Dragonflies symbolize changes and good luck. From small to bold, black to color, these dragonfly tattoos will inspire your next ink.

Unlike other insects such as bees and ladybugs, dragonflies are large, colorful, and noticeable. As a creature that exists on the planet since the era of dinosaurs, they have long been a symbol both in ancient myths and folklore.

For those who aim for an uncommon tattoo idea, dragonflies are the perfect motifs for them for a few reasons.

First, they have various meanings. And depending on the culture, people interpret the symbolism of a dragonfly tattoo differently. That ties it to one’s root.

Also, people are fascinated by the look of dragonflies. These insects have iridescent wings and bodies, which naturally capture attention.

And in terms of designs, the possibilities are endless. You can play with the shape, styles, sizes, and patterns on the wings to create a one-of-a-kind tattoo.

So if you are looking for cool and meaningful body art, here is a list of extraordinary dragonfly tattoos to impress. From small to big, simple to intricate, you will find the one that complements your style.

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

The meaning of dragonfly tattoos

Dragonflies have long been a significant symbol across cultures. In general, they represent rebirth, changes, and prosperity. But the meaning of a dragonfly tattoo may vary, including:

• Harvest and healing

According to Zuni folklore, a dragonfly saved a village from starvation and brought the harvest to them. Dragonflies were also considered to have healing properties for some Native American tribes.

• Changes and transformations

Much like a butterfly, a dragonfly goes through multiple molts in its lifetime. With each molt, it becomes bigger and stronger.

• Growth and maturity

One interesting fact is that the dragonfly as we know it is actually in its last stage of life. Before that, it spends most of its life (up to four years) as a nymph in water.

When it finally emerges above the surface, it is in its most developed form. And it is able to fly with all the growth it has gained in the water.

• Good luck and manifestation

It’s believed that if you see a dragonfly or a dragonfly lands on you, something good is about to happen. In Chinese Feng Shui, a dragonfly flying into the house is believed to bring harmony and happiness to the family.

• Finding the right one

Because dragonflies represent maturity, when you see a pair of dragonflies, it may signify that you have found the right person and you are in a mature, nourishing relationship.

Stunning and bold dragonfly tattoos to stand out

Tattoos are a way to express or make a statement. If you are strongly connected to the meaning behind them, the following bold and beautiful dragonfly tattoos will represent your values.

Lotus dragonfly tattoo

@sinthund

With the symbolism of mindfulness and peace of mind, lotus tattoos are for those who seek strength in calmness. Combined with the dragonfly, this sleeve tattoo is a reminder to be resilient during transformative periods in life.

Dragonfly aesthetic tattoo

@baronart_jackie

With such intricate patterns and a unique color combo, this forearm tattoo has a sense of finesse that makes it hard to look away.

3D dragonfly tattoo on the thigh

@nicolekayetattoo

The thigh has enough flat space for a bold and realistic design like this. The shadows and the reflection on the dragonfly transform the design into 3D imagery, creating visual impact.

Adorable colored dragonfly

@sophie_suicide

Dragonflies are such a pleasure to look at due to their iridescent colors. From every aspect, their colors change slightly. This cute forearm tattoo captures the stunning colors perfectly, making it a beautiful ornament on the skin.

Behind-the-ear dragonfly tattoo

@dragontattoo_paris

Most behind-the-ear tattoos are discreet. But this one is different. It’s meant to capture attention with its sophisticated design.

Bold dragonfly blackwork

@myrkur_tattoo

What makes this blackwork stand out is the eye on the dragonfly’s body. In ancient Egypt, the eye was considered evil. It reflects the wearer’s dark aesthetic and is cool enough for both men and women.

Cute fine line tattoo

@everlie.ink

What a cute bicep tattoo. The dragonfly may be a simple one. But the stars and orbit in the universe background, make the design more interesting and adorable.

Sun and dragonfly thigh tattoo

@fda__lights

Dragonflies often appear in tattoos representing new beginnings.

Sun tattoos, on the other hand, symbolize energy and hope. Together, this ink on the thigh will be a good luck omen for those who are at the crossroads of life.

Tiger and dragonfly

@kimshine_tattoos

It’s not easy to tattoo animals in detail and make them look real. However, the tattooist captures the tiger and the dragonfly beautifully, giving them life and energy.

Geometric dragonfly forearm tattoo

@mar__negro

Although the lines and circles around it are rather simple, the patterns on the dragonfly’s wings make the tattoo incredibly sophisticated. It shows the wearer’s pursuit of perfection and the value of details.

Dragonfly and flowers sleeve tattoo

@magdalenasendlak_tattoo

Full-sleeve tattoos are not for everyone. They are meant to wow people. But because this tattoo is constructed with mostly fine lines, it stays elegant and feminine instead of over-the-top.

Cute watercolor dragonfly

@mercuri_michele

Watercolors can effortlessly highlight a tattoo. The natural transition from one color to another brings personality and liveliness to a tattoo.

