Bees are small insects that symbolize family and loyalty. From small to large, from black to color, find your next ink in these unique bee tattoos.
Bees are among the most popular small tattoo ideas around the world. these tiny bugs are so cute that they are perfect tattoo motifs for those with bubbly personalities.
but bee tattoos have a bigger meaning. they symbolize loyalty, family, teamwork and selflessness. bees work and live in communities, each with specific responsibilities. they put their family before themselves and would do everything in their power to keep the system running. therefore, bee tattoos are often seen as a display of loyalty and structure.
Bee tattoos can also mean hard work and perseverance. they are always buzzing, spreading pollen from one flower to another. and that’s where the phrase “busy as a bee” comes from.
Either way, bee tattoos are an amazing representation of good qualities. If the symbolism resonates with you, bee tattoos might be a good idea. From small to large, intricate to simple, these bee tattoo designs will inspire your next ink.
Disclaimer: This collection of bee tattoos is for inspiration only. please do not copy the artwork. If you love these tattoos, follow the artists and show them some support.
beautiful bee tattoos with meaning
bold and creative bee tattoo ideas
Just because bees are small doesn’t mean bee tattoos have to be small. With creativity, bee tattoo designs can be bold and beautiful. Below is a list of bee tattoos if you want to go big.
colored bee and daisy tattoo
@eden_tattoo_
Daisies represent youth and purity. this tattoo combines a daisy with a bee. By adding the colors of the rainbow to the mix, tattoo artist Eden creates an aesthetically pleasing design for girls.
fine line tattoo of bee and flower on the shoulder blade
@carinsilver_physalistattoo
Enlarging the bee is not your only option if you want a larger bee tattoo. you can combine it with a flower or other elements that are cohesive, like this tattoo on the shoulder blade.
floral bee tattoo on the bracelet
@ch.tattoo.ahn
Bees and flowers are often seen together in a tattoo design. Although all the bees look similar, you can change the position and shape of the flowers to add character. and this bracelet tattoo on the wrist is a good example.
conceptual tattoo on the arm
@skylerespinoza
one good thing about concept tattoos is that they allow for different interpretations. take this arm tattoo as an example. It consists of a skull, a rose, a hand, a heart and a bee.
In terms of meaning, it could be an illustration of complicated human emotions. or it can be an art that reveals the user’s life priorities.
sunflower and bee
@ornot_tattoo
Like birds, bees’ flight posture adds vibrancy to a tattoo. For example, the bee in this sleeve tattoo gives movement to the field of sunflowers. and the bright colors reveal the wearer’s bubbly personality.
intricate bee embellishment tattoo on chest
@auua.tattoo
You don’t always need colors for a bee tattoo to stand out. for example, the tattooist wraps the bee with metal-style decorations. puts the bee in the center of the focus and the decoration looks like spears pointing out.
intricate bee hand tattoo
@jairballinastattoo
Hand tattoos are not for everyone due to their high visibility. But if you’re deeply connected to the symbolism of the bee and aren’t afraid to show it, you’ll sport an intricate hand tattoo like this one.
impressive bee and flowers tattoo on the thigh
@picsola
Because the upper thigh is rarely seen, it’s a perfect canvas for bold designs. This thigh tattoo extends from the side of the waist to the thigh. With highly contrasting colors and dazzling details, it will be a work of art that sparks conversations.
simple bee and flower outline tattoo
@monochrom.ink
This tattoo is a good example of a design that can be big and still keep it simple. both the flowers and the bee are painted with fine, graceful lines. despite stretching vertically, it still feels light and feminine.
bee name tattoo
@tattooartist_kim_manthey
One way to personalize a tattoo is to add names or initials. and this bee and flower tattoo can give you an idea of how to elegantly incorporate your name into a design.
whimsical flower and bee tattoo
@non_lee_ink
The nonlee tattoo artist is a profession in creating interesting color palettes. In this tattoo, he adds red, green, and orange to both the flower and the bee. the untraditional color scheme makes the tattoo stand out from the crowd.
bee in honey
@mumi_ink
sometimes a good tattoo requires a bit of imagination. the tattooist depicts the bee in a translucent honey pot. this is a pretty smart move because it creates room for vibrant colors. and turn a bee tattoo that would have been too simple into a stunning piece of jewelry.
dragon and bee sternum tattoo
@esperatakerewitch
sternum refers to the space that connects the neck and the clavicle. it is a private yet attractive tattoo placement. This dragon tattoo is a great example of playing with the silhouette of the body and complementing it with a curvy design.
