While any tattoo is a statement one way or another — most often about social norms — skull tattoo designs are some of those most profound and complex forms of visual communication in body art. This is because a skull is naturally symbolic of death, but not every skull design automatically means doom and gloom. In fact, many celebrate the simple mortality by reminding everyone who looks upon it to live their life to the fullest. While these tattoo designs for men are among the most popular (and least popular for women), there are a large number of designs that express different emotions.

The traditional pirate skull tattoo pictures that are common in every tattoo parlor the world across are meant to identify the individual receiving the tattoo as a free spirit who does not adhere to norms or even laws, instead pursuing pleasure and happiness at all costs. Likewise, a flaming skull often means a strong personality with a penchant for adventure, especially that of a rough and tumble nature. The dragon skull tattoos designs are different from other skulls, as they symbolize fantasy, imagination, and daydreaming beyond the normal constraints of everyday life.

A well known tattoo is that of a snake curled up within a skull. While having great meaning due to the Harry Potter iconography, the original lore of this design actually refers to the life giving powers of serpents. Just like a medicine logo has two curled up snakes, so does a snake and skull tattoo represent vitality and vigor. An angelic skull can be one of great faith and piety, seemingly contrary to the counter culture nature of tattoos in general. Cross tattoo designs incorporate faith with the basic skull shape, so that the meaning of mortality is a reminder of religious dues and debts.

Like all tattoos, a skull design will be painful for the first days after application. It is important not to rub it or add additional bandages, or else the area may become infected or the ink smear across an area and ruin the picture. The thickest skin is the best for accommodating the ink, so the choice is often for the back, arms, or legs — which also give it the greatest exposure. As a skull is naturally white, they may have artistry or lettering across it that will be visible from far away.

Skull tattoo designs are some of the more popular designs requested. The significance of the design seems to be unique to each of the individuals requesting it, though throughout history it has been a classic symbol of the pirates, brigands of the oceans who, to many, seem to symbolize a certain kind of daring and courage in the face of many adversities. It is often also seen as a reminder of the mortality of man, that life is brief and should be lived to its fullest.

While the skull itself is often used, it is often combined with other symbolism and design elements. This is both to add meaning to the design and to distinguish and personalize the tattoo. Common designs include a skull and crossbones, skulls and dragons, skulls and crosses, the tribal skull design and of course the famous Jolly Roger design.

Perhaps the most well recognized all-time favorite is the infamous skull and crossbones tattoo design. There are many different kinds of tattoos utilizing this particular design with the crossbones going through the skull or placed, crossed, underneath it. While originally a sign of man’s immortality, it now also commonly represents danger or a signal that there is something about the person wearing it that suggests they have another side to them. Women often choose this design for their tattoos also, however their choice will often include another design element such as angel wings, dragons or even flowers held in the mouth.

One of the more famous designs is the Jolly Roger tattoo design. This particular design usually includes additional elements that relate to pirates. Frequently the skull will be holding a pirate flag or a sword in their mouth. Swords are often placed across it either in front of or directly behind it, in place of crossed bones. Other popular additions include old style pistols similar to those pirates are frequently shown brandishing, an anchor or even a ships steering wheel.

The sugar skull tattoo design is based on the tradition of making sugar skulls to celebrate All Saints Day. Typically a this design features a specific style of skull, usually either the traditional square chin or high cheekbones type. The main difference with the sugar skull design is the intricate and detailed patterns and colors that are imprinted into the tattoo. It is decorated with any design of choice, not limited to geometric designs only either. For example it can include flowers or stars, or anything that is brightly colored and fits within the design itself.

Whatever your particular preference, you should be able to either find or design a unique and individual design that has its own personalized meaning for you.