Tattoo of the sea: value, sketches, male and female options

If you are close to the marine theme, in front of you opens up a huge range of ideas and designs - anchors, ships, compasses, dolphins, fish, lighthouses and raging waves. In order not to err in preference, you should read the detailed designation of each sketch, then choose a style and color scheme, additional symbols.

Sea tattoos for men. The main varieties

The nautical theme is especially relevant in recent years, as the art of body art is moving forward by leaps and bounds, developing and improving. More often than not, masters paint different objects, sea creatures and landscapes. In the top list of the most popular ideas included the following sketches with photos:

Compass - Demonstrates confidence in the path of life and decisions made, wisdom and balance in the owner;

waves, water, splashing - amulet against bad thoughts, a symbol of thirst for adventure and change, perpetual motion;

nautical knot - Refinement and reliability, strength and attractiveness of the owner;

ship (sailboat) - talks about the thirst for change and adventure, the dream of the owner, in addition, it is a symbol of good luck;

lighthouse - Desire to build a happy future, desire for change in life;

The rose of the winds means dreaminess, freedom, luck and the desire to travel;

anchor - a symbol of constancy and reliability in the wearer, the desire for family, friendship;

starfish Star is a powerful sacred amulet that guides its wearer in the right direction in life, protecting him from problems and misfortune;

octopus a symbol of endless centuries of wisdom;

catfish - A symbol of longevity, protector from ailments;

helm - a symbol of a strong spirit of personality, willingness to make quick right decisions, a thirst for discovery and travel around the world;

seagull - represents lightness, beauty, purity, freedom, grace and independence;

fish - courage, prosperity, fertility and abundance;

dolphin brings good luck, nobility, sharpens the mind.

Expert Opinion

Viola Madison

Tattoo master, 8 years experience

Separately in body art culture is considered a pirate theme, which is especially popular among the male half of society. More often than not today, masters are painting ships with treasures and chests, symbols of pirates, the Jolly Roger, shipwrecks, other pirates. Such designs are a manifestation of rebellion and protest, a craving for wealth and power.

Identity tattoos

Closed male communes, be it an army or a ship's crew, are characterized by a rigid hierarchical structure. Your rank determines your opportunities, rights and freedoms. Not surprisingly, tattoos act as a kind of epaulettes, identifying the status and position of a sailor:

Rose of the Winds. It was inscribed on the navigators.

Crossed anchors. The privilege of a bosun.

Devils. Traditionally beaten to the stoker.

Rope. Symbol of the ship's sailor.

Crossed cannons. A sailor who served in the Navy.

What does a maritime tattoo give a man?

The nautical tattoo first arose among travelers, explorers, and conquerors of the sea and oceans. In past centuries, peoples discovered islands and countries, sailors were superstitious and believed in the power of nautical drawings. From there came protective amulets and symbols for good luck and longevity.

Today, tattoos of this format have different functions:

• speaks of a person's inner battle;
• means eternity, infinity, time;
• speaks of the mystery and mystery of nature;
• is a pleasant memory, associated with the sea;
• symbolizes transformation and rebirth;
• shows man's activities related to the sea;
• protects against evil and negativity, brings good luck and the right direction in life;
• characterizes a man as a smart, balanced and reliable partner.

Psychology notes that water is always juxtaposed with creation and creation, and the sea is considered a sign of infinity. Such drawings on the body are inherent to creative and romantic natures.

Do you want to get a "navy" tattoo because you served in the Navy?

YesNo

Erotic and Love Tattoos

Spending endless hours on board, a sailor longed for women like no other. This led to the idealization of the female image and the proliferation of erotic and intimate tattoos:

Nude beauties. Playful, sexy and smiling - such were the only female companions of sailors tattooed on their own biceps. The image of naked women was at one time so widespread that when applying to the U.S. Navy there was a requirement: to "dress" their beauties by adding a tattoo. Otherwise, the path to the Navy was closed.

The initials of the beloved. A tattoo with the initials of a beloved woman was also popular. As a rule, it was tattooed inside a heart pierced by a cupid's arrow, with blood dripping from it. Girls, by the way, often made a reciprocal tattoo, thus securing the alliance with the sailor.

Mermaids and naiads. Mythical temptresses were also popular. They, firstly, reminded of the women on shore, and secondly, were protective amulets.

On what places men most often apply tattoos with a maritime theme

What the sea tattoo means, largely depends not only on the choice of the sketch, but also the place of application on the body. There are many options, ranging from hands to feet, and everywhere the meaning and perception of the image will be different.

