The 14 Best Octopus Tattoo Designs That You Must Try

Octopus tattoos are surprisingly popular. From traditional black and gray pieces to colorful watercolor styles, there are many ways to represent this eight-armed sea creature. Whether you’re looking for a cute idea or something with more impact, the best octopus tattoo designs have something for everyone.

Octopus

Why get an octopus tattoo?

Octopuses are incredibly fascinating creatures. They are among the most intelligent invertebrates on the planet. Not only do they solve complex problems, but they have excellent long-term memory. Everything they know, they learn on their own as their parents don’t raise them.

What’s more, they have astonishing skills like the ability to camouflage their bodies for protection and hunting. Not only are they venomous, but they also expel ink to defend themselves. And octopuses are also able to regenerate limbs if they are injured.

Why get an octopus tattoo

What does an octopus tattoo mean?

These distinctive creatures symbolize intelligence, mystery, resilience, and adaptability. An octopus is perfect for anyone who wants a bold statement piece about these ideals.

An octopus tattoo can be encouragement for overcoming your fears. It can represent your intellect and your ability to adapt.

Furthermore, it can be a sign of growth or even indicate that you are dangerous.

Black and gray octopus tattoo

Black and gray octopus tattoo

Octopus tattoos can be done with intricate detail, making them perfect for showcasing an artist’s skill. Additionally, their soft and flexible shape allows for creativity when depicting them in different sizes and positions on the body. Opting for a black and gray design adds depth to the piece as well as making it timeless.

Black octopus tattoo on an ankle

Black octopus tattoo on an ankle

An ankle placement of a black ink octopus tattoo adds an element of surprise when you move around just like the actual animal when it springs out of hiding. Additionally, the slim profile of an octopus makes it easy to fit into limited space on any part of the leg or foot without becoming too overwhelming or taking away from other tattoos nearby.

Minimalist octopus tattoo

Minimalist octopus tattoo

The simple lines and just-right amount of shading make for a gorgeous tattoo that should heal quickly.

Colorful minimalist octopus tattoo

Colorful minimalist octopus tattoo

This colorful octopus with bold lines is sure to get noticed!

Octopus tattoo on a hand

Octopus tattoo on a hand

Just look at this cute little guy with big puppy eyes. How can anyone resist giving him whatever he wants?

One tweak we’d suggest is using UV-reactive ink for highlights.

Kraken octopus tattoo with a pirate ship

Kraken octopus tattoo with a pirate ship

Here is a striking and unusual octopus tattoo. It features the Kraken from folklore, an enormous sea creature capable of sinking entire ships. The idea of combining this mythological creature with a pirate vessel draws on the tradition of seafarers and sailors throughout history, who often used tales about Kraken-like beasts to keep their crew in line.

Japanese Akkorokamui octopus tattoo

Japanese Akkorokamui octopus tattoo

Japanese-style tattoos have a distinctive look. The stylized octopus or Akkorokamui is often featured in them. It’s a dangerous creature with immense power, but it can also provide healing and protection.

Realistic octopus tattoo

Realistic octopus tattoo

Here’s a touchable photorealistic octopus tattoo with vibrant colors and lifelike textures. For those daring enough to go for it, this type of tattoo can create a stunning visual statement. The realism enables the wearer to capture that same sense of power as if there was actually a real live octopus on their shoulder!

Traditional or tribal octopus tattoo

Traditional or tribal octopus tattoo

This eye-catching design utilizes lively colors and geometric shapes to create an impressive piece of body art that is both visually appealing and deeply meaningful. The octopus has long been a symbol of strength and power in many cultures making this tattoo suitable for those looking to express their inner strength or showcase their heritage.

Trash Polka octopus tattoo

Trash Polka octopus tattoo

Even the distinctive red and black Trash Polka style lends itself to octopus tattoos. Check out the intricate geometries.

Octopus tattoo with a skull

Octopus tattoo with a skull

With this much detail, color, and depth, it’s hard to stop staring at the New Traditional style octopus embracing a human skull. The creature doesn’t look especially scary. However, it’s a blue-ringed octopus that has enough venom to kill an adult person.

Watercolor octopus tattoo

Watercolor octopus tattoo

This cheerful creature is a real conversation starter. We love the gorgeous colors and shading.

Hand-poked little octopus tattoo

Hand-poked little octopus tattoo

The little octopus is carefully crafted with intricate detail. It’s hard to believe that it’s a stick-and-poke tattoo.

It’s also a good example of incorporating other elements with the octopus. Here the octopus contemplates a butterfly perched on its tentacle. It’s an interesting combination because of what the creatures each symbolize.

A butterfly can represent a journey or transformation, emerging stronger and more beautiful after the struggle. In this sense, it can be viewed as an empowering reminder that no matter how difficult life may seem at times, we too are capable of metamorphosis and becoming something bigger, better, and stronger.

Then, an octopus represents resilience, adaptability, intelligence, and the ability to overcome. Together, they make for amazing artwork.

Octopus tentacle tattoo

Octopus tentacle tattoo

What does a solitary tentacle mean? Is it a teaser of the hidden depths of the person wearing it? What do you think?

Where to place an octopus tattoo?

When you decide to get inked, you have a few things to consider. It’s not just the design itself, but also where to put it.

If you want a highly detailed octopus tattoo, we suggest getting a sleeve or putting it on your chest, shoulder, or back. What might help your decision is whether you want others to view the ink or if it’s just for you.

If you want a small octopus tattoo, you have many options. The wrist and forearm are popular as are the feet. However, feet are sensitive and it’s a bit more painful to get tattooed there.

Therefore, take into consideration the size of the tattoo and whether you want to show it off or not. Then choosing where to place it becomes easier.

Conclusion

Octopus tattoos are beautiful and meaningful. They can express so much about your hopes, abilities, and goals. Large or small, minimalist or realistic, it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you’ll enjoy this gorgeous work of art on your body. We hope we helped you find the best octopus tattoo design today!