Creative Owl Tattoo Ideas That Are a Hoot

Owls are symbols of wisdom and knowledge making them popular subject matter for tattoos. Owl tattoos are very common with many people turning to the predatory bird for inspiration for their ink. Some people go the cute route with tattoos of owls with big eyes and tender expressions. Other folks go the fierce route showing the bird on the attack.

There’s no right or wrong way to go about it and to prove that we have compiled a list of owl tattoos that show the full range of possibilities. We looked to social media to discover emerging trends around this genre of tattoo as well as the latest and greatest designs that people are boasting about online. Check out some awesome owl tattoos below!

Take a Look at These Majestic Owl Tattoos That You’re Going to Want!

Heavy On Mood

If you’d like a tattoo that really feels supernatural, consider something similar that brings the mood. Spooky elements of this owl tattoo will make a bold statement.

A Wise One

How cute is this wise old owl that is resting on top of a pile of books? Fine lines and delicate linework really make this owl tattoo a real standout.

Photorealism

Find yourself a talented artist and you could walk away with a tattoo that looks as pretty as a picture. Expert shading and highlighting help bring this design to life.

Watercolor

We find a subtle watercolor tattoo in this tattoo that uses oranges, golds, and pinks to color the design and give a nice glow. Consider these autumnal colors or go full rainbow for a unique look.

The Hunt

Wow! This owl tattoo looks like it’s in motion and full of energy. It’s done in a singular design that you will not see replicated on this list. Work with an artist that has a point of view for something wholly original.

On a Feather

Here’s an interesting concept. We find a feather that contains the face of an owl with a golden eye. It’s like a deconstructed owl tattoo.

Mandala-Inspired

Mandala tattoos are so very popular today. We find an owl worked into the geometric patterns of this design which is a one-of-a-kind idea.

A Sleeve

How perfect are the colors in this half-sleeve tattoo? Oranges, gold, ochre, browns, and more help this design tell its story. What a dream!

Autumnal Feels

Again, we see color used to bring a design to life. It’s one of the owl tattoos that’s also using warm colors to make the owl appear vibrant and at home in its natural setting.

Little Bebe

Owl tattoos with big eyes are a huge trend. The cartoonish design is rather cutesie and you could be better served with a more realistic interpretation if you want something more understated.

Eyes

We find the focus on the eyes in this half-sleeve tattoo that finds an owl in closeup. It’s completely arresting and would be great for someone who finds an owl’s eyes captivating.

In Motion

Here’s a most interesting owl tattoo that is so stylized and special. The feathers of this owl all seem to be formed by wind, billowing behind it and moving with the wind.

Hey, Big Eyes

Baby blues are popping in this cutesie design which will be great for folks who wants something that will make people say “aw.” A cute, pink heart in the center makes this tattoo ever-so-sweet.

RELATED: 25 Bird Tattoos That Soar Above the Rest

Sunshine

Sunflower tattoos are so very popular these days and we find them included with this owl tattoo that really beams with the goldenness of the sun. Pair your owl with some flowers for an extra-special and romantic design.

Ornamental

This owl tattoo reminds us of Russian nesting dolls. We find so many ornamental elements contained in the “body” of this tattoo that are really very special and unlike anything else we encountered while researching owl tattoos.

Moon & Stars

If you’d like a smaller owl tattoo, consider just inking a face. This very direct-looking tattoo will be great for folks who want a bold piece that does not take up a ton of real estate.

Grand Beauty

We find so many different interesting things going on in this very large tattoo that finds a golden flower at the wrist and swirling red liquid just above it. It’s an interesting design that feels fresh and one-of-a-kind.

Neon Goodness

Play with color for a tattoo that really expresses the mood you wish to convey. Elements of this design look as if they’ve been spray-painted on. Graffiti tattoos are a growing trend and this is a subtle one that does not take away from the subject matter.

A Classic

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel with your owl tattoo. Instead, focus on the subject matter and the things that make owls so visually stunning to you.

Book Bird

The adage “always carry a book” feels appropriate in this instance as we find an owl hauling a book. We especially liked the way the face is tattooed in this design.

An Impression

Here’s another watercolor tattoo but as you can see it is more impressionistic than the other examples on this list. Rainbow color feels cheerful and fun amid a sea of black and grey tattoos.

Deathly

Okay! You can get creepy with an owl tattoo that looks as if it’s embedded in a skull. A knowing eye floats over the scene for an ominous sort of mood.

Mama Owl

Mama owl can be found snuggling her two baby owls in this sweet tattoo that’s sentimental. Sparkling eyes and pastel colors are just so sweet here.

Chest Piece

If you’re in the market for a large owl tattool, consider getting inked on the chest. These sorts of tattoos are a big commitment but you can see they really pay off.

Blue Bird

You can get totally creative with your designs and think really out of the box. A blue geometric design has been worked into the body of this bird and we think it’s a winner.

Florals Are It

We’ve said it already on this list but we’ll say it again, flanking your owl with florals helps fill the tattoo out and make it feel so very special. Pair your favorite flowers with your owl and you will have a tattoo you cherish forever.

Nightie Night

It’s fine to go goth with your design. We see a very moody owl here that contains architectural elements and some very low-key stars. It looks magical, moody, and mysterious.

Pink Prisms

You should feel very much inclined to choose your favorite color for your owl tattoo and just go with it. Pink makes for a most interesting choice and you should do the same if it speaks to you.

With Monocle

Here’s another wise owl tattoo with a book that is made extra special by the inclusion of a monocle that looks playful and very fun. The sensational color here makes the tattoo really pop.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 35 Fresh Forearm Tattoos for Women That Will Inspire You

A Whole Scene

One of our favorite owl tattoos on this list feels like it’s perfectly balanced, composed, and well-planned. Work with a trusted tattoo artist to plan each element of your tattoo so that it is perfectly in place. It clearly pays off.

There you go! Aren’t owls the best? We hope you found some owl tattoo ideas that you will want to adapt for your very own, personal design. There’s no right or wrong way to go about it. Just make sure you’re expressing yourself to the fullest. Happy tattooing!