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From the painters' canvases to the pages of writers, the Gothic style has changed and shifted throughout the years. Today, gothic tattoos might be the best representatives of this rather eye-catching style.

Ironically, these often dark and dreary optical creations come from some of the most brilliant minds. For tattoo artists, dark-colored ink is the paint, and a person's skin is the canvas.

However, before picking the design, you might want to know the characteristics of gothic style tattoos. Luckily, works of the same style use similar elements. One of the more visible characteristics is the grim and dark themes. Many goth tattoo designs include creepy animals, holy figures, and ritualistic symbolism.

However, the use of colors — or, more correctly, the lack of them — sets these tattoos apart visually. Usually, gothic tattoos primarily use black ink. However, there are cases where a more eye-catching color gets used, and this mixture of shades can help craft some super realistic ink works.

Now that we have grasped the basics, you might go ahead and look at some gothic inkspiration. Below, we've compiled a goth sleeve tattoo or two for you to enjoy and described some of the most common symbols used in these creations.

As you go through the entries, make sure to upvote the ones that you liked the most. Also, don't forget to share your opinions about the tattoos in the comments!

Meaning of Gothic Tattoos

The word "gothic" is usually associated with gruesome, dark, and enigmatic concepts of our world. Burning demons, twisted angels, black goats, and scary crows are some of the most popular things found in these tattoos. The meaning of these tattoos can change depending on the subject. Throughout the post, we will take a look at tattoos that include:

  • Fonts;
  • Flowers;
  • Ravens;
  • Angels;
  • Architecture;
  • Skulls;
  • Spiders;
  • Crosses.
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    #2

    Gothic Style Crow Shoulder And Chest Tattoo

    Person with intricate gothic tattoos featuring birds and floral designs on chest and arms.

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    Gothic Font Tattoos

    quote tattoo is only as good as the font in use. Unlike Times New Roman or Ariel, the Gothic font is rare. What distinguishes Gothic from every other style is the styling of the letters. A Gothic font tattoo lives up to the name by having the same dark and mysterious vibes. So, even if you plan to write a sweet message like “I Love You,” why not do it in the most sinister way?

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    Gothic Flower Tattoos

    For nature fans, nothing is better than stepping into the abyss with a grotesque flower tattoo. Gothic flower tattoos often bend and shape a flower or other plant around another object. Hearts, headless deer, or some other disturbing things — nothing is off the table. Often, flowers in gothic tattoos symbolize decay and a person's passing. They usually stick out of a skeleton or are wrapped around a vital organ.

    Gothic Raven Tattoos

    The raven has gotten quite a lot of attention in the Gothic world. Literature sees this bird quoting the ever-famous "Nevermore" — a disturbing message to hear at midnight. In art, the raven represents an apocalyptic episode or the coming of dread. The meaning of the bird stays the same in a gothic raven tattoo, symbolizing something dreary, like grief over a lost love.

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    #5

    "Defend Animals" Gothic Lettering Piece

    Gothic tattoo on legs with words "defend animals" and chain design.

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    Gothic Angel Tattoos

    There are two varieties of angels — the ones that still work with God and the ones that turn against their master (aka demons). Where angels represent the good side, demons are the complete opposite. Thus, a gothic angel tattoo captures one or the other. Angels are shown as virtuous and holy creatures. Demons, on the other hand, symbolize the darker side of life.

    #6

    "Several Curves" Eccentric Shoulder Tattoo

    Ornate gothic tattoo design on shoulder, featuring delicate swirling patterns in black ink.

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    Gothic Architecture Tattoos

    Gothic buildings were very popular throughout the middle ages. Although contemporary architecture is now more desirable, gothic structures built back then are still famous even after several centuries. While new gothic buildings are no longer built, their legacy survives through gothic architecture tattoos. Like the structures, the tattoos can symbolize longevity in the face of time and history.

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    Skull and Skeleton Tattoos

    A gothic skull tattoo captures the not-so-cheerful aspects of this style but in the best way possible. If you haven’t figured it out yet, gothic tattoos often refer to passing away. As our bodies decay, all that gets left behind are bones, including the skull. You're also likely to encounter skull tattoos that have flower elements in them. For example, some tattoos have grass and flowers poking out of the holes of the skull, often sockets of the eyes.

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    Spider Tattoos

    With their six legs and sharp teeth, just a sight of these tiny creatures can make your skin crawl. Hence, even a simple gothic spider tattoo can look creepy and send shivers down your spine. Since spiders create webs that capture smaller creatures, they can represent creativity. However, at the same time, they can also symbolize one’s struggle in the complicated "web of life."

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    Gothic Cross Tattoos

    Gothic style and religion go hand-in-hand, like peanut butter and jam. However, throughout history, this duo has changed. While it is still visible through the marvelous cathedrals constructed during the middle ages, these days, you can enjoy this combination through the well-designed gothic cross tattoos. Usually, these tattoos are associated with passing away, pain, anger, or faith.

