
76 Magnetic And Meaningful Ideas For Simple Compass Tattoos That Result In A Fulfilling Life!
Share
Life lacks meaning when you don’t have goals to obtain, or a purpose that aligns with what you hope to do. And while the former takes years of practice to perfect and to figure out completely, a subtle push can be found when you have a companion as strong as a compass tattoo.
Underneath the needles and the massive size of a compass tattoo lies a sense of direction. They don’t just help you with finding your way from a geographical standpoint, but they also help solve mental road blocks that get in the way of your esteem, morale, and quality of life.
The world of compass tattoos is a simple one from a design standpoint. However, behind the scheme lies hidden messages that protect the soul from dealing with day to day challenges, as well as a burst of confidence. Nonetheless, if you’re completely sure about your commitments to wearing a compass tattoo, allow this guide to make it a part of your reality!
A One-Man Army: Diving Into The Meaning Behind Compass Tattoos

@obsidiantattoo_belair
A compass tattoo is a design that juggles multiple weights on its shoulder. While all of them are quite positive for the human psyche, the power of compass tattoos stands out most when catering to four specific scenarios.
From allowing one to find the role they serve in life to helping users overcome the fear of uncertainty, here are the pivotal symbolisms shaping the meaning behind compass tattoos.
Finding Your Purpose
Compasses, in the real world, are ideal when you have no idea where you’re headed from a geographical standpoint. On the contrary, as a tattoo, they help users discover their strong suits in life.
Doing the former allows wearers to set targets that align with their personalities and ambition, providing them the drive they need to succeed. Many claim that the presence of a compass leads to the discovery of their purpose.
A Sense Of Direction
Feeling lost is a common obstacle that life throws at us. And while it’s easy to lean into the despair and anxiety found in hopelessness, compass tattoos free us from the former shackles, helping users establish a direction that feels appropriate from a professional and personal standpoint.
Protection From Chaos
At the end of the day, everything is shaped by how tough you are on the inside; a fact that compass tattoos often acknowledge and understand.
That’s not all, however, as compass tattoos act as a barrier between the human mind and negative dilemmas, providing users a sense of safety and reassurance while also subsiding harmful thoughts, much like an armband tattoo.
Dealing With Uncertainty Confidently
Lastly, compass tattoos act as motivators. They give us the push we need to be at our best, which might require one to put themselves in uncomfortable scenarios and uncertainty.
Instead of shying away from what we can’t handle, compass tattoos encourage us to tackle obstacles and unpredictability with zero regret and plenty of faith, pivoting us around a direction of success.
Supportive And Comforting Compass Tattoo Designs That Lead To Greatness!

@risingdragontattoosa
From taking a trip down memory lane to motivating one out of a career-slump, a compass tattoo comes in many forms to please the wearers that hop on the bandwagon.
That said, if your main aim is to settle for nothing but the best, skim through the following entries, otherwise known as the best of compass tattoos!
Viking Compass Tattoo: In Honor Of Prolific Navigators

@empireinkphuket
Vikings weren’t just warriors with physically capable bodies. They also had special cognitive abilities that rendered them capable of moving from point A to point B without needing any source of guidance.
While they themselves never used compasses, a Viking compass tattoo remains the frontrunner among the movement, paying homage to Vikings who navigated without requiring any assistance.
From a graphic standpoint, the compass is fused with a classic aura, meshed with emblems that the Vikings used to make the compass a natural fit.
Nautical Compass Tattoo: Redirecting In The Sea

@davidneal1985
Nautical compasses serve as the ultimate tokens of guidance when your phone runs out of charge while you’re stranded in the sea. However, in the world of tattoos, a nautical compass tends to move in its own lane.
Often, nautical compasses are used to cherry pick those who harbor deep feelings of relatability and admiration for waterbodies, such as oceans, rivers, and seas. They can also be a great teammate to those that prefer kayaking as opposed to taking flights.
For females, the area below the neck can be an incredible option, even more so if a physical enhancer is what they need. On the contrary, for men, the hand can be a good idea.
Anchor And Compass Tattoo: A Ray Of Light For The Lost

@kursatrecberart
Being lost can drain the soul out. It can also bring about feelings of self-doubt, subsequently leading to chronic depression.
And while it can be easy to just stay there and dissolve, finding a solid support system can be a great way to breathe new life back into your soul.
If you’re fond of art, the mix between an anchor and a compass tattoo can truly be a gamechanger. It provides a sense of hope, along with restoring confidence that was lost to reignite your purpose and well-being.
Small Compass Tattoo: A Friend In Need