Shoulder

To score a tattoo in this theme on the shoulder is always an emphasis on the physical strength and muscle relief, as well as an opportunity to add your image of brutality. Usually they are sea creatures and symbols.

Forearm

And the forearm apply those tattoos that will be able to convey a certain message to the environment. In the context of the sea it can be different objects, ships, compass, lighthouse, talking about the reliability and stability of the owner.

Tattoo on the wrist

On the wrist most often beat amulets and talismans for good luck, which means that here will look harmoniously different fish, wind rose, anchor, dolphin or starfish.

Tattoos on the palm, on the hands and fingers

The hands, palms and fingers are responsible for the creative potential of men, so the nautical tattoo here for the development of talents. A striking example of that are drops, splashes or waves, as well as small symbols for good luck.

Tattoo sleeve

Sleeve is a modern trend of body art, which implies the overlapping of the entire area of the hand with a solid tattoo. The master literally creates an artistic picture that includes many symbolic meanings, such as a ship, seagull, dolphin, waves, fish, etc.

Neck

Nautical tattoos on the neck are noticeable, they create an accent on the man's appearance. Here you can stuff a small inhabitant or symbolism signifying the pursuit of freedom and the new open.

Breast

Today, nautical tattoo on the chest - the mainstream, and due to the huge area for drawings here depict the abysses and waves, ships, whole wrecks, pirate motifs.

Side

Ships, lighthouses, and various inhabitants of the abyss will look nontrivial on the side. The meaning will be purely personal and mysterious, not for the understanding and appreciation of others.

Thigh

Men rarely bare their thighs, so tattoos are a rarity here as well. The nautical theme offers many ideas for this spot on the body - ships, anchors, lighthouses and waves crashing against rocks. The meaning will be intertwined with matters intimate and heartfelt.

Back

On the back, masters perform aesthetically pleasing spectacular sketches. Most often these are artistic compositions that convey the beauty of the sea sunset, the passion of the storm, the smoothness and harmony of the calm sea.

Paddle

On paddles are most often printed symbolism, which will clear the mind from bad thoughts, bring good luck and balance in the life of the wearer. This can be different fish, a rose of the winds, an anchor, a lighthouse or a compass.

Foot

The most popular tattoo in this style on the leg is an anchor or compass. By doing so, the man strives for the right action and vector of movement.

Actual techniques of execution

The contour is the basis. Difficult to apply, the lines must be:

flat;

at a certain depth;

With optimal speed.

Dense paint - even distribution of the paint on the skin. A circular technique is used.

Dotwork is a dot technique. The paint is applied under the skin with a needle at the desired depth. Difficult to place the points because of their large number.

Autodot - the machine will place the dots, you need to help the hand and control the process.

Are there guidelines for nautical tattoos?

The fashion for graphic images in nautical style on the body has been gaining momentum in recent years. Before deciding to take such a responsible step, it is important to consider a few tips:

1. Preparing. Find a reliable salon, an experienced master, who observes the norms of sanitation and sterility. Shortly before the procedure, refuse to drink alcohol and take medications.
2. The main part of. Make a sketch on your own, learn its meaning, compare it to the place on the body. Get acquainted with the materials and equipment of the master, talk through the stages of the order. Before the work, carry out an allergy test with the master, and only after that you can proceed to the main process. Be prepared to lie still for a long time.
3. Care. About the rules you need to ask the master in advance to assess your readiness for such actions. A few days the place with a pattern will be under the film, you also need to properly clean it and treat ointments, to protect from direct sunlight and contact with tissues.

Wave Tattoo Meaning

On the body of the wave tattoo looks beautiful and concise. Elegant curves create a pleasing picture to the eye. The silhouette is recognizable anywhere in the world. The symbol is universal for both sexes, as the value is plastically transformed by the gender of the owner.

To answer the question "Who is suitable for the tattoo?", it is worth referring to its original set of meanings. The picture contains the ideas of fluidity, plasticity and at the same time the crushing power of the elements.

The classic meanings of the water symbol are:

• travel;
• freedom;
• changeability of the world;
• the patronage of Poseidon;
• benevolence of oceans, seas, rivers;
• the state of the stream;
• creativity;
• the soul living by its own laws;
• carelessness;
• sea-wolf;
• survived the storm near Cape Horn*;
• vagabond, wanderer, etc.

