Getting a new tattoo is never a bad idea, but if you have flexibility and can be picky about what you get, there’s no better choice than a watercolor design.
This style marks a peak artistic expression, meaning the possibilities are at their best. With that being said, I know that deciding what kind of design to get can be quite tricky.
To help you prep, I’m sharing a handful of watercolor tattoo ideas below.
1. Light Pink Rose Design
Source: @ilwolhongdam
The whole vibe of these watercolor flower tattoos is to capture the look of a real watercolor painting, which I just love. It lets an artist get so creative with the designs, since there are no hard lines to color inside.
It means that no two tattoos will ever be identical, and that’s a huge reason they’ve become so popular. I think everyone is looking for something that feels a little more special and unique to them.
2. Floral Crescent Moon
Source: @adrianbascur
Do you adore both flowers and the moon? If so, this is the perfect tattoo for you. Here we have an arm tattoo with a crescent moon shape that is covered in stunning watercolor flowers.
It is just a pretty and stylish tattoo that combines two popular designs beautifully. You could totally recreate this or you can use any flowers of your choice.
3. Orchid Arm Tattoo
Source: @graffittoo
The humble orchid has so many different meanings in so many different cultures, but I think we must remember it for the beautiful and delicate flower that it is.
It requires very specific surroundings in order to thrive, which is quite different from the old Japanese meaning. They were often said to symbolize strength and warriors.
4. Amazing Arm Tattoos
Source: @pissaro_tattoo
Another thing to keep in mind with arm and leg tattoos is how much sun exposure they’ll get. I’ve learned that sunlight, and especially tanning, can really affect how long your ink lasts.
It will fade faster if you don’t take care of it. You can find creams and lotions made for tattooed skin, but honestly, just using a strong SPF will do a good enough job if you’re not spending tons of time in the sun.
5. Watercolor Violet Flowers
Source: @yelizozcan_tattooer
This next idea I’m eyeing features some gorgeous violet flowers. It shows three of the beautiful flowers tattooed on the arm, and the whole design has this artistic watercolor feel.
I love this tattoo because it perfectly captures the beauty of violets. You could totally try this look, or go for a smaller version on your wrist or ribs, which would be so cool.
6. Light Blue Peony Flowers
Source: @pissaro_tattoo
As a flower that represents both wealth and elegance, this light blue peony is such a stunning way to show off the watercolor style. Although this flower is usually seen in red and pink shades, the blue is so unique.
The Japanese might call them the “king of flowers,” and I’m totally seconding that.
7. Big, Watercolor Tulip
Source: @pissaro_tattoo
Mostly known as a feminine tattoo, tulips come in so many colors that you have endless ways to use them in watercolor designs.
If you appreciate the sun, you’ll also appreciate a tulip tattoo, since it’s a flower that constantly moves its head to get the best view of the sun. It makes brilliant use of those sunny rays.
For many, this simple flower is a symbol of beauty, but it holds more meanings than that, especially flexibility.
8. Watercolor Geometric Flower
Source: @adrianbascur
If you like floral tattoos but maybe not the super dainty and delicate designs, then this one’s for you. This piece features a beautiful flower with a modern and geometric look.
I love how the shapes and watercolor technique make the flower look like a cool illustration. It’s such a unique tattoo and is great for someone who wants a flower design that’s a little different.
9. Flowers + Quote
Source: @graffittoo
A great way to personalize any tattoo, especially these watercolor flower tattoos, is to add a quote. Do you have a favorite quote?
Maybe your parents or grandparents used to say something that has stuck with you over the years. The only thing left is to pick a font, and honestly, that’s often the hardest part when choosing text style tattoo designs.
10. Cherry Blossom Arm Tattoo
Source: @tattooistmuha
Besides showing how fleeting life can be, this cherry blossom arm design is so easy to personalize. It allows you to twist and bend the branches into intricate designs that can suit a wide range of places on the body.
This means you can use it almost anywhere, even as a “filler” style tattoo for a full sleeve or leg piece.
11. Watercolor Thigh Tattoo
Source: @pissaro_tattoo
I have to say, the next tattoo I have to show you is one of my favorites! This is a thigh tattoo that features a stunning fuchsia flower design.
A tattoo like this would look beautiful on anyone. You could recreate the thigh tattoo for a stylish piece of body art or try a smaller fuchsia design on other parts of the body, like the arms, wrists, or ribs.
