Originally posted on February 11, 2022 @ 7:00 am
Arguably one of the most aesthetically pleasing animals, the deer has long been included in the lives of humans.
Because of this fact, the deer has held different symbolism for many cultures.
Within Native American cultures, the deer is held in incredibly high regard. They view the deer as both a sacred and useful animal, and it has long been a symbol of prosperity, peace, longevity, and continuity.
In Eastern Asian cultures, the deer also holds great meaning. In China, the deer is viewed as a symbol of prosperity.
While in Hinduism, the deer is in association with Shiva and denotes sovereignty over nature. The deer is considered to be the King of the Forest and even a Lord over both animals and people.
Since the early days of Christianity, the deer has long been considered an allegory of Jesus Christ. This is because the deer are viewed in the Bible as the enemy of the snake.
In the Celtic culture, the ancients believed that the deer was a spirit animal. They believed the spirit deer was an important animal to fairies and their ancient divinities.
Many folks believe that this Celtic lore was what led to the Christmas traditional belief that reindeer led Santa’s sleigh and did hold magic power. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the deer throughout history’s many belief systems, the fact that people now avidly hunt deer for sport, and the beauty associated with the animal itself, many people are opting to get a tattoo of a deer.
Some folks opt to get a deer head tattoo, often showcasing the male deer’s gorgeous antlers. Others choose to get deer hunting tattoos or a deer symbol tattoo. If you’re perhaps looking for deer tattoo ideas, then you’ve come to the right place.
This article will explore ten different deer tattoo design categories, their different meanings, and why so many have chosen to get them! Hopefully, this article will act as a helpful guide for anyone searching for inspiration on a deer tattoo.
Deer Tattoo Design Ideas:
1. Deer Head Tattoos
Since folks first started to get deer tattoos, a portrait of a deer head has long been a sought-after choice. This is much to do with the beauty a deer’s natural features hold. Many people love to take this as an opportunity to showcase a male deer’s antlers. Deer antlers have long been viewed as a symbol of godliness, as their antlers grow away from their bodies and closer to the sky.
A deer’s antlers are also viewed as nature’s gorgeous crown and a symbol of regeneration. This is also the reason why so many cultures view deer as the Kings of the Forest. If you’ve been considering a deer head tattoo, but aren’t exactly sure of what you’d like its appearance to be, try checking out some of the links below;
2. Deer Skull Tattoos
Almost equally popular as tattoos of a deer’s head is that of tattoos of deer skulls. Skull tattoos are commonly used to symbolize death or a lack of fear of it. Deer skull tattoos can carry the same meaning, but they can also be used similarly to the head to symbolize the kingly aspects of a deer. Many choose deer skull tattoos and utilize them as an opportunity to adorn the skull in beautiful flowers or vines.
Tattoos of this nature are a very common option for hunters, used to symbolize the effort they put into their hobby or craft. If a deer skull tattoo is something that you would seemingly enjoy, then take a look at these pieces for some inspiration;
3. Deer Hunting Tattoos
As it’s become an incredibly popular sport or source of food and resources, there’s no question as to why so many people choose to get a deer hunting tattoo. As a favorite hobby of many, a deer tattoo is the ultimate way to express one’s passion for it! Deer hunting was also a very large means of survival by many cultures throughout history.
With so many reasons behind deer hunting, it brought a lot of people wanting to express that through the art of tattooing. Now, a deer hunting tattoo doesn’t have to be an image of mass gore (although it most certainly can be if you would like it to). Many people have gotten very creative over the design of a deer hunting tattoo. Here are a few examples;
4. Small Deer Tattoos
Like with any category of the tattoo, there is always the necessity to have small versions of it. Many people opt for a small tattoo for their first experience in the chair! Others opt for smaller tattoos as a completing piece for a larger design or sleeve. Some just utilize the sheer size of a small tattoo to fit into the smaller locations of their body, like their face, neck, behind the ear, fingers, wrists, and more.
