For some people getting out into nature is the only way to recharge their batteries and get back in touch with what really matters in life. If your perfect holiday is setting up camp, lighting a fire and unwinding to the sweet sounds of the forest, a nature tattoo might be just what the doctor ordered.
A bit of ink dedicated to Mother Nature is a great way to take a bit of the great outdoors everywhere you go, and ink dedicated to all things natural can look great on just about any part of the body.
From classic placements like the forearm, bicep and chest to more daring locations like the hands and neck, the possibilities are endless if you want to dedicate some flesh to the natural world.
The ink we’ve assembled in this collection is sure to inspire and give you plenty to think about before you sit down for your next best tattoo idea.
1. Mother Nature Tattoo
The living embodiment of the natural world’s magic, Mother Nature tattoos are a great way to commemorate a personal relationship with the forests, mountains, and oceans. With dozens of historical depictions to inspire, there is sure to be a design that fits your style and sensibilities.
2. Minimalist Nature Tattoo
Some people prefer their designs to be a bit more subtle, and for these folks, minimalist nature tattoos are a good option. With talented artists able to create unique and meaningful designs with just a few lines, this restrained approach doesn’t have to lack creative expression.
3. Geometric Nature Tattoo
While geometry may seem the opposite of the natural world, mathematical formulas are actually present in every living thing on earth. For folks who appreciate the universe’s subtle interconnectedness, geometric nature tattoos are the perfect expression of this underlying natural order.
4. Simple Nature Tattoo
Sometimes less is more, and this idea can’t be better represented than with simple nature tattoos. Whether it’s a quirky little ladybug or a linework landscape, these scaled-back, simple designs demonstrate the appeal of a subtle approach.
5. Forest Nature Tattoo
From the rainforests of South America to the towering redwoods of northern California, the diversity of the world’s woodlands is enough to give anyone pause. If spending time with the trees is your idea of paradise, forest nature tattoos might be just what you are looking for.
6. Nature Tattoo with Animals
The creatures we find in the wild have been the subject of human expression for millennia. There are cave drawings dating back 45,000 years, so if you have a particular animal you have a special connection with and want to carry on this primal human tradition, animal tattoos are a great choice.
7. Colorful Nature Tattoo
From vibrant coral reefs to the somber tones of leaves changing in autumn, the natural world is chock full of striking pigments and stunning patterns. If you want your work to pop just a little bit more, colorful nature tattoos are a no-brainer.
8. Blackwork Nature Tattoo
Not everyone prefers their ink to be brightly colored, though. If you prefer black ink to express your personal style but still want to commemorate Mother Earth, blackwork tattoos are an obvious choice.
9. Camping Tattoo
There’s nothing quite like loading up the truck, heading into the wilderness with some friends, and spending the night around a fire under the stars. If this sounds like your idea of perfection, camping tattoos are a great way to memorialize those good times with the boys.
10. Tree Tattoo
Trees can make for powerful symbols of place, so many people choose to incorporate them into designs as a way to dedicate a bit of skin to an important place, whether it is your hometown or just somewhere you spent a lot of time. From oaks to cypress, tree tattoos are a great way to memorialize a special time in your life.
11. Artistic Nature Tattoo
The beauty of a tattoo is only limited to the wearer’s imagination and the artist’s skill. If you are looking for something sure to turn heads, let your tattooer go wild and develop an artistic nature tattoo.
12. Planet Earth Tattoo
We’re all here on this little blue rock together. So if you’re after a design that demonstrates the natural unity of all people, plants, and animals, look no further than planet earth tattoos.
13. Mountain Tattoo
Whether you’re hiking, skiing or just like to enjoy the view from afar, there is no denying the natural beauty of the peaks and summits of the world. If you want to dedicate a bit of skin to these breathtaking geologic formations, mountain tattoos are a perfect choice.
14. Flower Tattoo
From roses to daisies, there is a flower out there for every personality and style. If these blossoms are your idea of natural perfection, it’s hard to go wrong with flower tattoos.
15. True Nature Tattoo
For many people, tattoos are the way they express their personality and character, so what better way to show the world who you really are than with true nature tattoos dedicated to your personal essence.
