94 Delicate And Meaningful Small Butterfly Tattoo Ideas That Empower And Inspire!
Change is a constant in life, they say. However, to truly embrace change, we must face the fear of letting go.
Letting go isn't easy, however, especially when you're not used to being in uncomfortable scenarios. That's when small butterfly tattoos come in, though, serving as beacons of hope.
In a nutshell, small butterflies are extremely versatile and adaptable, making space for new designs and locations. To learn about the high ceiling that the movement carries, however, allow the following guide to lead the way.
The Weight Of Consistency, Womanhood And Evolution: A Closer Look Into The Meaning Of Butterfly Tattoos
@viktoria.wagenhals
The exoskeleton of butterflies is surely a great component to keep in mind if your main aim is to wear a presentable tattoo for an overnight physical transformation.
However, underneath butterflies are deep metaphors that help one navigate through life and deal with sudden change.
To really learn about the gravity that butterfly tattoos hold, let's dive into the meaning behind the timeless illustration we call butterfly tattoos.
Empowering Femininity
Butterflies initially started as stepping stones for females, especially women entering maturity and dealing with the highs and lows of womanhood.
They still serve as anchors to women, enlightening them on the necessity of growth, as well as the peace found in it, leading to feelings of empowerment.
Transformation
Due to taking a while to become butterflies themselves, a butterfly tattoo is linked to transformations, but of the elongated kind.
By using their powers, butterflies help those navigate through loss and new change, two common occurrences when pursuing evolution.
Dealing With Growing Pains
Without a doubt, butterflies only get to where they are due to having a resilient mindset, which translates into strength when they morph into butterfly tattoos.
The artwork mostly helps users forgoing bad habits in exchange of positive ones, which leads to a more fulfilling life.
Butterfly tattoos also serve as a beacon of hope for those dealing with addiction, making their credibility more accurate.
Moving Forward
Transforming means moving forward, which also means tons of goodbyes.
And as we all know, goodbyes are hard, even more so when you're leaving behind something that once brought you tremendous joy.
Nonetheless, for moral support, butterfly tattoos are extremely crucial, as they remind users of all the positives waiting for them on the other side.
Compact Yet Lovely Designs For Small Butterfly Tattoos To Experiment With This Year!
@tattooconnect
Due to the species they come in, as well as the weight of messages they convey, butterflies are almost universally compatible with various designs, pairing with floral schemes, quotes, and even feelings of love to make the world of butterfly tattoos worth remembering.
To best understand the extent to which butterfly tattoos travel to cater to their users, here are the best butterfly tattoos, split into various entries for your understanding!
Butterfly Tattoo On Hand: An Exposed Canvas
@kinamay.ink
Butterflies are glorious to look at, but even better to rely on when pursuing something new. Although stealthier means are better for such designs, nothing beats a hand tattoo when accommodating a butterfly.
Doing so is also a great sign of confidence, as a butterfly hand tattoo is always out there. In some cases, it can even be a great motivator.
The only issue about such designs lies in their pain level, which can be brutal to say the least. Worry not, however, as breaking the creative process down might help tremendously.
Monarch Butterfly Tattoo: Pride Of Mexico
@kaplan.tattooing
Underneath all the flashy aura of monarch butterflies lie sentiments that keep Mexican culture alive and thriving, cementing its spot on this list.
Apart from their purpose, monarch butterfly tattoos are prominent for their jarring color scheme, comprising high-contrast visuals.
Despite catering to a nation, monarch butterflies still reprise the initial role that butterflies play in the world of art, so don't think twice before pursuing them.
Semicolon Butterfly Tattoo: A Call For Help
@leash.tattoos
While butterflies provide a solid support system during phases of growth, they also understand how hard it is.
Thus, in hopes of assisting those with a declining mental health, butterflies form ties with semicolons, bringing forward the ultimate line of defense.
Above all, a semicolon butterfly tattoo is a shoulder to lean on during vulnerable times.
