negative space hand tattoo

18 CREATIVE MEMENTO MORI TATTOO IDEAS FOR ALL GENDERS

These memento mori tattoo ideas are perfect for anyone. Memento mori, which means “remember that you will die” in Latin, serves as a powerful reminder to embrace life and cherish every moment. Common designs include skulls or skeletons, but you might also find motifs like hourglasses or coffins. Many people choose these tattoos to honor lost loved ones or as a personal reminder to live fully and appreciate the present. Explore this collection of tattoos, showcasing a range from simple to intricate, all beautifully conveying the memento mori message.

Thirst Aid Tattoo

This “thirst aid” tattoo is a uniquely creative take on the memento mori theme. The design is not only striking, but the vibrant colors, intricate shading, and elegant handwriting all come together beautifully.

Memento Mori Arm Tattoo

The arm is an excellent spot for a tattoo. Be sure to discuss various font options with your tattoo artist for the text. Personally, I’m a big fan of typewriter-style fonts for quote tattoos; they add a vintage charm and uniqueness to the design.

Clock and Compass

Here’s a tattoo featuring a beautifully crafted design that combines a half-clock and half-compass. This unique tattoo is perfect for anyone seeking something a bit different and meaningful.

Living Hand and Skeleton Hand

I really love how this design beautifully encapsulates both “memento mori” and “memento vivere.” If you’re not a fan of the longer nails featured in the design, short nails would look just as great, offering a more understated yet equally meaningful aesthetic.

Memento Mori on Back of Leg

If you’ve ever thought about getting a leg tattoo, here’s an excellent idea. The location is fantastic, and the font complements the design beautifully. This tattoo is sure to inspire men looking for unique ink.

Skull with Olive Wreath

Here’s a tattoo depicting a skull adorned with a kotinos, or olive wreath. The kotinos, a branch from the olive tree, was used in ancient Greece as a symbol of peace and victory, adding a meaningful touch to this striking design.

Skull within Butterfly

Upon closer inspection of this butterfly tattoo, you’ll notice a skull intricately designed within the butterfly wings. This unique detail adds depth to the piece, and it would look fantastic with colored ink to enhance its vibrancy.

Memento Mori Wrist Tattoo

You can’t go wrong with a simple wrist tattoo. This memento mori tattoo is perfect for anyone who wants a reminder that life is fleeting. It’s a beautiful and subtle way to keep something important top of mind.

Lowercase Memento Mori Tattoo

Consider opting for all-lowercase text for your tattoo, as it can create a more delicate appearance if that’s your preference. The inner arm is an ideal location for this style, allowing for a subtle yet meaningful design.

Memento Mori with Butterfly

The addition of the butterfly makes this tattoo even more special because the butterfly represents transformation and change. That makes this tattoo perfect for someone who is going through a major life change.

Memento Mori with Skull

I love this tattoo for its classic memento mori aesthetic. It’s the quintessential design you would anticipate. When planning your tattoo, be sure to explore various handwriting styles and skull designs to make it uniquely yours.

Memento Mori Handwriting

If you enjoy quote tattoos in handwriting, consider having the words “memento mori” inked in your favorite font. This personal touch can make the tattoo even more meaningful to you.

Small Memento Mori Tattoo

This tattoo is ideal for anyone seeking a small yet meaningful piece. The curve of the word “memento” adds a beautiful flow to the design, making it visually stunning while still conveying its significance.

Memento Mori Chest Tattoo

The chest is an excellent location for a tattoo, and this memento mori design is no exception. It’s ideal for someone seeking a piece that is both deeply personal and visually striking.

Memento Mori Tattoo on the Stomach

If you’re looking for a tattoo that can be easily concealed, the stomach is a fantastic option. This location also provides the perfect opportunity to show off your ink at the beach or gym, making it both versatile and eye-catching.

Script Memento Vivere Tattoo

Memento Vivere is a Latin phrase meaning “remember you must die, so remember to live.” It serves as a powerful reminder to cherish each day and fully embrace life while you can.

