Water represents life, fluidity, freedom, and creativity. Wants something flowy on your body? These water tattoos are for you.

What’s the first word that comes to your mind when you think of water? Soft, flexible, or free? The water element has lots of positive meanings. It is also the origin of life. Thus water tattoos can also be a tribute to life and abundance.

Some are getting water tattoos because they fall on water zodiac signs, which include Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. Others either resonate with the symbolism or the visual appeal water tattoos hold for them.

Unlike other tattoo motifs, water doesn’t have a fixed form or color. So the possibilities are endless when it comes to the design and presentation.

Water tattoos are also highly flexible. It can be as large or small as you want and can fit on almost any part of the body.

What is the meaning of a water tattoo?

Water can not only be illustrative in gorgeous and creative ways. It also has various symbolisms that make a water tattoo personal. The meanings of a water tattoo may include:

• Flexibility. Water flows freely. And its form changes according to with environment and temperature.
• Purity. Water is often depicted as crystal clear in tattoos, accentuating the cleanliness and purity of the wearer’s heart.
• Creativity. A creative person has ideas flowing like water. Therefore, a water tattoo may indicate the wearer’s creative side.
• Rebirth: Water can evaporates as gas or freezes as ice when the temperature changes. It resembles the transition from birth to life and death, symbolizing the never-ending life cycle.
• Mind: Water is a lot like the mind. The stillness represents one’s inner peace. The ripples and waves, however, may symbolize thoughts and strong emotions.
• Life: Without water, the earth would not exist. It’s the source of all lives. Thus many people are getting water tattoos to celebrate the beauty of life.

Whichever symbolism you relate to, water tattoos are pleasant to look at. So if you want beautiful and meaningful ink to represent your personality, don’t miss out on the following water tattoo ideas.

Disclaimer: This collection of water tattoos is for inspiration only. Please do not copy the artwork. If you love these tattoos, follow artists and show them some support.

Bold statement water tattoos

Many people relate to the water element as it represents the soft side of their personalities. Or they reflect their values on flexibility or freedom. Some are opting for water tattoos for a simple yet beautiful look.

If you are one of them, why not wear your identity on the sleeve? These following stunning tattoo ideas will let you do so.

Stunning water upper arm tattoo

@foret_tattoo

What looks like simple brushstrokes in blue is actually an image of water flowing on the skin. The different shades of blue and the delicate lines in between make this arm tattoo sophisticated and gorgeous.

A drop of water bicep tattoo

@kerem.g.tat

A single drop falls on the water and becomes ripples spreading throughout the surface. This tattoo is a great metaphor for how small actions can make a difference.

Abstract wave pattern

@krisontwerpt

Waves are a common motif in water tattoos. But unlike most wave tattoos, the one above turns waves into a 2D black and grey pattern, which will surely capture attention.

Fire and water tattoo

@coldchillchild

Fire and water are both essential elements in our lives. The tattooist draws inspiration from the Japanese manga series Demon Slayers and creates a stunning tattoo. The color contrast of the two elements makes this tattoo impossible to ignore.

Flowing water bracelet tattoo

@milena_zmijewska

Bracelet tattoos are wrist tattoos that wrap around the placement. While flowers and leaves are the two most common imageries in bracelet tattoos, water makes an ideal option.

The shape and color of the water are fully customizable, which means you can morph it however you want, providing room for creativity.

Butterfly and portion tattoo

@songe.tattoo

Butterfly tattoos usually relate to change and transformation because butterflies go through metamorphoses throughout their lives.

This symbolism corresponds with the water’s nature to switch forms and shapes. For someone that embraces changes in life, this cute tattoo will represent their values.

Grabbing the ball

@newtattoo_neuneu

Water may be a basic element. But it’s not easy to precisely depict the movements and opacity, especially on the skin. This creative water tattoo nails the task. It gives us a static ink that feels in motion.

Crane standing on water

@joytattoo_

In eastern culture, the crane represents one’s moral standards and integrity. The tattooist uses abstract lines to illustrate the crane and the water surface, bringing our attention to the posture of the crane. The way it stands tall and calmly on water resonates with the animal’s symbolism.

Magical gemstone tattoo

@guseul_tattoo

Transparency and reflection make a tattoo look real. The tattooist of the ink above manipulates the two attributes to the max and presents a beautiful, lively tattoo to us.

Dolphins tattoo

@tattooist_mul

In a tattoo, water sometimes serves as a decoration or a background. Pairing other motifs with water gives a tattoo new meanings.