12. Small Hand Tattoo
Source: @ilwolhongdam
This cute and small hand tattoo is a perfect example of how subtle these watercolor delights can be, even in the most unexpected places.
You might not have thought about getting your watercolor flower tattoo somewhere so visible on your hand, but as you can see, it doesn’t need to be overpowering.
13. Watercolor Flowers and Hummingbird
Source: @adrianbascur
Next up, we have a flower and hummingbird tattoo. This one has a circular shape with pretty purple flowers and a green and purple hummingbird too.
It’s such a beautiful design and perfect for anyone who loves birds and nature. You could try a similar design to this or choose different flowers and another kind of bird.
14. Flowering Rose
Source: @ilwolhongdam
Even though the rose tattoo is linked with various cultures, like Eastern tattoo art, it is most definitely an Americanized tattoo.
You can personalize it in so many ways too, with these watercolor flower tattoos being just one of them. For the most part, these stunning rose tattoos are used to represent beauty and love.
You can even change the color of the flower to mean something different. Thorns can add a new twist to the design, giving a ‘spiked’ meaning to the whole look.
15. Pretty Purple Flowers
Source: @adrianbascur
If you are looking for a cute and pretty tattoo, then this design might be perfect for you. Here is a small ankle tattoo that features three purple flowers.
The flowers are so bold and beautiful! You can totally recreate this or try just one flower instead of three. A design like this can also be tattooed anywhere else on the body.
16. Poppy Tattoo
Source: @graffittoo
When you go for your tattoo, always make sure you’re wearing the right clothes. This might sound like a strange thing to say, but you’ll want to be comfortable during the tattoo session, on the journey home, and later that day too.
You will be in some pain since a needle has been pricked into your skin thousands of times. The looser and more free flowing your clothes are, the more comfortable you will feel.
17. Small Flower with a Quote – ‘Carpe Diem’
Source: @tattooistmuha
Carpe Diem translates to “seize the day” in Latin, but “seizing the day” isn’t something you’ll really want to do when it comes to getting inked.
This is something that will be on your body forever, unless you take drastic measures to have it removed, like laser removal. For the record, that’s a very painful process.
18. Watercolor Cherry Blossom Tattoo Idea
Source: @yelizozcan_tattooer
The next tattoo I want to show you is absolutely stunning. This design features pink cherry blossoms tattooed just under the collarbone.
The watercolor technique is just perfect for creating cherry blossoms because it captures the beauty and delicateness of the flowers so well.
You could recreate this cool collarbone design or get cherry blossoms tattooed somewhere else.
19. Pink Peony Arm Tattoo
Source: @pissaro_tattoo
The humble peony is one of the oldest flowers used in Eastern culture. So you can see why peony tattoos would be such a big hit.
The flower’s style itself lends to stunning watercolor flower tattoos, with beautiful soft petals in marvelous shades of pink and peach. These days, peony tattoos are often paired with Japanese style koi carp tattoos.
Also, for such a delicate and feminine flower, it’s often depicted as rather masculine, said to represent a total disregard for consequences.
20. Colorful Lotus Tattoo Design
Source: @adrianbascur
Lotus flowers are a pretty and popular tattoo idea. This next design shows a beautiful example of a watercolor lotus tattoo.
It’s a small and simple design on the wrist, and each petal is colored in vibrant watercolor shades. The different colored petals give the design a vibrant twist and make it stand out.
You can try this design or choose one color for the petals.
21. Pretty Wrist Tattoos
Source: @pissaro_tattoo
When getting tattoos in highly visible places, like your wrists or hands, you’ll need to be aware that it can have an impact on your life.
Although the equality around tattoos and piercings in the workplace is improving, there are still some businesses that won’t hire someone with visible body modifications.
Could your dream tattoos hinder your career? It’s definitely something to think about.
22. Beautiful Floral Back Tattoo
Source: @adrianbascur
Next, we have another gorgeous watercolor back tattoo. The design features four beautiful, purple flowers in different sizes with a bright blue background.
It is a pretty simple design and it really makes a statement. This is a cute tattoo that could be recreated in any color.
23. Blooming Anemones
Source: @pissaro_tattoo
One thing you will need to remember when choosing your watercolor flower tattoos is where you’re going to have them.
From a distance, for example, a dark purple blush of ink could look a lot like a bruise. Tattoos like these ones will peek out from under top and bra straps. A tattoo is for life, and that’s something wise to remember.