Dragonfly and key

@reyr1tattoo

What a creative hand tattoo. With the combination of a dragonfly and a key, the tattooist wants to tell us that the key to our future is in our hands.

Dragonfly and moon phase

@2ndskintattoo

This chest tattoo depicts the moon phase and a dragonfly. The shift of the moon from one stage to another echoes the dragonfly symbolism, which is change and transformation.

If you need a boost of confidence in facing changes and uncertainties, this design will remind you of your inner strength and resilience.

Moon and dragonfly

@bere.galleari

This tattoo uses different shades of black and reflection to create a metallic texture. As a result, the tattoo resembles a talisman worn by the wearer for good luck and protection.

Dragonfly ornamental tattoo between the boobs

@bibi.lea_.tattoo

This stunning between-the-boobs tattoo depicts two reversing dragonflies. The dots, lines, and symbols add to its intricacy and visual appeal.

Floral dragonfly forearm tattoo

@abievetattoo

Unlike bees and birds, dragonflies are not often put together with flowers in a tattoo. But they work like wonders in terms of making a tattoo more sophisticated and feminine.

Realism dragonfly

@seotattoos

The structure of a dragonfly makes it a good fit for the limbs. Its elongated body shape is perfect for the arm, the leg, or the spine, just like this one.

Watercolor dragonfly shoulder tattoo

@pablo_ortiz_tattoo

Colors give a tattoo glow and depth. This bold and vibrant shoulder tattoo is a good example. And the positive vibes embedded also bring joy to the wearer.

Green dragonfly

@elias.ap

This small tattoo may not be as colorful as some watercolor designs. But because fluorescent green is uncommon in tattoos, it catches the eye and stands out from other colored dragonfly tattoos.

Simple dragonfly tattoo

@bymosler

The body of the dragonfly in this tattoo is basically a straight line. To make it more interesting, the tattooist adds patterns and different shades of black to the wings, giving it just the right amount of detail.

Glowing dragonfly chest tattoo

@tatuarisa

This bold and stylized blackwork is placed on the chest, close to the heart. It shows the wearer’s determination and courage to embrace changes in life with a positive attitude.

Simple dragonfly rib tattoo

@hantao_l

Simple blackwork can also be empowering. By reducing the details of this rib tattoo, the artist draws the viewer’s attention to the dragonfly’s basic form and meaning. If you are a minimalist, this abstract design will be a perfect match for your aesthetics.

Sword and dragonfly

@effyliutattoo

Sword tattoos are a statement of strength and courage. Adding the dragonfly wings to a sword signifies the wearer is entering a new life chapter with bravery and determination.

Simple dragonfly tattoo

@gytamara_tattoo

If you want to be more specific, or to add meaning to a dragonfly tattoo, adding words or quotes will be a good idea.

Sleek dragonfly tattoo for men

@paincile

Clean and sharp, this dragonfly resembles a sword or a dagger, giving power and masculinity. But at the same time, the shadows and details are portrayed to perfection, which contributes to it as a polished look.

Transparent dragonfly tattoo

@lucy.moana

Even though this tattoo is not necessarily small, it still feels airy and light thanks to the translucent wings.

Small dragonfly tattoo ideas

A tattoo doesn’t have to be large in order to impress. Small tattoos can also get your ideas across and give people a hint about your values and identity. If you want to stay subtle, the following small dragonfly tattoos will match your style.

Small dragonfly tattoo

@airo.tattoo

Matching dragonfly wrist tattoos

@ellie_s.tattoo

Dragonflies make perfect matching couple tattoos for their symbolism. It’s believed that because they represent maturity and experience, seeing a pair of dragonflies suggests that you are in a mature and loving relationship.

Colorful dragonfly tattoo with bubbles

@kico.tattoo

In this gorgeous tattoo, the micro-realism dragonfly stands out with its rainbow colors. But the bubbles around it create a contrasting dreamy ambiance, making it a captivating piece.

Super simple abstract dragonfly

@janapadar

Another abstract version of a dragonfly tattoo. The twist and turns bring femininity and softness to the design. And because the look is simple and abstract, it has a sense of sacredness that makes it special.

Girly dragonfly bracelet tattoo

@bunami.ink

Bracelet tattoos are those that wrap around the wrist. With the blooming flowers and the dragonfly flapping its wings, this design looks like a blossoming garden in summertime.

Cute and small dragonfly wrist tattoo

@l.ink_tattoos

Although this wrist tattoo is relatively small, it still has some interesting details, like the tiny baby dragonflies. It will be a great mother tattoo or a family tattoo to honor one’s loved ones.

Simple dragonfly wrist tattoo

@tattoosdelicados

This wrist tattoo is proof that a black and grey design can also be cute. By keeping only the basic form of a dragonfly and making its wings round, the tattooist creates a flattering look for girls.

Tiny dragonfly elbow tattoo

@lukasemmanuel

If you are getting your first tattoo, you may want something small, affordable, and meaningful. And a tiny dragonfly like this checks all the boxes.