*In the era of seafaring, crossing a stretch of watershed near Cape Horn was considered heroic and a sign of courage for a sailor. The idea has since been modified. Today, among seafarers, the wave is pounded by those who survived a severe storm and wish to tell about it.

The interpretation of the symbol can be linked to a cultural or ethnic phenomenon. Thus, the wave Hokusai for Japanese tattoo artists is considered a sign of freedom of thought, creativity in human life. Among the inhabitants of Mexico, a wave signifies a border crossing over the watershed. Among the Indians of Oceania, Polynesia and the Bikini Islands, a wave signifies kinship with the Deity of the Sea.

Tattoo Meaning for Girls

On a woman's body, the wave tattoo is harmoniously woven into the image of femininity and grace. It continues the very essence of the carrier's changeable nature. In the wave tattoo has a multifaceted meaning associated with femininity.

The feminine meaning of the wave tattoo:

• harmony;
• inspiration;
• loyalty;
• volatility;
• ability to compromise;
• grace;
• crushing power;
• unpredictability, etc.

The tattoo is imposed by girls whose life is associated with art. Most often it is artists, dancers, designers, writers. However, the drawing is suitable for those who feel the creative potential in the soul.

The character of the wearer may be associated with the waves of the raging sea. The sea is as benevolent to sailors as it is cruel. It gives direction and easy passage, but it can also take everything away. If you feel that your nature is stormy and emotional, this is your symbol. Waves denote passions that flare up and subside suddenly.

Tattoo meaning for men

Among the male audience, the water tattoo carries a meaning associated with freedom and an adventurous spirit. The owners of the tattoo are romantics and travelers. They are fidgeters for whom there are no boundaries or obstacles. The wave acts as a symbol of overcoming and testing for strength.

How to choose a tattoo sketch in relation to a place on the body?

Choosing an idea for a tattoo, knowing specifically where it will be depicted, is actually simple. For this you need to rely on the principle of proportionality and proportionality. From the ideas discussed above, you can assume the following:

• ship, sailboat, sea people, shipwreck, seascape - such drawings are large in scale, which means they will look harmoniously on the back, chest and sides, as well as in the format of the sleeves;
• dolphin, fish, starfish, helm, anchor, compass, wind rose - medium size and complexity sketches are appropriate on the shoulder blades, forearms and shoulders, legs and thighs of men;
• symbolism, small objects in the style of minimalism, splashes, drops and waves - Such miniature sketches are applied to the hands, wrists, palms and fingers of the hands, as well as on the neck.

Important! When comparing the place on the body and the supposed picture a man should consider the fact, as far as his professional activities and the dress code allows such an important decision. If the tattoo will need to be periodically hidden, it is better to choose such places on the body that can be easily closed with clothes.

Passport tattoos

Sailors, more than anyone else, are associated with travel. Their tattoos, like passports, show where sailors have been and what they have seen:

The Anchor. It would seem that what could be more banal and familiar than an anchor tattoo? However, sailors of the past did not think so. During the time of the Conquista, when the first brave men set out to explore the shores of the New World, an anchor was only imposed on those who made the transatlantic crossing. Therefore, to have such a tattoo was very prestigious.

Dragon. The dragon tattoo was received by the sailor who docked at the shores of China.

Geisha. Only those who entered Japanese ports could get a tattoo of the mysterious Japanese "hetaera".

Sparrow. One of the first tattoos received by a boy who became a sailor. She was the reward for the first 1,000 miles traveled on the ship (1,609 kilometers).

Swallow. The bird signified the fact that the sailor had traveled more than five thousand miles (8046 kilometers). The more swallows - the longer the distance traveled. If on the tattoo a swallow pierced by a knife, it is a memory of the deceased comrade, who passed more than five thousand miles.

A ship in full sail armament. As a rule, such a ship was stuffed on the chest and symbolized the fact that the sailor passed the Horn, one of the most dangerous capes in the world.

Styles and colors that are popular for the maritime tattoo

Styles of execution tattoo is actually a huge number, ranging from old classic options to newfangled creative trends. The sea theme accepts several of them:

old-school - Colorful pictures of anchors, mermaids, ships;

realism - realistic pictures of the sea, landscapes, ships, and symbols;

minimalism - Suitable for small pictures;

watercolor - bright and delicate drawings, reminiscent of oil paintings and watercolors;

blackwork - brutal and masculine sketches in black and white.

Mature men with conservative and austere views on the style prefer monochrome tattoos. And romantic and creative natures more suitable colorful bright images on the body.

Photo tattoo morphlot

A selection of photos of tattoo morphlot will help to understand the variety of existing options. Pictures give an idea of the directions, the techniques used, the location. All these positions are important for the right choice of your image.

Symbols with which a nautical tattoo can be combined

What additional elements may be present in the natal drawing? To the nautical sketch most often masters perform:

• sunset - symbolizes tranquility, wisdom;
• dawn - symbol of awakening, change, energy;
• Hieroglyphs - meaning depends on the translation;
• yin-yang - symbol of infinity and harmony;
• waves, splashes, drops. - amulet, symbol of forward movement.

Who is suitable?

Such a tattoo is inherent in choosing strong, energetic people who know what they want from life. Also, it likes romantics, people prone to contemplation. Often this image for the body choose lifeguards, sailors and surfers.

People with a sea tattoo are fickle, often changing priorities and goals. Difficulties and obstacles they overcome with a philosophical approach, they realize the temporality of what is happening. This kind of body drawing indicates that its owner believes in fate, the law of the boomerang.

Features and advantages

Tattoos (marine themes are among the common ones) are not just symbols and pictures, these are signs, each of which carries a certain, individual meaning. A few hundred years ago, not every sailor could make himself such a tattoo. For permission to wear it was necessary to distinguish themselves greatly and to show courage. Only after heroic deeds sailors or officers could be honored to portray such symbols.

Since ancient times, the uncharted waters of the sea have attracted the interests of millions of people. New countries and islands were discovered, and sailors, in turn, did not appear on land for many months, and some for years. For this reason they possessed great superstition. In order to avoid going to the bottom of the sea and to ward off evil forces, sailors tattooed certain pictures on their bodies, which, in their opinion, had protective properties.

One of the most widespread drawings was the anchor. The meanings of the anchor in different countries and religions are quite numerous, but they are united by specific properties: reliability, practicality and confidence that the carrier of the anchor after the journey will get home to family and friends.

The tattoos of the old pirates were slightly different in meaning and image. Their main goal was to capture someone else's sea vessel. To do this, they had to have certain qualities: determination, strength and tenacity. An anchor tattoo served as a talisman against strong sea storms. The famous "rose of the winds" gave hope that pirates would receive good luck on any upcoming voyage.

The maritime theme was also very common among prisoners. Since the 1930s, criminals have given special meaning to the drawings on their bodies. One of the most common drawings in prison was of a ship sailing at full sail. This tattoo indicates the desire of the prisoner to escape, or a strong desire to be on the outside as soon as possible.

Among the female inmates is a particularly popular image of a woman who is wrapped in chains or barbed wire, and she stands on the beach. Her eyes are fixed on the ship, departing from the pier. Such a tattoo indicates a strong longing for freedom in captivity.

The sea is very dangerous and far from predictable. Any sailor can attest to this. The intrigue and exhilarating sense of danger is familiar to those who at least once went to sea on a ship. Sailors do not make tattoos "for beauty", each symbol must have a certain meaning.

Variants, styles, compositions

The water tattoo has a rich artistic history. The drawing has undergone many changes in the style of execution. The universal form allows you to apply the image in a minimalistic or realistic version.

Among the photo tattoos of the sea there are no favorites in styles. Everything depends only on the wishes of the customer. As you see the image on your body, so it will be better for the composition. Among sophisticated individuals popular tattoo realism, which combines artistic skill and photographic likeness. Minimalism or Handpoke tattoos look stylish and youthful. This image can easily be placed on the hand, the rib of the palm or ankle.

Old skool, Maori, Polynesian and tribal are considered classics. The ethnic and cultural roots of the sign are worked out in great detail. If you're not quite sure about the meaning of the pattern, the master can easily explain it in the context of these trends.

TIP: Ask your tattoo artist or salon artist for advice on the composition of the design. The meaning of the tattoo will depend on how the wave crests will be placed and what paraphernalia will accompany the drawing.

Places of application

So, you decided to make a tattoo with a wave pattern. But you can't determine where to place it on your body. Not all tattoo connoisseurs can boast of the exact vision of the project.

Experienced masters offer:

1. Comprehend the meaning of the tattoo as you understand it.
2. Hold a consultation session with a salon artist or tattoo artist on the composition of the design.
3. Putting the two puzzles together, think: what area of the body should the tattoo cover?

There is a legend among old-school tattoo connoisseurs that the design is applied to the place they want to protect. This, too, can be your guide in choosing an area. However, the personal perception of the aesthetics of the design remains in first place.