I thought I’d seen everything until I started researching squirrel tattoo ideas.
If you are looking for an animal motif that expresses industrious good cheer, playfulness, and creativity, a squirrel is a modern tattoo concept that is guaranteed to rock out.
While tattoos of the past would have overlooked the squirrel in favor of more traditional concepts, modern tattoo lovers are getting awesome ink dedicated to the furry little legend.
Squirrel designs range from simply shaded black and gray tattoo art to more exciting neo-traditional and avant-garde pieces etched with bright color and exceptional linework.
The following collection of the best squirrel tattoo ideas demonstrate the range of technical applications found when inking the curious animal. This list will help you choose a style and size that most fits your squirrel tattoo idea.
1. Tattoos for the Arm
2. Classical Black and Gray Tattoos
3. Cartoon/Animated Tattoo Ideas
4. Tattoo Designs for the Leg
5. Realistic Tattoo Ideas
6. Small Tattoo Ideas
7. Neo-Traditional Tattoo Ideas
8. Watercolor Squirrel Tattoos
What do squirrel tattoos mean?
Squirrel tattoos are a popular contemporary animal design concept that builds on the creature’s well-earned reputation for resourcefulness, intelligence, creativity, and industry.
While tattoos of the past would have overlooked the squirrel in favor of more traditional animal motifs, modern tattoo lovers are getting awesome ink dedicated to the furry little legend.
The squirrel is widespread in art, pop culture, and everyday life so there’s plenty of opportunities to immortalize the creature in a range of body art styles.
What are the most popular styles of squirrel tattoos?
Squirrels are very much a new school tattoo subject, so you’ll find them in more illustrated pieces than traditional tattoo style imagery.
Colorful neo-traditional tattoos and photo-realistic pieces reminiscent of a David Attenborough documentary are popular, as are classical black and gray depictions of the little creature.
With squirrels being popular for youngsters (and the young at heart) there’s also opportunity for cartoon-style expressions or squirrel tattoos referencing animated TV and film.
Where should I place my squirrel tattoo?
Because it’s such a vibrant and interesting tattoo type, you’ll find the placement of squirrel tattoos varies between traditional placements, such as the arm, inner forearm, upper wrist, and chest, and new school areas like the thigh and lower leg.
Being a more illustrative than minimalist tattoo choice, applying your squirrel piece where there’s a good amount of skin available is arguably the best way to go!
How much do squirrel tattoos cost?
Modern neo-traditional squirrel designs can cost upwards of $150-200 per hour for the work of an experienced professional, with specialists and ‘rockstar’ artists often charging north of $300 per for their time.
The most cost-effective squirrel tattoos range from simple, single ink designs to those etched in shades of black and gray.
Make sure before you lock in your deposit and tattoo appointment that you have a solid understanding of what the piece will cost. Tipping is recommended and generally equates to around 15% of the price for a piece.