elegant bee between the tits
@modoink_vivi
This is another bee tattoo between the boobs. but unlike the previous one, it is formed only by flowers and bees. but the tattooist extends the tattoo with a flower at the bottom. so it perfectly fills the space between the chest.
conceptual portrait tattoo
@tatuajesbybethanylackey
The honeycomb consists of hexagons of the same size, giving structure to a tattoo. this portrait ink is a good example. and the quote “sweet as honey” also echoes the symbolism of the bee.
black and gray beehive tattoo
@serenaferraris
Hives are more than just hexagons. If you want a non-boring beehive tattoo, you can color each slot black or gray or leave them white to create a contrasting visual effect.
bee and hive tattoo
@cezart_tattoo
The great thing about adding hives to a bee tattoo is that it adds colors. the color of the honey is yellowish, which makes the whole design stand out.
flower and bee frame tattoo
@lauvaan
This arm tattoo mimics a skin art frame. Additionally, the bee is partially out of the frame, giving the tattoo a three-dimensional effect.
ornamental bee tattoo
@la_mome_indigo
Unlike the previous one, this tattoo has no frame. instead, the four decorations surrounding the bee place it in the center of the focus, magnifying the beauty of the tattoo.
conceptual bee tattoo
@skylerespinoza
This conceptual tattoo combines a bee, the sculpture of apollo belvedere and the stairs that lead to the universe. the combination of real and unreal, modern and ancient, creates a huge space for imagination.
small and simple bee tattoo ideas
Most bee tattoos are small, perfect for those looking for discreet ink. But with different tattoo styles and details, a small bee tattoo can be unique and beautiful. and here is a list of small bee tattoos to give you an idea.
little flower and bee tattoo
@tattoo.pencil
The bee is a fairly small insect. and it is not easy to get the details right, especially when tattooing in small sizes. however, not only does this tattoo capture the details and reflection, but the flowers are also painted to perfection.
simple abstract bee tattoo
@looezzink
If you want a small bee tattoo, you don’t always need to include the details. instead consider an abstract version like this. it’s less expensive and works great for minimalists.
realistic bee tattoo
@tives
The arm is the perfect place for first tattoos, whether large or small. there is enough fat under the skin, which means that getting a tattoo in this area will not cause as much pain.
It also has enough room for your imagination to run wild. Even if it’s a small, intricate tattoo like this one, you can add vertical lines to extend and position it.
minimalist bee and flower tattoo
@unotattoonyc
Bold tattoos with vibrant colors tend to draw attention. but simple outline tattoos stand the test of time. take this tattoo as an example. the tattoo artist omits most of the details, keeping only the silhouette of the flower and the bee. however, even without thick lines and colors, the tattoo is elegant enough to shine.
bee tattoo on the wrist
@nus.tattoo
Wrist tattoos are great reminders because of the visibility. you can see the ink on your wrist when you raise your arm. so you’ll want a design that represents or relates to you on a deep level.
The bee symbolizes loyalty and hard work, the two qualities that are often overlooked in today’s society. so, from this point of view, such a small tattoo has a deep meaning.
bumblebee tattoo on upper arm
@beckydonnellytattoo
a bee tattoo can have multiple bees. Adding one or more bees to the tattoo, as shown above, lengthens the shape of the tattoo and makes it fit the area better.
bee rib tattoo
@na.nago
Unlike the arm, rib tattoos can cause more pain due to the thin skin of this area. therefore, if you like to get a tattoo on your rib, it is always better to start small. and a bee would be a good match for placement.
small and simple bee tattoo
@choiyun_tattoo
In our interview with tattoo artist choiyun, she talked about the use of black in tattoos. For a black tattoo to be believable and amazing, the tattooist must apply different shades of black. and he did it in this simple tattoo.
the light gray represents the transparency of the wings and the white highlights the reflection. the use of colors demonstrates the thoughts and skills of a small realism tattoo.
simple moon bee tattoo
@cathiscosmos
One way to add meaning to a bee tattoo is with symbols. the moon represents femininity. When painted on the body of a bee, the moon tattoo becomes a display of feminine power.
matching flower and bee tattoos
@stienevsart
Alone, a bee can be seen as a symbol of loyalty and self-discipline. but when paired with a flower, it can take on different meanings.