Skull in Flower

I can’t get over how absolutely stunning this tattoo is! It features a skull nestled within a blooming flower, creating a striking contrast. This design beautifully blends dark elements with a sense of growth, making it both haunting and captivating.

Skeleton Having a Drink

This tattoo features a negative space design, making it truly eye-catching. If you’re seeking inspiration for a tattoo that stands out and is bound to receive compliments, let this artwork be your muse.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, memento mori tattoos serve as profound reminders of life’s impermanence and the importance of living fully. The 18 creative ideas presented highlight the versatility and artistry of these designs, appealing to all genders. Whether you prefer bold imagery like skulls and hourglasses or delicate script, there is a memento mori tattoo to suit every style. These tattoos not only make a striking visual statement but also carry deep personal significance, allowing wearers to celebrate life while honoring its fleeting nature. If you’re considering a tattoo, let these inspiring designs encourage you to find one that resonates with your journey and perspective on life.

20 STUNNING ANGEL WINGS TATTOO INSPIRATIONS

Traditionally, angels symbolize protection, serving as messengers from God and embodying the idea of a guardian who can traverse between heaven and earth to assist in times of need. An angel wings tattoo often represents this notion of having a guardian angel watching over you, serving as a reminder of a benevolent influence guiding and protecting you.

Whether you’re considering your first tattoo or seeking inspiration for your next piece, explore these angel wing tattoo designs to find the perfect embodiment of this powerful symbol.

FULL GUARDIAN ANGEL DESIGN APPROACHES

Incorporating full angels into your wing tattoo design is a striking choice that requires thoughtful consideration. Start by deciding on the style of angel that resonates with you, whether it’s classical, cherubic, cartoonish, or realistic. You might also opt for a traditional approach by depicting your angel as a stone-carved figure. Each style offers a unique expression and can significantly influence the overall impact of your tattoo.

CHEST ANGEL WING TATS

The human longing for wings and the association of winged angels as protectors have deep historical roots. Angel wing chest tattoos offer a vast canvas to explore these themes, whether from a religious or artistic perspective. Incorporating elements like mythology, crowns, crosses, radiant beams, and roses can enhance the symbolism of angel wings, adding layers of meaning and visual impact to your tattoo.

MINIMALISTIC ANGEL WING WRIST TATTOO

The simpler and smaller wrist tattoos often have a charming appeal! A minimal angel wing tattoo on the wrist may appear basic but has a cute and elegant look. Placing it on the inner wrist provides a subtle yet visible design when your hand is raised, while keeping it more private when your arm is down. This spot also makes it a great option for a couple’s tattoo, offering a shared symbol of connection.

LINEWORK SMALL WING TATTOO

Opting for a linework angel wing tattoo or a smaller set of wings is a personal choice, often used to create a subtle yet meaningful memorial tattoo for a loved one. A small linework design can be discreetly placed or prominently featured, depending on your preference. Emphasizing the intricate line details can work beautifully with negative space or highlight the contours of the muscle or bone beneath, adding depth and sophistication to the tattoo.

ANGEL’S WINGS, CROSSES AND HALOS 

In these designs, angel wings tattoos frequently serve as a tribute to honor and remember a loved one who has passed away. The inclusion of halos often symbolizes that the deceased is now a guardian or heavenly protector, offering comfort and connection to those who wear the memorial tattoo.

ANGEL WINGS WITH HEART

The heart in the center of this angel wing tattoo really makes it pop! The addition of red ink adds a vibrant touch, enhancing the overall design and drawing attention to the meaningful symbol.

NEW WAVE & WATERCOLOR ANGELIC WING

While many designs in this gallery use traditional black and gray elements, these angel wing tattoos stand out by incorporating vibrant colors or unique themes. This approach gives each piece a fresh and intriguing twist, adding a new layer of meaning and visual interest to the design.

FOREARM WINGED CREATURES

Forearm angel wing tattoos can be styled in a variety of ways, making them a standout choice that’s sure to attract attention. Given their visibility, these tattoos often become a focal point, inviting frequent admiration and conversation about your ink.