@hachi.ink
Compass tattoos, according to most, take up tons of space, requiring larger canvases to fit right in without showing signs of struggle. However, if you pick your brain enough, you too can cut corners during the creative process.
Many break free from the mass of compass tattoos by replacing them with small stencils, which can be a great companion to have around if you’re struggling in silence.
While subtlety is a great quality of a small compass tattoo, another is its flexibility; an element that it uses to accommodate any location, from the ankle to the area behind the ear.
Clock And Compass Tattoo: All The Right Moves

@coastlinetattoo
A clock tattoo is yet another candidate that blends seamlessly with the nature of a compass tattoo, from both a design and metaphoric standpoint.
The clock replaces the needles of a traditional compass to fit both hands and a 12-hour system, while the compass reprises its roles with the cardinal directions it represents.
The sleeve is a mandatory design to consider for this piece, as it is regarded as one of the largest designs on this list. If you’re looking for a demographic, it’s for those that need to figure things out before it’s too late.
Feminine Compass Tattoo: Inside The Female Mind

@maddys.tattoos.art
Due to societal pressures and constant discrimination, it’s true that women have it worse than men, in almost every single way. Perhaps that’s why feminine compass tattoos exist; to allow the female mind to bounce back.
Often, the artwork is significantly downsized to meet the dimensions of compact areas, such as the foot and the ribs.
Having a feminine compass tattoo is not just art, but also a survival tactic that women use to bounce back from vulnerable positions.
Nordic Compass Tattoo: Finding Your Way

@rural.ink.studio
Much like the Vikings, Nordic people hardly relied on compasses to explore and discover new areas outside their motherland, making them elite visionaries during their era.
A Nordic compass tattoo may use ancient symbols to cater more to those taking pride in the greatness found behind Nordic culture, but they’re also a great way to add some new flavor into a compass tattoo.
On another note, if you’re lost in life, failing to pursue what would really make you happy, perhaps a Nordic compass tattoo will help in facilitating the growth that you need to achieve a breakthrough.
Compass Tattoo On Forearm: Comfort In Uncertainty

@shivansh_tattoo_piercing
Even when you're making all the right moves, there might come a time when everything falls apart. That's just the nature of life.
Instead of committing to the loop found in the former, make peace with the uncertainty. Better yet, thrive off how unpredictable life can be.
A compass tattoo on the forearm can help you with your new mantra, conveying the big news to any spectator as well. Signing up for this piece is also great for sensitive skin, as the forearm ranks low on the tattoo pain chart.
Arrow Compass Tattoo: Pursuing Your Dreams

@assassintattoo
You only live once, so life each day as though it's your last. Don't waste time wondering what could have been had you pursued your dreams.
Make the first move today to see how far you can get at living your dream.
If all else fails, try wearing a compass tattoo with an arrow speared in between the instrument. It's not just a highly graphic design, but also an illustration that will fit your narrative perfectly.
Mechanical Compass Tattoo: An Upgrade From The Real Thing

@lamanigancetattootoronto
Biomechanical tattoos and mechanical tattoos can be ideal to wear if your goal is to wear a tattoo that gets people talking. They have the perfect dash of realism behind each stencil, using shades of black and silver to mimic the future.
A mechanical compass digs deep to unveil the backend of a compass, but replaces the needles with engines and gears.
Believe it or not, the artwork can be placed anywhere, just as long as you're able to blend it as a prosthetic arm or leg tattoo.
Compass Wrist Tattoo: A Beginner’s Recipe

@imperialtattoova
Compasses are usually perceived as giants that don't compromise their structural integrity. However, this piece begs to differ.
With compact elements and undersized dimensions, a compass wrist tattoo is all that one needs to get started.
The lenient pain level of the creative process is definitely one of the selling points. However, having this wrist tattoo also opens doors for creative individuals, as they can always add layers to the scheme with patchwork tattoos or a sleeve.
Traditional Compass Tattoo: The Beauty Of Using Colors

@jonaintdead
Traditional pieces are universal. Therefore, if you believe that your compass tattoo could use a change of scene, consider adopting a traditional theme.
A traditional compass tattoo is just like any other piece on this list. The only difference it carries lies within its color scheme, which replaces neutral shades for a combination based on yellow, green, red, and blue.
The wrist is a great spot for this piece, as it allows the user to be as loud as they can with their new ink!
Compass And Map Tattoo: A Love For Travel

@ink_khan
Above all, compass tattoos represent those with a never-ending love for exploring new places. They even have a unique illustration to provide the former demographic with a sense of belonging, otherwise known as a compass and map tattoo.
For this illustration, it’s best to surround the compass with the map, as opposed to installing them individually.
The back is a solid location to commit to, as it provides a wide enough canvas to accommodate the stencil.
Broken Compass Tattoo: Starting From Square One