Take this one as an example. The dolphins jumping out of the ocean have a joyous feeling embedded. And because dolphins symbolize freedom and guidance, this tattoo will also be perfect for someone who pursues freedom and trusts their guts.

Water and dragon

@oble_tattoo

In ancient China, dragons were associated with water and rain. People believed that the rain dragon could bring rainfall and harvest. Thus the dragons were seen as divine and magical.

This tattoo adopts this folklore. By adding water to a dragon tattoo, the tattooist creates something that feels like a fantasy.

Water dragon

@tattooist_banul

Another water dragon. But unlike the last one, this dragon is constructed purely with water. And both the reflection of water and opacity are illustrated to perfection.

Melting snowflake

@elly_tattooist

This tattoo cleverly combines two forms of water together. The dropping ripples give the tattoo a sense of liveliness. And the beautiful watercolor used in this tattoo further accentuates its fluidity.

Glowing water hand tattoo

@gagama

Hand tattoos are highly visible. For this reason, they are perfect for bold and expressive people.

This beautiful water tattoo charms us with its free-flowing lines and smooth color transitions. It’s a perfect piece to announce your aesthetics to the world.

Realism water tattoo

@tattooist_pen

Though most water tattoos have some sort of blue, black and grey can also show the purity of water. And this arm tattoo is a great example.

Gorgeous flow of water back tattoo

@joytattoo_

Besides capturing the movement of water, this back tattoo stands out for another reason.

The tattoo starts at the rib cage and changes from a brushstroke to water flow. The transition between abstract to realism and unreal to real brings this tattoo to the next level.

Bold blue forearm tattoo

@melange.tattoo

Water is soft, flowy, and shapeless. However, this forearm tattoo takes a different approach and adds edges. The combination of tough and soft makes it perfect for someone with a complex personality.

Jumping the hoop

@jannabi_tat

What a cute dolphin tattoo! The smile on the dolphin’s face melts hearts. And the water hoop in the shape of a heart makes this tattoo even more adorable.

Matching water dragon full-sleeve tattoos

@ati.ful

As mentioned above, dragons are closely connected to water in eastern culture. These matching couple tattoos magnify this concept with bold coverage and stunning details.

Ocean cover-up tattoo

@tattooist_mul

The ocean is another typical imagery in water tattoos. Because of the darker colors and intricate lines, the ocean is perfect for cover-up tattoos.

Sea turtle armband tattoo

@guseul_tattoo

Turtles might look clumsy, but they have been on the earth much longer than humans. So for this sake, they are often seen as a symbol of protection, good luck, and wisdom.

This turtle tattoo depicts a sea turtle swimming freely in the ocean. The water surface wraps around the arm as an armband tattoo, making it a perfect piece of jewelry for someone attracted by the ocean.

Waves in circle

@noemesystattoo

A simple half circle paired with the detailed illustration of water, this tattoo low-key shows off the skills of the tattooist.

Leopard shark in the ocean

@guseul_tattoo

Sharks are often seen in water tattoos. But it’s rare to see a specific species of sharks painted in such detail. The pattern on this leopard shark’s skin makes this tattoo pop in a subtle way.

Swimming mermaid tattoo

@guseul_tattoo

Mermaid tattoos are loved for a reason.

Mermaids are mystic creatures associated with beauty and lures. Thus mermaid tattoos are perfect to showcase the attractiveness of the wearer.

Their fish-like silhouette also brings movement to a tattoo. With water intertwining around the body, the mermaid in this tattoo is a pure pleasure for the eye.

Sword and water tattoo

@pobitattooo

The staff in this tattoo is a trident, Poseidon’s signature weapon. He’s also known as the god of the sea. Therefore, the trident is often seen with water elements, just like in this tattoo.

Water and moon back of neck tattoo

@jz_inker

Moon tattoos are a great decoration to show someone’s feminine side. The flow of water in this ink makes the tattoo even more elegant.

Iridescent whale

@sonnee_tattooist

As the largest mammals in the ocean, whales have a natural connection with water. This arm tattoo paints a regular whale in whimsical, iridescent colors, similar to the water bubbles around. It makes people wonder if it’s an actual whale or a giant bubble created by nature.

Blue water between-the-boobs tattoo

@yoni__tattoo

It’s not easy to fit a tattoo in between the boobs because the space is limited. However, that makes water an ideal design option, as you can shape it however you want.

Water frame on the arm

@winigreeni

Matching whales

@tattooist_toma

Whether it’s your best friend, sibling, or partner, matching tattoos like these will pay homage to your bond if you share the same aesthetics.