Blue Butterfly Tattoo: Preserving Your Sanity
@distincttattoos
During times of change, it’s normal to feel uncomfortable. However, the main task is to not give in to all the noise.
That said, to preserve your sanity, try wearing a butterfly tattoo, which won’t just allow you to touch grass, but also provide you with a positive energy until the transitional period ends.
Many resort to blue butterfly tattoos to meet the former benchmark, using the illustrations and their cool colors to calm the nerves.
Butterfly Neck Tattoo: The Perfect Match
@elaborate_tattoos
By nature, the neck is as delicate as it comes as a body part, so the bond it shares with butterfly tattoos doesn't come off as a surprise.
On top of the former, butterfly tattoos just fit well with the dimensions of the neck, looking sound, sophisticated, as well as natural on the surface of the region.
When pursuing this tattoo, you may aim for either a solo piece, or resort to a group of butterflies to make ends meet.
3D Butterfly Tattoo: Double-Bedded With Layers
@paigesoftattoos
A little bit of realism never hurts when signing up for a tattoo. However, if you’re inexperienced, a 3-D tattoo can easily serve as a consolation prize.
If you’re seeking something that represents what it’s like to be a woman in this chaotic world, try committing to a butterfly tattoo, which has ties with the former and more.
Adding a 3-D effect to the butterfly is a win-win, too, since doubling the layers fills the surroundings of the designs in addition to blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
Rose And Butterfly Tattoo: Unfailing Love
@futuretattoofullerton
In modern art, floral tattoos and creatures of nature, such as roses and butterflies are perceived as the perfect match, united by the feeling of romance.
It's a great illustration to install for those seeking to show affection for the partners, but also serves as a viable companion for users practicing to love themselves.
In various scenarios, a half butterfly tattoo feels quite clever to add to the scheme, as it makes the floral design look equally present.
Butterfly Tattoo On Wrist: A Beginner’s Recipe
@needllelle
When you overthink, even the simplest things feel more complex than they really are.
Likewise, if you overcomplicate the stencil of a tattoo, there's a chance you might just end up committing to something that you don't exactly want. So work smart, not hard.
That said, if you'd like to put your new mantra to practice, sign up for a wrist tattoo, which keeps it simple, while also being the epitome of an outstanding butterfly tattoo.
Black And White Butterfly Tattoo: Doubling Down On Colors
@ciapas_ac
Most butterflies excel as tattoos due to the colors they showcase with pride. But what many underappreciate is one without colors, otherwise known as a black and white butterfly tattoo.
Even when small, the contrast of neutral colors provides the black and white butterfly tattoo with a timeless aura.
And while the design does fade easily, a black and white butterfly tattoo is more compatible with the silhouettes of other tattoos.
Butterfly Outline Tattoo: Basic Necessities
@amourtattooinc
Small butterflies are often enhanced with colors and dark borders to release dopamine's. However, at times, even a basic change can work wonders.
A butterfly outline tattoo is living proof that there's still room for simple designs in the world of art, as all it does is incorporate the exoskeleton.
Nonetheless, if you still need a sidekick, consider using a quote or a word that reminds you of the significance of a butterfly.
Butterfly Tattoo Behind The Ear: Feeding Positivity To The Soul
@tattoosbyashh
The highs and lows of life are eternal, so it’s always best to have a companion to fall back to when times get tough. And if friends and family are not exactly helping your cause, perhaps a tattoo can be worth the investment.
Butterflies are almost like trustworthy companions. They store feelings of vulnerability, weakness, and hopelessness, while providing positive energy to pursue growth at all times.
Due to how fragile the creature is, butterfly tattoos pair well with like-minded regions; the best of which remains the area behind the ear. From a series of butterflies to just a solo piece, the location is a specialist in accommodating variety.