    #12

    Stylized Large Animal Back Piece

    Intricate gothic tattoos featuring bats, birds, and animals on a person's back.

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    Moezzzz
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Omg! These are so beautiful. I'd love to paint her back, you know? Hell, if I could stand getting a tattoo like this, I'd do it and let people paint it while I fall asleep

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    #15

    Dark Lightning Body Tattoo

    Person with intricate gothic tattoos covering their back and arms, forming a web-like pattern.

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    #16

    Sophisticated Raven Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo of a blackbird with open wings on an arm, showcasing intricate detail and a mysterious vibe.

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    #20

    Skulls And Snakes Full Arm Piece

    Gothic tattoo with snakes and skulls on an arm.

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    #21

    Dragon Circle Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo of a detailed dragon on a person's upper back, showcasing intricate artwork and dark themes.

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    #22

    Large Contrasting Octopus Tattoo

    Black and grey octopus tattoo on arm, showcasing intricate and gothic design elements.

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    #24

    Dressed Up Girl Contrasting Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo of an ornate woman's face, detailed with pearls and intricate patterns on an arm.

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    #25

    "The Mysterious Elegance Of The Death" Arm Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo featuring a death moth and flowers on forearm, showcasing intricate black ink details.

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    #26

    Full Back Gothic Moth Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo featuring an intricate skull and wing design on a person's back.

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    #28

    Mothra Large Chest Piece

    A detailed black moth on chest, showcasing gothic tattoo art on a person in a black top.

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    #29

    Highly Stylized Baroque Skull Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo design covering a man's back, featuring intricate symmetrical patterns and dark shades.

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    Kat Montoya
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tons of really consistently well done and very detailed shading throughout this piece

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    #31

    "Can't Trust No One, Even Yourself" Arm Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo of a snake biting a hand with "trust no one" text.

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    Jul Chv
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like the variation on a classic of old school tattoo design : the shaking hands. Quite original. Very well done too.

    #32

    Mesmerizing Dinosaur Skeleton Full Chest Piece

    Man with a large Gothic tattoo on his chest, featuring intricate mythical creatures and forest elements.

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    Kat Montoya
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The details throughout the entire piece are so good. The negative space framing done with the crow heads, wow! The kid laying inside the tree trunk was such a gem to find. The bat on the shoulder, the negative deer figure on the arm, with the negative bat and skull right by that, next to an amazingly structured and awesome face. All of that surrounding this really interesting depiction of a skeleton/fossil thing... its just so much to love. Its such a great composition, and incredibly well executed. I'm very impressed by the talent shown here.

    #33

    Nekomata Upper Arm Piece

    Gothic tattoo of a snarling cat with smoke details on a person's arm.

    Nekomata are a type of cat yōkai that feature in Japanese folklore, classical kaidan, essays etc.

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    #34

    Headless Horseman Full Back Tattoo

    Back with a detailed gothic tattoo of a headless horseman, showcasing intricate design and texture.

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    #35

    Grand Death Eagle Sleeve Piece

    Gothic tattoo on a man's arm featuring a skeletal bird entwined with a human skull, showcasing intricate black ink detail.

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    #36

    "The Bird In The Frame"

    Gothic tattoo of a bird in a top hat on upper arm, intricate branches and frame detailing.

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    #37

    Big Scary Fly Hand Tattoo

    Hand with detailed gothic tattoo of a large fly and a skeletal design on the wrist.

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    #38

    Crow Sleeve Piece

    Gothic tattoo of a black raven on an arm with intricate detailing, featuring a mask below.

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    #39

    Snake Skeleton Full Arm Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo sleeve featuring intricate bone design on a woman's arm, set against a dark background.

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    #40

    Dark Gothic Neck Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo design on neck and chest, featuring bold black lines and intricate patterns.

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    #41

    Freehand Skull Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo depicting a skeletal creature with spikes on an arm.

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    Kat Montoya
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Uh huh, freehand my a*s! Interesting design though, pretty cool

    #42

    Victorian Dress Arm Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo of a headless woman in Victorian dress on arm, adorned with blue floral patterns.

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    #43

    Stylized Bat Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo of a bat wrapped in flowers with a crescent moon and stars.

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    Kat Montoya
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A lot of these are not Gothic, but this is just ridiculous. Not in any world is this the least bit Gothic lmao. Its good, its adorable, cute af, but not Gothic lol

    #44

    Devil Playing With Fire Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo depicting a whimsical creature interacting with a stylized fire on skin.

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    #46

    Dark Freehand Arm Piece

    Gothic tattoo with intricate black lines on a person's forearm against a blurred background.

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    #47

    Dark Church Leg Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo of a detailed cathedral design on forearm, showcasing intricate black ink artistry.

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    #48

    Freehand Seraphim Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo of a three-eyed creature with bat wings on the back of a person's neck and shoulders.

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    #49

    "Cupid" Arm Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo of a cherubic angel with wings and a halo on a person's arm.

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    #50

    "Sacred Heart" Chest Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo of heart pierced by a cross with floral details and barbed wire on chest.