ANGEL WINGS WITH DOT WORK

Elevate your angel wing tattoo with the addition of geometric elements and dot work. The lines and dotted circular patterns enhance the vertical flow of the wings, creating a striking contrast with their horizontal alignment. This detailed and modern approach can make for a stunning mid-back tattoo design for women, adding both dimension and sophistication.

SIMPLE

These simple angel wing tribute tattoos are meant to commemorate the passing of family members and loved ones. They symbolize that those who have died are now guardians and protectors for the tattoo wearer, providing a meaningful connection to their memory.

DETAILED WING TATTOO

If you’re interested in a more detailed design with minimal shading, this angel tattoo is worth bookmarking! Its intricate details and clean lines offer a refined look that’s both striking and elegant.

SINGLE WING

Fully paired angel wings require a significant commitment in terms of both time and space. If you’re looking for a more manageable option, a single angel wing can be a great alternative. It allows for personal expression while leaving space for additional body art or saving funds for a second wing in the future.

ELABORATE ANGEL WINGS

Angel wings on the shoulder blades look fantastic, especially with an elaborate design like this one! The detailed artwork enhances the natural shape of the shoulders and adds a dramatic flair, making it a visually stunning choice.

‘BELIEVE’ ANGEL WING TATTOO

Instead of just an angel wing tattoo, consider combining it with a meaningful word or quote. We love the aesthetic of this design featuring the word “Believe” inked in the center of the wings. The choice of font adds an extra layer of beauty, making the tattoo both visually striking and personally significant.

FULL BACK BIG WING TATTOOS

When a tattoo artist has the opportunity to design a full back angel wings tattoo, they often apply their highest level of technical skill and artistry to the project. These tattoos are truly stunning, serving as bold statements that capture attention and admiration. They often closely resemble the realistic and iconic depictions of angel wings found in popular culture, making them a striking choice for anyone looking to make a memorable impression.

ANGEL WINGS WITH STARS TATTOO

We completely agree—this angel tattoo is stunning! The feather detailing combined with dotted star elements adds a beautiful touch, making it a worthy splurge for a truly unique and elegant piece.

INNOVATIVE

The size, shape, and design style of an angel wings tattoo play a crucial role in creating a unique and personal piece. Large feathers can give the tattoo a bold, distinctive appearance, while a larger tattoo made up of numerous tiny feathers can create a dense, almost saturated look from a distance. The choice of details and scale will significantly influence the overall impact and uniqueness of the design.

SMALL ANGEL TATTOO

Opting for a small angel wing tattoo or tiny wings is a personal choice that can serve as a meaningful tribute to a loved one. It’s an excellent way to create a memorial tattoo that can be discreetly placed, such as on the shoulder blade or the inside of the upper arm, allowing for a subtle yet significant expression of remembrance.

ARTISTIC ANGEL TATTOO

Angel wing tattoos don’t always need to have deep meaning; they can simply be chosen for their aesthetic appeal! If you’re looking for a stunning feminine back piece, this intricate and beautifully shaded design could be a perfect choice. The detailed artistry and elegant composition make it a standout option for a back tattoo, adding a touch of grace and beauty.

ANGEL WINGS & A QUOTE

If a basic, minimal angel wing tattoo isn’t quite your style, consider a design like this that features a small, inspiring quote. The edgy design of the wings adds a unique and striking look, while the quote enhances the tattoo’s meaning and personal significance. This combination creates a beautiful and meaningful piece that stands out.

CONCLUSION

Angel wing tattoos offer a versatile and deeply symbolic design choice. Whether you opt for a simple, minimalistic design or a more elaborate, detailed piece, angel wings can represent protection, guidance, and remembrance. They can be personalized with elements like quotes, geometric patterns, or vibrant colors to suit your style and meaning. From subtle wrist tattoos to dramatic full-back designs, angel wings provide a beautiful canvas for artistic expression and personal significance.