25 Compass Tattoos That Symbolize Safety, Protection, and Adventure

Compass tattoos have become an extremely popular trend in recent years. Whether you’re looking to get inked for aesthetic reasons or want meaningful symbolism, compass tattoos offer many creative options that are sure to make a statement. Not only do these types of tattoos look great, but they also symbolize safety, protection, and adventure.

Because these tattoos are so prevalent, it can be hard to stand out from the pack. Have no fear! We’ve got some ideas for you that range from tidy and neat to big and bombastic. While most compass tattoos are done in black and grey, we have found some really cool colorful ones for you to see as well. There are so many awesome tattoos awaiting your consideration below!

With Geometric and Natural Elements

This stunning compass tattoo design combines geometric shapes with a small turtle for a truly eye-catching piece of art. The lines and shapes of the tattoo provide a beautiful backdrop to the intricate details of the compass.

The Jetsetter

Compass tattoos with airplanes are popular because the combination signifies adventure and a love of travel. Also notable, there is a band formed from a geometric pattern that the compass sits in, which is a great idea!

Realism

Woah! We’ve got one of the most realistic compass tattoos with this example that looks like real silver. Find yourself an artist with true talent and something similar could be on the horizon for you.

Making Waves

Here’s a modestly-sized compass tattoo that also includes an anchor. Anchors are extremely popular pairings with compasses. Further, we find a wave and some birds, giving this one a sailing vibe.

King of Compass

Okay! We’re not sure what the lion is doing here, but it certainly looks interesting as an addition to this compass tattoo. Perhaps they wanted a design that also symbolizes loyalty and power.

On a Map

If you’d like to expand your compass tattoo to a full or half sleeve, here’s how you do it. With the addition of a map, which is common, you can cover more real estate.

‘Peace and Tranquility’

“Guide me towards the ocean, where I find peace and tranquility,” the person who shared this compass tattoo captioned the image. Do you get this sense when looking at this compass tattoo?

Back to Basics

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel with your compass tattoo. A basic, tidy design will serve you well. This blank ink looks nice but you can always go for your favorite color for even more expression.

From the Mountains to the Sea

“Find yourself” and “Lose yourself” are sentiments on opposing sides of this compass tattoo. There is also a mountain landscape and a seaside one to help balance everything out. What a clever design!

Charting New Territory

Here’s another compass tattoo that takes up a considerable amount of space. It has not one but two compasses. The more, the merrier, right?

Watercolor

Watercolor tattoos are one of the hottest trends right now, so we were not surprised to find several compass tattoos with the technique as we researched these designs. This is the first but it won’t be the last one on this list.

Where Eagles Dare

We love any tattoo that celebrates nature, and this one puts wildlife front and center with a stylized eagle with spread wings. So many people get the exact same thing, and you definitely don’t want that. So, think outside the box.

A Little Cutie

Here’s a cure compass tattoo with some white ink for highlighting. It’s okay to go with a straightforward design if that’s what speaks to you.

Smaller Still

Here’s an even smaller compass tattoo, and we’re here to tell you that small tattoos often make the biggest impressions. Placement for smaller tattoos is so much easier, so if you’re thinking of getting your design on an unconventional part of the body, it’s a safe bet.

With an Arrow

Arrows are also popular among compass tattoos, as you might expect. They are also symbols of direction and stability. Smaller-scale maps and landscapes also look smart in this example.

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Traditional

“Lost my way,” this traditional compass tattoo says. If you want to celebrate the history of the art of tattooing, going in a more traditional direction is a way to keep this style alive.

A Shimmering Beauty

Here’s one of our favorite compass tattoos on this list. We just love the luscious florals and the choice of gold for the compass. Isn’t it just magical?

Neo-Traditional

Neo-traditional tattoos use classic shapes and motifs while creating something fresh and modern. We love the unique flowers that flank the compass in this energetic design.

Delicate

We’ve surveyed many a bold line so far on this list, but delicate ones are also fabulous. Aren’t these darling flowers the perfect compliment to the perfectly executed compass shape?

‘Lost in Space’

Again, if you want to expand your design to make it cover more of your arm, you can create a scene with imagery that hammers home your concept. We find a space exploration scene in the above example described by the person who shared it as “lost in space.”

Inner Workings

Matching

Because compass tattoos are so universally beloved, they make for great subject matter for matching tattoos. They represent a shared direction and friendship.

In Paradise

Here’s a rather dark design that’s big on drama. For your compass tattoo, think of your favorite place to be. Let the compass be your guide to it for a fun design. This person clearly likes the tropics.

