Tattoo artists usually get a lot of inquiries for sunflower tattoos due to their various hidden meanings. Whether you want to replicate flowers in nature or get inspiration from artwork, these tattoos give connotations of optimism and are a popular first choice for many people.
Before hitting a tattoo shop, it’s worth knowing sunflower tattoo meanings, popular styles, and the best placements on your body.
5 Main Meanings Of Sunflower Tattoos
Sunflowers carry different meanings across cultures. They can mean anything from happiness, good luck, longevity, loyalty, devotion, and provision.
That’s why these bright-colored flowers are a popular choice for tattoos. Although sunflowers are pretty dainty and feminine, they can match several elements to make the design more open to interpretation.
Happiness
With their uplifting appearance associated with the sun and the golden hues, Sunflowers symbolize happiness and joy. It is why a field of these bright, beautiful flowers instantly makes you feel good. They can help reduce stress and anxiety and promote happiness. Sunflower tattoos can remind you to always look on the bright side and be happy!
Good luck
In Chinese culture, sunflowers have auspicious meanings. Placing them at home can promote vibrant energy and draw good luck. Sunflowers are also a flower of choice for gifting fresh graduates and those just starting a business.
Longevity
Sunflower tattoos always carry the symbolism of longevity and growth. They can stand still in full bloom even on scorching hot days.
Their flowers and long stems absorb all the sun’s energy for growth. Sunflower tattoos can mean that you’re expecting or already experiencing growth in your life.
The seeds from these flowers once were snacks of Chinese royalty as people believed they exuded the powers of longevity and mortality.
Loyalty and devotion
In Greek mythology, a water nymph named Clytie fell in love with the young sun god Apollo. However, Apollo took no notice of her and her unrequited love.
Day by day, Clytie followed him with her eyes as he was driving his golden chariot across the sky. Then, the Gods changed her into a sunflower which turned its face towards the sun.
The love of Clytie for Apollo is genuine and ever-lasting. For this reason, sunflowers are a symbol of unswerving faith, adoration, and devotion.
Provision
The sunflower was one of the first crops grown in America. The bounty harvest of seeds and pigments for sunflowers gives another meaning to them. Many native American groups associate these flowers with provision.
They are also a symbol of courage for many people of the country. Hunters would sprinkle sunflower powder on their clothes to keep the spirits high before the hunt.
10 Common Themes Of Sunflower Tattoos
Watercolor sunflower tattoo
Sunflowers burst with vibrant color, and one of the best ways to showcase them is via watercolor inks. Watercolor tattoos look soft and elegant with edgeless lines and bleeding color effects. They should take your breath away the moment the artist finishes.
As striking as they are, watercolor tattoos typically don’t hold up as long as traditional inks.
Black and white sunflower tattoo
Black and white inks make sunflowers just as striking as watercolor inks. Tattoo artists’ flexible use of white and black inks can bring a new dimension to the piece. Without vibrancy, black sunflower tattoos are a more minimalist choice for you.
Realistic sunflower tattoo
Realistic tattoos are more challenging for the artists, but you get a piece of art on your body if done perfectly. Although big tattoos will be easier to perfect, artists now can do this style on smaller tattoos if you want, especially on areas like the arm.
Rectangular sunflower tattoo
These tattoos are a miniature version of your favorite artwork or a snapshot of sunflowers. The most famous artwork that goes into rectangular tattoos is from Van Gogh paintings. His beautiful brush strokes and exceptional color use quickly convinced many people to put his artwork to life in their skin.
Geometric sunflower tattoo
For those more into the inked shape and patterns, a geometric sunflower design is a great option. The petals of the flower have a symmetrical and circular shape, and when combined with geometry design, they bring a formulation for perfection and interpretation.
Mandala sunflower tattoo
The Mandala is a spiritual symbol in Buddhism and Hinduism, representing different aspects of the Universe and the idea of never-ending life. The design might have a sunflower encased in this symbolic shape and typically uses black and white inks.
Alternatively, it can be half flower and half mandala, or the artist can get creative to combine these two patterns in the best way he can. The best placements for this tattoo are the arms and back.
Sunflower and butterfly tattoo
If sunflowers represent growth and vitality, butterfly means transformation. These two elements are the ideal match for a stunning tattoo that promotes positive thinking.
There are two popular ways to combine sunflower and butterfly in a tattoo. A half sunflower and half butterfly in symmetrical patterns denote the transformative aspect. Another way is to have a sunflower surrounded by one or many butterflies.
Fineline sunflower tattoo
Sunflowers are also ideal for fine-line needles. You can go with the classic black lines or enliven things up with colored outlines. Keep it as simple as you want with just the florals, or add a meaningful phrase to it to make the tattoo even more unique.
Sunflower and rose tattoo
Romantic as roses and optimistic as sunflowers – you get a formulation for happiness in life. Rose-and-sunflower tattoos are a way you want to describe your romantic relationship with the other half or simply present yourself.
Small sunflower tattoos
You can give a different interpretation to a sunflower tattoo by adding other elements. For example, daisies, according to a Celtic legend, are a symbol of purity and innocence. Thus, tiny tattoos with sunflowers and daisies are a popular choice for mothers who celebrate the birth of their children.
Or even more simple, a tiny sunflower on the wrist is a less painful choice if you’re getting inks for the first time.
Which Body Part Should You Put On A Sunflower Tattoo?
Shoulder
Circular tattoos are one of the best options for tattooing on the shoulder. The curved lines of sunflowers or many other floral elements complement the natural shape of the shoulder perfectly. In addition, you can extend the ink downwards to create a half sleeve tattoo.
Thigh
Bold, pierce, and sexy – sunflower tattoos on thighs are elusive when needed and flattering when you want them to. A large detailed piece of sunflower tattoo is the best choice for this part of the body.
Ankle
The ankle is an ideal place for small tattoos that give a delicate and feminine feel. For example, a sunflower tattoo on this area should embrace the natural curve of the heel and lower leg. Besides, tiny details like stems and leaves can make your ink more lively and eye-catching.
Arm, forearm, and wrist
These are excellent places to wear sunflower tattoos. The arm and forearm can offer an extensive canvas for you to experiment with large or tiny tattoos. For the wrist, you may want a small, thin flower that winds around your wrist.
Behind the ear
Small sunflower tattoos look great and delicate behind the ear. You can use stems and leaves to create a pattern that follows the shape of your ear for a stunning look.
Foot
Foot tattoos are also a great placement for delicate and feminine floral designs. However, the foot is one of the most painful places to get a tattoo, so expect uncomfortable pain when the needles enter.
Back
Sunflower tattoos that run alongside the line of the spine are the most coveted. These designs often have more detailed ink work, thanks to the larger and flatter space.
Hip
Hip tattoos are usually small and delicate, making them perfect for dainty sunflower tattoos. Getting an ink piece in the hip is not only playful and feminine, and you can flaunt it during the summer months.
Sleeve
There are so many creative designs to cover such a large area like your sleeve. Sleeve sunflower tattoos are usually a combination of a host of petals, leaves, and stems which conjure up a mini garden full of these uplifting flowers.
Due to the large work involved, sleeve tattoos can be more costly than other parts and require you to sit for several sessions. However, the results are wow-worthy in the end.
Conclusion
If you want your tattoo with hidden meaning and a side of symbolism, consider sunflowers. Whether it is a dainty design or an oversized piece that covers up your sleeve, sunflower tattoo meanings are always positive and get you inspired for life.
While sunflower tattoos are a good design for everyone, you can personalize yours by adding different features and color combinations. Just get your creative juice flowing, and you never want to remove your sunflower tattoo one day.
See Also: