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Butterfly tattoos are some of the most popular and sought-after designs by both men and women. They come in so many different shapes, sizes, and styles that you’re sure to find one that fits your interests and personality perfectly. But what are these tattoos meant to represent? Here are eight of the most common butterfly tattoo designs, along with their meanings and how you can use them to express yourself.
The Classic
The classic little black dress (LBD) is a wardrobe staple, but it’s also one of those things that can go wrong quickly. The design is timeless, but there are so many ways to wear it in modern times. Just because you have a basic LBD doesn’t mean you should stick to bland accessories. Throw on an edgy necklace or contrasting pumps for an updated look.
The Life Cycle of a Butterfly
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All butterflies begin life as eggs. After being laid by a female butterfly, they typically take four to six weeks to hatch and emerge as larvae (or caterpillars). Caterpillars are voracious feeders that spend their days munching on plants (and sometimes each other). Over time, they spin a protective chrysalis around themselves and spend a few weeks—sometimes months—in dormancy before emerging as adults with wings and starting looking for mates.
Small Wing Shapes
These small butterfly wing tattoos are often placed on a person’s wrist or hand to represent something such as hope or a loved one. Because butterflies traditionally symbolize transformation, these small tattoos are often worn by people who want to reflect the change in their lives. They are most commonly seen in the memory of someone who has passed away and is being remembered, but they can also be worn by people who have not yet had major life changes.
Butterflies in Flowers
Butterflies are often seen flying from flower to flower, and in some cultures, they represent love. Add a butterfly on one of your tattoos with flowers surrounding it for a unique design. The tattoo should be placed on an area that can be easily covered when you need to wear professional clothing. A shoulder or arm is a good choice for most people. The size of your tattoo should depend on how much space you have available, but keep in mind that smaller tattoos will get lost if you gain weight or change body shape over time. Your tattoo artist can work with you to create a design that fits into whatever space you have available without looking crowded or messy.
Tribal Style
Commonly found in Polynesian tribal art, butterflies are often represented by a series of concentric circles, like those found in traditional Maori body tattoos. While their placement can vary depending on where you want to put them, a butterfly tattoo with multiple rings will never look out of place.
Blackwork butterflies
Blackwork is a tattooing technique done using only black ink. The term comes from traditional blackwork embroidery, which has a long history in European folk art. Blackwork is also known as shadow work and black line or outline tattoos. Most often, these tattoos use only black ink with no shading, although other colors may be used in certain cases. The simple name of blackwork came about because most original designs were very basic with little or no color, which makes sense when you consider that it takes time to figure out how to draw an image using nothing but one shade. The style has been revived by modern-day tattoo artists for its elegant simplicity and striking appearance, especially on darker skin tones.
Geometric Shapes
These days, we’re seeing a surge in geometric shapes. Not only do these designs look cool, but they can help you portray your beliefs and personality. These motifs are often used for cover-ups and are typically symmetrical so that if something gets skewed over time due to exposure to sun or water, it will still appear aesthetically pleasing on one side of your body. On top of that, geometry is what underlies all matter in our universe (the atoms). It’s also why mathematics was traditionally seen as both art and science. By getting a tattoo featuring geometric shapes, you’re showing your appreciation for science while making a very stylish statement at the same time!
Modern Style
The modern style tattoo is perhaps one of the most popular design choices for people all over. The winged creature is always inked in bright colors and done in an almost cartoon-like art style. They are usually displayed on a woman’s ankle or foot but can be found anywhere from the shoulder down to a person’s wrist. These tattoos look great if you want something feminine but simple and small enough to keep hidden under clothing.
