“You know, if you’re lonely you feel you’ve been done down, it’s nice to have ‘And Still I Rise.'” – Maya Angelou
Still I Rise script tattoos are extensions of the powerful 1978 poem by late African American poet Maya Angelou.
While Angelou wrote of her harrowing personal background and the African American experience in the US, her poem’s message of liberation and survival has struck a chord with many tattoo collectors.
Still I Rise tattoos amplify the message that no matter how many times life can knock you down, it is important to get back up and keep fighting.
Still I Rise ink uses script in their message, however, many tattoos are extended to incorporate other themes of rebirth, strength, perseverance, and hope.
The following collection of top 51 Still I Rise tattoos exemplify awesome pieces that can help inspire your next symbolic tattoo decision.
1. Arrow Still I Rise Tattoos
2. Back Tattoos
3. Cursive Tattoos
4. Still I Rise Tattoo Art Incorporating Flowers
5. Tattoos for the Forearm
6. Phoenix Tattoos
7. Rib Tattoo Designs
8. Shoulder Ink
9. Simple Tattoos
10. Small Tattoo Designs
11. Tattoos for the Wrist
Where did Still I Rise tattoos originate from?
Still I Rise tattoos amplify the message that no matter how many times life can knock you down, it is important to get back up and keep fighting.
According to biography.com, Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise is “a powerful poem that draws on a range of influences, including her personal background and the African American experience in the United States. Its message of liberation and survival was a consistent theme in Angelou’s work.”
What type of themes support Still I Rise tattoos?
Still I Rise ink uses script in their message, however, many tattoos are extended to incorporate other themes of rebirth, strength, perseverance, and hope.
Other themes incorporated into still I rise tattoos include:
- Christianity themes (the Cross, Jesus, Angels)
- Enlightenment (lotus flowers, Buddha)
- Rebirth (the Phoenix Rising)
- Peace (Doves)
- Fight and resilience (Swords, Arrows)
What tattoo styles are used for Still I Rise Tattoos?
First and foremost, Still I Rise tattoos are script tattoos. The central idea is linked to the type of script used, whether it’s a flowing cursive script, Chicano style print, or even blocky typeset style print.
From there, the rest of the tattoo’s style generally matches up with the central phrase. The style can range from other delicate imagery in black and gray or color, to more stolid pieces representing strength.
Where Can I Place my Still I Rise Tattoo?
Placing your Still I Rise tattoo depends very much on how you execute the piece.
You’ll find script only versions in simple cursive are smaller and are inked in areas where the collector can see them and be reinforced by the message. These areas include the inner and outer forearm, wrist, chest, or lower leg.
For others that incorporate other imagery with the message Still I Rise, areas like the shoulder, bicep, collarbone, and down the spine from the neck are popular positions for placement.
How Much Do Still I Rise Tattoos Cost?
Simple cursive or block ink Still I Rise tattoos can start at the shop minimum (anywhere from $50-$150), while slightly more intricate black ink versions will max out at 200-250 if done by an experienced professional.
Larger and more complex work or tattoos by in-demand artists can cost anywhere between $300-$600 for 2-3 hours of work.
Make sure before committing to a piece (ie making a deposit or sitting in the chair) that you have a solid understanding of the probable cost based on time and hourly rate.