Body ink is about self-expression, and the symbolism of the phoenix tattoo reflects that person's belief in new beginnings. It's about intentional destruction not to force an end, but to give rise to a new beginning.
As as the mythical fire bird can never have too many feathers or flames from which it rises, phoenix tattoos lend themselves particularly well to building, gradually adding more detail as time goes on; it's also the reason phoenix tattoo sleeves are so popular.
Phoenix tattoo designs often feature a scaley body, like that of a dragon, with elegantly long, exotic wings, sometimes with a few stray feathers resembling a peacock's. Phoenix tattoos usually feature a sharp beak and talons, like a bird of prey, yet they have the physique of a bird of paradise. While some phoenix tattoo colors are heavy on red and orange, to represent fire, others are rich in royal blues and purples, while some are vibrant mixtures; others are just black outlines.
While they're all focused on the same dragon-like bird rising from the flames, these pictures of phoenix tattoo designs differ greatly in their appearance, location and, no doubt, meaning to the person whose body the phoenix tattoo is inked on.
This gallery of phoenix tattoo pictures focuses mainly on oversized fire bird tattoos, proving just how strongly this symbol speaks to some people.
Inked Mythological Power Symbols
Rising Phoenix Tattoos as Statements of Rebirth
Trend Themes
1. Self-expression Tattoos - Opportunity for tattoo artists to specialize in creating tattoos that reflect individuals' unique personalities and beliefs.
2. Incremental Tattoo Design - Disruption in the tattoo industry by offering the option to gradually build and add more detail to tattoos over time.
3. Varied Phoenix Tattoo Colors - Innovative opportunity to explore a wide range of unique color combinations in phoenix tattoo designs.
Industry Implications
1. Tattoo Artistry - The growing popularity of meaningful tattoos presents opportunities for tattoo artists to provide unique and personalized designs.
2. Tattoo Removal - Disruptive opportunity for tattoo removal businesses to develop innovative techniques that accommodate incremental tattoo design.
3. Tattoo Equipment and Supplies - The demand for varied ink colors and tools gives rise to opportunities for manufacturers to develop tattoo equipment and supplies that cater to unique color preferences.