Colorful Butterfly Tattoo: Jarring And Sensational
@tattoocute
Looking on the bright side is never a bad idea. Likewise, if you feel as though your tattoo collection needs a piece that storms in like a breath of fresh air, allow a colorful butterfly to lead the way.
Colorful butterflies have been regarded as some of the optimal illustrations the eyes have ever seen. With complex details, and jarring shades, each artwork tends to move on a wavelength of its own.
Taking notes from watercolor tattoos is a safe bet to make for reference. Additionally, mirroring a tie-dye paint job can also be a great plan to execute for the concept.
Purple Butterfly Tattoo: Pride And Elegance
@karl_stevens_tattoo
While rare, purple butterflies do exist, forming ties with elegance and sophistication from a metaphorical standpoint.
As a tattoo, the solid paint job makes the design an eye candy, while giving creative minds the freedom to exercise their abilities with supporting designs.
The shoulder blade is one of the ideal spots that the gleaming hue of purple stands out, making it a common pick for beginners and veterans in the scene.
Belly Butterfly Tattoo: For Feminine Minds
@inkfairyy
Belly tattoos, otherwise known as sternum tattoos, are extremely uncomfortable when pursued since the area is sensitised without any muscle tissues.
Nonetheless, due to the large canvas situated on the belly, many believe in making it the primary spot for a butterfly to rest on.
Treading carefully is the best way to navigate through the creative process of this tattoo. But if you're still hurting, ask your artist for a minimal or a fine-line option.
Butterfly Heart Tattoo: Making Your Move
@eastsideringwood
Much like roses and butterflies, a butterfly heart tattoo depicts feelings of love, for romantic and platonic bonds. For women, the fusion can also be a reminder to love oneself during transitional periods.
A butterfly heart tattoo creates the best of both worlds by brightening up the heart with shades of red, while keeping the butterfly toned down to a minimum.
To honor a loved one, it's best to have a name tattoo done alongside the original piece.
Red Butterfly Tattoo: A Prized Possession For Your Significant Other
@austinhilltattoos
For frugal minds, a stencil of a butterfly might just be enough. But even then, you can find ways to stand out if you pick your brain enough.
If you can't help yourself, allow a red butterfly tattoo to take over, which is a monochromatic piece worth wearing.
The artwork is engraved with a red needle, before a rich color scheme of red is fed into the piece. While open to interpretation, this butterfly tattoo can be a great gift for your partner to see.
Butterfly Tattoo With Name: Being Assertive
@saharaghdam.tattoo
If transitional periods or phases of change were never difficult for you to adapt to due to a companion you had around, you can very well say that they were your butterfly.
Moving on, if you've recently been contemplating ways in which you can pay them back or show appreciation for the effort they put in during your darkest hours, allow a butterfly tattoo to enter the notion.
To create a subtle separation from the rest of the designs on this list, add your helping hand’s name or initials, which can be even more purposeful if the person is your partner.
Butterfly Tattoo On the Thigh: An Undisclosed Piece For Silent Battles
@serendipitous.ink
If dealing with pain isn't part of your forte, find a location that will comply with your demands.
Moving on, if you are aiming for a butterfly tattoo, consider using the thigh area as part of the canvas due to the muscle tissues it carries.
Alongside being painless, the area is also secretive, being a great candidate for introverts.
Skull With Butterfly Tattoo: Being Fearless Regarding Death
@sailorose_
Death gets us all in one way or another. So it's best to not live in fear.
In fact, use death as a motivator. To come to terms with the inevitability of death, use a skull with butterfly tattoo as a feasible candidate.
Since the skull is engraved into the butterfly, the design is truly intimidating at first. Worry not, however, as its intentions are in the right place.
Butterfly Foot Tattoo: With Ease And Grace
@tatts_by_ceecee
Another area that naturally gravitates toward a butterfly is the foot, which many females use to charm their interests.
While the butterfly implemented remains undersized, the pain level involved in a butterfly foot tattoo is quite brutal, mainly since the layers of skin are thin.
