An incredibly simple and yet versatile tattoo design, the three arrows can be rendered in a number of ways and hold countless meanings to the one who receives it. The simple design can be chosen simply for aesthetic appeal or for a complex reason that is very personal. The design can be sacred or solely a representation of art and appearance. The three arrows may be designed facing up or down, north, south, east, or west to denote a specific direction, stacked in a vertical line or a placed in a horizontal line. These minute differences in design create difference significance for each direction. Most generally, three arrow tattoos are done simply and delicately and placed in a small area of the body like the wrist, fingers, behind the ears, or anywhere else the individual choses.

Arrows may be rendered as minute “V” shapes that can be done in any thickness or thinness. This simple symbol is a representation of movement and direction, especially when the arrows are all pointing in the same direction. It can be used as a reminder of motivation and forward thinking. If the arrows point in different directions, one away from the body and the others toward the body or vice versa, the symbol can be a reminder of the past as well as the future. It can indicate a significant event that occurred and the strength to move away from it.

The arrows may be done more complexly and made to represent the arrows used by an archer and include an arrow head on one end and feathers tied to the opposite end. They may be tied together in a bundle or could even feature a quiver in a larger and more elaborate design. When the arrows are tied together with rope or placed in a quiver it symbolizes family or friendship. The object holding the arrows together represents a bond and connection while the arrows represent each member with the relationship. Each arrow could also symbolize a family unit to convey a larger family without having to include more than three arrows so that the number three is incorporated into the design.