We don’t create a fantasy world to escape reality. We create it to stay.
If this quote from American cartoonist Lynda Barry speaks to you, a fantasy tattoo might be the way to show your love, appreciation, and gratitude for fictional worlds and creatures. Fantasy paints incredible universes out of imaginary fabrications, but is also built on the foundations of real-world structures. And so, just because fantastical creatures and worlds don’t exist in our shared realities doesn’t mean there aren’t any lessons to be learned. On the contrary, fantasy elements are imbued with layered symbolism. As such, tattoos of them can help you express the deepest and most complex parts of your psyche. We’ve rounded up some trending fantasy tattoo ideas below to inspire you to get one of your own. Scroll down to check them out.
Meaning of fantasy tattoos
Fantasy tattoos, as the name suggests, are inspired by fantastic legends or literature and cinematographic productions. These can be tattoos that depict mythological or imaginary creatures or enchanting worlds of wonders. As for the meaning and symbolism of such tattoos, they can vary dynamically depending on the subject, theme or even the style of the tattoo. However, here are some general perceptions of fantasy-themed tattoos:
A yearning for or love of adventure and exploration of the unknown. An interest in or belief in the possibility of other worlds with inhabitants other than our own. An interest in mythology, folklore, and ancient legends. Embodiment of powerful characters in such mythological stories. An attachment to a specific fantasy story and the morals or lessons it conveys. A personal connection to a story inspired by fantasy themes.
The creative scope of fantasy tattoos is endless. They give you the opportunity to be as experimental as you want without asking for a lot of technical details; they let you add your own explanations to create a unique story. If you’re looking for ways to do this, skip to the next section.
8 Awesome Fantasy Tattoo Ideas
There is no limit to what you can illustrate, no matter how bizarre or abstract, when it comes to fantasy tattoos. You can paint a rich and intricately detailed world, show a clash of two worlds, or just get a small outline of a tiny imaginary creature. The list below should help you with some ideas.
1. Dark fantasy tattoo
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While the positive side of fantasy can be all unicorns and fairies, there is also a side that deals with dark, violent, or grotesque themes. The image above shows a mermaid tattoo, with imagery that is the complete opposite of our sweet little mermaid, Ariel. It has molten black eyes and a mouth full of pointy teeth. It seems capable of causing harm to anyone it comes across. A full moon looms behind it, which is considered a sign of intense energies for believers in the occult. You can play with similar themes by featuring ferocious werewolves, vampires, or witches in your tattoos.
2. Simple fantasy tattoo
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Fantasy tattoos don’t necessarily have complex symbolism. For example, the magic lamp tattoo above is a simple ode to the Middle Eastern folk tale of Aladdin and his magic lamp, which was home to an enslaved genie. The ornate details on the lamp give it a charming, vintage look. The swirling purple-blue smoke that escapes through its mouth is perfectly designed to emphasize its magical quality through the use of negative space stars. There is complexity in the design here, but the concept is quite simple, an homage to a favorite folk tale.
3. Mystical fantasy tattoo
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Fantasy stories are full of mysticism. The broom, a pointed hat and stars indicate that it is a witch tattoo. But what exactly happens in the illustration remains a mystery to the viewer. Only the wearer and the tattoo artist are probably aware of the deeper meaning of the tattoo. Such designs, with not so obvious definitions, add to the charm of fantasy tattoos.
4. Traditional fantasy tattoo
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A traditional tattoo style is one of the best styles to consider for a fantasy tattoo, thanks to the quality of the outlines and interesting color palettes used. This technique does justice to traditional fantasy elements or creatures, such as a phoenix. The finesse of the sharp lines and muted colors give the tattoo a timeless appeal. It can speak to the transformative nature of the bird and hint at the endless cycle of life. If you want a more vibrant tattoo, you can opt for fiery reds, oranges, and yellows in your phoenix tattoo to bring the creature to life.
5. Dragon Fantasy Tattoo
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Dragons are among the most popular fantasy creatures of all ages and ethnicities. The most common tattoos are of large lizard-like dragons with wings that breathe fire. However, the image above shows an East Asian serpentine variant. This dragon is supposed to be making its way through land, air, or water. In addition, the oriental art symbols, such as swirling clouds, add depth and exotic charm to the whole thing.
6. High fantasy tattoo
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High fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that takes place in a completely new world with its own structures, magical systems, and complex histories. It is completely different from life as we know it on Earth, although it can certainly have its basis in legends told as bedtime stories to children on Earth. A tattoo inspired by high fantasy can be based on a high fantasy book or movie. Or you can simply depict an element that is often found in high fantasy, such as a menacing castle with numerous towers and turrets. It can be modeled after illustrations from books, animations, or movie sets.
7. Minimalist fantasy tattoo
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As previously stated, while a fantasy world may escape the ordinary, it doesn’t always have to be a complex web of symbolism or even intricate design. A simple, minimalist design can do the trick. The minimalist tattoo above is a cute, delicate outline of a chubby unicorn pony. It has a plump body, surrounded by little stars in an assortment of shapes, and it also has a small amount of pink ink added as a blush on the cheek. This tattoo could be in honor of someone’s own favorite childhood stories, or even a tattoo dedicated to a young family member who is also a growing fantasy enthusiast.
8. American Traditional Fantasy Tattoo
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The traditional American tattoo style offers more freedom in contours and vibrant colors. The tattoo in the image above shows a fairy floating in the sky. She has a pair of warm-colored wings. She seems to fly through abstract meadows in the same warm color palette, showing her unity with her surroundings. The illustration style and warm colors quickly draw you in, making you curious to know more about what it conveys and what the rest of the design looks like.
As you can see, a fantasy tattoo can suit people of all ages, from all walks of life, and give them unlimited freedom to express themselves in different ways. In this article, we’ve looked at some common examples, such as a fairy, dragon, or phoenix. We’ve also explored how fantasy, considered an escape from reality, isn’t always a happy and sunny escape, but can sometimes delve deep into dark themes. If creativity isn’t your strong suit, you can always get a tattoo that represents a favorite fantasy book, movie, or web series that resonates with you, such as Aladdin’s lamp. Add your favorite quotes or phrases to personalize your tattoos and add a deeper meaning to them.
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Eve Phillips is an experienced artist in a variety of tattoo styles, although she specializes in fine detail and floral tattoos. She has owned studios in both Australia and the UK for 20 years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in all areas of tattoo art, health, licensing, trends, current issues and history.
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Manjari is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over three years of experience writing across various niches including beauty, health, wellness, and technology. She first discovered her passion for writing in school and has been honing her craft ever since.
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Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has written more than 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from University of Calcutta, West Bengal and did her post-graduation from Kalyani University, West Bengal.
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Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience in creating short-form content for the beauty, fashion and lifestyle niches. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science and Geography from IIS University and a Master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.
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