@chronicink_vancouver
It’s not about how many times you fail in life. Rather, it’s about the times you get up after being knocked down.
Similarly, everything, including compasses, can reach a breaking point. And if you can relate to how the former feels, now’s the perfect time to thrive off your flaws.
A broken compass tattoo can be a great way to be loud and proud regarding your scenario, while also relieving yourself of the shame you feel in showing your vulnerable side. The graphic requires tons of complex pieces, so be sure to clear up your schedule to accommodate the illustration.
Rose And Compass Tattoo: Loving Every Version Of Yourself

@liqfromthewood
No matter how bad things get, it's important that you love yourself through thick and thin. If you can't do the former, it might also be impossible to truly love the soul of another.
A great teacher and mentor for the former is a rose compass tattoo, which is used to encourage users to love every part of themselves.
Often placed as a forearm tattoo, this piece also fits the criteria for a solid leg tattoo on females.
Geometric Compass Tattoo: Illustrated With The Right Angles

@vimoksha_tattoos
Compasses adjust well with angles in real life. As a matter of fact, they're kind of dependent on angles, as they find it easier to generate accurate results.
In the world of art, the narrative remains somewhat the same, with a compass tattoo being codependent on geometric artwork.
Following the former pays off, however, as the geometric sequence fills out the void that the compass is surrounded by, resulting in a fuller, more presentable concept.
Watercolor Compass Tattoo: A Change Of Scene

@lil.biff.tats
Similar to traditional themes, notes resembling a watercolor tattoo can also change the whole ballgame when committing to a compass tattoo.
Using a tie-dye color combination with a blurry effect, this illustration runs on soft aesthetics.
Since the artwork leans a bit more towards femininity, the sternum is a great home for the concept.
Celtic Compass Tattoo: Powered By Good Fortune

@rebeccawtattoos
Anxiety can get to you when aiming for growth. But as long as you have a motivator in your ears, tackling and dismissing negative thoughts should be a walk in the park.
A Celtic compass tattoo is the perfect design to rely on if you're trying to cancel out the noise.
In addition, it can also be a great token to use if you're trying to erase curses or bad omens, while manifesting good luck.
Flower And Compass Tattoo: Support In Evolution

@lavink.s
Since compasses encourage and impose scenarios for growth, it can be tough to constantly deal with such energy levels, especially when you're on the verge of relapsing.
However, it's also important to remember that compasses have good intentions; a fact that they prove with floral designs.
From wildflowers to carnations, compasses join forces with different kinds of flower tattoos to provide mental support during a transformative period. Each flower has its own translation, so be sure to fish for an emblem that resonates with your cause.
Cross And Compass Tattoo: Finding Strength In Religion

@finelyinkedstudio
Having your back against the wall is a tough spot to describe. In that moment, finding an ounce of hope could feel like a huge sigh of relief.
While relying on your friends is a good way to go about things, it’s also crucial that you have a design that makes things easier behind closed doors.
And if you would like to practice your faith more than you are at the moment, allow the fusion of a Cross and compass tattoo to take over.
Mountain Compass Tattoo: Slowly, But Surely

@maddys.tattoos.art
Instant gratification is always obtainable. However, working hard and making gradual progress for something huge is what life is all about.
Therefore, perceive your goals as though you’re mountain climbing. Take it one day at a time, and don’t bite more than you can chew.
To keep your mind at ease when dreaming big and going after it, wear a mountain compass tattoo. Doing so will also give you a piece of art worth being talked about.
Star Compass Tattoo: No Pain, No Glory

@atriumtattooco
Perhaps the easiest emblem to wear is that of a star compass tattoo, which doubles down on the details to make ends meet.
The compass morphs into a star tattoo, representing all the directions as opposed to depicting the traditional instruments.
When all is said and done, a star compass tattoo isn't just for show. It's a depiction of the phrase ‘pressure makes diamonds.’
Moral Compass Tattoo: Being Better Than Last Time

@bbgirl.tattoos
Mistakes can happen. But taking accountability while reinforcing change are non-negotiables that need to be carried out right after.
That said, if you need a token that always holds you accountable while pleading you to change for the positive, wear a moral compass tattoo.
Since the artwork is used for personal gain, choosing discreet areas, such as the bicep and the knees, tend to have the most potential as candidates.
3D Compass Tattoo: As Real As It Gets

@customtattoodesign.ca
Adding shadows underneath the compass can seem like a basic move to make. It's quite the opposite, however, as it brings about a sense of realism.
A 3D compass tattoo is living proof that even the simplest additions can change the narrative drastically, as it incorporates shadows to benefit the artwork.
The artwork requires precision and accuracy, so be sure to trust an artist who has sufficient experience.
Tribal Compass Tattoo: Be As You Are

@lrt_art_
Change is the only constant in life. However, as important as it is to keep chasing growth in the form of change, it’s also crucial that you stay true to your roots.
Perhaps that’s what tribal tattoos convey when collaborating with compass tattoos, which is as good on the outside as it is meaningful on the inside.
A tribal compass tattoo feels best when close to the heart, making the chest and the shoulder blade two compelling locations to experiment with.
Compass Skull Tattoo: Time Is Limited

@jamesknopps
To change the scenario while also adopting some tokens of wisdom, many blend a skull tattoo to replace the directions of a compass tattoo.
While strictly a superficial change at first, a compass skull tattoo also reminds users of the inevitability of death and the ticking time bomb known as life, which can trigger a sense of urgency.
More often than not, this piece is the right fit for those hesitating and needing a push to take the first step to achieving their goals.
Compass Sun Tattoo: Unlocking A Core Memory

@pintadon_tattoo
Before compasses existed, the sun was said to be the ultimate source of guidance, helping people move in the right direction. And while the shadow of the sun also played a pivotal role back then, the illustration these days implies a time when no navigational instruments existed.
Incorporating elements of the sun at the center of the compass is a bright idea, since it adopts the new visuals without forcing the energy.
Often, this tattoo is a great look for adventurers, as well as those with unbreakable feelings for the sea.
Old Compass Tattoo: A Timeless Piece

@tim.bald.tattoo
At the end of the day, turning back time is never a bad thing. In fact, taking a trip down memory lane can be rather beneficial, especially if you sign up for an old compass tattoo.
With a vintage color scheme and age-old components, an old compass tattoo is a clever way to flip the script, but in a subtle manner.
A ripped effect can be a great notion to incorporate, especially since it adds to the worn out nature of the compass tattoo.
Compass Outline Tattoo: Based On The Groundwork

@eat_my_pen
Compass Tattoo On Chest: Manifesting Character Development

@leechinghippietattoo
Couple Compass Tattoo: Better Together

@noelle_adrienne
Compass Finger Tattoo: Keeping It Light

@randatattoos
Realism Compass Tattoo: Blurring The Lines Between Fiction And Reality

@charleeink_
Ship Compass Tattoo: Stranded By The Ocean

@blackblossom_ink
Christian Compass Tattoo: By Grace, Through Faith

@tattoosbynicki
Colored Compass Tattoo: Life In Technicolor

@nikkosamsontattoo
Dainty Compass Tattoo: Less Is More

@tattoosbypri
Steampunk Compass Tattoo: Keeping Up With The Modern Era

@kyrangtattoo
Compass Sketch Tattoo: Made With The Silhouettes

@umjuyoung
Eagle Compass Tattoo: Fighting For Freedom

@dean_lawless_ink
Lion Compass Tattoo: The Courage To Bounce Back

@arunmanuu
Dreamcatcher And Compass Tattoo: Maintaining A Peace Of Mind

@chrisdcolossaltattoo
Lighthouse Compass Tattoo: A Waiting Game

@jamesychain.tattoos
Frequently Asked Question
Now that we've almost reached the closing segments of this guide, here are some questions regarding compass tattoos that unveil crucial parts behind the movement for a better understanding.
Q: What do compass tattoos symbolize?
Ans: Compass tattoos provide a sense of guidance, hope, and drive to users seeking more purpose in life. Additionally, compass tattoos are also perfect companions for those with a fondness for adventures.
Q: Are compass tattoos for travelers?
Ans: Yes, compass tattoos are for users who are big on catching flights over feelings. Nonetheless, they’re also for individuals seeking a way to make significant progress in hopes of chasing their dreams.
Q: How compatible are compass tattoos?
Ans: From floral schemes to biomechanical illustrations, compass tattoos are extremely compatible as illustrations, pairing well with the hues of another. It is also quite flexible, adjusting well with restricted areas just as much as it does with larger canvases.
Final Takeaway
All in all, if you need to figure out what truly makes you happy and what you were born to do in this life, you better make solid moves before it's too late.
One that can generate overnight change is a compass tattoo, which works more like a guidance counselor in addition to being a uniform piece for adventurers.
A compass tattoo isn't just a representation of history and a token for the Vikings. It's also a companion that helps users obtain the growth they desperately need.