The infinity loop is one of civilization’s most universal symbols.
Few characters are as instantly recognizable and full of meaningful as the infinity symbol. Its versatility makes a perfect addition to tattoos, and part of the reason it makes the list of 50+ best tattoo ideas.
The infinity symbol can be used to represent the unending bond of a friendship or romantic relationship. Others use this symbol in a more esoteric manner and incorporate it into abstract designs and tattoos that utilize sacred geometry.
The following gallery depicts a versatile range of tattoo styles incorporating the infinity symbol and will aid you in finding the best design for your next tattoo.
1. Animal Infinity Tattoos
This is a playful piece where the artist uses full color and a clean application of black line work to create two snakes forming an infinity symbol and a sort of double ouroboros.
In this piece the artist takes a common flying bird design and uses a clean application of fine lines in black ink to create the infinity symbol that completes the piece.
Here is a clever piece that utilizes clean lines and a realistic use of color to create a leaping fish that creates one half of the infinity symbol , while the fishing rod forms the other half and completes the design that demonstrates the wearer’s endless love for catching fish.
Man’s relationship with animals is long and complex, going back as far as per-historic times of humans wandering the Serengeti, hunting and gathering. Some people use tattoos to commemorate the relationships they form with the dogs and cats that make life just a little bit more enjoyable.
Others draw inspiration from the wild animals of the natural world for their tattoos: few images are more striking than a fierce tiger, baring teeth or a solitary wolf howling in the distance.
When incorporated with infinity symbols, the significance of these animal inspired pieces is taken to the next level. These powerful symbols are often used to memorialize a beloved pet and represent the eternal love that these animals inspired. Alternately, an infinity symbol can represent the wearer’s deep respect and love for the wild animals that inhabit this world with us.
2. Black Ink Infinity Tattoos
Tattoos are powerful tools for self-expression, and as such they should suit the wearer’s personality and sensibilities. While there is no doubt about the impact of vibrant colors in a design, for some people this simply doesn’t align with their personal style.
The oldest tattoos used a monochromatic approach, utilizing black ink to create striking designs, and when looking at these tattoos it is easy to understand why so many people still choose black ink tattoos. There is an understated appeal to these stark designs that use bold black ink and negative space to produce contrast with the wearer’s skin tone and create striking tattoos.
This simplified color scheme is perfect for infinity sign tattoos, because they add no superfluous colors and let these powerful symbols speak for themselves.
3. Delicate Infinity Tattoos
Just as some people choose vibrant colors for their tattoos and others prefer the effect created with bold, black ink work some people enjoy a more delicate approach. Infinity symbols are a great choice for these fine line pieces thanks to their powerful meaning and instantly recognizable shape.
Especially popular among women, these delicate tattoos are perfect for those that want to let the design speak for itself, opting for smooth line work over bright colors or big, bold designs. These pieces are great examples of how successfully infinity symbols can be applied using delicate, fine line work.
4. Flower Infinity Tattoos
Flowers are powerful elements that have been incorporated into artistic traditions around the world for centuries. One only has to look at the role flowers play in weddings, funerals and other ceremonies in different cultures around the world to get a glimpse of the deep fascination humans have with blossoms. The power of scent to elicit emotional responses and draw out memories adds to the power of flowers in the human experience.
When incorporated into infinity sign tattoos, flowers bring and interesting symbolism to the equation. Flowers are often used as representations of the transient nature of life thanks to the way they bud, bloom and die in quick succession. In conjunction with an infinity symbol, a flower tattoo can signify the endless cycle of birth, life and death as well as representing the endless beauty of nature.
5. Group Infinity Tattoos
While there is no doubt that tattoos are often deeply personal expressions of temperament and style, many people choose to commemorate relationships and friendships with matching, group tattoos. Any number of different designs can be used in these celebrations of personal bonds, although infinity symbols are perfect for these tattoos. When a group of people choose to ink infinity symbols on their body, they are acknowledging the deep bond they share and are demonstrating the eternal nature of their relationship with a permanent marking. These tattoos demonstrate a variety of styles that can be used for matching infinity tattoos.
6. Innovative Infinity Tattoos
Every good artist is on an endless quest to push the boundaries of their skills and medium, and tattooing is no different. From the humble beginnings of stick and poke tattoos, to the mind blowing designs that are produced in modern times, this endless innovation is on full display in the world of tattoos.
However, it is not just hyper-realistic designs and 3D tattoos that can be considered innovative. Sometimes it is the concept behind a tattoo that sets it apart from other designs.
These infinity sign tattoos are great examples of how a common symbol can be used to create interesting and groundbreaking tattoos thanks to a clever concept and a talented artist.
7. Script Infinity Tattoos
There is a long tradition of script work in tattoos dating back to some of the original American traditional designs that started the Western school of tattooing. From elaborate Chicano script, to bold Old English, there is a typeface and script style out there for every design and occasion.
Script is also the perfect way to cut through murky symbolism and abstract concepts to demonstrate exactly what the wearer means with a tattoo: there is little ambiguity about the significance of a tattoo that says “Family”.
Because the nature of script is straight forward, it is an excellent addition to infinity symbol tattoos. Adding one of these characters to a line of script takes the meaning behind the words and extends them out for eternity. Many people choose to incorporate these symbols with motivational quotes or the names of spouses to demonstrate the unending importance behind the words and what they represent.
Infinity Tattoo FAQs
What is the meaning of an infinity symbol tattoo?
Originating in mathematics, the infinity symbol—or lemniscate—is a powerful representation of an unending system. It has become a common element in pop culture and many people choose to get this symbol incorporated into tattoos.
It can be used to represent the unending bond of a friendship or romantic relationship. Others use this symbol in a more esoteric manner and incorporate it into abstract designs and tattoos that utilize sacred geometry.
Few characters are as instantly recognizable and full of meaningful as the infinity symbol and its versatility makes a perfect addition to tattoos.
What is the symbolism of a feather infinity tattoo?
Feathers are interesting design elements that are chock full of meaning. In many Native American traditions, feathers are powerful symbols of honor, strength and wisdom and when incorporated with an infinity symbol the meaning can represent an eternal quest to attain and preserve these important personal characteristics.
Alternatively, in modern Western traditions feathers are often associated with a freewheeling nature and can serve as symbols of the impermanent nature of life. When combined with an infinity symbol an interesting symbolic contrast is created. One could interpret these tattoos as representing the endless nature of the cycle of life, being born, growing old and finally dying.
Whatever the personal significance behind tattoos with feathers and infinity symbols, they are interesting elements that make for compelling tattoos.
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