Octopus tattoo ideas

72 Fascinating Octopus Tattoo Ideas To Fight Against All Odds

Something truly bizarre lies under the rocks of many water surfaces. At first, they give you the hibby jibbies. But when you look at them closely, you can’t help but be completely flabbergasted by the magnificence of these beasts. Yes, we are talking about none other than the tentacle monsters of the sea. Octopuses have made their way into people's hearts because of their uniqueness.

Sure, they are slimy and can squirt ink to escape. But their morphology is truly out of this world. The tentacles with suckers for locomotion is one of their most unique traits. These creatures latch onto ship bottoms and anchors, often meeting paths with humans. They are also considered to be a delicacy.

So it's quite obvious why people get the octopus tattoo. It's primarily because of how familiar we are with these tentacled beasts. But they have many symbols as well. Without further ado, let's take a good glance at the many faces of the octopus tattoos.

Tentacles Of Symbolism: Inspiring Meanings Of Octopus Tattoo

Meanings Of Octopus Tattoo

@natasha_schmidt_art

Octopus tattoos have a variety of themes that can resonate with your own life. Their ecology, morphology, and even adaptability are quite mysterious, sparking a wide range of meanings.

Totem Of Resilience

These creatures are one of the most resilient in the sea. Amidst the harsh environment, they persist. With imminent dangers rising at every moment, they can still camouflage and escape to survive. It's an admirable characteristic that we should encapsulate.

Adapting To New Situations

Many of us struggle when we are met with new situations and challenges. But the octopus embraces them. They can even change their color depending on the environment. The octopus tattoos can teach you to blend with any situation like you own it.

The Mentality Of Never Giving Up

Even when they lose their limbs, they can miraculously regenerate. Such is their sheer will. Their ability to transform and grow even when met with hurdles is a lesson for us. It teaches us to never give up.

Embracing Creativity And Exploring The Unknown

While octopuses are found in most places of the sea, they often situate themselves in unknown places. This aspect hints at the desire to explore the unknown. With the octopus tattoo, you can embark on a creative adventure that may twist your reality.

Elegant Octopus Tattoo Designs With Surprising Twists And Styles

Octopus Tattoo Design

@ink.dust

Octopus tattoos come in different shapes, colors, and sizes. You may illustrate a flamboyant design with the creature in its most magnificent form. You can also ink a small octopus that works as your buddy.

As for the colors, you should always listen to your voice. Monochrome tends to bring a touch of the surreal. You can almost feel the octopus crawling under your skin.

Colorful designs decorate your body canvas with splashes of happiness and joy. They are a must to bring some good vibes. To get more ideas, check out some of our most amazing designs.

Ability To Endure Hardship: Resilient Japanese Octopus Tattoo

Japanese Octopus Tattoo 1

@amukaitattoos

Japanese Octopus Tattoo 2

@cody.tattoo

Japanese have a weird obsession with octopuses and it clearly shows in these traditional designs. Some are bursts of colors while others have a soothing monochrome.

Most of the octopus tattoos etched in Japanese style tend to blend with your skin. The artwork appears as the tentacled beast is slowly immersing into the vastness of your body canvas.

Bold Use Of Shading: Detailed Traditional Octopus Tattoo

Traditional Octopus Tattoo

@pollardtattoos

Traditional tattoos are bright and full of bold shading. The octopus finds a new life when it's embraced with the traditional style.

A characteristic of the traditional octopus tattoo is the inclusion of a secondary element. It can be the anchor or a delicate flower. Choose yours wisely to depict your emotion and story.

Latching Onto The Skin: Fabulous Octopus Leg Tattoo

Octopus Leg Tattoo

@saturn_tattoo

The most astounding part about the leg tattoo is how the octopus is shaded. Meticulous detailing is done throughout the morphology to depict the realism of the sea creature.

Most of these artworks are done on a grand scale, so they occupy pretty much your entire leg. After the final touchup, your leg will look more like an oceanic shrine where a tentacled demon exists.

A Delicate Companion: Striking Small Octopus Tattoo

Small Octopus Tattoo

@axiomtattoos

The small octopus tattoo sits quietly in your skin as if it's your best friend. You will feel a sense of calm every time you look at the tattoo.

There's a lack of color in these illustrations, but that doesn't take away the glory one bit. Instead, the negative spaces of the artworks help the octopus blend with your skin.

