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From the painters' canvases to the pages of writers, the Gothic style has changed and shifted throughout the years. Today, gothic tattoos might be the best representatives of this rather eye-catching style.

Ironically, these often dark and dreary optical creations come from some of the most brilliant minds. For tattoo artists, dark-colored ink is the paint, and a person's skin is the canvas.

However, before picking the design, you might want to know the characteristics of gothic style tattoos. Luckily, works of the same style use similar elements. One of the more visible characteristics is the grim and dark themes. Many goth tattoo designs include creepy animals, holy figures, and ritualistic symbolism.

However, the use of colors — or, more correctly, the lack of them — sets these tattoos apart visually. Usually, gothic tattoos primarily use black ink. However, there are cases where a more eye-catching color gets used, and this mixture of shades can help craft some super realistic ink works.

Now that we have grasped the basics, you might go ahead and look at some gothic inkspiration. Below, we've compiled a goth sleeve tattoo or two for you to enjoy and described some of the most common symbols used in these creations.

As you go through the entries, make sure to upvote the ones that you liked the most. Also, don't forget to share your opinions about the tattoos in the comments!

Meaning of Gothic Tattoos

The word "gothic" is usually associated with gruesome, dark, and enigmatic concepts of our world. Burning demons, twisted angels, black goats, and scary crows are some of the most popular things found in these tattoos. The meaning of these tattoos can change depending on the subject. Throughout the post, we will take a look at tattoos that include:

  • Fonts;
  • Flowers;
  • Ravens;
  • Angels;
  • Architecture;
  • Skulls;
  • Spiders;
  • Crosses.
#2

Gothic Style Crow Shoulder And Chest Tattoo

Symmetrical Crows Shoulder And Chest tattoo

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Moezzzz
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't tell if that's a hickey or part of the tattoo....

Gothic Font Tattoos

quote tattoo is only as good as the font in use. Unlike Times New Roman or Ariel, the Gothic font is rare. What distinguishes Gothic from every other style is the styling of the letters. A Gothic font tattoo lives up to the name by having the same dark and mysterious vibes. So, even if you plan to write a sweet message like “I Love You,” why not do it in the most sinister way?

Gothic Flower Tattoos

For nature fans, nothing is better than stepping into the abyss with a grotesque flower tattoo. Gothic flower tattoos often bend and shape a flower or other plant around another object. Hearts, headless deer, or some other disturbing things — nothing is off the table. Often, flowers in gothic tattoos symbolize decay and a person's passing. They usually stick out of a skeleton or are wrapped around a vital organ.

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Gothic Raven Tattoos

The raven has gotten quite a lot of attention in the Gothic world. Literature sees this bird quoting the ever-famous "Nevermore" — a disturbing message to hear at midnight. In art, the raven represents an apocalyptic episode or the coming of dread. The meaning of the bird stays the same in a gothic raven tattoo, symbolizing something dreary, like grief over a lost love.

#5

"Defend Animals" Gothic Lettering Piece

defend aninmals gothic lettering tattoo

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Gothic Angel Tattoos

There are two varieties of angels — the ones that still work with God and the ones that turn against their master (aka demons). Where angels represent the good side, demons are the complete opposite. Thus, a gothic angel tattoo captures one or the other. Angels are shown as virtuous and holy creatures. Demons, on the other hand, symbolize the darker side of life.

#6

"Several Curves" Eccentric Shoulder Tattoo

Eccentric and detailed ornament Shoulder Tattoo

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Gothic Architecture Tattoos

Gothic buildings were very popular throughout the middle ages. Although contemporary architecture is now more desirable, gothic structures built back then are still famous even after several centuries. While new gothic buildings are no longer built, their legacy survives through gothic architecture tattoos. Like the structures, the tattoos can symbolize longevity in the face of time and history.

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Skull and Skeleton Tattoos

A gothic skull tattoo captures the not-so-cheerful aspects of this style but in the best way possible. If you haven’t figured it out yet, gothic tattoos often refer to passing away. As our bodies decay, all that gets left behind are bones, including the skull. You're also likely to encounter skull tattoos that have flower elements in them. For example, some tattoos have grass and flowers poking out of the holes of the skull, often sockets of the eyes.

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Spider Tattoos

With their six legs and sharp teeth, just a sight of these tiny creatures can make your skin crawl. Hence, even a simple gothic spider tattoo can look creepy and send shivers down your spine. Since spiders create webs that capture smaller creatures, they can represent creativity. However, at the same time, they can also symbolize one’s struggle in the complicated "web of life."