24. Small Peony Foot Tattoo
Source: @graffittoo
There are a few things you might need to keep in mind when it comes to watercolor flower tattoos like these. They are a relatively new concept and style, which means their long term fading isn’t really known.
Some people suggest that the lack of an outline will mean the tattoo itself can bleed much easier. Other tattoo artists will also suggest regular touch ups to ensure the color or vibrancy doesn’t fade.
25. Small Blue Flower Tattoo
Source: @pissaro_tattoo
My next tattoo pick is both pretty and subtle. This design has a little blue flower with a leafy stem. The colors and detail used on the flower are just stunning.
If you wanted an even smaller tattoo, you could try the design with just the flower head. You can create a blue flower like this or try a similar flower tattoo in a different color.
26. Beautiful Single Rose Tattoo
Source: @yelizozcan_tattooer
The next tattoo I have to show you features a beautiful red rose. This design is tattooed down the spine and the watercolor technique is just stunning.
You can recreate this tattoo or try a smaller rose elsewhere on the body. Also, you should consider the color of the petals, since different rose colors symbolize different things.
27. Small, Behind the Ear Tattoo
Source: @pissaro_tattoo
If you wanted a cute and dainty place for your new watercolor flower tattoos, you could do a lot worse than the tiny space behind your ear.
With your hair worn down, no one would ever know it was there. But if you tie your hair up in a ponytail, you can treat people to a cute and colorful display just like this one.
28. Snowdrop Tattoo Design
Source: @yelizozcan_tattooer
Looking for a pretty and unusual tattoo? If so, this is for you. Here we have a stunning snowdrop flower design that is tattooed down the arm.
There is also a galaxy style background with gorgeous stars too. It’s an awesome tattoo and it’s perfect for anyone with a birthday in January, since a snowdrop is the birth flower for that month.
29. Pink Orchids
Source: @pissaro_tattoo
Any tattoo will come with its fair share of maintenance, but with really vibrant tattoos like these watercolor delights, you might need to go back for a touch up sitting.
This is to ensure the colors are as beautiful as they should be. The more colorful the tattoo, the more likely you’ll need to go back for a little maintenance.
30. Watercolor Flower Back Tattoo
Source: @yelizozcan_tattooer
Back tattoos are so popular, and with designs like this one, I can totally see why. This tattoo features a bouquet of watercolor flowers.
The colors and different types of flowers used look just gorgeous. You can create a back tattoo like this with any flowers. A back tattoo is also perfect for anyone who needs a tattoo that can be covered up easily.
31. Flower Tattoo Idea for Friends
Source: @pissaro_tattoo
The same can be said for tattoos you choose to get with your friends. These are beautiful, and I’m definitely not taking anything away from that.
Just make sure your friends are your real friends before you go getting matching inks. Otherwise, that tattoo will be a constant painful reminder of a friendship that ended.
32. Breathtaking Watercolor Tattoo
Source: @pissaro_tattoo
If you are looking for a stunning piece of body art that will wow everyone, then this is for you. Here we have a breathtaking chest tattoo that features blue iris flowers.
The colors used are beautiful and the design is both delicate and bold. A chest tattoo is believed to be quite painful compared to other tattoos but as you can see, it is so worth it.
33. Pink Eustoma Flower
Source: @pissaro_tattoo
Also known as Lisianthus, eustomas are such a beautiful and vibrant flower, even in these watercolor flower tattoos.
Their large and funnel shaped flowers make for really beautiful ink designs, and they’re quite difficult to take care of. This would symbolize something fragile and delicate.
34. Watercolor Flower Tattoo Design
Source: @yelizozcan_tattooer
The next tattoo I want to show you is both trendy and makes a statement. This design is tattooed on the arm and features one large flower with smaller flowers around the outside.
There are also bright watercolor shades added to the design. It is a pretty tattoo that will suit everyone. You can always opt for different flowers to make the tattoo unique to you.
35. Pretty Wrist Tattoo
Source: @georgia_grey
The arum lily is truly a beautiful one, and I have to add that it was the flower for my wedding, so it’s extra special to me.
It comes in a wide range of colors, which gives you plenty of opportunities to play around with your watercolor flower tattoos.
The original meaning of the beautiful lily is said to have come from Ancient Greek times, when it was called the Madonna Lily and found in white.
At that time, it was considered to have come from the Queen of Gods, Hera, and was then said to symbolize the Divine Feminine.