Simple water tattoos for minimalists

Though most water tattoos are in stunning blue colors, they don’t have to be loud and over the top.

If you want something quieter, water can also be a great option. Keep scrolling to discover the small or simple water tattoos that match your style.

Abstract water tattoo

@0one_tattoo

Realism water tattoos are gorgeous. But reducing the details can also give a tattoo a minimalistic appeal.

Minimalist water forearm tattoo

@bibi.abelle

This tattoo may look simple, but it contains many thoughts. The use of lines in different thicknesses and shades shows the refined taste of the wearer.

Small melting ice cube

@guseul_tattoo

Simple wave tattoo

@woorin_tattoo

Because waves always hit the shore, morphing and refreshing the land, they are often seen in tattoos about new beginnings and rebirth. Such a small wave tattoo around the elbow indicates the wearer’s determination to write a new life chapter.

Single line river tattoo

@studiomontes

Water infinity symbol

@woonatattoo

The infinity symbol resembles a figure 8 lying down. It’s a mathematical symbol that means infinity. Just like ouroboros tattoos, infinity tattoos are considered to be a representation of endless life cycles.

Simple water surface tattoo

@yoursohn

There’s nothing simpler than lines. This small water tattoo depicts waves and a still water surface with just two lines. If you are an extreme minimalist, this design is tailor-made for you.

Water portal

@noel_tattooist

The two opposing streams of water form a circle, just like a portal appearing on the sea. It makes you wonder where this door is leading.

Simple water tattoo on the rib

@sophiancholettattoo

The tattooist simplifies the water imagery to the core, leaving only a glass as a hint. This is a perfect option for someone looking for an abstract and unique tattoo.

Metallic wave

@tattooist_toma

What makes this wave tattoo so unique is the use of gold. The golden edges feel like the metallic hemming of the water. The fluidity challenges the traditional image of metal and makes the tattoo stand out.

Realism waves

@handitrip

Sea turtle tattoo

@eden_tattoo_

Turtle tattoos are often seen with the water element. This small bubble makes the tattoo look more vivid and cute.

Creative water tattoo ideas to stand out

By far, we’ve covered some of the most stunning water tattoos. But water is not limited to one form or shape. So there’s endless room for imagination.

If you want something unique, different, and meaningful, don’t miss the following creative water tattoos.

A drop of art

@newtattoo_neuneu

Using water as a canvas for classic art is uncommon. An artistic tattoo like this would be impossible without skills and good execution

Ocean out of the frame

@guseul_tattoo

Water is a good metaphor for creative ideas. With water flowing out of the frame, this ocean tattoo reveals the power of creativity. And it will remind the wearer to reconnect with her creative side.

Golden ration water tattoo

@santiagobrodatattoo

When logic meets freedom, the result is empowering.

The Creation of Adam

@ink.feb24

This bicep tattoo is a water version of the famous painting, The Creation of Adam. It shows off the wearer’s artistic side and the tattooist’s skills effortlessly.

Mirror of water fantasy tattoo

@stuffie.ink

Are the ripples actually water or fluid glass? This is a visual mystery for us to solve.

Water pattern under collarbone

@mothratattoo

Collarbone tattoos are not easy to pull off because of the tilted placement and the boney area.

So instead of tracing the collarbone with fine lines, this tattoo scales to cover a larger area of the chest. As a result, it looks like an amour made of water, creating an interesting contrast between soft and tough.

Cosmic water tattoo

@bongkee

Tree and swirl

@stuffie.ink

Double fish water tattoo

@hoze__tattoo

Pisces is a water sign. It is represented by two fish swimming toward each other, just like in this tattoo.

The stunning shades of blue tie the imagery to the water element. And the shadows in this Pisces tattoo create an illusion like a sticker on the skin.

Water lotus

@suryo.tattoo

Lotus is a symbol of calmness of mind and purity. In this design, the lotus tattoo takes on the form of water. It’s a reminder to always prioritize one’s inner peace and protect the purity of a soul.

“Water” Disney

@guseul_tattoo

If you are a fan of Disney but want something less literal than a Disney princess tattoo, this cute water Mickey Mouse may be what you are looking for.

Abstract sun and ocean tattoo

@dianaveidenthaler.ink

Watercolor heart shape

@guseul_tattoo

Waves in diamond

@tattooist_blue_

Are you someone with a soft heart and a tough shell? If so, this diamond tattoo will represent who you are.

Which of these water tattoos is your favorite?

Leave a comment down below and share your thoughts!