The rose is an almost universal symbol for true love in tattoo design – it’s one of the most enduring and highly visible motifs in body art.

According to Aitken-Smith’s Tattoo Dictionary, rose flower tattoo meaning further incorporates “symbolic interpretation of transformation, mysticism, and illumination.”

Not only is the rose popular as a standalone design – either as a small rose tattoo or larger depiction – it’s also versatile enough to be incorporated into a wide assortment of other application ideas in tattoo culture.

It’s also a symbol of strength, courage, and nobility, or a contrasting concept used to juxtapose themes such as light and dark, or good and evil.

The following collection of rose design images and ideas bring together the best facets of roses tattoo art, from petal to stem, vine, and flower. There’s a style, size, shade, or placement from many different tattoo artist portfolios that are perfect for new tattoo inspirations.

See more about – The 75+ best rose tattoo ideas

Colored Rose Tattoo Meaning

Colorful roses tattoos are versatile in style and placement, the quickness of completion, and the ability to mesh well with other design styles and application techniques.

The following colors are linked with different feelings or situations, which are often transferred into rose tattoo ideas that add another layer of meaning for the collector.

1. Red Rose = Love

Source: @mate_tattooer via Instagram

Iconic red rose tattoos are the most popular rose design and one of the most recognizable concepts across all styles of body art.

The red rose symbolizes the excitement and adventure of new love, but also the type of relationships that grow and deepen over time.

They can also offer a sweet classical counterpoint to other tattoo ideas. Every professional tattoo artist needs the facility to draw up and implement a range of red rose tattoo designs when called upon.