39 Interesting Octopus Skull Tattoo Designs with Meanings and Ideas

Amidst all the skull tattoos, the octopus skull tattoo has its symbolic meaning. This tattoo symbolizes flexibility and versatility in its nature. Besides just being a mysterious creature of the sea, the octopus is not as harmless as it seems. The dangerous quality of the animal is in disguise and only attacks people when necessary. Because of its body stricture, it also makes for a great tattoo design. Probably that’s the reason why it’s so popular amongst people too. The flowing tattoos would certainly capture the attention of the onlookers and that’s why here are some ideas that you can readily pick from the article.

Meaning of Octopus Skull Tattoo Designs

Adjustments: Because of their size and shape, octopuses are very adjusting and can mold themselves into various spaces very easily. The symbol also stands for the same human characteristic.

Symmetry: The octopus has an even number of tentacles which depicts the symmetry and even nature of the animal.

Mystery: The octopus because of its structure also comes across as a very mysterious and elusive creature of the sea.

Japanese Yakuza Gangsters: Octopus skull has been an inspiration for Yakuza tattoos and has been used as a popular element.

Ideas For Octopus Skull Tattoo Designs

The Kraken: The Kraken is a mythological sea monster. The octopus skull tattoo can be inspired by this nautical-themed tattoo very easily.

Realistic Octopus Skull Tattoo: Many people choose to get a realistic representation of the octopus and its surrounding. The clear blue water and the magnificent features of the octopus make for a great design.

American Traditional Octopus Skull: American traditional style has been quite popular with its bold outline and thick structure. The addition of beautiful colors speaks volumes without actually saying anything.

Geometric Octopus Skull: Geometric objects make the tattoo design look very modernistic and it is valid for this theme as well.

Neo-Traditional Octopus Tattoo: The neo-traditional tattoo design would help uplift the whole theme with abstract and bold patterns that would make the design look super impressive.

Tribal Octopus Skull: Tribal elements can be added to the tentacle of the octopus to make it looks aesthetically pleasing.

List of Octopus Skull Tattoo Designs & Meanings

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Upper Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Shading, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The tentacles going and coming out of the eye gives it a very yucky factor. However, that is something that is considered metaphorical.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Shading, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: This is a simple octopus design with the skull being magnified.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Upper Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Shading, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The octopus has been given a hint of skull touch to represent something scary!

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Shading, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: This is the human skull encapsulated by the tentacles of the octopus.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Shading, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: This is a hyperrealistic image of an octopus with a skull inside it. The colors are also very contrasted which looks attractive!

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Caricatuish, Neo Traditional

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Colored

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The beautiful bright sea colors make this design very pleasing to look at.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Upper Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Classic, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Colored

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The design is very intricate and realistic but the addition of bright colors adds a little oomph factor to it.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Shading, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: Quite a dark design that seems like piercing right into the soul.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Chest

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Upper Arm, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Shading, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: Agin a very hyper-realistic design with a lot of contrasting colors being made on the upper back.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Upper Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Shading, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: This design has a classic shading pattern going on which is very close to the traditional tattoos we see.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Upper Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Shading, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The design is very intricate and has a lot of detailing which gives it a very nice outlook.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Shoulder

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Shading, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The shoulder is a great place to get this free-flowing design done.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Leg

Tattoo Style: Classic, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Colored

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: This is a very realistic image of the octopus and the skull with colors given to enhance its outlook.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Hand, Upper Arm

Tattoo Style: Shading, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The shading effect done is very appealing to the foot tattoo. An alternative placement option can also be the hand or the palm.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Shoulder

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Shading, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The shoulder reforms a perfect place to contain the large head of the octopus/skull.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Shading, Fine Line

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color can be added

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The texture given on this tattoo is very intricate and done using fine lines.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Leg

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Arm, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Classic, Intricate, Water Color

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Colored

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The color combination is very unique but looks quite artsy.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Classic, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Colored

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: Th bright blue color instead of showing anything dangerous or scary shows the deep blue color of the ocean.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Leg

Tattoo Style: Classic

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Colored

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The beautiful colors in this tattoo design look very appealing. The bright red color isn’t exactly the color of the ocean but represents a bit of masculine energy.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Shading, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: A very stark image of the octopus skull; this tattoo looks quite ferocious.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Shoulder

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Shading, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The realistic image of this octopus seems like it is hugging the upper arm of the wearer.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Classic, Shading

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: This octopus skull tattoo has been shaded very well but looks like the skull is laughing. Of course, an evil laugh.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Shoulder

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Classic, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Colored

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The colors make the tattoo look even more realistic than ever.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Leg

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Shading, Intricate

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color can be added

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: That’s a pirate tattoo skull that has been made on the leg.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Thigh

Octopus Skull Tattoo 10

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Classic

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Colored

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The beautiful bright colors look very interesting here.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Upper Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Shading, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: Here’s a great tattoo that has been made on the upper arm with deep shades of black and grey.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Upper Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Leg

Tattoo Style: Shading, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The monstrous octopus seems to have captured the skull in his tentacles. It looks quite amazing.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Chest

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Back

Tattoo Style: Shading, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: It reminds me of the painting The Creation of Adam by Michaelangelo. The only difference is that these are two monstrous creatures! Let us know if that reminds you of the painting too!

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Body

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Classic

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The bright red combines well with the green ink!

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Head

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: None

Tattoo Style: Shading, Realism

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The octopus has been made on the skull of the wearer and that’s quite ironic. The skull has been made on a skull!

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Upper Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Realistic, Intricate

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Colored

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The purple and the blue represents the ocean while the fire inside the skull’s eye is a great contrast.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Leg

Tattoo Style: Shading

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: A hint of color can be added

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: This is such a fine design and looks very elegant because of fewer textural motifs.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Thigh

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Upper Arm

Tattoo Style: Shading

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: This is quite a simple design that has been made on the thigh of the wearer. The shape of the skull fits the thigh perfectly.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Shoulder

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Back

Tattoo Style: Shading

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: Look at how the tentacles of the octopus are covering the shoulder and going towards the chest.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Upper Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Shading

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The detailing done on the face of the skull is quite nice.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Shoulder

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Shading

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The shoulder is a great place to get the skull inked because of the broad space it provides. The tentacles can also move smoothly toward the chest, back, or arm.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Shoulder

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Shading

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: This looks like some warrior’s helmet has been incorporated with the skull and the octopus. That’s highly interesting.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Arm

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Chest, Back, Thigh

Tattoo Style: Shading

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Black and Grey

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The skull seems to be smushed between the tentacles which could be very symbolic of the victory of good over evil.

  • Octopus Skull Tattoo Design on Shoulder

Octopus Skull Tattoo

Other Locations: Leg

Tattoo Style: Intricate Style, Classic

Other Elements: Not Required

Colors/Black & Grey: Colored

More Suitable For: Men

Author’s Review: The beautiful colors used in this tattoo gives it a very Japanese-style vibe.

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