TatAdvisor recently looked at the meaning of anchor tattoos and unearthed some pretty imaginative ways to incorporate this basic design into ink-work. Here we are going to look at the best ways to incorporate this tattoo into a design that suits you. If you’re looking for a bit of inspiration, you’ve found it!
1 – The Spiritual Anchor
The meaning of the humble anchor has changed over the years but one thing remains true – it’s still a very spiritual symbol for many displaying strength, stability and being grounded. This all-seeing eye anchor has incorporated two spiritual designs in one in this classic black and white tattoo, but you could always add a bit of colour if you wanted to make it more feminine or to help it to stand out.
2 – The Mermaid Anchor
Anchors and mermaids go hand in hand, especially when it comes to nautical themed tattoos. This beautiful anchor, rose and mermaid design has incorporated a lot of things into one design showing you exactly how versatile this shape can be.
3 – Matching Anchor Tattoos
Just because they match doesn’t mean they need to be exactly the same as shown by these matching yet slightly different colourful anchor tattoos. Best friends, lovers, sisters – it doesn’t matter. By having the matching tattoo with your special someone, you are symbolising that you will be there for each other – you will be each other’s anchors when the going gets tough.
4 – Cute + Discreet Anchor Tattoos
You could make them exactly the same or liven them up a little but these three matching anchor tattoos show you how simple you could make yours. These ankle tattoos could easily be covered up if necessary but at the same time, shows a bond between you and the friends you have them with.
5 – Lighthouse Anchor Tattoo
Lighthouses and anchors go well together just as mermaids and anchors do so this look just shows you how to wear yours a little different.
If the anchor symbolises strength and stability, the lighthouse symbolises protection and warning. This is what lighthouses are used for after all! Another great, simple tattoo idea that holds a lot of meaning for those who choose to have them.
6 – A Little Something Different
It’s not your average, run-of-the-mill anchor tattoo but it sure is cute! The imprints of the feet of a child has been used as the base of the anchor in this artwork, making it perfect to encapsulate the memory of a child. The name and date could be added or left out, depending on how personalised you would like to make it.
7 – Watercolour Anchor Tattoo
This is a really interesting take on the average anchor tattoo and shows things in a slightly more colourful, less structured look. There are no clear outlines and it’s not all black and white like some of the others. It’s definitely unique!
8 – The Floral Anchor
Another feminine and cute design, who said you can’t combine your anchor will beautiful, bright coloured flowers? It is simple and unique and again, could be personalised with whatever flowers you like. If you’re having a tattoo in memory of your mother, for example, you could have her favourite flowers as the additional feature.
9 – White Anchor Tattoo
White tattoos are a relatively new idea but one that seems to have grown in popularity. This white anchor on the inside of the finger is simple, discreet and elegant but just shows you how easy it is to have tattoos that aren’t overtly obvious.
10 – Sailing Ship + Anchor
This is much the same kind of idea as the lighthouse and anchor tattoo but this time, the lighthouse has been replaced with the silhouette of a sailing ship instead. This one really takes the anchor back to its old-school roots, reminding us of the real symbolism behind the simple design in the first place.
11 – Minimalist Music Anchor Tattoo
Another small and simple idea, this one combines a musical note with an anchor for a piece of art that is both minimalist and elegant. You wouldn’t normally consider piecing the two together but somehow, it just works.
12 – Octopus + Anchor Tattoo
Again sticking with the nautical theme, this simple anchor design combines an anchor and a ship’s wheel with an octopus. They are three things that go well together and once again, colour can be added to make the look stand out. This would look great in a nautical / ocean inspired sleeve or leg piece.
13 – Detailed Anchor Tattoo
It’s a little different but another way to wear your anchor tattoo whilst still adding some personalisation to it. You could have your perfect phrase or saying here, and you could even change the colours to match your existing tattoo colour scheme. This would even look great as a black and white tattoo as well as a coloured one.
Anchor tattoos are great for those that want something with a bit of meaning and as these designs show, there are so many ways that you can switch it up to mean more to you. Add a name, some flowers, and maybe even other features and components to spice it up!
If you have a stunning anchor tattoo, tag us in your social media – #TatAdvisor for a chance to be featured! Alternatively, let us know if you get a little inspiration from the designs you’ve seen here. We’d love to know what weird and wonderful creations you manage to come up with!