36. Iris Spine Tattoo with a Quote
Source: @pissaro_tattoo
There are quite mixed symbolic meanings behind the humble iris tattoo. Although some believe it to mean death, which befalls everyone, there are other more positive meanings behind the body art.
There are generally three petals in iris tattoos, and some think these stand for the past, present, and future. Because of this, they have become a tattoo that is often associated with hope.
37. Lotus Back Tattoo Idea
Source: @pissaro_tattoo
Next up, we have another floral back tattoo. This one features a beautiful pink lotus with a green stem that is placed down the spine.
The colors used are just stunning, and a design like this is perfect for the ladies who want a bold piece of body art. You can recreate this design or try just the lotus flower without the stem.
38. Cherry Blossom Twig Tattoo
Source: @ilwolhongdam
Cherry blossom tattoos are often used in Japanese style designs, and they work as a perfect metaphor for life.
The petals of the tree look beautiful, but beauty fades quickly and life soon moves on. The petals fall and the cycle starts all over again.
39. Beautiful Floral Circle Tattoo
Source: @yelizozcan_tattooer
Are you a fan of wrist tattoos? Then you need to check out this design. Here we have a circular floral pattern that is tattooed on the wrist.
This is such a stylish idea because it combines trendy geometric shapes with beautiful flowers. You can create a tattoo similar to this or use your favorite flowers instead.
40. Big Peony Back Tattoo
Source: @pissaro_tattoo
Do tattoos hurt? Yes, of course they do, but how much they will hurt changes from person to person. Everyone is different, and everyone has different pain thresholds.
It has even been suggested that women have a higher threshold for pain than men do. You should definitely be under no illusions when it comes to the pain factor of getting inked, and prepare for that, both during the tattoo itself and afterwards.
41. Pink Poppy Flowers
Source: @graffittoo
Poppy tattoos are used all over the world these days, mainly to symbolize the remembrance of those we lost in war. But poppies, especially their use in mythology, have been around for many years.
Roman and Greek traditions depict the poppy as a symbol of death, but in a romantic light, more in the sense of eternal sleep.
Of course, eternal sleep can have another beautiful and poignant meaning of peace, another beautiful meaning behind a truly wonderful flower.
42. Vibrant Tulip Tattoo Idea
Source: @adrianbascur
If you love tulips, then this next tattoo is for you! Here we have two pretty tulips where half of the petals are pink and the other half are blue. It is such a cute and unusual design.
You could try creating tulips like these or use two colors of your choice. You can also have tulips tattooed in one color for a subtler look.
43. Watercolor Poppy Flower
Source: @pissaro_tattoo
The meaning of the red poppy combined with remembrance actually comes from a very poignant poem by John McCrae. It was called “In Flander’s Fields.”
It was about World War 2 and all the brave souls we lost in the war. I definitely think this stunning tattoo idea pays enough respect.
44. Botanical Arm Tattoo
Source: @yelizozcan_tattooer
When choosing a floral tattoo design, you don’t have to pick just one type of flower. This botanical tattoo features two different types of flowers and green leafy plants too.
I love the combination of the different plants and flowers as it makes the tattoo feel so unique. You can recreate this or try adding your favorite flowers to the design, maybe even include your birth flower.
45. Foot Tattoo Idea
Source: @pissaro_tattoo
One thing you should be aware of when it comes to foot tattoos is that they hurt quite a bit. These watercolor flower tattoos are beautiful, you can’t deny that, but the bonier areas of your body are always going to be the most painful places to have inked.
You will also need to bear in mind that the shoes and socks you wear will rub on the skin. This can actually have an impact on how long the tattoo lasts.
Constant rubbing will cause it to fade, and that will mean a touch up every now and again. You know what that means. More pain. Just saying.
46. Pink and Purple Flower Tattoo
Source: @adrianbascur
Next up, we have another arm tattoo, but this one features three large flowers in pink and purple shades. One of the flowers is dark pink, the next is purple, and the last one is light pink.
It is a pretty and feminine tattoo that will suit everyone. You can recreate the gorgeous pink and purple look or choose your own colors for the flowers.
47. Magnolia Leg Tattoo
Source: @pissaro_tattoo
Magnolia trees are beautiful, and their petals are soft, pink, and white in color. They are said to depict three things: life, beauty, and nature.
Trees are a great idea to use within a family oriented tattoo, as well as within these watercolor flower tattoos.