Tattoos can be inspired by anything around you. They could be depicting a form of art, a person or thing very close to you, a feeling, an emotion, or any concept that you strongly resonate with. Here, we’ll introduce you at length to the element-themed tattoos but before we go into the details, let’s get a quick look at the meaning of element tattoos.
Meaning of Element Tattoo Designs
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This category of tattoos focuses on the four elements of nature – wind, water, earth, and fire. Based upon these four elements and their importance in our lives, you could choose to get all four of them tattooed or pick any one element that you find the most insightful. According to historical facts, these four elements were first depicted in Greek philosophy explaining the complex relationship between all matter.
Ideas For Element Tattoo Designs
Depending upon the size, magnitude, and aesthetic preferences, you could choose to incorporate all four elements in one tattoo or get one of these elements inked and keep it minimalistic. Ideally, you should be arranging these tattoos in ascending order from lower to higher. As elaborated by author Steven M.Carr, ” Earth rises out of Water, Air is above the Earth, and the Sun (Fire) is overall. Chemical reactions occur as the reactants try to return to their proper place in the series.” There’s an array of ideas to showcase element-themed tattoos. You could choose a contemporary form, a traditional look, or the quite popular “modern art” form. In the real sense of the word, just carry it confidently and let it speak for your personality.
Where Should You Get Element Tattoo Designs
For Women
- Ankle
- Wrist
- Finger Spaces
- Hands
- Shoulder Blades
- Behind the Ears
For Men
- Chest
- Biceps
- Legs
- Neck
- Back
- Forearms
List of Element Tattoo Designs & Meanings
- 4 Elements on Knuckles Tattoo
This is a beautifully illustrated 4-elements tattoo design that could be the right pick for men. The gradient effect and shading are giving rise to the four elements giving them their well-deserved attention. Placing this on your knuckles can be a very subtle and appealing way to make this tattoo visible to yourself as well as others.
- Earth Element Tattoo
Going up your sleeve, this is the earth element tattoo. Representing the geometrically shaped rock pieces that can be drawn in a circular motion, this one is a beautiful tattoo to look at. Well, before getting this earth element-themed tattoo on your body, you must analyze your pain endurance and be assured to get it inked by an expert artist.
- Earth Triangle Alchemy Tattoo
Here’s a simple yet meaningful downward-facing triangle with a line going through the bottom third of it. It looks very attractive when placed on the wrist, backside of the wrist, ankle, or any smaller portion of your body. If you’re the minimalist kind, then you could also keep the triangle outline thin instead of bold how it is shown here in the picture.
- Elaborated 4-Element Tattoo
This is a detailed 4-element tattoo showing all four elements in their utmost glory. Fierce fire, growing earth, breezing air, and the roaring water. Everything about each of these elements. If you relate to all of these elements and are ready to get them inked in their truest magnitude, then this one could be the right pick for you.
- Detailed Earth Alchemy Tattoo
Symbolizing life as we know it, this beautiful alchemy triangle tattoo is signifying the importance of all four essential elements combined into the triangle. The gradient detailing will add more glory to this appealing tattoo. If you’re in the mood to go for something that looks bold, aesthetic, short, and sweet then this concept could make your next inking experience a memorable one.
- Hot & Cold 4-Elements Tattoo
Adding color to the elementtattoo can work wonders to make the concept more interesting. However, you must remember that colored tattoos need extra care and aftercare. So, get one if you’re willing to do the after efforts. This tattoo shows a splash of colors while keeping all four elements intact. A combination of red and orange tones signifies the fiery elements. Blue and cyan tones are showing the calming and breezy elements. A very well-thought and artistically implemented tattoo to inspire you!
- Breathing Fire Tattoo
A sweet and subtle element-themed tattoo that represents the concept of “breathing fire”. It has a deep-rooted meaning that states that without air you cannot have a fire. It could be placed just the way it is shown in the picture and here or you could go as grand as you want to flaunt the amazing concept.
- Scenery Themed Tattoo
By now you must be feeling that I’m obsessing over these cute and marvelous triangle tattoos but guess what, I really am obsessed! Well, here in this picture you could see all the four elements subtle placed within the triangle. Oh, and it also has a beautiful depiction of air, with the earth situated below. Not to forget that the absolute right utilization of space justifies the width and length of this one.
- Sprouting Tree Tattoo
This one signifies the giving nature of the earth. Earth is that essential element that is the reason for our being. A basic yet such meaningful depiction of a tree sprouting from the roots of the earth. I’d say this is a full package if you’re planning to get a tattoo that’s insightful, enlightening, compact subtle, and aesthetic.
- Asymmetrical Elements Tattoo
Beautifully illustrated here are the four elements that are simple and complex at the same time. Making enough room for each of the four elements to signify their importance, this tattoo is a lengthy and tall one but definitely the most gorgeous if implemented by an expert tattoo artist.
- Back Spread Tattoo
This is a magnificent widespread four-element tattoo that requires you to make a really bold move to get it inked on yourself. Not only will it be time-consuming but also quite detailed. But, what matters is that if you like this lovely combination of elements adorned with colors, then every effort will be worth it.
- Retro Floral Tattoo
This flowy floral design shows fire, water, air, and earth in a retro look. single flowy design. The four elements express the ancient understanding of the nature of the universe and give the concept a vibrant look.
- Circular Motion Tattoo
If you’d like to take a break from the triangle-shaped tattoos then this one here in a circular motion is a new treat to the eyes. Depicting the in-depth essence of each of the four elements but in a circular shape. Quite appropriate if you’re planning to get it inked on the back of your shoulder or neck.
- Water & Wind Tattoo
The combination of water and wind is a rather calming one. Water represents the release of emotions and inner reflections while the wind reflects upon the strong intellect, intuition, and a strong bond with the forces of this universe. Depending upon your preferences, you could decide the size of it is small or large.
- Shaded 4-Elements Tattoo
Representing the four elements with a unique touch of shading, every element is getting its attention in a systematic chronology. The slight splash of shading here is playing a very important role in detailing each of these elements. Like every creative tattoo, this one too should be inked by a thoroughly skilled tattoo artist.
- Minimal Elements Tattoo
This is a simple-looking and precise piece of work. Something very easy to understand, not too wild, and quite easy to be inked as well. A must-have if you’re wanting to convey the message by keeping it brief and plain.
- Descriptive Collar Bone Tattoo
This tattoo shows four elements in their triangular forms and beneath each of them is their name. Quite easy to comprehend, attractive, and subtle. Placing this near the collarbone can attract attention from the onlookers while giving a “modern art” vibe.
- Water Element Elbow Tattoo
If you relate to the features of the water element – the emotional waves, tranquility. and mysteries hiding in depths then this could be a subtle inking tattoo idea for you. Adding an aqua look to it with the colored ink giving a paintbrush effect, this can be a very unique placement near the elbow.
- Colored Fire Element Tattoo
Well, if the element of Fire attracts you then this could be a great tattoo for you. In the alchemy triangle, here are the flames of fire depicting authority, leadership, and giving light to the darkness.
- Text & Colored Fire Element
Quite similar to the one above but this one states the true emotion with the help of text that is written alongside the design of the tattoo. It could be a very well-projected tattoo to get inked on the extended part of your wrist.