will also reward you with tons of exposure.
From large images to basic schemes, a forearm tattoo of the ocean comes in various forms. Pick a concept that aligns with your interests, using colour schemes that compliment your skin.
Ocean And Dolphin Tattoo
According to many, dolphins aren’t just creatures producing bundles of joy, but also possess the same level of emotional intelligence as human beings. Another quality that brings dolphins and humans together is the love they have for the ocean.
Adding a dolphin can be a great way to add to your ocean tattoo, as it can fill the void perfectly. Doing so may also add more character to your tattoo, along with more visual components.
Ocean Tattoo On Arm
Closing off this list is an arm tattoo, which can both horizontally and vertically fit the image of an ocean. Colours look vibrant when engraved in the depiction of this location, while borders seem to somehow add to the overall effect.
One good thing about this option is the pain level involved, which is when the layers of fat really stand out. Since the body part is cushioned from every angle, an arm tattoo is perfect for first-timers and those with sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Question
Below are some questions that have been unveiled to enhance your understanding of ocean tattoos and how powerful they are when their visuals aren’t counted. The questionnaire can even help solve pending feelings of doubt.
Q: What are ocean tattoos associated with?
Ans: Among enabling one to show their affection towards water bodies, an ocean tattoo can be a good way to enable oneself into exposing some of their deepest secrets and capture a spiritual awakening as a result.
Q: Are ocean tattoos painful?
Ans: While any tattoo is painful, certain areas might inflict more damage than the rest. In other words, as long as you avoid highly sensitive areas, such as the neck, ribs, hand, and spine, you may just unlock a pain-free process.
Conclusion
All in all, if being by the ocean with your friends or on your own brings you contentment, getting an ocean tattoo might just fit like a glove with your interests. You’re in luck, too, since the artwork carries and presents itself in multiple ways.
From catering to beginners with a wrist tattoo to pleasing veterans with a sleeve tattoo, an ocean tattoo tends to go above and beyond to make things work. In order to please users with a knack for realism, they offer deep ocean tattoos, formed with three-dimensional components.
Before obtaining this artwork, be sure to consider the purpose behind this move. Don’t forget to consult with a professional either, as doing so will bring out a well-equipped design that resonates with your interests.