Dragon tattoos

Dragon tattoos come in many different shapes, styles and sizes, but they all have certain things in common. First of all, consider the dragon image – this is a mythological creature that is both fearsome and beautiful, and is the subject of folklore around the world. What kind of person would be attracted to this motif, enough to get a dragon art tattoo? Chances are it will be someone who has an interest in mythology or fantasy – and who is committed to it enough to make it a permanent part of their body art. You may think of Dungeons and Dragons player, but that’s just the beginning. Dragon tattoos are a common Goth tattoo image and may also be popular among people who have an interest in the art and symbols or the Middle Ages.

Different Dragons

Dragon tattoo

Though almost all dragons have these fantasy associations in common, there is also a lot of variety in dragon tattoos and dragon images in general. The Chinese dragon for example is a good luck symbol that is associated with the Chinese New Year. It would be hard to imagine a Chinese dragon without its flaming red and gold colors, so most Chinese dragon tattoos and other Asian dragon tattoos are done in color. Often the dragon tattoo image might ‘wind’ itself up a person’s arm or leg, dragons being long and snake-like.

Asian dragon tattoos are quite different from the fairy tale dragon that harkens back to the middle ages, though they are recognizably the same creature. The fairy tale dragon may be on its own or the dragon image may be accompanied by other associated images – think knights or fairies for example. The lines are likely to be finer, with intricate detailing. These dragon tattoos make a beautiful and striking visual image.

Another dragon tattoo

Tribal dragon tattoos, on the other hand, are much bolder and darker. They are either composed of or surrounded by the types of curving lines that are typically associated with tribal tattoos, so a dragon done in this style might be simplified. It won’t however, lose any of its impact – in fact these dragons are likely to be large and fierce looking and deliver a very strong visual image.

Dragon tattoos may seem unusual or quirky, but at the same time it’s easy to see why they are growing in popularity. The graceful, curving lines of a dragon image lends itself well to a variety of tattoo styles, and dragon tattoos are a great expression of several different folklore traditions.

Dragon Tattoos

In 1882, the young Duke of York, later to become King George V of England, got a tattoo of a dragon while on a visit to Japan. He was a midshipman on the H.M.S. Baccante at the time and traditional tattooist Hori Chyo executed the work. Whether perceived as creatures of air, fire, land or water, dragons have been popular across many styles of tattoo designs for a long time.

In Eastern traditions, dragons can be powerful allies and protectors as well as creatures of menace. They are often seening clutching or chasing the Pearl of Wisdom. Japanese tattooist often execute them across an entire arm or leg, where their twisting body shapes wrap well around limbs against backgrounds meant to symbolize wind or water.

Western dragons are often perceived as a threat, and tend to do battle with knights and wizards. They more often have wings in these interpretations and are often seen breathing fire. As with any creature or animal worn as a tattoo, many people wish to take on some of the qualities of these mythical creatures through their skin art. In the movie Reign of Fire Matthew McConaughey's dragon-slaying character has great tribal style arm tattoos and an elaborate chest piece based on the images of the dragons he hunts.

Below are a few resources if you are interested in wearing a dragon of your own. You can take a look at Dragon Tattoo Photos and Videos.

Dragon Tattoo Design


This tattoo design book by renowned tattooist Hardy features nothing but dragons. There is a basic history and physiology of the creatures, along with tips for how to best recreate Hardy's drawings as tattoos, either as stand-alone pieces or integrated into existing ink. At present, this book is out of print and you will have to get a used copy if you wish to own it. I feel this would be entirely worth it given the quality of the publication, put out by Hardy himself in an oversize hardcover edition.

Chinese Dragons Tattoos by Bruce Lafontaine - 6 stick-on designs. Just need a dragon for a night? A temporary tattoo is a great idea and both blackwork and full-color dragon designs exist if you look around.

Dragons Vol 1 - by J.D. Crowe, spiral-bound, 20 pages of black and white line designs. Need something to take to the tattooist to help you explain what you want? These black and white designs are suitable for tattooing as is, or you can expand or modify the design to customize your tattoo.