Although tattoos are still a controversial body decoration today, their popularity is very high. What was once typical of prisoners or gang members can now be seen on almost everyone, be it in large format or as a tiny accent. No matter whether it's your first tattoo or your next, you're probably looking for inspiration and ideas. Because you don't always have an idea of the perfect motif right away and once the motif has been chosen, there are a wide variety of designs with which you can present the chosen motif. And since you can't easily remove a tattoo, you should of course think about it in advance so that you don't regret it later. Wild cats are a very popular motif, which is why we would also like to introduce you to the attractive lion tattoo in this article.
With the help of a tattoo, you can not only showcase certain messages or preferences, but also integrate your own personal style. Tattoos can be classic, modern or minimalist, represent a simple 2D image or impress with a 3D effect, be black and white or colorful,with geometric elementsbe combined or something similar. And all of these styles are of course also suitable for the lion tattoo. If you are still not sure or even have no idea for your future tattoo, you can collect some inspiration here that can help you make your decision. Without a doubt, the following lion head tattoos are worth considering and can be used as a template. We have divided the examples into categories, but some of them overlap as different designs are often combined due to their popularity.
Hardly anyone doesn't find wild cats to be impressive animals. The lion is no exception. So it's no wonder that the lion tattoo is so popular. And although it is most often chosen by men, it is now not uncommon for women to also choose the king of the beasts. The reason for this is that the animal carries many meanings, some of which are not just typical for men. Broadly speaking, the following meanings for the lion can be mentioned:
- Family
- Love
- Hope
- Strength
- wisdom
- Kraft
- Balance
- Mut
- Freedom
- independence
- Schutz
While some of the symbolism is more typical for men, as you can see, you can also find meanings that make the lion tattoo just as attractive for women. This makes the tattoo gender neutral and suitable for everyone. And if you have decided on the lion based on the tattoo meaning, you have another complicated step to take and that is finding the right design. Choose one of the following styles and modify it to suit your personality.
A simple 2D portrait
The classic tattoo is the simple 2D look. But simple doesn't mean boring, because 2D can also be very beautiful and effective if done right. Some people don't want it to be too impressive and in this case a tattoo like this is great. It is suitable for both genders, can decorate any part of the body and be of any size. The motif for the arm is very popular and this includes both the upper and lower arm. Above you can see an attractive men's tattoo on the inside of the forearm. The lion is shown in the front view and is reminiscent of a pencil drawing, to which the black color also contributes.
If the lion head tattoo is supposed to adorn a woman's body and also appear more feminine, then some additional elements can be used for this purpose. In the example above, this is done with the help of flowers, some of which are even shown in color. The lion tattoo for the lower leg comes into its own wonderfully and, due to its size, looks neither too pompous nor too subtle. It is the perfect model for a woman.
3D-Motiv
With the help of the3D effectThe aim is to ensure that the motif appears as real as possible. This is one of the most popular variants and is also timeless. The three-dimensional motif can of course also be combined with additional elements. It all depends on what you want to express with your lion tattoo or what you simply like. Above you can see a women's tattoo that again contains floral motifs. Colored accents are not mandatory and are not for everyone. If you like it more classic and simple, the blackwork tattoo is a good decision. Here you also have the choice between different shades of black and gray.
This example is a bit more striking and complicated. It is an aggressive lion in a sitting position that also has wings. The lion for the upper arm is particularly suitable for men with their protective function and in this form can symbolize courage as well as strength and power. The wings in combination with a lion are usually a typical symbol for the evangelist Mark and is called the Lion of Mark, but of course a completely individual interpretation can be chosen. The tattoo is relatively large and adorns the entire area from the shoulder to just above the elbow.
Geometric lion tattoo design
Geometric representations are very modern and popular. The display options are numerous. A 2D or 3D motif can be chosen and supplemented with geometric shapes as additional elements. But the motif itself can also consist of geometric shapes, like in the picture above, where circles were used to create the lion tattoo. A very effective and original idea, don't you think? The star constellation of the zodiac sign Leo can also be seen in the middle of the circle motif. As you can see, it is worth investing time in planning the tattoo to get something truly extraordinary.
Not only round shapes are impressive and a good idea. Square ones are also popular and are a modern variant. Instead of the entire lion's body, in the example above they decided to just use a lion's head. What is particularly interesting is the combination of 2D and geometry, which makes the motif a real eye-catcher. Do you want a tattoo for your back? Then this might be a good suggestion for you. This is a men's tattoo, but it is also suitable for women.
Abstract design
The geometric tattoo design can also partly be classified into this category, because an abstract tattoo can actually be described as anything that depicts a familiar object in an unnatural or even strange way. In our case this is the lion. The abstract chest motif from the image above is a good example of this. Although it is a very angular lion's head made up of geometric and partly three-dimensional shapes and figures, we immediately recognize that it is a lion's head. It resembles shards and is quite extraordinary.
