Vegan Tattoo Ideas Celebrating Plant-Based Living

Vegan-related symbolic tattoos have increased along with society’s general acceptance of body art. 

The world at large and tattooing moves along with it – even most tattoo ink is made cruelty-free and vegan friendly!

Individuals often mark their commitment to being vegan permanently on their skin, as a reminder, a statement, and an affirmation of the seriousness with which they treat a plant-based life.

Vegan tattoo ideas can take many forms, from the stylized V for vegan symbol to straight edge crossovers, animal-friendly designs, and even ironic depictions of “friends not food.”

Vegan tattoo art also takes different application styles, which include the riotous colors of neo-traditional tattoos right down to simple, yet no less righteous black ink and text-based designs. 

The following collection of the top 39 best vegan tattoo ideas displays tremendous examples that you can consider when putting together your own vegan-inspired tattoo design.

1. Vegan Symbol Tattoo Ideas

Small "V" tattoo with a leaf on the neck behind the ear
Source: @fulvio.tm via Instagram
Tattoo of an abstract heart with a green leaf at its top, located on an ankle
Source: @emilysveganeats via Instagram
Large, intricate V tattoo extending from the neck to the scalp
Source: @felippe_chagas_ via Instagram
Tattoo of a black 'V' with a green leaf on an arm
Source: @ricardo_tattooart via Instagram
Matching tattoos on two arms with a heartbeat line, leaves, and the word "Vegan"
Source: @salvationtattoolounge via Instagram
Close-up of a fist showing a small "V" tattoo on a finger
Source: @tarytarlou via Instagram

2. Avocado Tattoo Designs

Tattoo of a running avocado on a leg
Source: @babys_tatto via Instagram
Tattoo of a heart-shaped avocado cut in half revealing the seed inside on skin
Source: @chrisgallegostattoodemon via Instagram
Tattoo of an avocado with a pink flower and the word "VEGAN" on an arm
Source: @han.s0la via Instagram
Forearm with a detailed avocado tattoo featuring various plant and text tattoos
Source: @soska_erik_tattoo via Instagram

3. Cow Tattoo Ideas

Tattoo of a bull holding a bloody knife and axe on an arm
Source: @espiralesyespejos via Instagram
Tattoo of a cow inside a heart with the text "Be kind to all kinds" on an upper arm
Source: @foxytatts via Instagram
Tattoo of a cow's head surrounded by flowers on an arm
Source: @tiny.elf.tattoos via Instagram
Tattoo of a cow inside an orange circle with text "Don't have a cow man" and a blue flower
Source: @toby_everyday_tattoo via Instagram

4. Cute Tattoo Ideas

Arm with a tattoo of a carrot, apple, and words "All my friends are veg"
Source: @_harrymckenzie via Instagram
Tattoo of a smiling carrot with the word "VEGETARIAN" underneath it on an arm
Source: @blackheartist_tattoo via Instagram
Tattoo of animal paws inlcuding human arm
Source: @zanonsegundotattoo via Instagram
Colorful tattoo of a cute piglet with flowers, avocado, and wheat on a leg
Source: @steffbelief via Instagram
Tattoo of a pig wearing a flower crown with the phrase "Friends not food" below it
Source: @tattoobahar via Instagram

5. Black Ink Tattoo Designs

Tattoo of a woman's face with flowers and vegetables on her head in a modern line art style
Source: @the.studio.tattoo via Instagram
Hand with "Vegan" tattoo on thumb and heart tattoo on wrist
Source: @alt.seeing.aye via Instagram
Simple line-art tattoo of a small piglet on a side above the waistband
Source: @cluestattoos via Instagram
Three minimalist outline tattoos of a cow, pig, and chicken on a forearm
Source: @cjhtattoos via Instagram

6. Straight Edge/Vegan Edge Crossover Tattoos

Two fists with "VGAN EDGE" tattooed on the knuckles
Source: @desireecanduelas via Instagram
Chest tattoo with flowers and the words "VEGAN till death XVX"
Source: @louisexvxfury via Instagram
A forearm with three bold black ancient script tattoos in vertical alignment
Source: @tattoosbyshannon via Instagram
Neck tattoo of the initials "XVX" with floral designs on the sides
Source: @worldwar_pork via Instagram
Tattoo of a bandaged hand holding a peeled banana with a dotted red circle background
Source: @xbenstubbsx via Instagram

7. Neo-Traditional Tattoo Ideas

Tattoo of a chicken inside a pink heart with a purple heart above it on an arm
Source: @avalontattoo via Instagram
Tattoo of a smiling pig above flowers and leaves on a forearm
Source: @springst_tattoo via Instagram
Tattoo with "Powered by Tofu" text, depicting tofu with leaves and a knife
Source: @tete.tattooer via Instagram
Tattoo of a pig with floral accents, including roses and blue flowers, on skin
Source: @tracey.rose.tattoo via Instagram

8. Text-Based Tattoo Ideas

Heart-shaped tattoo with the word "Vegan" on a banner, surrounded by leaves
Source: @deadheat_10000v via Instagram
Tattoo on forearm reads "vegan" surrounded by leaves, vegetables, and a rolling pin
Source: @paulowieck.ink via Instagram
Tattoo of text "The Vegan Grandad, All the love without the responsibilities" surrounded by vegetables
Source: @stephengeary via Instagram
Tattoo on arm reading "VEGAN" with small "x" symbols on either side
Source: @xtetex via Instagram

9. Vegan Tattoo Art for the Wrist

Heart tattoo with a green leaf on a wrist
Source: @beautyclassics.elizabeth via Instagram
Tattoo featuring the word "Vegan", surrounded by flowers and two bunny silhouettes
Source: @laurahydetattoo via Instagram

Can you get a fully vegan tattoo?

Yes, it is now more likely than not that you can get a fully vegan tattoo, from the stencil ink to the tattoo ink itself, and even the aftercare products used to soothe the tattoo wound.

The tattoo industry is aware and understanding of the need for acceptance across a broad cross-section of society, so it makes sure to utilize best practices for as many people as possible.

Should your preferred tattoo shop not carry vegan-friendly equipment to do your piece, it’s generally a simple matter of organizing the correct ink in to do the work.

What are the most popular vegan themed tattoos?

Vegan-themed tattoos are widespread and are generally drawn using contemporary artistic principles. Popular design types include:

  • The stylized V for vegan, which has a leaf on the upper right
  • Animal as friends tattoos, which include popular meat providers such as cows, pigs, and sheep
  • A range of fruit and veg, from avocado to zucchini
  • Text-based vegan tattoos
  • Crossover tattoos based on straight edge lifestyles

What do XVX and VGAN EDGE tattoos mean?

These tattoos are crossover designs from the popular straight edge subculture that came up during the height of 80s punk music.

To be straight edge is to live clean and abstain from alcohol and drugs, so a cross-section of vegan lifestylers has co-opted this message, such as XVX and VGAN EDGE versions of ink into their own art.

What application style and placement should I use for my vegan tattoo?

Vegan tattoo art is very much a modern style of ink application. Styles popular for vegan body art include:

  • Bold and colorful neo-traditional tattoos, especially the designs using animals
  • Simple but innovative single needle and black line ink
  • Visible placements – the neck, hands, wrist, and fingers are popular spots for vegan tattoo art
  • Ironic and subversive ink that utilizes popular slogans or animals with weapons etc…

You don’t see as many classical design styles or American traditional pieces, and vegan tattoos tend to be more visible than other ink interpretations.

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