As time passes, we come across many people that inspire us, and sometimes we become so fond of these people that we feel like doing something to honor them. While there are many ways to show love and respect, some people end up getting a beautiful portrait of that inspiring figure tatted on their bodies. This is a constant reminder to them of how the person has helped changed their life.
Portrait tattoos consist of human figures and animals; some just include the face of the person, and others may feature the whole body. If you plan to get a portrait of someone tatted on your body, the first thing you have to do is find a talented tattoo artist, as portrait tattoos are very different from other tattoos that include different objects and symbols.
Most of these tattoos come in black and white ink with a simple shaded background. However, you can always make changes or customize the portrait and add colors.
To help you out below, you will find some of the best portrait tattoos that might inspire you to get one. There are different ways you can present your portrait tattoo, and these ideas will definitely help you.
The Meaning behind Portrait Tattoos
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There is no specific meaning attached to portrait tattoos. People usually get portrait tattoos to give tribute or honor someone’s presence in their life. Some people get it to remind themselves of the great things that a person or animal has taught them and the significant change they have brought in their lives.
Celebrities also ink their bodies with portrait tattoos. For instance, Megan Fox has a tattoo of Marilyn Monroe, and Jeffree Star has a tattoo of Elvis Presley. Both Marilyn and Elvis were legends and icons in Hollywood. Today, many other celebrities also adorn their skin with tattoos of famous singers, actors, or people close to them. Rob Kardashian has a portrait of his late father tatted on his forearm as a remembrance.
You should get a portrait tattoo only if you feel inspired by the person. Many people get a portrait of their face tatted on their bodies to express self-love and remind themselves of the strong and beautiful characteristics they hold.
Ideal Placements for Portrait Tattoos
The thing with portrait tattoos is that you can get it tatted anywhere you want on your body. If you’re getting a tattoo to honor someone, then the best place to get it would be on your back, sleeve, or chest. Portrait tattoos that are big look perfect on the back and chest. For people who go just for the face of the person may ideally get it tatted on their thigh or arm, which is the perfect place considering the tattoo’s size.
One of the most common places for portrait tattoos is the chest, as this represents how the person is close to your heart even though they are not with you. The chest area gives the tattoo artist an ample space to create the exact portrait and bring out the realism in it.
Portrait Tattoo Ideas
Below you will come across some of the best portrait tattoos that will help you select the right portrait tattoo for you. These tattoos may not have the exact portrait of the person you want, but you can always take inspiration from the design and presentation of the tattoo.
Floral Background Portrait Tattoo
While most of the portrait tattoos have no background and just the face, you can change that up and try out this exciting and beautiful floral background portrait tattoo. This tattoo includes the face of the person with different colored inked flowers in the background. The background helps to pop up the face and bring more attention to it. This tattoo looks best in colored ink; however, you can keep it simple by just adding colors to the flower. This tattoo could include the portrait of your child or a family/friend you may have lost. You will definitely slay this tattoo on your back.
Victorian Framed Portrait Tattoo
You can also go for this Victorian framed portrait tattoo and achieve one of the most elegant portrait tattoos on your body. This tattoo includes a portrait of the person you want to get inked in black, surrounded by a black and gray inked vintage frame. The frame uplifts the portrait and makes its look more presentable. If you’re going for an icon’s portrait or an older person’s face, this type of tattoo is perfect for you. The ideal place to get it tatted would be your chest or thigh.
Geometric Portrait Tattoo
If you want to bring a unique touch to your portrait tattoo, you’ve got to try out this geometric portrait tattoo. It includes a person’s portrait consisting of different geometric lines in black ink. With geometric styles, you can add in different geometric shapes to make the tattoo. It depends on how creative your tattoo artist can get and his/her skills.
For this type of tattoo, choose a portrait that will blend with the geometric design. For instance, the person could be smoking just like in this tattoo, holding a cigarette. You can choose to get this type of tattoo tatted on your chest or somewhere near your rib cage.
‘It’s all in the Eyes’
This eyes portrait tattoo is one of the coolest tattoos you will ever come across. This tattoo includes black and gray inked eyes and nose. It’s just the facial features that come in this tattoo. The shading and contouring in this tattoo are out of this world as they make it so realistic. You can get your beloved’s eyes or an inspiring actress’s eyes tatted. This tattoo showcases the adoration you have for this specific person. The ideal place for this tattoo would be on your hand; however, you can also choose to get it tatted on your arm.
