Octopuses are a popular choice for tattoos due to their mysterious and captivating appearance. These intelligent and adaptable creatures are known for their eight tentacles, bulbous heads, and ability to change color and shape. In many cultures, octopuses are seen as symbols of intelligence, mystery, and adaptability, making them a meaningful and unique tattoo design. Whether you are drawn to the aesthetic appeal of octopuses or their symbolic significance, they make a striking and memorable tattoo.
But before you go and get your own octopus tattoo, let us help guide you in choosing the perfect piece of ink. Below we’ll show you the boldest, most beautiful, and most captivating octopus tattoo ideas of 2023. You’ll surely be inspired with the perfect idea of which tattoo style to get, as well as where to get tattooed on your body.
With that said, let’s begin.
Black and Gray Octopus Tattoo on Thigh
If an Octopus is your cup of tea – this tattoo might be for you. Swimming around in the cup, black lines and gray shading are used to bring this image to life. The negative space around the cup along with the bubbles are suggestive of the bigger ocean where this Octopus usually resides.
IG: voek_tattoo
Light Black and Gray Octopus Tattoo on Thigh
This Octopus is a nice addition/companion to the sea turtle. There’s an obvious continuation of the sea theme but with different tones and shading employed in each tattoo.. The Octopus displays beautiful muted gray shading with two distinctive patterns. The result is one really cool tattoo.
IG: ren.inblack
Neon Old School Octopus Tattoo
The ship within a bottle is a nice throwback to the Old School theme of sailors. Of course the bold outlines, color palette and minimal shading seen here are also reminiscent of these earlier tattoos. And those glimmering eyes; make you want to take another look.
IG: valebubu_libh
Blackwork Octopus Tattoo
Contained within a narrow space, the tentacles of this large Octopus are fairly straight. The resulting angularity of the design along with the heavy black ink give this Octopus a somewhat austere appearance. He is softened up though by the light glimmering off his face.
IG: ___soyboy
Realistic Black and Gray Octopus Tattoo over Biceps
With skilled shading and contrast this Octopus comes to life over the biceps. Look at the suction cups on the tentacles; they’re so precise and realistic. This is attention to detail. Combined with the curved, wavy lines of the design, this tattoo delivers aesthetically too.
IG: ak.tats
Large Blackwork Octopus Tattoo on Man’s Arm/Forearm
If you’re the shy type this tattoo’s probably not for you. Not only is it large but it’s also bold with its heavy black inking. Despite using only black ink, a large amount of detailing is created thanks to the use of negative space. These uninked areas provide needed contrast to allow this Octopus to come to life.
IG: sagaegrim
Hyper Realistic Color Octopus Tattoo on Woman’s Arm and Forearm
The detailing in this Octopus tattoo is off the charts amazing. Can you imagine, the time and skill required. What’s crazy is that the detailing is not isolated to a single segment of the design but rather is seen throughout this large work. The color palette is worthy of praise too and especially the precise manner in which it’s applied. Of course a matching top isn’t…Required. Big props to Artist IG:@estertarabal from Barcelona, Spain
IG: killerinktattoo
Color Octopus Tattoo on Arm
Using simple lines, color palette and shading, a 2D rendering of a masked Octopus is brought to life. Despite the lack of 3D there’s no doubting the mood here. You can sense the smirk; makes you wonder if this Octopus is friend or foe.
IG: pemynism
Minimal Linework Octopus Tattoo on Forearm
Complete with a paper sailboat, this little guy is so cute. The simple black outlines and black dots help make this Octopus so appealing. As he climbs into his boat you can sense the ocean around them. That’s thanks to the surrounding area of negative or uninked space that lets your imagination fill in the blanks.
IG: buoythefishlover
Large Neo Traditional Octopus Tattoo on Arm
This is Neo Traditional style alive with its colorful palette, muted tones, bold outlines and stylized shading. Alive and well. The design itself is so beautiful. You’ve got to love the soft sway of the tentacles as the light glistens off them. Let’s just hope that’s not a tentacle caught in the anchor. Big props to Artist IG:@tt_ganz from Costa Rica
IG: tt_ganz
Black and Gray Octopus Tattoo on Woman’s Arm and Forearm
Guess because Octopi are so beloved you’d want to keep one close by your side all the time. And with this large tattoo that’s just what you get to do. The thin black lines and shading are truly beautiful inviting extended viewing. Props to Artist IG:@eduardomtattoo from Sao Paulo, Brazil
IG: eduardomtattoo
Black and Gray Octopus Tattoo over Wrist and Hand
More interesting than most bracelets, this Octopus tattoo is the perfect wrist accent. It’s especially nice how the tentacles float out and encompass the canvas this area provides. Of course the area of negative space between the tentacles creates the sense that the Octopus is floating. With an added pop of black ink and white dots this Octopus is a stunner.
