Memorial Tattoos Explained

Memorials are powerful. They help you stay connected to a lost loved one, weaving them into your everyday life. The word memorial itself derives from 14th century French, meaning “remembered, committed to memory.”

But there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to a memorial. The only prerequisite is that it’s personal and reminds you of your loved one.

And there are few things more personal than a tattoo.

In recent years, memorial tattoos have surged in popularity, with more and more people choosing to go under the needle in tribute to a friend or family member. Studies have indicated that memorial tattoos can help process grief, maintain a bond with departed relatives, and serve as a visual celebration of a life.

But what are memorial tattoos? And what should you consider if you’re thinking of getting one?

Let’s explore.

What is a memorial tattoo?

Memorial tattoos come in all shapes and sizes. Quite literally.

From small script tattoos of someone’s name to astonishing, large-scale works of art, memorial tattoos come in a kaleidoscopic array of colours, styles and designs. There’s even the growing popularity of cremation tattoos, in which a small amount of your loved one’s ashes are mixed into the tattoo ink, adding a uniquely personal touch.

Whether you opt for something discreet or eye-catching, getting a memorial tattoo serves as a daily reminder of your loved one, weaving an aspect of their identity into your own.

As tattoos grow in popularity and the ways we remember our loved ones evolve, memorial tattoos have become increasingly common, offering people a physical outlet for grief and serving as a ritual in and of themselves as they invite conversation about the meaning behind the art, allowing people to share stories about the departed.

And that’s fantastic. As a society we’re often reluctant to discuss loss and grief, creating a taboo that can be detrimental to the healing process. By their celebratory nature, memorial tattoos address this taboo head on, encouraging the type of open and honest conversation that reframes how we discuss loss.

But, like any tattoo, getting a memorial tattoo is a commitment that should not be entered into lightly.

So, what should you consider if you’re planning on getting a memorial tattoo?

Should You Get a Memorial Tattoo?

A tattoo is a lifelong commitment, so it’s wise to spend some time reflecting on whether a memorial tattoo is right for you. This is especially true if you’ve recently lost a loved one, when you’re at your most emotionally raw.

It’s also worth considering the nature of your relationship with the departed; some relationships are more complex than others, so it’s important to consider if a memorial tattoo is the best option for you.

Like any tattoo, the decision to get memorial tattoo shouldn’t be rushed, and you should take time to decide on a style and design that a) you’re comfortable seeing every day and b) is befitting of your relationship with the departed.

A common tip from tattooists is to pin a sketch of your chosen design somewhere you’ll see it every day, such as a mirror or notice board. If after several weeks (or even months) you’re still confident the design is for you, then contact a professional tattooist to discuss size and placement options.

Need a little inspiration for your memorial tattoo? Read on.

Memorial Tattoo Inspiration

Tattoos are a broad church, available in a variety of styles and designs, each with their own unique flair and symbolism. From discreet minimalist pieces to larger, more traditional work and beyond, the only limit is your imagination.

Your choice of memorial tattoo is unique to you, but with so many options it can be difficult to know where to start.

Need a little inspiration? You might consider:

Dates, Details, and Initials

If you’d like something discreet that can’t be misinterpreted, you might opt for a minimalist detail-based tattoo. It could be as simple as your loved one’s initials, a significant date, or even the coordinates of a location.

Flowers

Floral tattoos are, perhaps, the most common memorial tattoo, and it’s easy to see why. Rich in beauty and symbolism, floral designs are highly versatile and can express layers of meaning about your loved one.

For example, roses symbolise love and passion, sunflowers symbolise loyalty and longevity, peonies symbolise honour, and cacti symbolise strength.

And that’s barely scratching the surface. Every flower is loaded with layers of symbolism, so if you’re considering a floral memorial tattoo spend some time researching the symbolism of your chosen flower, and how it applies to your loved one.

It’s also worth noting that certain flowers will carry different meanings, depending on the colour you choose. A red rose symbolises love and passion, whereas a black rose symbolises grief; a white tulip symbolises honour, whereas a yellow tulip symbolises friendship.

Similarly, the species of flower you choose for a memorial tattoo is layered with meaning, so carve out some time to explore these meanings and decide what best encapsulates the person you’re commemorating or the relationship you shared.

Occupations & Hobbies

Designs based on occupations or hobbies are fantastic options for memorial tattoos as they speak to something specific about your loved one, forming a unique tribute.

Whether they were a paramedic, firefighter, writer, educator, chef, florist, musician, or something else entirely, professions and hobbies are rich with imagery, and a skilled tattooist will help you design a piece that’s truly unique.

Away from professions, our hobbies speak volumes about us as people. As such, you might opt for a design based on your loved one’s favourite pastime—from sports enthusiast to pop culture aficionado.

Portraits

Portrait tattoos are amongst the oldest known to the art. And, like all tattoos, they can be as detailed as you choose. Some people opt for photo-realistic designs; others prefer something more expressive, such as traditional styles.

Whatever style or design you choose for your memorial tattoo, be sure to consult a professional tattooist, who’ll be able to offer advice on design and placement.

Memorial Tattoos with Ashes

In recent years, memorial tattoos have evolved to include tattooing with ashes, offering a unique opportunity to carry your loved one with you wherever you go.

The process is slightly different to that of a conventional tattoo, and not every tattooist will agree to tattoo with ashes, so be sure to reach out beforehand.

But how do tattoos with ashes work?

Firstly, your tattooist will add a small amount of your loved one’s ashes to the tattoo ink—typically less than half a teaspoon. The ashes will then be tattooed into the skin as part of your chosen design.

When tattooing with ashes, it’s important for the ashes to be as fine as possible to avoid clogging, so consult a tattooist with experience using ashes in ink as they’ll be able to advise you on the right consistency for the best results.

There’s some misinformation online regarding health risks associated with tattoos using ashes, but rest assured the process is perfectly safe. The intense heat of cremation burns away any bacteria and the ashes themselves are safe to blend with the sterilised inks used in tattooing.

The ashes are unlikely to affect the natural healing process of your tattoo (as they’re so fine), but you should consult a professional if you experience any discomfort. If you have sensitive skin, it may be wise to consult a dermatologist before using ashes in a tattoo.

Note: It’s not unusual for tattoos using ashes to itch more than ink-only tattoos during the healing process but be sure to seek help if you have any concerns.

If you’re thinking of getting a tattoo using your loved one’s ashes, there are companies like Cremation Ink who will ensure the ashes are properly mixed into tattoo ink, ensuring the right consistency for a safe, high-quality tattoo.

Do tattoos with ashes look different?

The process of getting a memorial tattoo using ashes is no different to the regular tattooing process, and the trace amount of ash mixed into the ink won’t affect the finished piece.

Whatever type of memorial tattoo you choose, you’ll be honouring your loved one with a personal tribute that’ll stand the test of time.

From discreet designs to larger, more complex pieces, memorial tattoos are as unique as the person they honour, making them a powerful, emotionally resonant tribute.