Sugar Skull Tattoo Designs & Their Meaning
Sugar skull tattoos are interesting, undeniably fascinating and they come with a deep pool of mind-blowing designs and colors. They’re one of those artworks that draw you in and you can’t help but ogle at them.
You’ll want to learn more about their history and the myriad of designs you can choose from, before making a decision to get inked. We’ve got you covered.
Meaning of Sugar Skulls
The history of sugar skulls dates back to the middle ages where they were important symbols in the Spanish and Aztec communities. They used them to signify the passing of a loved one and as a symbol that the soul has moved on to a happy place.
Initially, real skulls were used, but overtime, the people replaced them with these ornamental kinds, instead. They’re also used as decorations during the Day of the Dead festivities.
On this day, the communities write the names of the deceased on the sugar skulls and place them in the graveyards. They gather the individual’s favorite foods, candy, cigarettes, liquor and photographs, as well. This is to encourage the spirit of the deceased to return home on that day.
Sugar skull tattoos are inspired by the same. The wearer of this tattoo could also use it to symbolize bravery, courage or a free spirit. They’re a popular choice among the hipster crowd and rarely go out of style.
Popular Sugar Skull Tattoo Designs
Most of the sugar skull tattoo designs are for large areas of the body. They’re usually quite colorful, as well, but it doesn’t have to be this way. You may opt for a smaller variety or a simple black-and-white illustration.
Let’s look at some of the most popular choices:
Rose and Sugar Skull Tattoo
These two symbols are easy to draw and they make a great combination. They’re compatible with numerous vibrant colors and because of that, you’ll mostly find women with a rose and sugar skull.
The common placement areas for this design include:
- Thigh
- Forearm
- Chest
- Stomach
- Back
- Thigh
Super Colorful Sugar Skull Tattoo
The intention behind this choice is to make the tattoo appeal to the eye as much as possible. It represents life after all. If you’re thinking of getting one, you’re free to suggest your favorite colors to your tattoo artist.
You’ll typically find this style on the following areas:
- Forearm
- Shin
- Upper arm/shoulder
- Calf
Elegant Black and White Sugar Skull Tattoo
At a glance, they look simple, but also elegant. This is one of the best choices if you’re looking for a smaller tattoo. Without the added colors, the details will be less and provide you with more placement options.
Placement options include:
- Elbow
- Thumb
- Sleeve
- Forearm
- Wrist
Diamond Eye Sugar Skull Tattoo
Anyone could proudly rock this beautiful artwork. Aside from the other shapes on the tattoo, the eyes have diamonds on them. So cool!
For the best display options, consider the following:
- Calf
- Shoulder
- Forearm
- Lower back
- Shin
Artistic Inspired Sugar Skull Tattoo
A good example of this type of design points back to the talented Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo. She came up with a signature design for the sugar skull, based off a self-portrait with her trademark unibrow.
The common placement areas include:
- Thigh
- Forearm
- Calf
- Shoulder
- Elbow
Floral Sugar Skull Tattoo
You’re not limited to the rose and sugar skull combination. If there’s another flower or two that you prefer, go ahead and make your own.
You might find combos with a single stem and flower or an entire arrangement. The choice is yours.
Go for larger areas including:
- Upper back
- Thigh
- Chest for men
Mixed Image Sugar Skull Tattoo
This style provides even more creative reign over your sugar skull tattoo. Those that really want to make a statement can opt for this and combine the skull with whatever object suits them.
Popular choices include:
- Owl
- Cat
- Dog
- Woman
- Skateboard
Most people prefer to have them on:
- Calf
- Forearm
- Shin
- Back
Keyhole Sugar Skull Tattoo
This sugar skull tattoo features a keyhole on the forehead or in both eyes.
You’re most likely to find this tattoo on the:
- Forearm
- Shin
- Calf
- Shoulder
- Back
- Sleeve
Black, White and Blue Sugar Skull Tattoo
The tattoo design is simple, mainly with black and white, but with a touch of blue. The latter is used minimally, either on the eyes, forehead or both.
Common places to find this tattoo design are:
- Shin
- Calf
- Forearm
- Thigh
- Sleeve
- Back
- Chest
Hand Sugar Skull Tattoo
This is, by far, one of the most unique designs I’ve seen.
It features half a skull only, from the nose down to the mouth. This way, the individual can play with the tattoo by displaying it against their face, paired with their eyes.
This design works for both men and women and it’s simply mind-blowing.
Given the circumstances around the tattoo, it’s suitable for the hand only.
Helmet Sugar Skull Tattoo
This style comes with a sugar skull wearing a helmet. Unfortunately, the meaning is unknown to us, but it’s cool nonetheless.
The following locations are suitable:
- Thigh
- Calf
- Forearm
- Back
- Chest
- Sleeve
- Shoulder
- Shin
Choosing Your Colors
It’s a picky affair, we know. There are a few key factors to keep in mind:
- Skin undertones: We recommend choosing colors that pair well with your skin undertone. Red, yellow, orange, brown and purple are suitable for those with a warmer tone. If you have a cool undertone, lean towards blue, pink, green or magenta.
- Keep drafting: Don’t go with the first color combination you see. We recommend drawing your design numerous times, with a variety of colors to see what you really want. You might end up with a simple black-and-white design. On another hand, you could go with the entire rainbow.
- Location matters: Is your tattoo going to be displayed in a highly-visible area? You may opt for a more subdued color palette or something that pairs with your clothing choices. Otherwise, the tattoo could clash. If you’re really looking to show off, the sky’s the limit.
- Touch-ups matter: Did you know that some colors fade quicker than others? This could be a determining factor when trying to decide. Black and gray last the longest, whereas bright colors are the first to go. If you don’t mind routine touch-ups, this won’t matter much to you. Consider the time and cost, though.
Choosing Your Design
As you can see, sugar skulls come in a variety of styles and with many meanings to suit them. It’s a beautiful celebration of life, from birth to death. You don’t have to be remembering a deceased loved one to enjoy a sugar skull tattoo, though.
Maybe you fancy a small black-and-white design on your forearm or ankle. Or perhaps you’re looking to go all out and get a vibrant large illustration along your back or calf.
Another option is to start with a small, single design and add on later at a different moment in your life.
Whatever the case may be, take your time and make a sound decision. Sit with the symbol for a while, months even. See what it evokes for you personally. One of the beautiful things about tattoos is that it’s completely up to the individual.
