If you appreciate the meaning and role of the elephant in nature, chances are you will like elephant tattoos. For many who wear one of these tattoos, the elephant is much more than a tattoo: it is a connection, a link with Mother Nature.
At the time of the Silk Road, the elephant was the main mode of transport for traders, because of its strength which enabled it to carry heavy loads of goods – loads heavier than those carried by no other animal. And, as these traders venerated him and wanted to show the good they thought of this animal, some were drawn an image of elephant on the body, to remember it despite the passage of time.
The Greek king Pyrrhus is famous for using elephants for war. Many historians attribute it to the fact, among other noble figures, of using elephants to win battles. Due to the size of the animal, the enemies trembled and fled. The people of the old world had developed a real fascination for these creatures. Those who did not have enough money to buy an elephant were tattooed with a small image representing it, as a sign of courage and strength.
Mom and Baby elephant tattoo
In Hinduism, the god Ganesh is depicted with an elephant head and a human body. It is also known as Kangiten in Buddhism. Ganesh represents determination, wisdom, endurance and foundations. If a person prays to this Hindu god, he will be able to overcome his problems and build a house for himself and his family. Wearing a Ganesh tattoo will also allow you to perfect your memory and wisdom.
Meaning of elephant tattoos
Elephant tattoo designs can mean a lot. In general, an elephant tattoo represents not only luck but prosperity. And thanks to its important role in the animal kingdom, the elephant also symbolizes strength, power, longevity and dignity. In addition to the characteristics that we have just mentioned, the elephant is also associated with honor, intelligence, patience and spirituality. Thanks to all of this symbolism, the humble elephant tattoo has become increasingly popular, as the elephants themselves are aware of the importance of family ties and ancestral rites.
Geometric elephant tattoo
An elephant generally lives for many decades. It is one of the mammals whose longevity is the most important. Scientists have also pointed out that he could live longer if he didn’t lose his teeth by getting old, which prevents him from eating regularly. This is why wearing this type of tattoo on the body is also a symbol of longevity or represents the hope that, just like this animal, you will live for many years.
The elephant is also a symbol of success. In Hinduism, Ganesh is the god of the arts and sciences. He is known for his discernment and great wisdom. In alchemy, the elephant also represents communication, commerce and a great capacity for discernment – which is one of the meanings most commonly attributed to elephant tattoos.
Types of Elephant Tattoos
– Feminine elephant tattoos – Tattoos that have a more feminine appearance do not dwell too much on the details and emphasize the curves. They do not really have straight lines and avoid angles as much as possible, to highlight the shape of the elephant. Tattoo artists can, in this type of drawing, “let go” on the colors even if roses, blues and reds are generally particularly suitable for elephant tattoos. You can also adorn the elephants with roses and jewelry.
– 3D elephant tattoos – This type of elephant drawing is completely trendy. These tattoos are a perfect example of how body art has evolved over the years. Elephants in 3D are a good representation of the animal itself and only the most talented artists can draw them with skill. A 3D elephant tattoo will look good if you paint the animal in its natural habitat, which is either the African savannah or a body of water.
– Minimalist elephant tattoos – Some prefer a small elephant tattoo because they are much easier to draw. They’re not too painful either and you can cover them if you want. Images of small elephants are very popular, especially among women, who prefer to place their tattoo on their ankles, wrists or behind the ear. A minimalist tattoo doesn’t allow you to draw a lot of details – but some artists do it all the same.
– Tattoos of baby elephants – A tattoo of a small elephant can have a very good rendering on the wrist. It is also very pretty if placed on a finger.
– Elephant tattoos composed of lines, dots and curls – The magnificent designs of Indian henna tattoos always stand out in the other designs. Elephants inspired by Indian designs contain many elements similar to those used for traditional henna designs. Flowers, jewelry, minimal colors, clothing, stucco decorations, lines and dots are all linked to this theme. A tribal elephant tattoo represents royalty, wisdom and unconditional power.
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Ideal placement of elephant tattoos
You can place your elephant tattoo on your back, your knees, your chest, your ankles, your ribs, on your upper arm, lower neck, inside your arm, as a sleeve tattoo and on many other parts of your body. The location you choose does not matter because you can be sure that this tattoo will be beautiful if done by a professional.
Elephant tattoos also look very good on the shoulders. The Hindu god of success, Ganseh, is usually depicted with an elephant head. You can probably have a successful life if you get a tattoo of an elephant printed.
In many cases, when it is a large elephant tattoo, the ideal place is often the back, which has an area of skin large enough to accommodate this type of design.
Preparation tips before the tattoo session
Knowing how to prepare for an elephant tattoo session can reduce the session time by several hours and prevent certain health problems. It also makes the whole process less painful. Here are the few points to follow if you want to get an elephant tattoo:
Carefully browse the artist’s book. Do not impulsively order a tattoo without having looked at the artist’s work. This will allow you to make sure that you get what you want and that the work will be of quality. You must know 6 weeks in advance if you are ready to get a tattoo. If it helps, place a temporary tattoo on the spot you would like to have a tattoo. Wear it for a few weeks to see if it looks good and if you feel good wearing it. If so, you can take the plunge.
Watercolor Elephant Tattoo
Check the time of the appointment, its duration and the price you will have to pay for the drawing with the tattoo artist and take good care of your general health. If you’ve followed the basic suggestions for food and drink, you should be feeling pretty healthy. If your head is spinning or if you feel too nauseous, weak or sick, it is better to postpone the appointment – the artist will understand.
Shave yourself the area where you want to place the tattoo in the weeks before the session. If you can easily feel the razor burn, shave as close as possible without risking damage to your skin. Otherwise, the artist will have to do it himself.
During the tattooing process, many small needles pierce your skin, which creates a lot of possible bleeding. To avoid excessive bleeding that could damage the tattoo, do not drink alcohol 24-48 hours before your appointment. Do not drink coffee or take aspirin. All of these products liquefy the blood and can cause unwanted bleeding.
Must Read: 100+ Awesome Elephant Tattoo Watercolor Designs With Meaning
Estimated production costs and standard prices for elephant tattoos
The price of an elephant tattoo will depend entirely on the artist’s talent. Many professional tattoo artists charge for their work by the hour. In this way, the client is guaranteed to get a good tattoo with a professional look. The price of a tattoo is generally between € 100 and € 300 per hour and depends mainly on the size – which means that a large tattoo will automatically cost several hundred euros. If you want to acquire a normal and easy to do tattoo, the price per hour can start at € 50.
The size of the tattoo is an important factor in calculating the price. It is always synonymous with time. The larger the tattoo, the longer the session. Body art placed in more difficult locations, intricate designs and abundance of color can also drive prices up significantly.
Hindi elephant tattoo
Elephant tattoo maintenance tips
Once the tattoo artist has finished his work, he will remove the excess ink with a spray and a paper towel. Depending on the artist, the tattoo will then be covered with plastic film or a paper towel stuck on top of the brand new design. The tattoo artist will also give you instructions on how to take care of your tattoo and explain the healing process. Here is some information on taking care of your new acquisition. Follow them well.
Don’t sleep on your new tattoo. Sleep on your stomach, if your design is placed on your back. Crushing your tattoo on the sheets would not only get ink out of the wounds and discolor the design but would cause friction which could cause infection. If you notice in the morning that your sleepwear has stuck to the tattoo, do not shoot it! This could destroy the artist’s work and reopen the wounds.