For example, these matching tattoos can express love and affection because the bees feed on the flower. on the other hand, the flower depends on the bee to spread its pollen. the relationship of interdependence makes these tattoos a work of art full of love.
queen bee tattoo
@boratattoo
queen bee tattoos make a powerful statement. they belong to women who believe in their strength and have a desire to conquer. For example, this queen bee tattoo uses the crown to indicate power. and the gem is a way to celebrate feminine strength.
queen bee tattoo on the neck
@palette.tt
bee tattoos are small enough to work in different locations. but if you want medium visibility, consider nape or nape tattoos. you can hide it with your hair down or show it off proudly with a bun.
queen bee script tattoo
@loyatattoo
Not all bee tattoos have to be about bees. This creative shoulder blade tattoo replaces the images of the bee with the word “bee”. With the wings and the crown, it is still a tattoo that represents inner strength and faith.
just be you
@ablackwidow
If a queen bee tattoo isn’t statement enough, add an inspiring line and make it a quote tattoo. for example, the quote “just be you” turns this tattoo into a permanent reminder of authenticity.
cute queen bee tattoo on wrist
@katoskinner
Unlike the queen bee tattoos we’ve seen before, this one takes a different approach. By emphasizing the eye, the tattoo artist draws the bee and makes it a cute tattoo for girls.
ee and honeycomb tattoo on the neck
@goldencobratattooclub
the honeycomb itself is a geometric structure. so if you’re looking for a geometric tattoo, consider adding honeycombs to the design.
beautiful bee and plant tattoo
@claire.everywhere
Although a bee is a small tattoo motif, you can add flowers, leaves or a crown to cover more space. and since they are ornamental elements, the bee will continue to be the center of attention.
super cute bee tattoos
small objects or creatures have the potential to become cute tattoo motifs. and bees are one of them. but how can you make a little bee tattoo even more adorable? Take a look at the following tattoo ideas.
small bee neck tattoo
@veroni.ink
Neck tattoos are highly visible. but why not show it off if your tattoo is as cute as this one? In addition, the details are so well painted that it looks like a real bee resting on the skin. the illusion will make people talk and guess.
cute bee and sunflower tattoo
@melinda_fugu_tattoo
Sunflowers often represent a positive life attitude and energy. So for someone who always looks on the bright side, a sunflower tattoo will be perfect. Besides, who can say no to a cute teary-eyed bumblebee like this?
small flowers and bee collarbone tattoo
@donghwa_tattoo
Flower tattoos are so appreciated in part for their versatility. you can always find a flower with the symbolism and look you like. and you can tattoo a whole flower with the stem or just keep the heads like that to fit in different places, like this collarbone tattoo.
small black and gray bee tattoo
@danusha.tattoo
You can have a bee tattoo as detailed as a real one. or you can go for something simpler like this keeping only its basic shape. the tattoo artist also adds a trail of flight to the design, creating movement and fun.
cowgirl bee tattoo
@tatuajesbycorinne
Cowboy tattoos are not limited to men. With a cute bee adaptation like this, a girl can look great.
lovely bee tattoo
@funky_boy_tattoo
how adorable is this tattoo! the bee holding a flower as a gift reflects the generosity of the bearer. With a smile on their face, this tattoo will belong to someone with a kind heart and a pure soul.
bee fossil
@klem.hoang
Bee fossils are gems created by nature. they were formed when bees were accidentally captured in amber and preserved through the ages. As a tattoo, the bee fossil can be a symbol of innocence and qualities that do not change over time.
the killer bee
@teeny.savvy
A good tattoo doesn’t need to boast of high-level skills. but it has to have a personality that represents the bearer. and this killer bee tattoo is a good example.
cute bee tattoo
@monica.tattoos
Just like owl tattoos, if you want to make a cute bee tattoo, draw a cartoon. make the eyes bigger. add vibrant colors. and you will have an adorable tattoo that will make you “aww”.
the balloon bee tattoo
@tailoftherattattoo
As high as a bee can fly, you can fly higher with a balloon. this tattoo turns assumption into ink.
Maybe he’s on a mission or on the run to explore the world. We do not know for sure. but a tattoo like this shows how imaginative the wearer is.
bee and pot of honey
@tinybaki
Bees connect honey from flowers and carry it back to the hive. but will they ever eat it when they are hungry? the tattoo artist translates this idea into ink on the skin. and the roughness of the lines makes the tattoo more interesting.
which of these bee tattoos is your favourite?
Leave a comment below and share your thoughts!
