Lions have been a symbol of bravery and physical power for centuries. The sheer strength of a lion is amazing, but what sets lions apart from other animals on the savannah is their coldness.
Lions aren’t just strong, they’re real. a lion denotes not only power, but a real distance from lesser beings.
This royal authority combined with power makes the lion the king of all animals. If you are planning to get a lion tattoo, you need to commit and make it big. A sleeve is a good option because it gives the tattoo artist enough space to create a detailed portrait and it will also be highly visible.
A creature as majestic as a lion deserves a manga. You can build a savannah or jungle themed backdrop that you can extend to include other figures or just leave the lion alone. it will be eye-catching either way.
Keep in mind that due to age and fitness, your arm can vary in diameter and shape, so be sure to choose a qualified tattoo artist who can take this into account when working with you to design your tattoo.
1. photo realism lion sleeve tattoos
lions are bold, strong, and confident, and by extension should exude a similar sense of theme when sported in ink. photorealism is therefore the most suitable stylistic option to get as close as possible to having a photograph of a lion on your skin.
the detail in many of these pieces is amazing, intense and definitely impressionable. some pieces show a lion staring into the distance with a bright gleam in its eyes, while others show the king of the jungle amidst an intimidating roar.
perhaps individuals with these pieces are looking for a meditative message or one that is more active being the presence of the roar. either way, these pieces are as close to the real thing as you’re going to get.
2. surrealism
For some people, the simple image of a lion is not enough to embody the message they want to convey through their body art. a portrait itself is dazzling, intimidating, sometimes with the use of intense colours, while others build on the original style of the portrait and blend in with shadow work.
surrealism takes the concept of portraiture and transfers it to a magical dimension, a reality that seeks to remove the lion from its natural habitat on earth. some of the pieces exude a mystical shade of arctic blue, which stands out against the detailed black line work. others transform the lion into a more animated appearance, replacing the standard realism with Japanese-style shapes and colors.
3. lion sleeve tattoos mixed with historical figures
Lions are often used as a metaphor for man’s triumph over nature, which can be taken both literally and metaphorically. many pieces in this section show what appear to be stone carvings of historical figures and characters from Greek and Roman times, as well as biblical accounts. One of the commonly referred to confrontations between the lion and the man is that of Samson and the lion, a biblical account of a man with superhuman strength who is able to take down a lion with his bare hands.
again, this is a meditation on the concept of masculinity, as well as the dedication of the human spirit. Style-wise, these pieces seem to seep into the theme of photorealism, as they are intensely detailed and rely heavily on the use of shading and the use of negative space.
4. lion tattoo sleeves with king and crown images
everyone knows that the lion is the king of the jungle. what these tattoos imply is the recognition of leadership, which in turn implies the search for power. royalty is associated with being at the top of the food chain, whether we are talking about animals or the food chain of humanity. the crowns on these pieces are majestic, dazzling and certainly meant to stand out and be noticed. the creature in these pieces is not only proud of her position, but incredibly willing to fight for it, as seen in the images of the lion amidst a terrifying growl.
5. lion sleeve tattoos mixed with other animals
Some people love animals and respect their wild nature. the individuals in this section show a versatile range of creatures that can interact in the same habitat as a lion, male or female. cheetahs, eagles, jaguars, owls, and elephants are on display in styles ranging from surreal to photorealistic.
many of these animals are predators, which binds them together in large pieces on the chest or arms. these animals could also represent different character traits of the individual wearing them, which is an acknowledgment of the multiple portions that coalesce into a single personality.
lion sleeve tattoo frequently asked questions
what does a lion tattoo symbolize?
A lion tattoo can have various interpretations and meanings for the person who wears it. first of all, a person could simply admire the animal itself: a male lion is the head of the pride, while females lead the hunt. these are two powerful roles with traits that the person feels he wants to incorporate into his own life or feels he already does.
Other characteristics that a lion tattoo can signify are strength, confidence, boldness, courage, and a general sense of masculinity for those who opt for the male lion image. the lion is also representative of leo in the zodiacal calendar. so this could be another reason why a person would get a tattoo of a lion.
Looking for more king of the jungle tattoo inspiration? Click the links below to see more awesome galleries featuring the best in lion ink:
- Top 83 Lion Tattoo Ideas
- Top 91 Lioness Tattoo Ideas
- Neo-Traditional Lion Tattoo Designs
- The 57 Best Geometric Lion Tattoo Ideas
