Originally posted on March 24, 2022 @ 7:00 am
Everybody in their childhood years got to at least create a paper plane or play with one. Therefore, it is not surprising that it still holds some sentimental value.
However, different people have the same design for various reasons when it comes to tattoos. Below are some of the most popular paper tattoo meanings.
First, it can symbolize their love for travel and that they possess an adventurous or carefree side. This is achieved by a paper airplane flying around the globe.
Secondly, it is used as a reminder to let go of things from the past and keep moving forward. Similarly, it shows that one is stepping into a new season of their life.
For this purpose, the airplane usually has a trail behind it. If you consider the paper airplane tattoo, below are some examples you could consider.
Airplane Tattoo Ideas:
1. Paper Airplane Tattoo
2. Small Airplane Tattoos
In most cases, small airplane tattoos represent a love of travel. It is either done with words or just a plain figure. In other cases, they are used to symbolize freedom and adventure. It can be used solely or in a pair between friends or couples who consider themselves fans of the sky.
Additionally, small air tattoos stand for personality and the worry about going too big. These small airplane tattoos are preferably placed in areas that are considered delicate such as behind the ears. Below are some examples of how you can get them.
3. Geometrical Airplane Tattoo
This is the most intense tattoo when it comes to airplane tattoos. The craft and time put into its creation take patience and genuine passion. The tattoo shows the parts of a plane or an airplane surrounded by the radar in detail. On the other hand, it might indicate a plane inside a compass. Therefore, this is mainly by those who love airplanes and function.
Additionally, pilots and military specialists use this type to display their craft. However, this doesn’t mean that others cannot use these tattoos with the same art. Below are some examples of geometrical airplane tattoos.
4. Airplane Heart Tattoo
Airplane heart tattoos are the most common when it comes to airplane tattoos. However, they all have different meanings to different individuals. They have endless meanings but are mainly classified into three broad categories, first for those who have gone through a heartbreak shown by a plane leaving behind a heart.
Secondly, for those who are in love, depicted by an airplane going around in a heartbeat. Finally, it can be used to represent the possibility of love which is shown by a plane heading towards a heart. Below are examples of airplane heart tattoos.
5. Airplane Outline Tattoo
An outline airplane tattoo is an excellent option for those who love smaller tattoos. In most cases, this type of tattoo shows only the outline of a plane without any additions. On the other hand, this type can be used with a heart or the plane going around the world. Therefore, it better suits minimalists who don’t like too much detail.
The best place to draw this tattoo is the wrist, neck, and ankle. Not only do they symbolize a minimalist personality, like their counterparts, but they also show the love of adventure, travel, and free spirit. Outline tattoos have a fresh yet classy look throughout when done perfectly. Some of the examples are outlined below.
6. Airplane Silhouette Tattoo
Airplane silhouette tattoos are closer to the outline airplane tattoo. They are drawn like outline airplane tattoos, but in this case, the inside of the plane is not left blank. They have a darker color and thus seem more solid and pronounced. Although minimalists might go for this type due to its lack of detail, it’s standing out nature mainly discourages them.
The airplane silhouette tattoo indicates a bold personality and an immense love for travel. Like its counterpart, the best areas to have this tattoo include the ankle, wrist, and forearm. In most cases, this type is preferred in small sizes, such as in the examples below.
7. Airplane Propeller Tattoo
The Airplane propeller tattoo is one of the most complex tattoos one could get. It is in most cases used by men, but this does not necessarily exclude the ladies from getting it. They range from highly detailed to those with as little detail as possible. This type of tattoo is used mainly by men who have either served in the army or those passionate about an airplane’s workings.
It is used to symbolize the love for machines and their workings, plus a bold and tenacious spirit and personality. When perfectly done, they give a sight to behold. Due to their extensive nature, airplane propellers tattoo ideal areas like the thigh, sidearm, and back due to their vast nature. Below are some of their examples:
8. Airplane Shadow Tattoo
An airplane shadow tattoo is mainly used with the paper airplane tattoo. It is either a combination of two planes, one on top and the other at the bottom. The top plane is most drawn by the outline method. The second plane is depicted as the shadow of the one on top. These two planes are not of the same type.
The top one is, in most cases, a paper airplane, while the bottom one is a fighter jet. Though it has many meanings, the most common is that people don’t always see your true nature as they are quick to judge. Therefore, what they see is not who they are, and the shadow represents their true self. Some examples of these tattoos can be found below.
9. Airplane Wing Tattoo
An airplane wing tattoo is one of the oldest tattoos in the aviation industry. It depicts a wing, mostly the left one or both. Although the wing tattoo is used in other sectors, the airplane wing tattoo stands out since when both sides are drawn, there is a distinct middle feature depending on the department.
This symbol is expected since it is used in pilots’ uniforms as their badges. This type of tattoo signified either that one was a pilot or the depth of passion they possess for the art. However, this type of tattoo is rare to find. Below are some examples.
10. Vintage Airplane Tattoo
The vintage airplane tattoo dates to the origin of the airplane. It shows the first model aircraft that was designed by the Wright brothers. It works best for people with a classic edge who love vintage things. The tattoo looks like a black and white outline of the plane. However, some prefer it to have a pop of color.
This type is also preferred by aviation fans who treasure the journey and transformation this sector has undergone. The tattoo’s size varies according to preference and where it is drawn. The tattoo achieves a classic and exquisite look when well done with sketching and consistent lines on the forearm.
11. Flying Airplane Tattoo
The flying tattoo is one of the unique ones in airplane tattooing. It is more inclined in the combat distinction. This type of tattoo is preferred by men who love hunting games or virtual games. Additionally, those who opt for this tattoo style would find warrior-inspired tattoos interesting.
It symbolizes a fighter spirit and good at navigating his way through stressful times. It also signifies the warrior who can stand hard times and always finds his way home. On the other hand, flying airplane tattoos standing for new beginnings are surging forward. Below are some examples.
12. Watercolor Airplane Tattoo
Some people love their life in general with a bit of popping color. Therefore, their love for the color does not stop when it comes to their tattoos. Being fans of travel, adventure, and their carefree spirit put into consideration, they go for the most shouting color they can find.
A watercolor airplane tattoo does not represent their adventurous side. It also brings out their bold personality, love for color, and view of the world. Below are some examples of watercolor airplane tattoos.
Bottom Line
Tattooing is a personal venture, and as such, the meaning of tattoos is hard to nail down as they differ from one person to the next. However, the most important thing about finding your ideal tattoo is first to find a good tattoo artist that will bring out exactly what you hope for. The above styles of aviation tattoos are just a small part of what is available. I hope you found what intrigues you.
