Watercolor tattoos are tattoos that are designed to resemble a watercolor painting. Soft but bright colors are used and blurred, blended, faded, and shaded to mimic this painting style. Paint splatters and drips are also sometimes part of a watercolor tattoo. Unlike traditional tattoos, watercolor tattoos typically don’t include black outlines. If a black outline is used, it’s generally made to look like a pen sketch line to fit in better with the style of the tattoo.
Feelings on watercolor tattoos are mixed. Some body art fanatics love the style, while others dislike it. A watercolor tattoo, especially the lighter parts of a tattoo, are more subject to fading. If you’re in love with the idea of watercolor tattoos, though, don’t let the fear of fading ink stop you. All tattoos fade to some degree; more frequent touchups may be required with a watercolor tattoo design though. On the other hand, not all watercolor tattoos fade to the point that they need touched up. In fact, some watercolor tattoos age very well!
Ready to get inked with a watercolor tattoo? Check out these watercolor tattoo designs for a little inspiration!
1. Watercolor Quote Tattoo
A colorful watercolor tattoo design makes an excellent background for a meaningful or fun quote.
2. Simple Cat Watercolor Tattoo
Water color tattoo designs can also be used to add some subtle color to a simple black outline tattoo.
3. Splattered Flying Bird Watercolor Tattoo
You might have to look closely, but there are a a couple of birds flying in this seemingly random splattered watercolor design.
4. Watercolor Flower Ankle Tattoo
This black flower outline looks amazing over a watercolor background on the ankle!
5. Watercolor Flower Side Tattoo
A watercolor flower tattoo stretching up the side is simply stunning!
6. Watercolor Lion Tattoo
A watercolor lion is a gorgeous alternative to a traditional lion tattoo for women!
7. Dandelion Watercolor Tattoo
Dandelion tattoos are gaining in popularity, and this watercolor version is one of the best I’ve seen!
8. Bright Lotus Flower Watercolor Tattoo
The bold black outline of this lotus flower contrast perfectly with the bright watercolor background!
9. Watercolor Feather Tattoo
If you’re considering a feather tattoo, a watercolor style tattoo could be just the thing!
10. Watercolor Compass Tattoo
Never lose where you’re going again with a colorful compass tattoo!
11. Watercolor Hummingbird Tattoo
A watercolor hummingbird tattoo is sweet and feminine.
12. Watercolor Music Tattoo
Negative space tattoo design meets watercolor tattoo design in this moving music tattoo!
13. Parrot Watercolor Tattoo
A watercolor design makes this parrot tattoo simply breathtaking!
14. Cute Watercolor Elephant Tattoo
An adorable little elephant tattoo make a great good luck charm!
15. Watercolor Skull Tattoo
This skull is proof that there are some great watercolor tattoo options for guys as well as girls.
16. Watercolor Tree Tattoo
A beautiful watercolor tree tattoo would be graceful on any back!
17. Watercolor Forest Tattoo
Or, if just one tree isn’t enough, consider an entire forest in watercolors for an amazing eye catching design.
It’s important to choose an experienced tattoo artist when you get any tattoo. However, choosing the right tattoo artist is especially important when you’re planning on getting a watercolor tattoo! Make sure you choose an artist that has experience with watercolor tattoos. Ask to see examples of previous work to get an idea of his or her style. After getting your watercolor tattoo, properly caring for your tattoo an help prevent fading and put off needing touchups. Sunlight is one of a watercolor tattoo’s worst enemies. Always keep your tattoo covered or slather it with high SPF sunscreen.