Gothic Cross Tattoos

Gothic style and religion go hand-in-hand, like peanut butter and jam. However, throughout history, this duo has changed. While it is still visible through the marvelous cathedrals constructed during the middle ages, these days, you can enjoy this combination through the well-designed gothic cross tattoos. Usually, these tattoos are associated with passing away, pain, anger, or faith.

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#12

Stylized Large Animal Back Piece

Bat, lizard, bird, bug, moose, bear stylized back piece

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Moezzzz
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg! These are so beautiful. I'd love to paint her back, you know? Hell, if I could stand getting a tattoo like this, I'd do it and let people paint it while I fall asleep

#15

Dark Lightning Body Tattoo

Full Back And Arm Dark Lightning Tattoo

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#16

Sophisticated Raven Tattoo

forearm Raven Tattoo

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#20

Skulls And Snakes Full Arm Piece

Skulls And Snakes Full Arm Piece

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#21

Dragon Circle Tattoo

Dragon with a tail forming a circle Tattoo

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#22

Large Contrasting Octopus Tattoo

Large octopus calve tattoo

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#24

Dressed Up Girl Contrasting Tattoo

girl witha large headpiece and black tears large tattoo

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#25

"The Mysterious Elegance Of The Death" Arm Tattoo

large moth with flowers forearm tattoo

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#26

Full Back Gothic Moth Tattoo

Full Back Gothic Moth Tattoo

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#28

Mothra Large Chest Piece

Mothra Large Chest tattoo

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#29

Highly Stylized Baroque Skull Tattoo

Highly Stylized Baroque Skull full back Tattoo

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Kat Montoya
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tons of really consistently well done and very detailed shading throughout this piece

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#31

"Can't Trust No One, Even Yourself" Arm Tattoo

"trust no one" gothic lettering and an etched handshape upper arm tattoo

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Jul Chv
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like the variation on a classic of old school tattoo design : the shaking hands. Quite original. Very well done too.

#32

Nekomata Upper Arm Piece

Nekomata japanese yokai Upper Arm Piece

Nekomata are a type of cat yōkai that feature in Japanese folklore, classical kaidan, essays etc.

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#33

Grand Death Eagle Sleeve Piece

Grand Death Eagle Sleeve tattoo

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#34

"The Bird In The Frame"

Bird in the frame upper arm tattoo

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#35

Big Scary Fly Hand Tattoo

Fly with long legs Hand Tattoo

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#36

Crow Sleeve Piece

deep black Crow Forearm Piece

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#37

Mesmerizing Dinosaur Skeleton Full Chest Piece

Mesmerizing Dinosaur Skeleton Full Chest Piece

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Kat Montoya
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The details throughout the entire piece are so good. The negative space framing done with the crow heads, wow! The kid laying inside the tree trunk was such a gem to find. The bat on the shoulder, the negative deer figure on the arm, with the negative bat and skull right by that, next to an amazingly structured and awesome face. All of that surrounding this really interesting depiction of a skeleton/fossil thing... its just so much to love. Its such a great composition, and incredibly well executed. I'm very impressed by the talent shown here.

#38

Snake Skeleton Full Arm Tattoo

Snake Skeleton Full Arm Tattoo

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#39

Headless Horseman Full Back Tattoo

Headless Horseman Full Back Tattoo

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#40

Dark Gothic Neck Tattoo

Dark Gothic lines Neck Tattoo

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#41

Freehand Skull Tattoo

Freehand Skull knee Tattoo

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Kat Montoya
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Uh huh, freehand my a*s! Interesting design though, pretty cool

#42

Victorian Dress Arm Tattoo

Victorian Dress with blue detailing upper Arm Tattoo

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#43

Stylized Bat Tattoo

stylized contrasting bat tattoo

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Kat Montoya
Community Member
9 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of these are not Gothic, but this is just ridiculous. Not in any world is this the least bit Gothic lmao. Its good, its adorable, cute af, but not Gothic lol

