10. Realistic Skull and Rose Tattoos

Source: @restlesssoulcustomtattoo via Instagram

Source: @phattgerman via Instagram
Source: @ryan__tandy via Instagram

Source: @i_am_blackwood via Instagram

Source: @kurieltattoos via Instagram

Source: @nikosrustyneedle via Instagram

Source: @davey_darkness via Instagram

Source: @joelmorley_tattoo via Instagram

The rose is an almost universal symbol for love. According to Aitken-Smith’s Tattoo Dictionary the rose further incorporates “symbolic interpretation of transformation, mysticism and illumination.”

These examples do an amazing job focusing on the beauty of the rose in contrast to the skull. Rather than use fantasy symbolism or over the top color and shading gradients, they opt for realistic interpretations that look like they can come from photo albums, sketch or textbooks.

The mastery involved in using skilled technical elements – notice the brilliant deployment of elements such as fine needle, negative space, sketch and white ink – with absolute precision can take a lifetime of work in the tattoo studio.

11. Small Skull Rose Tattoos

Source: @mrmercado via Instagram

Source: @k.uptontattoos via Instagram

Source: @whitewitchbodyart via Instagram

Source: @rojo_izzy via Instagram

Source: @tarahhoran via Instagram

Source: @czack_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @ink_bat_ via Instagram

You don’t have to be huge to be a tattoo banger! Small tattoos featuring skull and roses are just as difficult – in the case of the bad ass single needle tattoos above, even more so – than larger works. Pretty skull tattoos balance the small aspects with attention to fine details, balanced color and shading that put the tattoo artist’s concentration and commitment to getting the little things right, to the test.

Skull and Rose Tattoo FAQs

What is the meaning of a skull and rose tattoo?

When applied together in body art the skull and rose tattoo represents duality, symbolizing the struggle between life and death, the contrast of good and evil, the balance between beautiful and ugly.