In the tattooing world, animal images are usually a popular option, especially wild animals that represent power, strength and some fearsome traits. Nonetheless, apart from the option of big cat tattoos – for instance, panthers, tigers and lions, many people now prefer elephant tattoos. This design is rapidly gaining popularity among male tattoo fans so let’s take a closer look at them.
Reasons for the Popularity of Elephant Tattoos for Men
To start with, many men prefer elephant tattoo designs because elephant-related motifs and graphics can be easily modified to suit their tastes and preferences. Due to this possible variety, two elephant tattoo designs can never be the same. There are many different ways in which you can have elephant tattoos engraved into your skin. The body proportions and facial features of an elephant are so different that they can be modified into different stamps and silhouettes for your skin.
The Meaning of Elephant Tattoos for Guys
The first thing that springs to your mind when you first see an elephant is the usual grace and peace of an animal that’s so big. For that reason, elephants are considered to be a symbol of peace and dignity.
Apart from peace and dignity, elephants are considered as a symbol of wisdom. An elephant is said to be a very intelligent animal that is also blessed with a good memory. These animal traits have been turned into different elephant tattoos ideas for male body art.
In certain regions, an elephant has religious connotations. In Buddhism and Hinduism, the elephant is seen as a spiritual animal. Hindus use the elephant to represent their Lord Ganesha while Buddhists use the elephant to represent peace and spirituality.
Elephant tattoos for men represent a range of things, depending on the individual and the kind of elephant you’re representing. When selecting an elephant for a tattoo design, one has two options: an Asian elephant or an African elephant. Asian elephants have smaller ears than African elephants, and are typically smaller.
In many African countries, an elephant is seen as a symbol of strength, power and wisdom. Elephants are strong animals, both physically and mentally. A herd of elephants can travel long distances across difficult terrain, in search of water, food and shelter.
In Asian countries, elephants are a symbol of royalty and spirituality. Many deities in the region use the elephant or human elephant varieties as a companion or carrier. The white elephant is highly treasured because it’s rare. Therefore, it is a valuable pet that depicts the owner’s riches. Asian royalty has always maintained albino elephants and hence, the symbolism of these elephants is associated with royalty.
Most men who choose an elephant tattoo do so simply because of the symbolism associated with it, no matter whether they are able to relate to its remarkable characteristics or simply want to showcase their personality using this type of tattoo. No matter the reason for your choice, be it spiritual, logical or personal, it is important to research elephant tattoo ideas for men in order to make an informed decision.
The Best Elephant Tattoos for Men
This elephant tattoo for men features a Surrealist, water color style. An elephant’s head sits on the inner lower arm, covered with splashes of bright ink. Geometric line designs burst from behind the elephant head, giving the tattoo a very cool, artsy look.
This upper back tattoo sits between the shoulder blades and is a great example of elephant tattoos for guys. It features a large elephant head, stunningly filled with combination Blackwork and Dotwork. The result is a mandala inspired elephant tattoo.
This New School style elephant tattoo sits on the outer deltoid, just beneath the shoulder. It features a realistically styled elephant, expertly shaded and detailed, peeking from between shadowed blades of grass.
This piece is a great example of animal tattoo ideas for men. The right half of an elephant’s head fades beautifully into the flesh on the inner arm. The elephant stretches from the inner elbow to the wrist in expertly shaded, detailed Illustrative style.
This epic Illustrative piece features a heavily shaded, incredibly detailed elephant standing before a landscape of dust and billowing clouds. The shadowing and shading is painstakingly well done, making this piece one of the top inspirations for men looking for detailed elephant tattoo ideas.
This little elephant sits just above the inner wrist and is no larger than two inches in size. It is cute, simple, and well shaded and lined. This is a great elephant tattoo for men who are looking for something smaller and more subtle.
This Dotwork tattoo depicts a laughing elephant stretching its trunk across the inner bicep. The black and white tattoo is incredibly detailed and shaded. The elephant head sits atop a dotwork geometric mandala that gives this tattoo a special touch of originality.
This New School style tattoo features an evil looking elephant with orange eyes that stretches across the outer arm from the top of the bicep to just beneath the elbow. The elephant’s trunk morphs into octopus tentacles that twist through splashing waves.
This elephant tattoo is inked in gentle lines and features a baby elephant standing between the legs of a mother elephant. Both elephants are decorated with colorful flowers and Mardi Gras designs. This is a great tattoo idea for guys looking to get an artsy elephant piece.
The tattoo reaches from the shoulder to just above the elbow and features a majestic elephant stepping out of the fog. The elephant is inked with great detail and impressive shading, making it appear incredibly realistic. It fades into the flesh in a water color ink effect.