Mermaid tattoo
The "Mermaid" tattoo belongs to the category of classic subjects chosen for application on the body by people of different sexes and ages. Depending on the version, the picture can be on the stomach, on the arm or shoulder, hip, leg and other parts of the body, performed in monochrome or color. When planning to get a mermaid tattoo, you should find out what such an image means in men and girls, in what cases it is customary to use it.
Meaning
The "Mermaid" tattoo is a popular version of the image to be applied to the body. It is known that sailors of past centuries, who brought this art form from exotic countries to the European continent, and then to North America, adorned their bodies with such pictures. Depending on the interpretation, the plots with them ranged from frightening to frivolous. Brave sailors believed that beautiful girls live in the depths of the sea, capable of charming people sailing by with their singing. The myth of the mermaids was cultivated, acquired new details, and gave stories for fairy tales.
Determining what a tattoo with such an image means today is quite difficult. The semantic load of this symbol is too varied. Some of the most popular versions can be identified.
- Amulet for travelers and sailors. For everyone connected with the water element, the image of the daughter of the ruler of the oceans and rivers was a kind of security guarantee. They covered their arms or chest with tattoos with mermaids, believing that such a talisman would protect from bad weather, help not get lost in the sea, survive a storm.
- The symbol of the border between the worlds. It was believed that children and drowned girls - innocent at heart, pure - turned into mermaids. They were considered guides between life and death.Therefore, people fascinated by mysticism, mainly girls, applied tattoos with mermaids, considering them their patrons, revealing the veils of all secrets.
- Beauty and eroticism. The image of a mermaid for both men and women often carries deep romantic overtones. Beautiful girls with fish tails could be portrayed with naked breasts or in very revealing outfits, with loose hair and in frank poses.
The image of a luxurious beauty is still being captured on their bodies by people inclined to freedom in everything.
- Striving for male attention. Like the sirens who lured sailors, adopting the image of a woman from their wildest dreams, modern girls choose a mermaid tattoo to emphasize their charm. Often the image of the sea maiden in this case looks quite innocent, copying Ariel from the popular cartoon.
The image of a mermaid today retains one of the leading positions among the sketches chosen for creating tattoos. Depending on the age and preferences of the future owner, the master selects the best solutions that can make all the wishes come true.
Sketch ideas and style solutions
Tattoo is an art form that has its own division into styles and directions. The mermaid image can also be applied in different techniques. Let's consider the most relevant ones.
- Realism. The technique is distinguished by high clarity and detail of the image, accurate color reproduction. Compositions are made large, bright, with a rich plot variety.
- Old school. This technique is characterized by the presence of clear boundaries, executed in rich black ink. Tattoos are most often done in monochrome, large, with an emphasis on accurate drawing of details.
- Watercolor. A fashionable technique characterized by softened, blurred outlines with an overall brightness of the picture. Plots on the marine theme look very impressive in this performance. A mermaid can be depicted with fluttering hair or a tail, emphasizing the curves of the body of an inhabitant of the deep sea.
When deciding for yourself the question of choosing a style solution for a tattoo, do not forget about whether the drawing will be monochrome or full color. In this case, it is worth focusing on a simple rule: to determine the purpose of drawing a picture. For example, to attract attention, it is better to choose colored images located on open parts of the body, occupying a significant area. Monochrome options with a clean black outline and filling in the same tone are preferred by men and women who put more value in the meaning of the tattoo, and not in its brightness.
Having decided on the style, you can start choosing an idea for a suitable sketch. Some interesting ideas can be singled out.
- Seated mermaid. In this case, the figure in the figure is given a frivolous look or other plot solutions are used. For example, Ariel is usually depicted sitting on stones with an emphasis on her palms, with a shell or with a mirror in her hands.
Her figure can be complemented by a flock of colorful fish jumping out of the water.
- Lying sea maiden. All the details of the curves of the body are carefully worked out here. In his work, the master should pay attention to the plasticity of sea animals and other inhabitants. Long hair in this case can also have flying outlines, emphasizing the silhouette.
- Trumpeting the horn. The figure in this case is located vertically, frontal or in profile. It was believed that with their horns the sirens were capable of luring ships to death in a whirlpool. So the surrounding details can be styled in an appropriate aesthetic. For example, make the girl's face look more menacing.
- Dancing in the moonlight The figure of the little mermaid in this case is depicted in dynamics, in the palm of her hand she holds a tambourine or other musical instrument. The color image can be complemented with a gradient of moonlight shine in the waves.
- With a trident in hand. In this case, the true daughter of the sea king receives not only a symbol of power, but also a crown.
- A vicious siren with tentacle hair. This drawing is most often comic in nature, but it looks very impressive. It is recommended to use dark colors in blue-green tones for it.
These are the basic ideas to use when creating a tattoo. In addition, a large sketch allows you to create a spectacular portrait of a sea maiden, with schools of fish in her hair, sea pearls or a beautiful face.
Places of application
When choosing a place for a mermaid tattoo, you can give preference to different parts of the body. Among the most popular options are the areas below.
- On the hand. In this case, the tattoo is placed on the wrist or in the area under the elbow bend. Preference can be given to monochrome tattoos or sketches made in 2-3 colors.
- On the back. The pattern can cover its entire surface or be located locally - on the shoulder blade, near the neck, on the lower back. A monochrome mermaid looks interesting on the side or along the spine.
- On the stomach. The miniature mermaid can be positioned above the bikini line or under the ribs.
- On the chest. This classic version is chosen mainly by men who have served in the navy or are related to navigation. Fidelity to old traditions influences the style of the image as well. Usually, the old school technique is used with a minimum number of colors and little detail.
- On the shoulder. Here the image of the sea maiden is worn by both men and women. It is worth choosing large patterns that cover a significant part of the shoulder and forearm.
It is they who look the most impressive, especially in the full-color version.
- On the foot. Here, the localization of a mermaid tattoo can be very different, from the thigh area to the lower legs or the area above the knee. Vivid, full-color marine-themed scenes look good at large sizes. Young girls often choose miniature mermaids on ankles or feet.
There are more exotic areas for tattooing with a mermaid. For example, girls can place it at the top of the neck to easily hide it under loose curls. Also, the tattoo can be on the buttocks or above the chest; men can wear such a pattern on the back of the hand.
Beautiful examples
Fashionable stained glass technique makes the tattoo a real work of art.
A mermaid with the Universe in her hair is located on the arm from the elbow down. Monochrome drawing looks laconic, but beautifully detailed.
Tattoo on the shoulder blades in bright and delicate colors. A large drawing looks harmonious, and its plot is perfect for a young girl.
The whole picture, made by a real master. The pirate symbolism is harmoniously complemented here by the raging sea and the figure of a mermaid calling death on the heads of careless people who were captured.
Laconic tattoo on the back of the lower leg. This is a good choice for those who are not ready to flaunt the image of the sea maiden.
Complex monochrome tattoo in a realistic design. Against the background of the girl's figure, the silhouette of the ship can be clearly traced.