Nonetheless, the canvas is huge, which makes a butterfly foot tattoo more likely to form a union with like-minded individuals.
Tribal Butterfly Tattoo: Aiming For Personal Gain
@spitonyouth.tattoo
Butterflies are pivotal tokens for survival. However, they're also crucial tokens for growth, which is why many use them for personal gain.
Some genres, specifically tribal butterflies, solely make time for mentoring users aiming for growth, whether from a career standpoint or personal development.
The artwork resembles an abstract piece, made with traditional instruments to abide by social norms.
Butterfly Finger Tattoo: Keeping Things Discreet
@small.tattoo
To keep it as subtle as possible, use canvases that are compact and almost invisible to the public eye.
One of the best areas is the finger, which can also facilitate space for butterfly tattoos.
While it reprises the original emblem of butterflies, this entry remains a popular figure for its aesthetic appeal.
Butterfly Memorial Tattoo: Grieving Without Bounds
@watercolourtattoonottingham
Eventually, loss becomes a regular in life. And while getting used to the scenario is a long and painful journey, grieving is also rather necessary.
Providing a platform for the lost is a butterfly memorial tattoo, which allows users to lean in for support.
The color scheme remains as bright as the average butterfly, since its superpowers remain within.
Realistic Butterfly Tattoo: A Shot At Real Life
@savv.ink
Blurring the lines between reality and fantasy is a realistic butterfly tattoo, which doubles up on its features, investing less attention to the colors.
The aftermath is marvelous, despite being time consuming to say the least.
Using a hazy color scheme or earthy tones is advised for this scenario, since it resembles the real life appearance of butterflies.
Watercolor Butterfly Tattoo: Blurry Colors, Memorable Illustration
@odyssey.tattoo
Blurring the palette is a unique yet effective way to make ends meet when you're pursuing a tattoo.
That said, if you're tired of seeing the same theme being applied to butterflies, consider using a watercolor tattoo to change the narrative.
With bright colors and a hazy effect, a watercolor butterfly is all that you need to calm your nerves.
Coverup Butterfly Tattoo: A New Start
@thetattoogalleryofocala
Everything runs its course, so it's okay to not be fond of something that once used to bring you joy.
Moving on, if the redundant matter we're referring to happens to be a tattoo, try opting for a coverup for a fresh start.
If the artwork is small, cover it without raising alarms with a butterfly tattoo, which uses its wings to hide wounds from the past.
Butterfly Tattoo On Ankle: Navigating With Purpose
@coreographics
Another feminine design appears to be an ankle tattoo, which is the hub for butterflies to stand out.
In addition to looking delicate and sound, butterfly tattoos on the ankle are also enhancers of the human body. Often, they're transformed into bracelets for a stronger appeal.
The pain level of this piece is brutal due to the nerve endings. To best tackle the issue, aim for compact designs.
Traditional Butterfly Tattoo: More Colors, More Appeal
@morphbodyarts
Traditional themes benefit emblems that are already used to wearing colors, making the pairing between a traditional tattoo and a butterfly tattoo a match made in heaven.
Doubling up on the size, this butterfly tattoo pays homage to vintage pieces that only stood out due to their mind boggling preventability.
The only drawback is the restriction set on the color scheme, as a traditional piece can only use the shades green, yellow, and red.
Butterfly Cross Tattoo: Using God As Your Anchor
@isoltattoo
Sometimes, your religious beliefs and faith can catapult you into a transformative state. If you do need a reminder, however, consider looking into a butterfly Cross tattoo.
Butterflies with Crosses are typically rare finds in the scene of tattoos, but remain pivotal for users seeking a way to reconnect with God.
Furthermore, the combination can also be a vital piece for users aiming to stay devoted to their religious ties, while pursuing good habits in exchange for negative ones.
