Honoring Loved Ones: Memorial Tattoo Designs That Speak to the Soul
There’s nothing quite like the honor of creating a memorial tattoo. It’s not just about putting pigment under skin; it’s about capturing a life, a love, a memory. A lot of clients are perplexed in what to get and ask for some help in picking a fitting tattoo design. Ive compiled a very extensive collection of memorial tattoo design ideas for you to use for inspiration.
We have an extensive collection of around 300 memorial tattoo design ideas, so either scroll through all of them or use the boxes below, that when pressed on, will take you to the desired section for some inspiration.
Memorial Tattoo Designs
Memorial Tattoo Designs
Memorial Tattoo Designs
Bird Memorial Tattoos: Freedom Takes Flight
First up, we’ve got bird memorial tattoos. These little feathered friends are a favorite for good reason. They symbolize freedom, the soul taking flight, and can be as unique as the person you’re remembering.
I’ve done everything from tiny, delicate sparrows to majestic eagles spanning entire backs. One of my favorites was for a client who lost her grandmother – we did a flock of birds flying out of an open birdcage. It was like watching her grandma’s spirit soar free.
Here’s a pro tip: Consider the type of bird. Was your loved one as proud as a peacock? As wise as an owl? As free-spirited as a hummingbird? Choosing the right bird can add layers of meaning to your memorial tattoo.
Butterfly Memorial Tattoos: Beautiful Transformations
Now, let’s flutter on over to butterfly memorial tattoos. These delicate creatures are all about transformation and the beauty of life, even if it’s brief. They’re perfect for remembering someone who touched your life, even if it was just for a short time.
I once did a half-sleeve of monarch butterflies for a woman who lost her sister to cancer. We incorporated her sister’s favorite colors into the wing patterns. Every time she looks at it, she says she can feel her sister’s spirit.
Here’s something to think about: The placement of your butterfly can change its meaning. A butterfly on the wrist can symbolize a fragile beauty, while one on the shoulder might represent a guiding presence.
Dog And Cat Memorial Tattoos: Man’s Best Friend, Forever
Losing a four legged best friend can be just as hard as losing a human companion, and getting a dog ashes tattoo is a beautiful way to keep that loyal love with you always.
I’ve done realistic portraits, paw prints, and even cartoon-style versions of beloved pups. One of my favorite pieces to do are pawprint memorial designs, as they are unique for everyone and in so they are a very personal testimant to a best friend lost.
Remember, it doesn’t have to be just the dog. Think about what made your pup special. Was it the way they tilted their head when confused? Their favorite toy? These details can make your memorial tattoo truly personal. Not just dogs, cat pawprints i have memorialized over the years.
Heart Memorial Tattoos: Love Never Dies
Hearts might seem cliché, but trust me, there’s a reason they’re classic. A heart memorial tattoo is all about love that lasts beyond death. And there are so many ways to make them unique.
I’ve done anatomical hearts, hearts made of words, hearts with EKG lines – you name it. One that sticks with me was for a widow who wanted her late husband’s heartbeat from his last EKG incorporated into a heart design. Powerful stuff, let me tell you.
Pro tip: Think about combining the heart with other elements. A heart formed by two birds, or a heart growing out of a tree – these combinations can add depth to your memorial tattoo.
Rose And Flowers Memorial Tattoos: Beauty In Flowers
Roses and flowers are another classic, and for good reason. They’re beautiful, but they’ve got thorns – just like life and love, right? Rose memorial tattoos can symbolize the beauty of the person you’ve lost, as well as the pain of losing them.
I’ve done single long-stemmed roses, full bouquets, and even roses growing out of skulls for those who want to acknowledge the connection between life and death. Flowers in every colour and shape and size. Color can add meaning too – red for passion, white for purity, yellow for friendship.
Here’s a thought: Consider incorporating your loved one’s birth month flower. It adds a personal touch that goes beyond just the rose symbolism.
Old School Memorial Tattoos: Timeless Tributes
Now, if you’re into that classic tattoo look, old school memorial designs might be your jam. Think bold lines, limited color palettes, and iconic imagery. These designs have stood the test of time for a reason.
I’ve done plenty of “Mom” banners, swallows carrying banners with names and dates, and anchors with “Gone but not forgotten” for that maritime feel. One of my favorites was a lighthouse with the phrase “You were my guiding light” – simple.
Remember, old school doesn’t mean outdated. These designs are bold, clear, and will look good for years to come.
Infinity Sign Memorial Tattoos: Love Without End
The infinity symbol is all about endless love and connections that last forever. It’s a simple design, but it can say so much in a memorial tattoo.
I’ve incorporated names into the loops of the infinity sign, combined it with other symbols like hearts or birds, and even done broken infinity signs to represent a bond that feels severed by death but still goes on forever.
Here’s an idea: Consider adding a pop of color to your infinity sign. Maybe your loved one’s favorite color, or a color that represents a special memory you shared.
Feather Memorial Tattoos: Light as a Feather, Heavy with Meaning
Feather memorial tattoos are versatile and packed with symbolism. They can represent the lightness of the soul, freedom, or even writing – perfect if your loved one was a writer or poet.
I’ve done feathers that look like they’re floating on the skin, feathers turning into birds, and even feathers with words or dates worked into the barbs. One that stands out was a peacock feather we did for a client remembering her flamboyant uncle – it captured his personality perfectly.
Think about the type of feather too. An eagle feather might represent strength and pride, while a dove feather could symbolize peace and gentleness.
Wing Memorial Tattoo Designs
Wing memorial tattoos offer a powerful way for individuals to honor and remember their loved ones. As an experinced ashes tattoo artist, my role is to guide clients through the design process, ensuring that the final piece is not only visually appealing but also deeply meaningful.
By combining technical skill with empathy and understanding, we can create wing memorial tattoos that serve as lasting tributes, helping our clients keep the memory of their loved ones close and allowing their spirits to soar eternally through art.
Adding Cremation Ashes to Your Memorial Tattoo
Now, here’s something special for those who want to take their memorial tattoo to the next level. Some folks choose to have a bit of their loved one’s ashes mixed into the ink. It’s a way to literally keep them with you always.
If you’re in the UK and interested in this, Bubblegum Ink is the UKs most reknowned artist for clients who want an ashes tattoo. Years of experience, make sure your loved one’s ashes are always treated with the upmost respect they deserve.
Reflective Thoughts from Behind the Needle
At the end of the day, a memorial tattoo is about keeping someone’s memory alive. It’s about carrying a piece of them with you always. As a tattoo artist, it’s an honor to be part of that process.
Remember, there’s no rush. Take your time choosing your design. Bring in photos, objects, anything that reminds you of your loved one. The more personal we can make it, the more meaningful it’ll be.
It’s okay to get emotional during the process. I’ve seen plenty of tears in my chair, from the pain of loss. It’s all part of the healing process.
So whether you’re thinking birds or butterflies, dogs or hearts, roses or feathers, old school or new school, remember – this is your tribute. Make it count, make it personal, and most importantly, make it a design that will bring you comfort and keep your loved one’s memory alive every time you see it.
We are always here to talk.
The international service that is helping people globally to get an ashes tattoo done to the very highest standard, you can find out more at Cremation Ink.
Bubblegum Ink ® have years of experience with professionally combining ashes into tattoos and will be honored to collaborate with you to assist to bond you and your loved one with each other, for good.
Your loved one is in safe hands with Bubblegum Ink ®.