Think aloud
When you’re thinking of getting a tattoo, you’re probably going to ponder the thought of “What tattoo should I get?” While that’s not an easy question to answer, especially when you’re getting a tattoo for the first time, we’re pretty sure we don’t know anyone who wasn’t happy with a feather tattoo.
A feather tattoo can carry a million different meanings, depending on the style of the tattoo, the color combination you opt for, and the overall design of the tattoo. A feather tattoo represents freedom – freedom to do whatever you want, freedom to spread your wings and fly, and freedom to change.
Among other things, a feather tattoo represents trust, honor, strength, courage, and wisdom. A peacock’s feather, for example, embodies all the beauty you’re surrounded with. An eagle’s feather, on the other hand, amounts to the respect and high regard you’re hoping to earn.
Whether you opt for a small and simple feather tattoo behind the ear or a statement feather tattoo stretching down the spine, you’re guaranteed to walk out of the tattoo parlor with a smile on your face. We’re bringing you a few of our favorite feather tattoos to get you started.
1. A fine-line feather tattoo
Minimalists of the world adore fine-line and line-art tattoos, and we understand why. When you’re on the hunt for a feather tattoo that’s not going to draw too much attention, you might want to opt for a simple, shaded feather that represents your strength and courage.
2. A long feather tattoo on the forearm
Feathers are a symbol of freedom, regardless of the type of feather you opt for. You can amplify or change the meaning of the tattoo by playing with different styles, color combinations, and even different birds – but a tattoo of a creative and cute feather almost always represents freedom.
3. A blue feather tattoo
When we think of feather tattoos, we typically picture the traditional black-and-white feathers embellished with a flock of birds flying away or a basic and boring infinity sign. Opt for a colorful feather tattoo to amplify the meaning of the tattoo – a blue feather represents a message from the spirit realm.
4. A green feather tattoo
We can’t forget about green feathers which happen to be some of the most stunning tattoo styles we’ve stumbled upon. A tattoo of a green feather represents prosperity, progress, and fulfillment – whether we’re talking about your personal or professional life. A green feather seems to be a green flag.
5. An orange feather tattoo
What about an orange feather? When you get a tattoo of an orange feather, you’re playing with the symbolism that represents energy, change, and transformation. Whether you’re going through a time of change or trying to uncover your energy, you might want to get an orange feather tattoo.
6. A feather tattoo behind the ear
A behind-the-ear tattoo is an increasingly popular placement for ink and we understand why. Whether you’re a first-timer afraid of going big or a tattoo enthusiast who prefers hiding their tattoos under their hair, you might want to get a feather tattoo behind the ear.
7. A tattoo of a bird with feathers flying around
We’re focusing on the different designs of feather tattoos, but we couldn’t pass on the opportunity to suggest getting a bird tattoo to amplify or change the meaning of the tattoo – or to simply go big or go home. With a bird tattoo, you’re guaranteed to feel the freedom we’ve been talking about.
8. A blue feather tattoo on the back of the arm
We already touched upon the meaning behind the blue feather tattoo, but what about the placement of the tattoo? Getting a tattoo on the back of the arm might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but we adore the fact that everyone who walks behind you can catch a glimpse of the work of art you’re carrying around.
9. A tattoo of a feather on fire
What better way to play with different qualities that represent you than to combine a couple of elements when getting your first tattoo? A feather tattoo can represent your freedom, strength, and courage, but a feather on fire can signify the passion you approach your everyday life with. What a great concept!
10. A feather tattoo with a modern twist
A feather tattoo shouldn’t be basic or boring. Whether you opt for a colored feather that represents who you are as a person or an embellished feather that makes you feel a certain way every time you look at your tattoo, you’re guaranteed to attract attention and turn heads.
11. A feather tattoo with the name of someone special
When you’re searching for something meaningful, you might think you’re stuck with tattoos of words, phrases, and handwritten notes – but who says that you can’t cater them to your own needs? Get a feather tattoo with the name or the handwriting of someone special and you’re good to go.