Flying Butterfly Tattoo: High And Mighty
@narot_6.49oz
Capturing a moving motion in a picture is everything that the perfect tattoo dreams of, which is why flying butterflies are currently on the rise.
A flying butterfly has a design that is pretty self-explanatory, with wings that are spread out, and a stride that is easy on the eyes.
Each component looks as good as the next on this design, from the flappy wings to the exoskeleton of the butterfly. The only setback is the creative process, which can take weeks if fused with realism.
Yellow Butterfly Tattoo: The Power Of Friendship And Happiness
@bubblegum_and_bones
Relationships come and go. On the other hand, the power of friendship lasts forever.
In the world of ink, the color yellow is not only linked to friendship, but also with signs of happiness, making yellow butterflies an emblem with a double-sided message.
While they can be pursued in groups, it's also ideal to limit such a vibrant design to an exclusive crowd, especially if you'd like to enjoy the visuals on your own.
Matching Butterfly Tattoo: Cementing A Memory
@artbyrachp
Creating memories together is definitely unbeatable when you're both getting matching tattoos.
If you're still toggling through options, however, consider wearing matching butterfly tattoos, one of the more sentimental pieces emanating in the world of art.
While very compact, matching butterfly tattoos can depict the years you've spent growing with the other person, leading to a wholesome outcome. To be in sync, take notes from best friend tattoos.
Butterfly Rib Tattoo: Worth The Pain
@joylinestudio
There's no beauty without pain and vice versa, and in the world of tattoos, rib tattoos are prime examples.
Moving delicately is a speciality found in rib tattoos, but the creative process alone can involve tons of discomfort, especially since the bone to meat ratio of the rib cage implies a high pain level.
Nonetheless, emblems with spiritually invoking and visually enchanting components shine bright in that region, which explains the success butterflies have found so far.
Abstract Butterfly Tattoo: No Objects, Just Shadows
@design.by.miko
Butterfly Shoulder Tattoo: Finding Strength During Adversity
@nativeinkblottattoos
Butterfly Wings Tattoo: Free At Last
@tattoodemonco
Gothic Butterfly Tattoo: Shout Out To A Renowned Subculture
@vic.ink
Mother Daughter Butterfly Tattoo: Depicting An Inseparable Bond
@rvy.guntattoos
Pink Butterfly Tattoo: Treading Gently
@darciekaportattoo
Butterfly Vine Tattoo: Consistency Over Everything
@tattoobenny_rambo
Cherry Blossom And Butterfly Tattoo: A Different State Of Mind
@jezabellmorgan
Hummingbird And Butterfly Tattoo: Fighting For Freedom
@inked.by_kloey
Snake And Butterfly Tattoo: Road To Betterment
@balifamousink
Butterfly Infinity Tattoo: Until The End Of Time
@macy__ink
Frequently Asked Question
Now that we’ve unveiled all the options that make up the land of butterfly tattoos, here are some questions that will strengthen your knowledge of the movement even further!
Q: What do butterfly tattoos signify?
Ans: When all is said and done, butterfly tattoos form ties with femininity and transformation, assisting women on the brink of reaching maturity as well as users pursuing growth for leading a better life.
Q: Are butterflies high maintenance designs?
Ans: With detailed exoskeletons and jarring colors, butterflies do require multiple touchups throughout the year, rendering them high maintenance when push comes to shove.
Q: Which area is suitable for accommodating butterfly tattoos?
Ans: Often, butterfly tattoos comply rather well with the demands of users when it comes to placement. For females, however, butterflies find it easier to adjust to the area above the elbow, the shoulder blade, or the collarbone for long-lasting benefits.
Final Takeaway
When all is said and done, butterfly tattoos are immortal in the world of art. Being a thing of beauty, butterflies also win over users with their wisdom, an element that they use to help those going through growing pains.
Butterflies are complex to say the least, but comply rather well with the human body. From accommodating the forearm to finding a compact spot behind the ear, a butterfly tattoo moves without limits to make ends meet.