8 Best Beast Tattoo Styles: From Traditional To Modern

A beast tattoo isn’t just about nature’s wildness or predatory instincts. They represent more than that – from soft whispers to protective prowess. Sure, those fierce ones might seem like they are all about anger and conquering, but they can also mean power, strength, and all those inner battles we fight. Whether it is a realistic beast or a fantasy one, tattoos can put your deepest thoughts and feelings on display, reminding us that being human is one beautiful, messy journey. Wondering how to show your unfiltered self through a tattoo? Well, this article can help you out. Keep reading to learn more about unique beast tattoo designs along with their meanings.

Meaning Of Beast Tattoos

Beast tattoos symbolize strength, raw power, and ferocity. They often represent a person’s inner wildness and untamed nature. These tattoos can also signify speed and agility, reflecting the quick and fierce characteristics of wild animals. People choose beast tattoos to express their own powerful, fearless, and resilient qualities. Beast tattoos usually tell unique stories of survival and dominance.

These tattoos generally have deep-rooted cultural significance, particularly in Indigenous cultures where animals and birds often serve as community totems or spiritual guides. Take a look at some common beasts of the wild and what they can mean for the native folk:

• Lion: The lion is often referred to as the “King of the Jungle,” because it reflects power, confidence, and leadership. In many cultures, it symbolizes protection and royalty.
• Panther: The sleek and subtle panther is also often seen as mysterious, gracious, and powerful. It is viewed as a protective spirit animal in some Native American cultures.
• Tiger: In Asian culture, a tiger is regarded as a guardian against evil spirits. A tiger tattoo may project a wild, untamed spirit, or be associated with a personal sense of power and bravery.
• Bear: A bear is symbolic of strength and courage in most cultures. Native American cultures revere them as protectors and healers.
• Gorilla: A gorilla is known for strength and loyalty, but also represents the balance between strength and gentleness. A gorilla tattoo often reflects protection and wisdom, as unity and support form a vital aspect of a group.
• Cheetah: The cheetah is known to be the fastest land animal. Hence, it is a popular symbol of swiftness, agility, and focus.
• Wolf: Wolf tattoos can signify a person’s deep connection to their primal instincts alongside a sense of freedom and independence. They can also denote loyalty and close bonds within a pack or community.
• Rhino: Rhinos represent powerful resilience, defense, and grounded strength. They have very hard skin and know how to aggressively defend themselves, making them ideal symbols of protection.

Animal symbols have been deep in the psyches and meaning systems of multiple cultures, especially when associated with body art such as tattoos. These designs often represent qualities associated with the animals themselves, making them a powerful way for individuals to express identity, values, or a connection to nature. Here’s what some of these animals symbolize:

A versatile blogger who covers topics ranging from beauty and shopping to tattoos shares the meaning behind her tattoo. She explains, “Beauty and the beast is by FAR my favorite Disney princess movie! I’ve loved this story since I was little and I think the story is just so beautiful. In every Disney story I feel as though there’s such a valuable life lesson, you can never be too old for Disney! This is on my right thigh/hip, so quite high up (i)!”

These designs capture the raw beauty and might of these creatures. Getting a beast tattoo is like carrying a badge of honor that celebrates one’s primal instincts and unwavering spirit. Check out the next section to learn more about these tattoos and their meanings.

8 Beast Tattoo Ideas With Meanings

From gorillas to Disney characters, many tattoos remind us of beasts and their nature. Here are a few designs to take inspiration from.

1. Gorilla Beast Tattoo

If you love both beast and animal tattoo designs, this realistic gorilla beast tattoo is for you. It looks ferocious and has detailed realism. It covers the sleeve, featuring the gorilla’s fierce mouth and sharp teeth. This tattoo symbolizes the wearer’s power and strength and captures the essence of the gorilla’s wild nature. If you are looking for a bold statement piece, then this is for you.

2. Beast Of Darkness Tattoo

The carefully detailed, realistic tattoo of the beast of darkness and the ornate patterns surrounding it create an ornamental look. The beast of darkness is a powerful symbol of our inner fears and hidden strengths. It represents the darkness within us all and can zeal to overcome the deepest weaknesses.

3. Beauty And The Beast Tattoo

This minimalist outline of the Beauty and the Beast tattoo epitomizes elegance in simplicity. The tattoo features the Beast and the enchanted rose, which in the Disney story, symbolizes the Beast’s curse and the power of love to break it. It can represent transformation and the belief that true beauty lies within. This delicate design can remind you of the strength found in vulnerability.

4. Beast Mode Tattoo

‘Beast mode’ is a term popularized in video games when players power up to fight with increased strength and energy. Having “beast mode” written in bold black design on the back signifies the wearer’s desire to flaunt their muscles and strength. If you are considering getting a tattoo to showcase your might, this one’s for you.

5. Hyper Beast Tattoo

The hyper beast tattoo depicts a colorful rendition of a beast. Unlike traditional representations with darker shades, this reimagined watercolor tattoo features vivid colors while retaining the fierceness of a beast. It could be an excellent choice for anyone seeking a bold yet colorful ink that embodies strength and vitality.

6. Displacer Beast Tattoo

The displacer beast, depicted in this tattoo, is a fierce character resembling a large panther with tentacles that can appear displaced from its true location. The black, blue, and purple shades of watercolor make this tattoo a stunning piece that captures its fierceness even with just the head. This eye-catching tattoo symbolizes dominance and strength with a unique power.

7. Beast Hand Tattoo

The beast tattoo on the hand uses the dotwork technique, which fits well on the back of the hand. The black color gives the tattoo a fierce look, with the beast’s expression showing a deadly gaze and ferocity. If you want a striking yet simple tattoo, this could be the one for you.

8. Beast Word Tattoo

The word “beast” written in a gothic font against a black design background pops on the skin and commands consideration. The background design also adds to the mysteriousness of the artwork and the complexity of its symbolism. This simple yet unique design shows how even the word ‘beast’ can convey the strength and fierceness of a beast.

A beast tattoo is not just about showcasing the wild, untamed side of a person; it also represents how strength and belongingness can make one feel empowered. The tattoos here serve as representations of different qualities, whether it is resilience, courage, or the pursuit of inner strengths. Whether you opt for an animal beast tattoo, a character from popular culture, or a written inscription, there are numerous designs that cater to these diverse categories. Ranging from bold designs to minimalist beauties, each tattoo effortlessly conveys powerful meanings and makes a profound statement about your character and values.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Eve PhillipsProfessional Tattoo Artist

   

Eve Phillips is an experienced artist in various tattoo styles, though she specializes in tattoos with fine details and floral elements. She has owned studios for 20 years in both Australia and the United Kingdom and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in all areas of tattoo art, health, licensing, trends, current issues, and history.

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Shreya MukherjeeBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Shreya is a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience. After graduating from Christ University, Bengaluru, she started as a writer for a non-profit organization, Bhumi, as an intern. She then wrote for a progressive content website.

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Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Joyce JoysonBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience crafting short-form content for the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle niches. She has a triple majors bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Geography from IIS University and a master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.

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