Minimalist dragonfly

@frau.ines

Because tattoos on the wrist are almost always visible, a dragonfly design like this will be a permanent reminder to see the good in every stage of life.

Tiny blue dragonfly

@tattooist_mora

Simple gradient dragonfly tattoo

@dahan.orient

This side of the elbow tattoo shows how you can use black to express different thicknesses and textures. And the result is clean with a strong personal style.

Symbolic dragonfly back tattoo

@pirate_jax

If you want something less literal, consider turning a dragonfly into a symbol. This tattoo on the back is a good example. The design also resembles an unalome, representing the path to enlightenment.

Small dragonfly flower tattoo

@bunami.ink

If you want to create a girly look, consider incorporating flowers in a dragonfly tattoo. Because the meaning of flower tattoos varies depending on the species, you can choose the one whose flower language relates to you.

Tiny dragonfly ankle tattoo

@amazinkgraceartistry

Because the placement is less visible, ankle tattoos provide creative freedom. They also allow you to tattoo what’s truly meaningful to you without caring too much about what others would think.

Sophisticated dragonfly hand tattoo

@mar__negro

As small as this hand tattoo is, the details on the wings require time and skills. But the balance between complexity and simplicity is worth the effort.

Tiny geometric dragonfly tattoo

@happysmilestattoo

Creative dragonfly tattoo ideas

So far, we’ve seen some of the best dragonfly tattoo ideas. But if you want to be different and stand out from the crowd, don’t miss out on the following creative dragonfly ink.

Conceptional dragonfly tattoo

@koksa_tattoo

This portrait tattoo is a stunning marriage of classic art and tattooing. It feels like a renaissance painting with a hidden message.

Starry Night dragonfly

@caotida

Do you have a painter you love? If so, this tattoo is a good inspiration for incorporating your favorite artist with the dragonfly motif.

The pattern on the wings comes from Vincent Van Gogh‘s Starry Night and it turns the dragonfly into a romantic and artistic tattoo.

Half-geometric, half-realistic dragonfly tattoos

@blancart.vic

Some cultures believe that if you see a dragonfly, make a wish, and it will come true. Therefore, dragonfly tattoos are seen as a good omen. They also represent changes and prosperity.

In terms of design, the half-geometric sister tattoos demonstrate the contrast between real and unreal, reflecting a unique taste.

Abstract dragonfly tattoo

@koon.tattoo

Unlike most dragonfly tattoos that are angled from the front, this bicep tattoo depicts the profile. The strokes add a sense of power and abstractness to the design.

Dragonfly shoulder and collarbone tattoo

@michelle.wilinski

Just like other forms of art, creativity makes a difference in tattooing. The tattooist extends the dragonfly’s tail and changes how they usually look. It may not be too big of a tweak. But it complements the shape of the collarbone.

Antique dragonfly thigh tattoo

@charlie_claudel

With the golden color and the shine, the tattooist turns the dragonfly motif into jewelry in this thigh tattoo. If you are a go-big-or-go-home kind of person, you will rock this stunning piece.

Seamless patterned dragonfly

@e.o.orient

If you want to inject your style into a dragonfly tattoo, consider playing with the pattern of the wings.

For example, the oriental pattern in this tattoo not only makes it special. It also connects the design with the wearer’s origin.

Artistic dragonfly tattoo

@_ke_z

This patchwork tattoo has so many elements in one design – images, texts, different colors, and textures. And it could be chaotic. But the artist arranges the elements properly and turns the combination into a cool artistic expression.

Vase and dragonfly

@lemontreeink

The first thing to notice in this tattoo is the red lines hanging behind the wings of the dragonfly. They turn it into a divine creature from heaven. And the duo-color vase adds an oriental accent to the tattoo, addressing the wearer’s cultural background.

Collapse

@poesis_tattoo

Some tattoos are purely aesthetical, while some tell a story. This one is the latter.

This tattoo is titled “concrete ceiling,” referring to the rules and social bias that used to be unbreakable. But with the raised awareness and endless fighting, the ceiling collapsed, giving way to a blooming flower. It shows the tattooist’s hope for a more equal, open, and inclusive society.

Gumnut babies and dragonfly

@jarhn_tattoos

This is a tattoo that appeals to your inner child. It depicts the Gumnut babies from May Gibb’s children’s book riding on a dragonfly. Does it recall your childhood memory?

Joan Miró’s dragonfly

@caotida

Here’s another artistic dragonfly tattoo with Joan Miró’s painting on the wings. Such a creative design will belong to someone innovative and full of imagination.

Dripping

@thedavidcote

From afar, this is a bold blackwork depicting a dragonfly on the bicep. But if you look closer, you will be amazed by how intricate the spider web pattern is. And the body of the dragonfly resembling dripping silver gives the tattoo a futuristic vibe.

Smoke

@fibtattoos

Which of these dragonfly tattoos is your favorite?

Leave your thoughts in the comment down below!