Controlling Your Fate: Metaphoric Octopus Tattoo On Hand

Octopus Tattoo On Hand

@sebastian_tattoo

Your hand offers a mystical atmosphere that can’t be replicated anywhere else. That’s why you should illustrate the octopus as suspense fully as you can.

One good idea is to ink the zoomed-in angle of the octopus eye. The striking appearance of the eye will surely give you nightmares. If you need something a bit less mysterious, then go for outline designs. Make sure to put the tentacles that extend through your fingers.

A Morbid Reality: Bizarre Skull Octopus Tattoo

Skull Octopus Tattoo

@d_art_tattoo_

Octopuses are invertebrates, meaning they don’t have a skull or bones like us. But can you imagine how they would look if they had skulls? This bizarre imagination has come to life with the skull octopus tattoo.

Artists place a human skull right where the octopus's head should be. The final version looks something straight from the darkest abyss. It's a must-have choice if you love dark and twisted stuff.

Perfecting The Textures: Ultra Realistic Octopus Tattoo

Realistic Octopus Tattoo

@man_made_tattoos

You will stare in awe at the incredible details of the realistic octopus tattoo. Each part of the design is etched with a keen eye. Special emphasis is given to the suckers.

The tentacles slowly wrap around you. The artwork is so striking that you can almost feel the tentacles sticking onto your flesh.

Revealing Your Heritage: Brave Tribal Octopus Tattoo

Tribal Octopus Tattoo

@jefftarinelli_tattoos

These oceanic beasts have always been known for their wisdom and resilience. Because of their admirable traits, many tribes perceive them as totems.

With these tribal octopus tattoos, you will feel a surge of resilience flowing within you. The alignment of symbols will motivate you to turn your life around. As for the aesthetic, you can incorporate a variety of symbols. From shark teeth to tidal waves, all oceanic elements can be packed into this one.

Blending With Floral Patterns: Natural Octopus Tattoo On Thigh

Octopus Tattoo On Thigh

@blacklotus_tattoos

Thigh tattoos get extra admiration because of the ample amount of space they offer. With such a vast area, you can illustrate a breathtaking depiction of the beloved sea creature.

To make the octopus appear sensual, pair it with some soothing flowers. If you are seeking something masculine, make the composition entirely monochromatic.

Manifestation Of Cuteness: Adorable Octopus Tattoo

Cute Octopus Tattoo

@inkedcattattoo

Most of you would probably think that the octopus is one of the most terrifying creatures of the deep blue sea. But upon further glance, they do appear to look adorable.

The fluffy, round head along with the swingy tentacles appear cute when etched in the body canvas. Give your oceanic companion some expression and you are all good to go.

Token Of Stability: Powerful Anchor And Octopus Tattoo

Anchor And Octopus Tattoo

@jonathon_promer

When sailors anchor their ships, a common sight is octopuses grabbing onto them. These creatures latch onto the surface of the anchor like their whole life depends on it.

The tattoo portrays this common scenery with exceptional detail. The unique combination can be a hearty way of symbolizing stability in life.

Utilizing The Shadows: Mysterious Black And Gray Octopus Tattoo

Black And Gray Octopus Tattoo

@nowhere__tatto

There's something surreal about the black and gray undertone. It brings out the true face of every living being. The octopus starts manifesting as an otherworldly deity when inked with black and gray style.

Give special emphasis on the underparts of the octopuses. Ink the suckers with a dark hue. You won’t stop looking at the final version when it's done.

Blending With The Skin: Sublime Octopus Outline Tattoo

Octopus Outline Tattoo

@inkdupcheeze

Outline tattoos have a love and hate relationship with most tattoo enthusiasts. Some think that octopuses without color look bland. But we tend to differ.

Just take a look at these outline tattoos. Do they, in any way, look boring? The subtle use of highlighting and shading more than makes up for any bright colors.

Splashes Of Radiance: Vivid Watercolor Octopus Tattoo

Watercolor Octopus Tattoo

@rhyspiecestattoos

Bring some color and excitement into your life with this fabulous watercolor octopus tattoo. There are two ways you can approach the watercolor style. You can get a hazy, almost subtle watercolor tattoo.

The soothing ink looks more real and makes the octopus carry its weight. If you want something radiant, throw in splashes of colors. It will surely bring a celebratory mood to you.