16. Leaves Tattoo
Whether they are vibrant green representing spring’s new life or red, orange, and yellow, symbolic of death, leaves are an important part of the natural world that make for some eye-catching designs. If you’re looking for a versatile way to express your love of nature, leaves tattoos are a good choice.
17. Dandelion Tattoo
Just about everyone can remember playing with these fluffy little flowers as children, making a wish before blowing the seeds into the wind. This makes dandelion tattoos a great choice for designs dedicated to love, family and childhood.
18. Cloud Tattoo
Another childhood pastime that we probably all remember is lying in a grassy field, watching the clouds go by. With the ability to incorporate different elements into these fluffy atmospheric expressions, cloud tattoos are an appealing and versatile addition to your body art.
19. Rain Tattoo
While some people associate rain with dreary days stuck inside, this natural phenomenon is a bit more versatile than that. From wild storms to spring showers, rain tattoos are a great way to add some action to a design and let the world know you don’t mind a bit of precipitation.
20. Sunset Tattoo
It’s easy to forget about the beauty of the natural world when going about your day, but every day when the sun goes down, we witness a natural light show that is proof of the wonder of the world. If you want a bit of color with your tattoo, sunsets are a great choice.
21. Waves Tattoo
Great for the background of a large, complex design or simply a few small lines capturing the ripples of a quiet day at the beach, waves tattoos are perfect for anyone that has a special connection to the ocean.
22. Winding Road Tattoo
Few things are as enjoyable and relaxing as an easy drive through the country. For anyone that equates a laid-back cruise through nature with the better things in life, winding road tattoos are a great way to capture this feeling.
23. River Tattoo
Rivers are some of the most interesting features in the natural world. Equally capable of frightening torrents as they are gently babbling brooks, river tattoos are as versatile as they are appealing.
24. Wilderness Tattoo
For anyone that has spent a bit of time outdoors, the untamed beauty of the animals and natural environment is something that they are unlikely to forget. Whether you are a hunter, bird watcher, or mountain climber, wilderness tattoos are a perfect way to capture this natural beauty.
25. Japanese Style Nature Tattoo
An instantly recognizable style, the history of tattoos in Japan is unique and fascinating. Japanese-style tattoos often use elements from the natural world, like koi fish, tigers, mountains, and seascapes. These can be exciting designs that will surely turn heads.
26. Roots Nature Tattoo
It’s easy to forget that this is only half the picture while towering trees are impressive. Like trees, our outward expressions are held in place by a network of roots beneath the surface, making roots nature tattoos a great way to feel connected to where you came from and give you an idea of where you’re going.
27. Nature Tattoo Sleeve
If you need a bit more space for your ink dedicated to the natural world, then a sleeve might be the right choice. Full of natural lines and large enough to incorporate different designs and environments, nature tattoo sleeves are a great way to show the world just what earth’s plants and animals mean to you.
28. Nature Chest Tattoo
Nature tattoos on the chest take advantage of another large canvas, suitable for both big, bold designs and subtle, small pieces. Whatever the subject, you’ll get to show these tattoos off at the beach or backyard barbeque.
29. Nature Arm Tattoo
Whether it is high up on the bicep or down on the forearm, the arm is a canvas that is as versatile as it is classic. From lions and elephants to flowers and frogs, nature arm tattoos can do it all.
30. Nature Shoulder Tattoo
Another popular placement thanks to the ability to show it off or keep it hidden at the wearer’s discretion, nature shoulder tattoos let you wear love for the natural world on your sleeve.
Nature Tattoo FAQ:
What does a nature tattoo mean?
While the exact meaning behind any design is specific to the person who chose it, nature tattoos generally represent a deep connection to the plants, animals, and places with which the wearer has a special connection.
Where should I get a nature tattoo?
There are plenty of excellent placements to choose from when it comes to getting a nature tattoo. It’s hard to go wrong with classic locations like on the forearm, chest or calf, but if you’re working on full coverage, the hands and even neck provide clean, eye-catching canvases.
Which nature tattoo represents resilience and growth?
Trees are perhaps the most powerful symbols of resilience and growth thanks to their long lifespans and toughness. This makes tree tattoos a great choice for nature tattoos that represent these hearty traits.