Small tattoos don’t have to be lacklustre or under-detailed. A skilled tattoo artist can turn even the smallest tattoo into a detailed masterpiece. If you’re looking for a smaller design, whether simplistic or intricate, then check out some of these links for added ideas;
5. Realistic Deer Tattoos
For some, the love of deer or deer hunting is enough to have them sourcing out the most realistic deer tattoo possible. Talented tattoo artists can depict the most realistic portraits of people or animals with immense attention to detail. Because of this, realistic tattoos are highly sought-after.
Realistic tattoos have the power to be so stunningly eye-catching and bold that they feel as though they could jump off of the wearers’ skin. If you’ve been considering a realistic tattoo, it’s not only important to research your tattoo artist but also the tattoo itself. Here are some examples of some gorgeous realistic deer tattoos;
6. Feminine Deer Tattoos
While sometimes taking on more of a masculine feel, many women also choose to get a deer tattoo. Because of their occasional manly nature, many seek more of a feminine style of deer tattoo. Due to the need, many creative styles have these deer tattoos have emerged.
Whether using a more girly array of colors, utilizing florals, or even just showcasing a female deer – many people have altered a more traditional deer tattoo to suit their needs. If you’re considering getting a feminine deer tattoo but are struggling for ideas, that’s perfectly normal! Here is a list of a few examples of a more famine style of deer tattoo;
7. Deer Symbol Tattoos
Because of their association with both sport and food hunting, there have been many deer symbols created over the years. Many companies have begun utilizing deer imagery to create labels or brand logos for popular hunting items or apparel. A perfect example of this is the company Browning. Browning has taken the image of a buck and created their companies logo with it.
Considering they’re one of, if not the favorite brand of hunters and outdoorsmen alike, the Browning logo can be found pretty well anywhere. The Browning logo, in particular, has even become a very popular tattoo choice! If you’ve also been looking for a similar tattoo, check out some of these;
8. Deer with Birds Tattoo
Commonly paired together in tattoos are deer and birds. Birds have long symbolized both freedomsand eternity, with their ability to fly wherever their wings can take them. Both are animals of the forest and commonly associated with one another, and it’s no surprise that so many people are choosing to tattoo the two animals alongside one another.
As both are also avidly hunted animals, they could make for a beautiful hunting-themed tattoo as well. Both of these animals are equally beautiful in their own rights and make for stunning works of art in the form of tattoos. If a bird and deer tattoo is something you’ve had under consideration, then try taking a look at these tattoos for some added ideas;
9. Deer Tattoos Associated with Cinema
Deer have long been an iconic symbol utilized throughout the history of cinema. There have been many deer characters to have graced our screens over the last century. Examples like the Disney movie Bambi, or the use of deer imagery for patron uses in Harry Potter, have made their way into the hearts of millions.
This making it so manly folks have jumped at the opportunity to have one of these characters immortalized on their body in the form of tattoos. If you, too, have considered getting a tattoo of one of your favorite cinematic characters but are stumped for ideas of how to make it your own – fear not! Here’s a list of examples of some beautiful cinematic deer tattoos that are sure to delight anyone;
10. Cultural Deer Tattoos
As discussed previously, many cultures throughout our time on this earth have utilized the image or spirit of the deer. Some of these included; the Chinese, the Celts, and Native Americans. Each culture had its unique symbols and imagery associated with the deer. While some saw the deer as The King of the Forest, others saw the deer as a symbol of prosperity and infinite resource. Because of all of the different beliefs, there have been many different cultural deer tattoos designed.
If you’ve been considering a cultural deer tattoo but aren’t sure of how to design the appearance of even which culture’s belief’s to shape the image after, that’s okay! Check out this list, and hopefully, it can help you to get a better idea of what you’d like for your tattoo;
In conclusion, it’s easy to see why the popularity of deer tattoos has taken off in recent years. With deers symbolizing so many meaningful attributes of life, holding great outer beauty, and being such an avid target for sport and food hunters alike, there are many reasons to get a deer tattoo for many people. Whether you end up choosing a deer head tattoo, a cinematic deer tattoo, a deer symbol tattoo, or even a realistic deer tattoo, there are so many ways to make that tattoo entirely personalized to you.