#45

Dark Freehand Arm Piece

Dark Freehanded lines Arm Piece

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#46

Freehand Seraphim Tattoo

Freehand Seraphim on the back of the neck Tattoo

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#47

"Sacred Heart" Chest Tattoo

Heart with a wreath, flowers and a sword stuck into it a tattoo

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#48

Baroque Lion Tattoo

Baroque Lion shoulder Tattoo

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#50

“The Drolatic Dreams Of Pantagruel” (1565) Series Tattoo

The Drolatic Dreams Of Pantagruel upper thigh Tattoo

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#51

Gothic Hand On A Thigh Tattoo

Gothic Hand On A Thigh Tattoo

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#52

Thorny Branches Elbow Tattoo

woven thorny branches around an elbow tattoo

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#53

Dark Symmetrical Thigh Pieces

Dark Symmetrical Thigh tattoos with red eyes

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#54

The Morrígan Upper Arm Tattoo

The Morrígan Sleeve Tattoo

War and fate are the Morrígan's main areas of focus, especially when it comes to predicting negative outcomes, death, or victory in battles. As part of this role, she frequently takes on the form of a crow, referred to as the badb.

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#55

Devil Playing With Fire Tattoo

Devil Playing with fire hamstring tattoo

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#56

Dark Church Leg Tattoo

Dark Church Leg Tattoo

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#57

"Cupid" Arm Tattoo

cherub cupid arm tattoo

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#58

Wheel Of Fortune Forearm Tattoo

Wheel Of Fortune tarot card Forearm Tattoo

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#61

"Ornament And Architecture Reaching For The Sky" Arm Tattoo

Large church forearm tattoo

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#62

Junji Ito Inspired Sleeve Tattoo

Junji Ito Inspired Sleeve Tattoo

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#63

Gnarly Looking Massive Leg Tattoos

Gnarly Looking Dark Massive Leg Tattoos

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#65

Dark And Interesting Arm Piece

dark detailed arm and hand piece

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#66

Gothic Dolphin Piece

Gothic Dolphin Piece

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#67

"Dizzy Eyes" Tattoo Over A Tattoo

Tight lines covering another tattoo piece

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#68

Full Skull Design Tattoo

Full Skull Design Tattoo

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#69

Attacking Eagle Tattoo

Eagle attacking a snake tattoo

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#70

"Playful Fight" Contrasting Tattoo

cupid holding a snake demon in a chokehold tattoo

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#71

"Angel Of Death" Calve Tattoo

long angel of death calve tattoo

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#72

Butterfly Skull Thigh Piece

Butterfly Skull Thigh Piece

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#73

Black Widow Hand Tattoo

Black Widow Hand Tattoo

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#74

"Insanity" Written In A Gothic Font On A Thigh Tattoo

"Insanity" Written In A Gothic Font with rolling eyes under it Thigh Tattoo

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#75

Contrasting Weapon Tattoo

sharp mace large thigh tattoo

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#76

Memento Viviere Collarbone Tattoo

Memento Viviere gothic lettering Collarbone Tattoo

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#78

90's Style Gothic Heart Tattoo

90's Style Gothic three Hearts Tattoo

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#79

Skull Behind The Ear Tattoo

Skull Behind The Ear Tattoo

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#80

Gothic Stylized Skull Tattoo

Gothic Stylized Skull with seven eyes Tattoo

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#81

Bones And Skull Traditional Tattoo

Bones And Skull Traditional Tattoo

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#82

"The Eyes, Chico, They Never Lie" Arm Tattoo

Eye looking up line work arm tattoo

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#83

Babies In A Monsters Mouth Arm Tattoo

Babies In A Monsters Mouth Arm Tattoo

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#84

Stylized Dagger Tattoo

Stylized Dagger inner arm Tattoo

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#85

Dark Gothic Cathedral Calve Tattoo

Dark Gothic cathedra with big circular detailing Calve Tattoo

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#86

Sick Moth Tattoo

gothic Moth with a skull and a moonTattoo

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#89

"Lovely Candle" Tattoo

fancy Triple candle arm tattoo

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#90

Strange Contrasting Arm Piece

Boxhead, a dark tree with a heart hanging from it arm tattoo

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#91

Red Vampire Arm Tattoo

Red Vampire Arm Tattoo

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#93

"Dark Art" Full Back Tattoo

top half of a skeleton with a hand emerging from it full back tattoo

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#94

Entertaining Jester Etch Tattoo

Entertaining Jester on a ball Etch Tattoo

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#95

Get Blessed By This Frog Tattoo

frog giving blessings upper thigh tattoo

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#96

"Shrimp With Flaming Village" Upper Thigh Tattoo

Shrimp With Flaming Village Upper Thigh Tattoo

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#98

Stylized Lettering With A Cherub Tattoo

Stylized Lettering With A Cherub Tattoo

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#99

Back Tribal Tattoo Piece

Back and neck Tribal Tattoo

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