Wave Tattoos
From LoveToKnow Tattoos
Pick out a wave tattoo that reflects your personality.
Wave Symbolism, Significance and Meaning
A wave tattoo, like any other tattoo, can be either a simple design that you like or one filled with more meaning. Water was considered one of the four elements of the Earth in ancient times. Even today, different world cultures still attach particular meanings to water. More on the symbolism, significance and meaning of water and wave tattoo designs can be found at The Vanishing Tattoo.
The significance and meaning of a particular tattoo also has to do with the story behind it. A person might choose a wave design because they work in the water, like a sailor or marine biologist. Perhaps swimming, surfing or diving is a favorite hobby. A wave design could also represent a specific place or moment in your life. In fact, it could even be a symbolic memorial tattoo for someone who loved the water.
Of course, some people will choose a design simply because they like it. The wavy lines or water might catch their eye or draw them to the design. Whatever the reason, wave designs are popular choices for tattoos.
Designs for Wave Tattoos
A tattoo with a wave does not have to be a realistic looking photo sketch of an actual crashing wave in the ocean. The tat can range from a scenic image, complete with a beach or palm tree, to a simple tattoo of just wavy lines within a tribal tat.
The wave is also a great way to connect larger tattoos together. A simple outline can be used to connect smaller tattoos and turn them into a larger piece of body art.
The complexity of a wave motif can vary greatly. Some can be extremely detailed and colored, while others may be a single wavy line that connects into something greater. This makes it a perfect tattoo design choice for tats of any size.
Animals
Sealife is often depicted in waves or on top of a wavy design that is meant to represent swirling waters. Creatures like sharks, turtles, whales, dolphins, fish and starfish are often found in the design. Sometimes tattoos with waves are used to highlight other animals, like eagles or snakes.
Seafaring Objects
Waves may be a key part of tattoo creations that might include ships or anchors. Pirate or skull tattoos might have waves surrounding them. A mermaid may also be found atop a wave design.
Sports and Hobbies
Waves can help showcase a particular sport or hobby you have an interest in. Surfboards, sandcastles, diving boards, jet skis and fishing lures can all be used in a wave tat.
Cultural/Tribal Waves
As mentioned earlier, waves sometimes have cultural significance. You may choose to honor your heritage with a wave element or to use it in part of a zodiac tattoo. Tribal tattoos can include wave patterns that are repeated.
Inking Waves
Doing the ink for waves is much like getting any other tattoo done. You will need to choose the ink color, size and location on your body. Black and blue are popular choices for color, while size varies greatly depending upon personal preferences.
Tattoos with waves can be put almost anywhere on the body, including:
- Wrists: The wrist is a great spot for a small tattoo that can be covered with a watch or bracelet.
- Biceps: Have a wave armband instead of barbed wire.
- Shoulder Blades/Upper Back: Easily covered with a shirt, this is a great spot for placing bigger ink jobs, like a beach scene with waves crashing or a fierce shark coming out of ocean waves.
- Lower Back: From small to large, just about any tattoo will work here, including waves.
- Ankle: Get a simple wavy tribal pattern on your ankle.
The tat can be put anywhere the artist can reach. Look for wave tattoos in the collection of tattoos at your local artists’ shop or get a design online at shops like Paul Rodney’s BlazinColors.com.
Wave tattoos are great for people who love the water or who want a simple, unfussy design. After you get your tat, be sure to share it with friends and family or online at CheckOutMyInk.com with other people who love tattoos as much as you.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 12,833 times. This page was last modified 03:24, 30 July 2008.
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