If you’re looking for ink designs that appeal to artists and creative minds, brushstroke tattoos are your best bet. Lee Stewart, a female tattoo artist from Estonia, made them popular through her work and today, this new tattoo style is a choice for many around the world. These tattoos mimic real brushstrokes on the skin — just like in paintings and calligraphy. They look extremely aesthetic and come in a variety of designs. Aside from their pleasing appearance, these tattoos also have various symbolic meanings that range from the wearer’s love for art to their desire for freedom of expression. In this article, we’ll explore the different meanings behind brushstroke tattoos and take you through some of the most popular ink designs. Read on to get inspired!
Meaning of brushstroke tattoos
The most common meaning associated with a brushstroke tattoo is love for art. Since brushstrokes are an important part of painting and calligraphy, this tattoo can symbolize the idea of expressing yourself through art and creativity. It can also mean the following:
Individuality: Just as every brushstroke is unique, a brushstroke tattoo can symbolize individuality. It can remind you to embrace your quirks because they set you apart from others. To live: The tattoo can also symbolize the flow of life. If the tattoo has different stroke sizes and intensities, it can represent different human emotions or challenges that they experience in their life. Power: Shodo, a Japanese art form of calligraphy, uses brush strokes. It was practiced by samurais and nobility to develop mental discipline and strength. If the tattoo contains these texts, it can symbolize ideas of power and mental well-being. Freedom: Because brushstroke tattoos are usually applied by hand, they may symbolize freedom of expression and breaking societal constraints. Beauty: Brushstroke tattoos have no set shapes and are usually imperfect. Despite this, they make for some stunning ink designs. This can symbolize an appreciation for the beauty that lies in imperfections.
The meaning of your brushstroke tattoo can also differ depending on the color. For example, red can represent love and passion, while black can symbolize power and mystery. Furthermore, it can also depend on the type of shape the brushstrokes draw. If you are looking for stunning ink ideas with deep meanings, check out the next section.
8 Brush Stroke Tattoo Ideas
Brushstroke tattoos are unique, versatile, and artistic. They come in a variety of styles, from single pieces to images of dragons and meaningful symbols. Here are some tattoo ideas you can try:
1. Minimalist brushstroke tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
This is the simplest variation of a brushstroke tattoo that you will ever see. It features flowing lines of varying thickness to mimic the brushstroke. The design represents an elegant fusion of artistry and simplicity. It also symbolizes creativity and individuality. The design is further done in black. However, you can get it done in any color you want.
2. Black brushstroke tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Black represents power, mystery, authority, and sophistication. If you want to express any of these ideas through your body art, then this tattoo is perfect for you. The bold, black lines in the design are perfectly done. They create a deep contrast with the skin and offer a timeless feel. The tattoo is placed on the forearm, but you can also have it placed on your calf or upper arm.
3. Abstract Brush Stroke Tattoo
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This is a work that combines abstract art with the fluidity of brushstrokes. The abstract yin yang tattoo is depicted with fluid yet structured brushstrokes, suggesting the dynamic movement of energies and the constant changes in nature. The design symbolizes a balance between the opposing forces that exist within us, such as good and evil. It reminds us how important it is to find a balance between the two in order to live a good life.
4. Brushstroke tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
This tattoo mimics the look of real paint strokes on a canvas. The black and blue design has a realistic feel and symbolizes creativity and artistic expression. You can get this tattoo to show your love for any art form, such as painting, drawing, or even writing. Like the freehand style, the design can also represent freedom of expression.
5. Brushstroke tattoo sleeve
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
If you want something a little more intricate and meaningful, check out this piece. The half sleeve piece starts at the shoulder and covers the entire upper arm. It features brush strokes of different colors that add depth and dimension to the overall design. Each of these strokes represents a unique experience or emotional journey in life to symbolize its complexity.
6. Brushstroke Dragon Tattoo
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This piece is a fusion of abstract and illustrative tattoo styles. It shows the dragon’s body in multi-colored brushstrokes, while its head is clearly illustrated. This represents the balance between chaos and clarity. The dragon in the design symbolizes strength, wisdom, and resilience. It encourages the wearer to overcome challenges with knowledge and inner strength.
7. Brushstroke Cross Tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
If you need a tattoo to represent your devotion to Christianity or spiritual beliefs, this design is perfect. It uses black brush strokes to create a cross symbol. The design looks like it was painted directly onto the skin. Since the symbol is quite simple, you can get this tattoo in a variety of sizes and placements.
8. Brushstroke Bracelet Tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Here is another masterpiece if you are a fan of armband tattoos. Instead of the usual intricate and bold designs, it features flowing brushstrokes that encircle the upper arm. The design is aesthetically pleasing and perfect for lovers of simple tattoos. It is made in black ink that symbolizes rebellion, mystery and power.
Brushstroke tattoos are bold, fluid, and artistic. They symbolize individuality, freedom of expression, emotions, challenges, and the flow of life. In some cases, these contemporary tattoos can also represent mental discipline and an appreciation for the beauty of imperfections. They usually come in abstract styles and can feature a variety of designs. You can get these tattoos on a variety of places, such as the arm, calf, back, and chest. However, before you choose the best design for you, make sure that the meaning behind it resonates with your ideas and beliefs.
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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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Gracia Odile is a teacher turned beauty and lifestyle writer with three years of professional experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from St. Stephen’s College, a Master’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Madras and a Diploma in Education from GGSIPU.
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Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Previously, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 top-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
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Pahul Nanra is a content writer with a passion for all things fashion and beauty. She has two years of experience writing on beauty and lifestyle genres. She is an English Honours graduate from Delhi University with a diploma in Fashion Designing from YMCA.
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