The owl has become one of the most symbolic creatures in known history, being almost synonymous with concepts such as stoicism, bravery, and wisdom. Owls simply have a certain look about them that's unwavering and the ability to act quickly. Because of these traits, owls are often sought to be watch dogs or overseers for tracts of lands or buildings. Why else do farmers aim to keep owls close by or homeowners purchase plastic owls to fend off rodents and other pests? It's because owls can be relied upon to watch over and protect with unwavering eyes — not to mention the speed and ferocity to act on whatever transgressions (or prey) those eyes see.
Knowing that, it's not at all surprising that we have come to incorporate owls into all sorts of imagery and iconography throughout mythology, spirituality, and pop culture. Tattoos are definitely no exception, with countless people finding all sorts of unique and evocative ways of permanently identifying with these birds of prey. It suffices to say that it wasn't particularly difficult to come across 20 tattoos that depict owls in numerous ways. From the absolutely adorable — oddly enough — to the stunning, stoic, and symbolic, we've gathered an undoubtedly eclectic list of tattoos featuring owls. With that, enjoy the examples we've found, one of which should inspire that next or first tattoo.
An Owl of Lines
Kicking off this list is an expert piece of line work by Brazilian artist Raquel Isaac. We absolutely love how this ink looks as if were accomplished with a single line, cursive style. Plus, look how these lines achieve a sense of attitude from the owl's eyes.
An Adorable Little Owl
This is one darn cute tiny owl — full stop. Inked by Missouri-based artist Vincent Merys, this might be the cutest little tattoo we've ever seen. Just look at those huge, glowing eyes that scream, "Give me a hug." Additional kudos are in order for the color, line and shading work.
Barn Owl Noir
This is a downright beautiful black-and-white noir tattoo by a Wisconsin-based artist simply known publicly as Alissa. The artist has captured the spirit of the barn owl in this piece right down to the bird's piercing gaze. We also appreciate the stellar line and dot work.
An Owl Brimming with Color
Here's a shining example of expert color work from Delaware-based artist Joey Coleman, producing an owl that looks almost like a living spiritual totem. From the owl's intense gaze to its vibrant plumage, this is an incredible piece of ink both in shading and color.
An Owl Splashing With Color
This is, by far, one of the absolute best watercolor tattoos we've seen to date. The combination of established line work and eclectic splashes of vibrant color is simply masterful. This work by Brazilian artist Iasmim Kali makes a foolproof case for watercolor tattoos.
A Stylish Owl
This is an interesting piece by artist Adriano Fortunato that blends the classic line art stylings made popular in the '90s and early aughts and adorable, cartoon-like elements — particularly in the eyes. It's an undoubtedly unique tattoo idea that is not found often.
The Owl: Eyes of the Forest
This take on an owl tattoo by UK studio Whispering Weeds cleverly uses just one range of colors to depict an incredibly detailed and fantastical piece. Of course, we have a soft spot for all things fantasy, and this is a piece that just nails that aesthetic. This owl looks as if it could be a sage or soothsayer within a magical wood.
That's One Fluffy Owl
We're loving the line and shading work on this piece by Ukranian artist Valle Kunterbunt, who has created one of the fluffiest-looking owl tattoos we've ever seen. The overall piece is incredibly realistic — and that's hard not to appreciate.
An Owl Keeping a Secret
Here's another example of expert shading and line work from British artist Helena Velázquez, creating a mighty impressive owl that blurs the line between realism and fantasy. And, that's not just because the bird is holding a heart-shaped locket in its beak. Rather, it's the large, gleaming eyes and fanciful-looking plumage.
An Owl with Golden Eyes
This is another excellent example of line and shading work — which seems to be a theme among owl tattoos — but with a poignant, arresting dash of golden color in the owl's eyes. Thanks to British artist Mara Mihalach, this piece has an intriguing sketchbook quality.
The Owl Goes Tribal
For those feeling particularly nostalgic for the '90s, they might just fall in love with this piece. Inked by Portland, Oregon, artist Anne Morando, it's easy to see the owl hiding within this pattern of tribal styles. The red-on-black color work makes the symbol much more firey.
An Owl Headdress of Noble Stature
We can't help but admire this classic-style piece of ink by British artist Molly Cleland that depicts a spiritual owl headdress that's still alive atop a Mexican sugar skull. We're unsure of the meaning behind the ink overall, but we absolutely love the attention to detail, color work, and shading.
A Totemic Owl
This tattoo could just as easily be a statue within someone's house or painted on canvas to hang on a wall. That's absolutely a compliment to Taiwanese artist Andy Hopee, who used shading and color to excellent effect to produce a piece of ink that looks seriously spiritual.
A Horned Owl in Flight
Here we have one of most excellent pieces of realistic ink we've ever seen, capturing a great horned owl in flight with incredible detail. The dot, line, and shading work is simply master class from Toronto-based artist Aiko Ortiz. For those that truly love owls in a literal sense, this is what's worth aiming for.
A Stoic (and Symbolic) Owl
This is a tattoo that depicts an owl both deeply and thoroughly symbolic but also seemingly full of life. Inked by Johannesburg-based artist Rodney Edward van der Bergh, the piece is brimming with symbolism, like the heart wrapped in thorns and daisies standing in for some feathers. Plus, it's all done with color and shading.
A Fierce Owl Headdress
Here's another depiction of a spiritual owl headdress, but this time atop the head of a living woman. Well, we think she's living — it's hard to tell with those milky white eyes. Regardless, this is beautiful line and shading work by Salvador-based artist Erik Jones.
Another Adorable Owl
Who knew that owls could be so dang cute? Here is yet another cute little owl tattoo, this time from a Brazilian artist known simply as Alexandre. What's on display is some brilliant shading and line work that looks more like an actual sketch than a tattoo. Throw in the splash of neon green color, and the result is an adorable little piece.
A Symbolic and Saccharine Owl
This owl both looks like a totem and yet another adorable little bird, thanks to Argentinian artist Franko Caro. The color and shading work are spot on, bringing life to the totemic owl with eyes bulging with cuteness. Plus, we seriously dig the pastel color choices.
The Owl Known as 'Dream Catcher'
This is a downright gorgeous piece of ink done by North Carolinian artist Jonathan Pope, brimming with detail and color that looks simply stunning. It's another tattoo that could just as easily be an illustration or a piece of concept art, but no — it's a masterful example of expert-level inking.
A Polynesian Owl
Finally, we have an unlikely expression of the owl tattoo in Polynesian style. But without a doubt, it works — this heavily symbolic bird still features a stoic gaze and defined shape in spite of its composition. Of course, said composition was expertly created by Pittsburgh artist Julie Juice.
