The King (and Queen) of the Jungle, nature’s most ferocious feline. Power. Beauty. Speed. Family. There are so many reasons why one would love a lion, so it comes as no surprise that lion tattoos are so darn popular.
But before you go and get your own lion tattoo, let us help guide you in choosing the perfect piece of ink. Below we’ll show you the most unique, most stylish, and best-looking lion tattoo ideas of 2022. You’ll surely be inspired with the perfect idea of which tattoo style to get, as well as where to get tattooed on your body.
This is one cute lion. Created with nothing more than several thin black lines, this is Minimal style. The design though is not just these lines; it’s also the negative space around it. With no secondary distractions, the lion pops. This is where “Less Is More”
What better way to showcase that you’re feminine and strong than with this design. This lioness is regally adorned with the ornamental elements of the Mandala – a perfect crown. A dangling jeweled piece is even included; the flower being the perfect finishing touch at the wrist.
Courage along with sunlight reveal/unlock the truth. I’m not sure that’s the meaning of this design but I do know it it’s inked with impressive skill. From the straight lines – to the contrast created with tones of gray – to its positioning on top of the forearm; they all highlight the skill of this artist.
The large flat planes of the lion’s face are so cool; they definitely add to his intimidating look. Black ink alone is used in this tattoo and then in dot-like fashion applied under the eyes. Super cool. It’s nice how the design follows the curves of the shoulder continuing all the way down to the swirling of the mane onto the elbow. Great technical and artistic skill on display
Think Watercolors and think of flowers and pretty landscapes. Lions? Not so much. Of course it works in this large thigh tattoo. Watercolor style often involves dabbing colors on in big bold splashes. In the hands of an unskilled painter or tattoo artist the result is often a mess.
Don’t you think this tattoo is off the charts? The thin black lines and accompanying shading is beautiful. The light emanating from the flowers is created with the use of negative space. This provides contrast between the lion and the flowers and prevents the design from looking messy. Of course a great artist doesn’t forget small touches like the sole leaf falling onto the knee. Nice
Realistic style is often used to depict animals. Here Black and Gray style with its fine lines, contrast and shading is employed to make this lion so realistic. The contrasting shades of gray used for both the lion and flowers provides contrast and prevents the design from being overly busy.
This tattoo is small but mighty. Just like the lion. The rectangular shaded frame and surrounding negative space elevate the importance of this design and make it pop. With the addition of flowers and the infinity symbol, perhaps it’s saying: “I Am Woman. I Am Forever Strong”.
Sitting at the top of the arm, the shoulder perfectly frames this lioness. The heavy black inking around her actually highlights her face and prevents the design from looking too busy. It also adds a sense of movement. Very Nice
What stands out in this design is the awesome use of negative or un-inked space. The space around this mother lion and her cubs makes the overall design cohesive even without the addition of secondary details. With just thin black lines and no shading or color, you can sense the connection among these three.
A tattoo is not only a way to showcase artwork but also a way to tell a story. And there’s definitely a story behind this custom design. Beyond its intended meaning, really great skill is seen here. Although there are many elements, the overall design looks cohesive and never messy. The amount of detail seen in each of the small planets is amazing. Again if you want something like this make sure the artist has the skills.
With Watercolor style the colors are dabbed on looking somewhat like splashes or splotches. If not skillfully done the result can literally be a mess. Lucky for this guy that’s not the case here. Gray tones are used to shade and provide contrast for the lion. I really like the heavy bands of black ink suggestive of street art that frame the lion. The right eye, inked in Watercolors and then encircled by black scribbling, is more evidence of this artist’s skill. Awesome
This tattoo has fantastic shading not only on the lion’s face but also around it. Here the medium and darker shades of gray define and anchor the face to the overall design. The very dark shadows between the lion and the flowers also change the mood; from light and delicate to intense and strong. Definitely Befitting A Lion
The mix of three styles works in this design: Fineline, Dotwork and Black and Gray. The dotwork and fine lines above and below the lioness make full use of the canvas provided by the forearm. The curved line design element by the wrist is a pretty added touch.
The forearm provides a great place for animal head tattoos as its flat surface prevents distortion of facial details. This tattoo has awesome black inking along with gray shading. Both are really excellent. The artist did a wonderful job here.
You can feel this lion watching you. The intensity of the gaze and perfect shading and contrast make this an awesome tattoo. The faint light on the snout makes it actually look wet. This is Realistic Black and Gray styles done to perfection.
You have to admit this is one awesome tattoo. With steady lines, great shading and contrast, dimensionality is created bringing this lion to life. There are so many interesting elements to this design: the clock, the flowers and of course the connection to the half-chest tattoo. The two seamlessly blend and look like they are each part of one larger design. This one is a Head Turner
I love this tattoo for so many reasons. First Sketch style is so contemporary and fresh; overlapping lines, incomplete strokes, nothing extra. Then combining it with Watercolor style flowers is so unexpected both style-wise and theme-wise. The upper back provides a perfect frame for the design. Btw when painting or tattooing, Watercolors require genuine skill. Props to the artist.
Historically lioned-headed female deities represented fierceness and bravery and imparted protection to others. Maybe that’s why this guy has this large impressive tattoo on his arm. Whatever the reason, it’s hard to ignore the fierce realism of both the woman and lion. Each has a piercing gaze and impressive detail created with black ink, gray shading and use of negative space. Truly Impressive
Fineline style typically imparts a delicate feel. In this case the lion is a strong enough theme to receive this treatment. The wavy black lines of the mane contrast nicely with the straighter lines of the feathers. The design is 2D but definitely a stand out.
Fineline style with its characteristic thin lines imparts a delicate feel. Here the simplicity of design and style seem to impart a quiet regalness to this lioness. Resting right on your arm it’s totally Insta-ready.
Ok if this doesn’t say “Keep Away” I don’t know what does. On the other hand this tattoo is sure to draw attention and conversation. You can see how the artist used fine black lines, contrast and shading to create this realistic lion. The blue eyes are a nice added touch to the otherwise exclusive use of black and gray.
Fineline style is seen in the beautiful linear lines and circles of this tattoo. The two seem to form something akin to a spiritual staff imparting wisdom to this “all-seeing” lion. The well-demarcated triangular frame showcases the lion and positions it perfectly over the biceps. Simple Sophistication
It’s clear to see we’ve got the Lion King here. Fineline style provides the crown while the decorative Ornamental motif “softens” the design. Overall this is a very pretty, feminine tattoo perfectly centered over the forearm.
Thank you for spending time to see this article of Ideassimple, hope you will choose the right tattoo idea for you. If you find these lion tattoo ideas with meanings, please give us a like, comment or share. Be sure to visit our tattoo category on our website for more cool ideas. Thanks a lot!