12. A tattoo of a feather that means something to you
Maybe you found (and kept!) a feather when you were a child and you want to devote a tattoo to your childhood. Maybe you got a feather as a token of appreciation from someone you’re close to. Whatever the case might be, you can always get a tattoo of a feather that means something to you.
13. A simple and sleek feather tattoo on the forearm
We could go on and on about different meanings of feather tattoos or reasons why a feather tattoo needs to be the next one you get – but that’s not why we’re here. Why not get a feather tattoo simply because you’re obsessed with the style and the design of the tattoo?
14. A peacock feather tattoo
Peacock feathers are beaming with meanings. Peacock feathers, for example, represent good luck, elegance, beauty, immortality, rebirth, royalty, wealth, or divine femininity.
When traced back to Greek mythology, peacock feathers represent protection. When associated with Buddhism, they’re seen as symbols of wisdom and enlightenment. With that out of the way, they’re *also* strikingly beautiful and stunning.
See also: 24 Cursive-Style Spine Tattoo Ideas: From Delicate To Sassy
15. A feather tattoo on the ribcage
A ribcage tattoo might be a tad painful, but a tattoo of a feather on the ribcage might be worth the pain. Whether you’re drawn to ribcage tattoos because they’re easily concealed or because they’re they’re some of the most attractive tattoos out there, consider getting one of a feather.
16. A dainty and delicate feather tattoo on the collarbone
Dainty and delicate tattoos are all the rage these days, especially among women. Getting a feather tattoo on the collarbone might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but we’re obsessed with the way the soft feather floats between the chest and the clavicle. What do you think?
17. A tattoo of a couple of feathers on the back of the arm
Birds of a feather flock together, and so do feathers – apparently. Before you get a feather tattoo on the back of the arm, you might want to consider getting a few of your favorite feathers to ensure you’re getting the most out of your tattoo. We think they’re pretty freakin’ dope, don’t you?
18. A feather tattoo on the ankle
A feather on the foot might be something you’re on the hunt for, and that’s why we’re bringing you a super soft (and a super small) tattoo of a feather to use as “ink-spo.” Whether you decide to opt for a black-and-white feather or a completely different style, we support you.
19. A feather tattoo on the side of the stomach
Stomach tattoos deserve all the hype they’re getting – they’re one of the pavements you’re able to cover up when necessary or show off when you want all the attention on your tattoo. We suggest going for a smaller stomach tattoo for first-timers or a bigger piece for seasoned tattoo-getters.
20. A tattoo of a feather with a flower
A feather tattoo doesn’t need to be solitary. Whether you opt for a sticker sleeve packed with different small, simple tattoos you’re obsessed with or embellish your tattoo with flowers, sparkles, and ornaments, don’t shy away from going to extra mile to get what you want.
21. A Phoenix feather tattoo
After you’ve gone through something traumatic, something that shaped you, you might want to get a Phoenix feather tattoo to represent rebirth, renewal, and the neverending cycle of life. At the end of the day, sometimes you need to celebrate yourself to remember who you are and what you’re capable of.
22. A feather tattoo on the wrist
A feather tattoo on the wrist might not be as “creative” as the tattoos we mentioned beforehand, but you might be on the lookout for a simple, sleek tattoo, anyway. Wrist tattoos are a great placement for showing off, especially when you go for such as sweet feather tattoo.
See also: 22 Patchwork Tattoos That Take Body Art To The Next Level
23. A feather tattoo with tiny birds flying away
We mentioned beforehand that you might want to embellish your feather tattoo with more elements, symbols, or even styles. We suggest opting for a feather tattoo with a few little birds flying away to represent change, transformation, and the transience of life.
24. A colorful feather tattoo
We’ve arrived at the end of the article with a feather tattoo that combines some of the tattoos we mentioned beforehand. A blue and green feather tattoo represents prosperity, progress, fulfillment, and a connection to the spirit realm you might feel whenever you take a look at your tattoo.