Exhilarating Color

Here’s another watercolor design that has a cool geometric pattern. We prefer watercolor tattoos with as much color as possible, so don’t hesitate to request as much if you feel the same way. Bravo!

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Reflection

Finally, we leave you with another realism tattoo that’s well-executed. It’s simpler and more straightforward than previous compass tattoos in this mode which we are fond of. What do you think?

There you go! Now, you have seen dozens of examples of cool compass tattoos. We hope you got some great ideas to take to your tattoo artist. Further, artists can create a custom piece for you. You don’t want to copy a tattoo, right? It needs to tell your story. For even more ink inspiration, keep reading. We’ve got arrow tattoos we think you will like as well.

Discover Some Excellent Arrow Tattoo Ideas Below:

Warrior

Let’s kick things off with a design that’s rather popular. An arrow with a word in it like this one that says “warrior” is trendy. What would your arrow say?

Bejeweled

The sky’s the limit when it comes to your arrow tattoo. Here’s a dazzling, bejeweled design that’s absolute magic.

Simple, Fine Lines

In this modestly sized arrow tattoo, we find some extremely fine lines. For smaller tattoos, consider going ultra-fine for a cool look.

Geometric

Geometric shapes worked into an arrow tattoo are also popular today. You’ve already gotten a taste and you will see more like this as the list continues.

Save the Date

Do you have an important date that you’d like to celebrate? You can easily work it into an arrow tattoo. Roman numerals look especially sophisticated.

Compass

Another design we saw often involves a sort of compass shape worked into the arrow. It’s a design that reads as adventurous.

Botanical Bow

Here’s one of the biggest arrow tattoos we encountered. It features both an arrow and a bow with both decorated in gorgeous botanical elements.

With a Feather

Feather tattoos are popular and it seems fitting for an arrow to be paired with one. Great shading adds plenty of dimension and depth to the design.

Moon Arrow

Here’s a bold arrow tattoo that contains moon shapes and a rather decorative feather at the end. If you’d like a tattoo that makes a statement, something similar could be perfect for you.

Broken

The above tattoo is done in a neo-traditional style with bold lines, simple shapes, and a limited number of colors. It’s a handsome one that celebrates the history of tattooing.

Floral

Here’s another arrow tattoo with flower designs. It’s rather delicate and pretty. Pick a flower, any flower, and incorporate it into your arrow design for a meaningful touch.

Infinity

Infinity symbols are extremely popular as tattoos. We find the familiar shape paired with an arrow for an interesting take.

Tiny Bow

These floral bow and arrow tattoos are just breathtaking. Here’s another example that’s really small but still makes a big statement.

Lion

Do you love lions? Go ahead and get an arrow tattoo with one worked into the design for a tattoo that’s all your own.

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With Symbols

There are some really clean lines in this tattoo that includes many symbols like a lotus flower and scales. Tattoos are all about self-expression and if symbols help you do that, put them to work.

Watercolor

Watercolor tattoos are a huge trend today and it’s easy to see why. Folks are attracted to the possibility of fluid color that mimics paint.

Watercolor Part II

Here’s another example that shows just how magical watercolor designs can be. Imagine this tattoo without the color and you’d absolutely miss it.

Injury

Arrow tattoos that look like they’ve pierced the skin are mildly popular. Designs like the one above were once common among artists’ flash catalogs. It’s a nice throwback.

Traditional

Here’s a rather traditional take on the arrow tattoo. If you like old-school designs, go in this direction for an evocative and timeless design.

Micro

Micro tattoos are also on-trend these days. If you’re not looking for a huge commitment, going small can still make a big impact.

A Few

We find five different arrows in a similar style here. Why have just one?

Crispy

Here’s a very tidy tattoo with some very crisp lines. An artist with a delicate touch and very steady hand pulled this one off.

Brushstrokes

Take a look at that effect behind the feather portion of the arrow. Doesn’t it look like brushstrokes? Those paired with movement lines make this design look totally alive and energetic.

For Dad

Here’s a sweet tattoo dedicated to this person’s father. You might have hunted or practiced archery with your parent. Remember those fond memories with a tribute tattoo.

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Singular

We leave you with a very cool design that doesn’t look like any other on this list. A big feather detail and even droplets of blood make this one a real standout. Work with an artist to realize your unique vision and you’ll be in the money.

What did you think of all of these arrow tattoos? We hope you saw some that will inspire your own ink. There’s no right or wrong way to go about your arrow tattoo, just make sure that you’re expressing yourself to the fullest and showcasing your unique point of view. Happy tattooing!