Watercolor Portrait Tattoo
The watercolor technique is a popular tattooing technique that looks amazing. You can also try out this technique in your portrait tattoo and achieve one of the coolest tattoos ever. This tattoo includes the portrait of the person you want and adds splashes of different colors. Some colors help to highlight the different facial features.
For this type of tattoo, you can choose a famous rapper or singer’s portrait as it gives out major Rockstar vibes. The watercolors help to bring out the tattoo and make it more presentable. The perfect placement for this tattoo would be on your arm. So get ready to spice up your portrait with this amazing watercolor portrait tattoo.
Guardian Angels Portrait Tattoo
A portrait tattoo doesn’t necessarily have to feature one person only. You can get a portrait tattoo of more than one individual together. This guardian angel portrait tattoo includes faces of four or more people inked in black. This tattoo could consist of the people who you may have lost. On both ends of the tattoos are two angels tatted in black and gray ink.
This tattoo is a beautiful way to remember the people you miss. You could also get a portrait of your family members tatted this way. This showcase how much your family means to you. The ideal place for this tattoo would be on your chest.
Character Portrait Tattoos
Every person has a favorite character they’re obsessed with either from a show or a cartoon. It’s always fun getting a portrait tattoo of your favorite character. This tattoo includes a portrait of the fictional character Harry Potter inked in different colors. The contouring in this tattoo is marvelous as it brings out the realism in it. The key to getting the perfect character portrait tattoo is by working on the features to bring some realism.
You can choose any character you want, and can also select more than one. This tattoo portrays your love and obsession for that particular character. It may also be a constant reminder of your colorful childhood. The ideal place for this tattoo would be on your am, chest, or back.
Dramatic 3D Effect Portrait Tattoo
If you want to get a bit dramatic with your portrait tattoo, you’ve got to try out this 3D portrait tattoo. This tattoo includes a face of a person with a 3D effect showcasing glass pieces coming out from the face of the person; it has a strong story. If the portrait you’re choosing narrates a powerful story, this design is perfect for you as the 3D effect will help you do that. You can get different colors added to make it more descriptive and attractive. You can slay this tattoo awesomely on your chest.
Portrait with a Name Tattoo
One of the best portrait tattoos is the one that includes the name of the person who has inspired you. If you’re interested in adding the name of the person near your portrait tattoo, you’ve got to go for this tattoo. It includes a black and white inked portrait of whoever you will choose with their name tatted below or near in a creative writing font. You can customize the writing and placement of the name.
Some people get a date tatted that would mark their ideal person’s birth date or the day they passed away. These tattoos are entirely meaningful and look realistic as ever if you get it done from a highly experienced tattoo artist. The perfect place for this tattoo would be on your arm, or you can get t as a full sleeve tattoo.
Pet Portrait Tattoo
If you have a pet that you adore and who may have changed your life in one way or another, this pet portrait tattoo is a perfect design for you. This tattoo includes a black and white inked portrait of your pet with their name inked nearby. This portrait could consist of just the face of your pet. You can also create a scene where they might be playing, fetching a bone, or eating. Pet portrait tattoos are quite unique, and there’s nothing more special than getting your pet’s adorable face tatted on your body. You should get this tattoo inked on your arm.
FAQ’s
How long do I have to wait to add something more to my competed portrait tattoo?
If you want to add something else to your tattoo even after it’s fully completed or cover up parts of it, you can completely do that, but only after it’s fully healed. The healing takes about 4-5 weeks. Never do anything to your tattoo if it’s not healed, as this may make things worse and ruin the whole look of the portrait.
How long will it take to complete my portrait tattoo?
The time to complete a portrait tattoo varies depending on your tattoo size and the area you’re getting it tatted on. The maximum time it takes to complete a portrait tattoo is 4-9 hours. If your portrait tattoo does not require much detailing or special effects, it should take you about 7 hours.
How much will a portrait tattoo cost me?
Tattoo artists set their fees depending on many factors. If your tattoo artist charges you on a per hour rate, it will cost you $200 per hour. The more experienced your tattoo artist is, the more fees they will charge. Portrait tattoos are quite expensive, as there is a lot of work and details that go into making it as realistic as possible. It is always best to go to an experienced tattoo artist even if you have to pay more.
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Conclusion
Getting a portrait tattoo is a beautiful way to showcase your love and respect to a specific person. Portrait tattoos are one of the most symbolic and meaningful tattoos you will ever get, and it’s something you shouldn’t miss out on. With the help of these fantastic portrait tattoo ideas, you can now choose the best portrait tattoo and slay it on the appropriate place on your body.
