create your own

Eagle Tattoos

77
rate or flag this page

By Tattoo Sally


What Makes a Good Eagle Tattoo?

Freedom. Independence. Strength.

If these ideals sound appealing an eagle tattoo is a good choice for you. Many countries and groups use the eagle as a symbol for what it represents, and it makes a fine tattoo choice.

Eagle tattoos work best when you get one knowing the power behind it's symbolism. Firefighters, soldiers, and peace officers often get this type of tattoo. It is also a good choice among males, and in general makes for a solid piece of art.

Good eagle tattoos are usually inked large on the upper arm or back. There's lots of space there, and the design won't feel cramped. Bold lines are often not necessary for a realistic looking flying or bald eagle. The thin lines allow more detail.


American Bald Eagle Tattoos

A very popular type of eagle tattoo features the American bald eagle.This bird is the iconic eagle for many Americans.

Many people who have served in the military get this type of tattoo to honor their service to the United States. Others get this to show their patriotism and include red, white, and blue colors into the design.

In any case, getting the American bald eagle tattooed onto you can be a strong tie to your country.

If you're going to get this type of design, they end up looking best if they are not "edgy." Uplifting and passionate styles work well because of the strong feelings of freedom it represents.

Simple black and white eagle tattoo. It's in flight looking up. What's unique is the front torso placement - normally this would be on the back. From Shayla Cybulski.
Simple black and white eagle tattoo. It's in flight looking up. What's unique is the front torso placement - normally this would be on the back. From Shayla Cybulski.
Very bold stylized eagle. The color really pops out. This eagle tattoo is on his arm (a great place) to show it off. From trev poulson.
Very bold stylized eagle. The color really pops out. This eagle tattoo is on his arm (a great place) to show it off. From trev poulson.
I like this tribal eagle tattoo. Again, a traditional upper arm placement. What's special about this design is the use of empty space in the tribal design. It's not cramped but not too simple. Great! From alienswede.
I like this tribal eagle tattoo. Again, a traditional upper arm placement. What's special about this design is the use of empty space in the tribal design. It's not cramped but not too simple. Great! From alienswede.
From david_newvision comes this very patriotic eagle tattoo. You can see the nautical and marine influence in the anchor. The American eagle is encircling the globe. The forearm placement leads me to believe the wearer is in the United States Navy.
From david_newvision comes this very patriotic eagle tattoo. You can see the nautical and marine influence in the anchor. The American eagle is encircling the globe. The forearm placement leads me to believe the wearer is in the United States Navy.
A simple outline for an eagle tattoo. Could be filled in some more to colorize it, but I wouldn't. It's direct and to the point here.
A simple outline for an eagle tattoo. Could be filled in some more to colorize it, but I wouldn't. It's direct and to the point here.
Flickr user chookpoo has this absolutely amazing female eagle tattoo on a woman's back. Just look at the detail in it's wings and head. This proves an eagle tattoo can be worn well by anybody - man or woman.
Flickr user chookpoo has this absolutely amazing female eagle tattoo on a woman's back. Just look at the detail in it's wings and head. This proves an eagle tattoo can be worn well by anybody - man or woman.

Slogan or No Slogan?

Using The eagle as a symbol, it is often represented holding something with it's talons. This works best for a stationary eagle. Some suggestions for a slogan are:

  • Born Free
  • Freedom Isn't Free
  • Sic Semper Tyrannis
  • Proud To Be

For a tattoo of an eagle in flight though, it is often not necessary to have a "Freedom" slogan. The eagle itself - solo in flight, soaring above all obstacles - is enough to remind the viewer of freedom.

Other Designs

You will sometimes run across cartoonish or flashy eagles. These can be inked in the "New School" or tribal style.

These can exude a youthful, edgy look if done right. They are often inked larger than a flying eagle - I've seen some that cover an entire upper arm or full back piece. Going too small with this extreme eagle tattoo design can lead to a "busy" feeling piece. It's best to give it room.

Find even more eagle tattoos at EvilTattoo.

Comments

RSS for comments on this Hub

TattooSara  says:
16 months ago

I love the female upper back eagle tattoo. Kind of an unusal tattoo for a female but looks great!

Submit a Comment

Members and Guests

Sign in or sign up and post using a hubpages account.


optional


  • No HTML is allowed in comments, but URLs will be hyperlinked
  • Comments are not for promoting your hubs or other sites

working