This design uses very similar elements and methods. However, this time it is a women's tattoo, which proves that an abstract lion tattoo is gender neutral. This time the lion's head is shown from the front and is made up of various geometric shapes, which overall make a very abstract impression. Depending on the size, the thigh tattoo can also be used for other parts of the body. However, keep in mind that the smaller the motif, the less effective the shapes will be. It is therefore not recommended for mini tattoos or other small variants. You can ask your tattoo artist for advice about alternatives.
Minimalist
Minimalist means simple, but not at all boring! The aim is to create an impressive tattoo design that is a real eye-catcher, despite or perhaps because of its simplicity. This style is great if, on the one hand, you want to follow the trend and, on the other hand, you want a tattoo that is not too intrusive and complicated. The clean and straight lines with a few shadings that are typical here make a minimalist lion tattoo also suitable if a small motif is to adorn the body. So it's perfect for a motif behind the ear, on the collarbone or if you want to decorate a finger or wrist.
This lion tattoo for the forearm was combined with a mandala, of which we have two more examples below. The mandala makes the tattoo a little more feminine, but with the right implementation it can also be used for men. The example also suggests a dream catcher. TheDream catcher is a very popular tattoo motif. In both examples it is also noticeable that dotwork was used instead of the typical all-over shading in gray tones. We'll explain exactly what this design means in a moment. All in all, these designs look very friendly and are suitable if your tattoo should symbolize hope, wisdom or balance, for example.
Dotwork Löwen Tattoo
Dot means point in English and anyone who is aware of that will be able to immediately guess what dotwork is probably about. Exactly, a lot of dots are used for the tattoo design. They are often used to tattoo shading, which makes the tattoo look simpler and more minimalist. The closer the individual dots are tattooed, the darker the shadow will be. This minimalist variant is very popular and also suitable for the lion tattoo. Above you can also see a great combination with a geometric design. How about a motif like this for the thigh? And if you can't decide between a male and female lion, just get both tattooed.
Just because minimalism and geometryare currently in trend, of course that doesn't mean that the dotwork can't also be used for an elaborate and impressive 3D design, like it was done in this example. The roaring lion has a beautiful mane that consists of a particularly fine dot design. You have to decide for yourself whether this tattoo is more suitable for men or could also adorn women's bodies.
Colorful with watercolor effect
And while we're talking about trendy tattoos, the watercolor tattoo is definitely worth mentioning. The special thing about this design is that it gives the impression that it wasn't tattooed, but was actually painted onto the skin with watercolors and then melted. It is also the perfect choice if you want a colorful motif. A wide variety of color combinations are suitable. From a mix of cold shades like blue and turquoise to warm shades like yellow, orange or red to a colorful design made up of several of these colors, everything is possible, depending on what you want to represent.
But that doesn't mean that black and white tattoo lovers can't get their money's worth. The watercolor effect can also be achieved in black, as the example above right shows. No matter whether you make the tattoo small or striking and large, the watercolor look can be used anywhere. Decorate your forearm, upper arm, calf, shin or upper body, as well as smaller areas, with such lion tattoos as you wish.
Lion with crown
Since the lion is known as the king of beasts, it is no wonder that he is often depicted with a crown in the form of a tattoo. This is a design that is suitable for both genders. Only the crown determines whether the lion tattoo is more feminine or masculine. Otherwise there are no special rules here either. Decorate your hand, arm, leg, back or chest with it as you wish and create a special eye-catcher.
The idea with a crown is also suitable for any tattoo style. The crown can be used in a geometric, abstract or minimalist lion tattoo, as well as in a classic portrait in 2D or 3D. It can stand straight or diagonally on the head or even be specially tattooed and thus have its own meaning. That is entirely your decision.
Löwen Mandala
Just as you can combine the lion with a crown, you can also choose a beautiful mandala instead. The mandala adds a touch of spirituality to the design. Women in particular like to opt for a mandala tattoo because you can even create it yourself with any pattern. But if that's not enough for you, you can combine it with other elements and why not with a lion. You will receive a unique lion tattoo with an individual and personal touch if you come up with the mandala yourself.
The mandala is also popular with men. This is also worth considering for men. It is not uncommon for a floral design to be chosen. But there are also more masculine models with stronger lines, jagged edges and other geometric shapes that make the mandala appear less feminine. With mandala, the motif is great for the shoulder, chest, back, thigh or other larger areas, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't also look good in small format.
Good old tribal
Even though tribal has long since gone out of fashion for many, there are at least as many who still find it attractive today. And in combination with a lion it looks particularly attractive. Since the tribal comes from indigenous peoples who live in the midst of nature and wild animals, both symbols fit together wonderfully. You have the choice between a lion made of tribal elements or you can design the lion specifically and decorate it all around with some tribal elements. The choice is entirely yours.