IG: lanarae.tattoo
Large Colorful Octopus Tattoo On Man’s Thigh
This is a cool looking tattoo chock full of color. Even with its diverse palette the overall design looks cohesive and never messy. Perhaps that’s because each shade blends seamlessly into the next; the result of great shading. Flowing from the thigh past the knee onto the calf, the added dots are the perfect finishing touch. Props to Artist IG:@katia.zuela from Israel
IG: katia.zuela
Black and Gray Octopus Tattoo
The level of technical and artistic skill in this tattoo is amazing. Look closely and you sense the texture of the Octopus; you can see its precise detailing. This is created by the precise color palette that’s selected for shading and contrast. With the slightest bit of white ink, this design is further elevated. It’s especially effective below the eye. Look again and you can see light glimmering off of it. Big props to Artist IG:@panumart_tattoo from Chiang Mai, Thailand
IG: panumart_tattoo
Large Linework Octopus Tattoo on Woman’s Flank
This Octopus has found the perfect home. The black lines of the tattoo beautifully follow the curves of the body; enhancing and accenting them like a piece of elaborate jewelry. The oval and spherical designs are even reminiscent of ornamental pieces. Lucky for those who get a peek.
IG: plusamarta
Realistic New School Octopus Leg Sleeve
This is such a creative design highlighted by swirls of tentacles. With lime green and cherry red inking, this tattoo is a showstopper. Then like icing on a cake, dark shadows are added along with a glimmer light from the eye.
IG: neotradlatino
Maori/Polynesian Octopus Tattoo on Woman’s Arm and Forearm
The dramatic inking in this tattoo is reminiscent of Maori and Polynesian art. The repeating patterns here are characterized by steady lines, beautiful shading and the use of adjacent areas of negative space. The design itself is also impressive. Notice how the tentacles wrap around the arm and forearm and accent the elbow. Props to Artist
IG: kiti_ta_tatau
Large Black and Gray Octopus Tattoo with Florals
In this tattoo the sea foliage and Octopus appear linked in a sea dance together. Although they’re entwined, it remains easy to distinguish one from the other. That’s thanks to the use of distinct black outlines and distinct shading patterns. Floating across the arm and accenting the shoulder, this is one impressive tattoo. Props to Artist IG:@0.5na from Provence, France
IG: 0.5na
Octopus Tattoo Meaning
Credit photo: Instagram.com/robcarvalhoartOne of the most critical points to discover when considering an octopus tattoo as your next ink would be what it symbolizes. There is more than one octopus tattoo meaning you can encode it into your tattoo.
Octopus Tattoos Origin
Credit photo: Instagram.com/robcarvalhoartWhere does the octopus tattoo come from? The traditional octopus tattoo originates from Japan, for the most part. Since the country is an island, all sorts of sea creatures are ever-present in its culture. Moreover, a Japanese octopus tattoo is one of the distinctive features of Yakuza gangsters. Despite the criminal touch, octopi tattoos come in all shapes and forms so that you can pick a pattern that isn’t connected with the gangster vibe even remotely. The octopus image is incredibly complex and versatile, making it fit for anyone.
Octopus in Different Cultures
Credit photo: Instagram.com/evgenymelWe have discovered that octopus tattoo is native to Japanese culture, but there are others to discuss too. One of the most curious octopus tattoo meaning can be referred to ancient mythology. In some legends, the octopus rises as a sea creature – Kraken – that brings death and destruction, but in other myths, it is a deity. The population of Gilbert Islands used to believe that octopi could control the weather and punish the island’s people for disobedience. At the same time, Pacific islands were believed to be created by an octopus god.
At the same time, a Polynesian octopus as a tattoo should serve as a constant reminder to continuously work on yourself. Yet, it does not mean you have to adopt any known connotations. You can always encode your own meaning into the design.
How To Choose Octopus Design
Credit photo: Instagram.com/fine.line.tattoos.melbourneDespite various octopus tattoo meanings, the sign of it usually wakes fearful feelings. Thus, you can pick an octopus tattoo design to scare your enemies away. Yet, some octopus tattoo ideas can also be used to show off your fun and creative side. Whether an octopus tattoo arm or an octopus leg tattoo, the primary factor should be your individuality and personal preferences. The best way to decide on a tiny octopus forearm tattoo or a large octopus thigh tattoo is to rely on your own likes and hidden connotations.
THE EDITOR’S CHOICE
Octopus Tattoo Color Ideas
Many people stick to a traditional black octopus tattoo, but colored octopus tattoo have grown in popularity too. The truth is that the colored octopus tattoo bears a deeper meaning. In nature, bright octopi are usually poisonous. That is why, in most cases, a red octopus tattoo means aggression and danger, so you may want to keep away from people with such a forearm octopus tattoo. On the other hand, ladies often prefer an orange octopus tattoo color since it stands for femininity and motherhood.
Octopus Designs Ideas For Ladies
Credit photo: Instagram.com/evgenymelDespite countless danger-related connotations that an octopus tattoo may bear, women have a deep predisposition to it. Thus, if you are looking for a lady octopus tattoo, you should realize that the number of cute octopus tattoo is excellent. However, if it is your first ink, you may want to take it easy with the size. If you are 100% sure about the design and won’t regret it, you may want to opt for a thigh piece. It offers a large canvas and is also often named one of the least painful areas. Lastly, thigh octopi tattoos are incredibly sassy.
How Much Does An Octopus Tattoo Cost?
Credit photo: Instagram.com/robcarvalhoartOne of the most critical points when it comes to getting an octopus tattoo would be its cost. Yet, despite the numerous requests, it is nearly impossible to determine the precise cost of octopus ink and all the other designs. For instance, back tattoos for women and thigh tattoos, as large pieces, will cost $500+. At the same time, a minimalistic octopi ink can cost you as much as $100. Besides, tattoo salons charge per hour instead of the whole design. The prices vary between $100-$150 per hour.
New Tattoo Aftercare Tips
Credit photo: Instagram.com/robcarvalhoart