Spine Tattoos and Designs: 150 Stunning Arrow Tattoo Designs And Their Meanings

150 Stunning Arrow Tattoo Designs And Their Meanings

One of the most popular designs in tattoo art is the arrow tattoo, which has been loved by tattoo enthusiasts since a long time. The simplicity of the arrow tattoo is its biggest plus point, which makes it a good choice for the first timers as it involves less money, time and pain. But its simplicity in no way implies that the tattoo is less attractive than other tattoo designs, which is the reason why it is regarded as one of the best options for both men and women. Moreover, arrow tattoo designs can be done in big or small sizes and look good at any location on the body, depending upon the size of the tattoo. At the same time, this design exudes a symbolic meaning making it a preferred one.

Like all other tattoo designs, the arrow tattoo too has its own symbolic meaning, which needs to be understood before one opts for this tattoo. In the Native American culture, the arrow is considered as the weapon of protection and hunting, which has been used to safeguard one’s family as well as sustain them by making provision of food for them. In this culture, two crossed arrows also depict friendship, which is the reason why this symbol is a popular tattoo designs for friend. Though different kinds of arrow tattoo designs stand for different things, the basic meaning of an arrow tattoo is positivity as arrow stands for moving ahead despite being constrained by the bow. The bow, which stands for struggle in life, pulls one back but the arrow gets itself released from the bow to propel forward and seek better things in life. In other words, an arrow stands for achievements of one’s goals in life by overcoming all hardships. In zodiac, a bow and an arrow stand for the astrological sign of Sagittarius. Another meaning associated with the arrow is that it stands for love as in Cupid’s arrow, which made people get attracted towards each other and fall in love. It is also considered as the symbol of masculinity, strength, power and sense of direction. It is about moving in only one direction, which is forward, without looking back in life. Would you like to check our hand-picked collection of Maori Tattoos?

Placement of Arrow Tattoo

An arrow tattoo is formed by simple lines done mostly in black, though colors may be used in some cases depending upon the choice of the bearer. Basically, it is the size of the tattoo which determines its placement. A small sized arrow tattoo can be inked on the wrist, ankle or finger, while a medium to bigger one can be done on the side, back, shoulder, chest, arm, thigh or leg. The prolonged shape of this kind of tattoo also makes it ideal to be placed along the spine.

Popular Arrow Tattoo Designs

Arrow tattoos come in different designs, out of which one can choose a design according to its deeper symbolic meaning as well its aesthetic value. Here are some popular arrow tattoo designs:

Single Arrow – One of the most widely used arrow tattoo designs is the solitary arrow, which as in its common symbolism, points towards a direction. Another meaning of a single arrow is protection from the evil and negative forces.
Two Arrows – As explained earlier, two arrows which cross each other stand for friendship as per the Native American culture. They can be used as a matching tattoo with one’s best friend. On the other hand, two arrows which point away from each other depict war.
Broken Arrow – In contract to arrow depicting war and protection, a broken arrow represents making peace.
A Bundle of Arrows – A common arrow tattoo design shows a bundle of multiple arrows, usually five in number. These arrows bundled together stand for unity and strength, as a single arrow can be broken easily while it is hard to break a bundle of them.

Some other tattoo designs in arrow tattoos incorporate these arrows with elements like feathers, dreamcatcher, anchor, flowers, diamonds and hearts, each one having its own meaning, an arrow passing through a heart is a commonly seen design which shows broken heart and pain in love. On the other hand, an arrow passing through a diamond signifies courage and positivity, which takes a person on the path of success in life. An arrow can also be done along with a compass or Nautical Star for representing direction. Another popular arrow tattoo designs features a bow with an arrow strung on it, ready to be shot.

Most of the time, an arrow tattoo will be seen in the conventional black color as its prominent shape makes it easily recognizable, but in newer designs, use of color makes these tattoos more vibrant and eye catching. These simple yet attractive tattoos are a top choice among tattoo lovers of both sexes and all ages.