Reflection Of Inner Strength: Deserving Feminine Octopus Tattoo

Feminine Octopus Tattoo

@jellyfishdaydreamsart

To match the sensuality and elegance of the woman’s body, it's preferable to go for a colorful design. Try to fix a particular color for the octopus and incorporate secondary elements with other hues.

The blend of different colors creates an aesthetic composition that will blow your mind. Make sure to include some natural motifs to bring a sense of calm in you.

Reviving The Age Old Beast: Mythical Kraken Octopus Tattoo

Kraken Octopus Tattoo

@zebra_ink_

I don’t know about you, but one of my creepiest fears is the kraken. It's the same for many as well. The appearance of these monstrous beasts from the surface of the ocean is a terrifying sight.

Inking this mythological character isn’t just a way to showcase your strength. It's an exhibition to depict your desire to fight off your fears.

A Scenario Of Doom: Fateful Octopus Ship Tattoo

Octopus Ship Tattoo

@alexwisetattoos

Imagine a ship sailing smoothly amidst the calm sea. Suddenly, tentacles start grappling parts of the ship and within minutes, it drowns to the bottom of the ocean. You may think that such a scene is exciting, but it's a true story that happened many times.

The octopus ship tattoo is a starking reminder of how strong these beasts really are. The capture of the ship latching onto the ship is a good symbol of resilience and power. 

An Elegant Aesthetic: Mesmerizing Octopus Forearm Tattoo

Octopus Forearm Tattoo

@artscab

Glitter Of Hope: Motivating Octopus Tattoo On Shoulder

Octopus Tattoo On Shoulder

@ink.dust

Vibe Of Celebration: Neon Colorful Octopus Tattoo

Colorful Octopus Tattoo

@drollitattoo

Capturing The Creature: Cryptic Octopus Tattoo On Arm

Octopus Tattoo On Arm

@zebra_ink

Patterns Of Deception: Aligned Geometric Octopus Tattoo

Geometric Octopus Tattoo

@dani.louise.ink

A True Devotion: Encapsulating Octopus Chest Tattoo

Octopus Chest Tattoo

@lucid.invitation

Melting Your Hearts: Soothing Cartoon Octopus Tattoo

Cartoon Octopus Tattoo

@tattoosbyjodie

Matching The Vastness: Oceanic Octopus Back Tattoo

Octopus Back Tattoo

@tattoosbyilona

Showcase Of Masculinity: Vivid Cool Octopus Tattoo

Cool Octopus Tattoo

@moniker.ng

A Dark Mystery: Enigmatic Octopus Sleeve Tattoo

Octopus Sleeve Tattoo

@dylanwebertattoos

Depiction Of Exclusivity: Velvety Purple Octopus Tattoo

Purple Octopus Tattoo

@mdwipeoutz

Composition Of Alluring Shapes: Beautiful Polynesian Octopus Tattoo

Polynesian Octopus Tattoo

@julianotattoo

A Delightful Illustration: Symbolic Octopus Wrist Tattoo

Octopus Wrist Tattoo

@mouseonthemile

Combination Of Oceanic Elements: Hypnotic Octopus And Mermaid Tattoo

Octopus And Mermaid Tattoo

@whip_spurstattoo

A Glorious Aesthetic: Riveting Octopus Stomach Tattoo

Octopus Stomach Tattoo

@jenpokes

FAQ

Just like the patterns in the morphology of an octopus, there are many depths and layers of these designs. That's why it's our duty to shed more light on them. Take a look at these questions.

Q: Do Octopus Tattoos Depict A Story?

Ans: Of course, they don't. The life of an octopus is full of twists and turns. They have to escape from dangers and adapt to different situations. With these artworks, you can depict your own story of overcoming challenges and never giving up.

Q: Where is the best place to tattoo an octopus? 

Ans: It depends on you. The consensus is to draw the beast in a place that feels like it's slowly grabbing your skin. It must feel like the octopus is latching onto you. So you may get the tattoo on your legs or arms.

If you want something minimalistic, then illustrate the artwork on your wrist or hand. For something a bit unusual, go for the butt. Its large space can amplify the magnificent even more. 

Conclusion

There are a few tattoos that hit a home run on both meanings and aesthetics. It creates a mysterious atmosphere in your body canvas and resonates with many meanings, resonating with you.

From never giving up to solving the toughest problems in life, octopus tattoos can be your guide. With their tentacles, they may point you to the right path. This oceanic companion may just be your source of true motivation.

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