Goth tattoos have become more and more popular over the years, especially with the rise of alternative fashion in both high and low-end cultures.
If you are also interested in Goth tattoos then there are plenty of options available to you on this page. Gothic tattoos often feature dark themes or motifs such as skulls, skeletons, vampires, and other creepy creatures of the night.
They can also be combined with other styles of tattooing like tribal or Celtic designs, or even more mainstream tattoos like roses and hearts. Gothic tattoos usually have bold lines and shading techniques for a high-contrast look that makes them pop.
One popular trend among gothic tattoo enthusiasts is getting their existing body piercings added to their tattoos. You might see someone with a skull pierced through their tongue or dripping blood from a vampire bite on the neck. Other popular piercing and tattoo combinations include spider webs and black roses, broken hearts and spider webs, or a devil’s head with horns piercing through the earlobes.
Goth Tattoo Ideas
If you are looking for a unique tattoo idea that captures the essence of goth culture, there are many different styles and designs to choose from. One of the first things to consider when choosing a goth tattoo is what style you want your artwork to be in. There are many different styles within this category, including blackwork, neo-traditional, dark realism, and Japanese horror art – any ink style that incorporates darker, more macabre, and gory elements.
Another important consideration when it comes to goth tattoos is what design you want on your body. Common designs include skulls, crossbones, roses and thorns, tombstones and crypts, or even portraits of famous goth icons like Edgar Allen Poe or Anne Rice’s vampires.
Here are our favorite goth tattoo ideas, along with tips on how to select the best design for you.
1. Skulls and related macabre designs – Many people who consider themselves part of the gothic subculture have a fascination with death and all things creepy, so it’s no surprise that they would seek out tattoos that depict these themes. Skulls are probably the most common symbol of goth culture, but there are plenty of other designs that can convey this aesthetic as well – like skeletons, spiders, or bats.
2. Blood and gore – If you want to take your love of the morbid to an extreme level, why not get a tattoo inspired by blood and gore? There are many different designs you can use for this theme – from dripping blood to actual scenes featuring severed limbs and disembowelment. There used to be a website called bestgore that somehow became popular among goth tattoo lovers in the early 2010s.
3. Flames and fire – Many goths also have an interest in things that are dark or dangerous, so a tattoo depicting flames or fire would be fitting for this group of people. You can choose to use bright colors there as well, but it’s usually more common to go with black, red, or grey ink when creating these types of tattoos.
4. Bats and other nocturnal animals – The deep connection between bats and the gothic culture stems from two main reasons: the animal’s nocturnal nature (which is also connected with death), as well as its association with Dracula – many Goths, believe that vampires are real. If you want to include bats in your tattoo, you can either use a single animal or create an entire scene involving these creatures.
5. Roses and other flowers – Though most people would assume that goths aren’t interested in beautiful things like flowers, some of them have tattoos of roses – though they usually choose dark colors for their inks so that their tattoos fit this aesthetic better. These are often incorporated into more complex designs, such as those featuring skulls and skeletons.
6. Moons and stars – The deep connection between the moon and goth culture is tied to the fact that many people who consider themselves part of this subculture believe that vampires exist (and probably drink blood by night), while at the same time associating death with the night and darkness. You can use a full moon or just the crescent to represent these elements.
7. Scary places and creatures – Another common idea among goths is drawing inspiration from scary places, including caves, crypts, and dark forests – where all sorts of mystical creatures may dwell. If you want to go with this theme for your tattoo, you have a wide range of designs to pick from as well as many different colors you can choose for it.
8. Celtic symbols – In addition to drawing inspiration from death itself, many goths also love the ancient cultures associated with this concept – including ancient Celts. There are plenty of beautiful Celtic designs that would make great tattoos for those who consider themselves part of this subculture.
9. Text and poetry quote – For the most part, goths don’t care about what others think of them, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t want to express themselves through words and art. If you want a tattoo that can inspire you or remind you of your commitment to your subculture, go ahead and get a text or poem quote inked on your skin.
10. Religious symbols – Though it might be surprising for some people to see religious symbols on this list, many goths have tattoos involving these motifs – usually crosses (sometimes combined with other elements). This is used as a way for them to show their defiance against mainstream culture and its beliefs about religion.
If none of these ideas appeal to you, there are many other options available as well – just be sure to do plenty of research ahead of time so you can find a design that fits the overall vibe you are looking for.
Some other elements can be included in your tattoo if you are looking to create a more complete goth appearance – such as pentagrams, wolves, and ravens. Black cats are also very common in this subculture and many people who belong to it have at least one of them as a pet.
Goth Tattoos Meanings and Symbolisms
Goth tattoos have a rich history and deep symbolism. Whether you are just getting your first goth tattoo or adding to an existing collection, it’s important to understand the meaning behind these dark designs.
No matter what type of goth tattoo you get – from a simple black rose to an intricate blackwork piece – you can expect it to carry meaning for you on many levels. Gothic tattoos often represent something personal about the wearer, including their beliefs and experiences. They may also reflect aspects of your personality that are darker, such as a rebellious streak or creativity.
Depending on the design of your tattoo, there are many different symbols and meanings associated with gothic art. Some common elements of gothic tattoos include:
Skulls – Often seen as a symbol of death and mortality, skulls are often associated with the gothic lifestyle. In addition to representing your mortality, skull tattoos can also represent feelings of sadness or regret.
Flames – The flaming torch is another popular symbol in goth culture, as it represents overcoming obstacles and achieving enlightenment. Flames also represent a passion for life and art.
Spiders – As a creature that spins webs to catch prey, the spider is often associated with darkness, mystery, and fear. However, some cultures see spiders as symbols of good luck or healing powers.
Blood – Blood has long been associated with both violence and beauty; for example, it’s common to see blood in the artwork of the Renaissance period. In gothic art, blood often symbolizes violence or a turning point in someone’s life.
Skeletons – As you probably already know, skeletons are often seen as symbols of death and rebirth, representing the cyclical nature of life and death. A skeleton tattoo can also be a reminder to live life fully while you have the chance.
Cobwebs – Depending on the web design, cobwebs may represent either good luck or misfortune for those who encounter them. For example, some believe that if you walk into a cobweb by accident, it will bring bad luck to your day; however, other people believe that a cobweb found on your clothing means good luck is coming.
Vampires – Whether you are a fan of the Twilight books or movies, or you just love the gothic lifestyle, it’s no surprise that vampire tattoos have become popular in recent years. Vampire-themed tattoos may represent evil, darkness, and mystery, but they can also demonstrate a fascination with the supernatural.
Here enjoy our favorite Goth tattoo designs that pay perfect homage to the subculture.
Aesthetic Goth Tattoos
Traditional Goth Tattoo Designs
Also Read Kingdom Hearts Tattoos
Skull Goth Tattoos
Conclusion
Whatever design you choose for your tattoo, remember that dark colors aren’t the only ones that work well with this aesthetic. If you want to make sure your ink looks perfect when finished, talk to professional artists working with these designs every day so they can help you come up with something fitting for what you want to express.
References: Goth Wiki