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    #51

    Baroque Lion Tattoo

    Intricate gothic tattoo on shoulder featuring a snarling boar adorned with ornate shield details.

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    #52

    Wheel Of Fortune Forearm Tattoo

    Black and white gothic tattoo depicting a classical figure with a skull and wheel detail on forearm.

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    #54

    “The Drolatic Dreams Of Pantagruel” (1565) Series Tattoo

    Tattoo of a whimsical, medieval-style figure with a bird's head and intricate details, illustrating gothic tattoo art.

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    #55

    Gothic Hand On A Thigh Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo featuring a dagger entangled with a hand and a spider on a person's thigh.

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    #56

    Thorny Branches Elbow Tattoo

    A detailed Gothic tattoo featuring an intricate, circular design with sharp, branching elements on forearm.

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    #57

    Dark Symmetrical Thigh Pieces

    Gothic tattoos depicting dark, intricate designs with red accents on thighs.

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    #58

    The Morrígan Upper Arm Tattoo

    Intricate gothic tattoo featuring a dark-haired figure with crow elements on an arm.

    War and fate are the Morrígan's main areas of focus, especially when it comes to predicting negative outcomes, death, or victory in battles. As part of this role, she frequently takes on the form of a crow, referred to as the badb.

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    #61

    "Ornament And Architecture Reaching For The Sky" Arm Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo of a cathedral design on a forearm, featuring intricate architectural details and celestial symbols.

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    #62

    Junji Ito Inspired Sleeve Tattoo

    Intricate gothic tattoo featuring a menacing creature design covering an entire arm, showcasing dark artistry.

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    #63

    Gnarly Looking Massive Leg Tattoos

    Intricate gothic tattoos on legs with black ink designs, featuring skeletal and surreal elements.

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    #65

    Dark And Interesting Arm Piece

    Intricate gothic tattoo design covering a hand, showcasing dark and detailed artwork.

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    #66

    Gothic Dolphin Piece

    Forearm with an intricate gothic tattoo of a dolphin skeleton design.

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    #67

    "Dizzy Eyes" Tattoo Over A Tattoo

    Colorful abstract gothic tattoo with intricate patterns on an arm.

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    #68

    Full Skull Design Tattoo

    Ornate gothic tattoo covering the back of a shaved head with intricate patterns and black lettering.

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    #69

    Attacking Eagle Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo of an eagle and snake on the chest, intricately detailed in black ink.

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    #70

    "Playful Fight" Contrasting Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo featuring a winged cherub entangled with a mythological creature on an arm.

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    #71

    "Angel Of Death" Calve Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo featuring a winged skeleton holding a mask, inked on a person's calf.

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    #72

    Butterfly Skull Thigh Piece

    Gothic tattoo of a black butterfly with skull motifs on the wings, inked on an arm.

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    #73

    Black Widow Hand Tattoo

    Hand with a gothic tattoo of a spider with web details, showcasing intricate design elements.

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    #74

    "Insanity" Written In A Gothic Font On A Thigh Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo with word "insanity" above illustrated eyes on thigh.

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    #75

    Contrasting Weapon Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo on arm featuring a spiked mace and chain for unique inspiration.

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    #76

    Memento Viviere Collarbone Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo with "memento vivere" script on the collarbone in black ink.

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    #78

    90's Style Gothic Heart Tattoo

    Detailed gothic tattoo with intricate heart and web patterns on a leg.

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    #79

    Skull Behind The Ear Tattoo

    Neck tattoo featuring a detailed Gothic skull design.

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    #80

    Gothic Stylized Skull Tattoo

    Intricate gothic tattoo design featuring a horned skull with symmetrical patterns on a person's calf.

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    #81

    Bones And Skull Traditional Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo featuring a detailed skull and bones design on the upper arm.

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    #82

    "The Eyes, Chico, They Never Lie" Arm Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo of a stylized eye on an arm, showcasing intricate line work and shading.

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    #83

    Babies In A Monsters Mouth Arm Tattoo

    Intricate gothic tattoo design with abstract elements on a forearm.

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    #84

    Stylized Dagger Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo of a detailed ornamental dagger on an arm, featuring intricate dark elements and shading.

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    #85

    Dark Gothic Cathedral Calve Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo featuring intricate cathedral architecture design on a person's leg.

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    #86

    Sick Moth Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo of a moth with a skull design and crescent moon on forearm.

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    #89

    "Lovely Candle" Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo design of a detailed candelabrum with three lit candles on an arm.

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    #91

    Red Vampire Arm Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo with a mystical woman, castle, and crescent moon on a forearm, showcasing vibrant and dark colors.

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    #93

    "Dark Art" Full Back Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo featuring a skeletal figure with detailed anatomy and circular design on a person's back.

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    #94

    Entertaining Jester Etch Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo of a jester balancing on a globe, holding two masks.

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    #95

    Get Blessed By This Frog Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo of a robed figure and the year 1993 inked on a person's thigh.

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    #96

    "Shrimp With Flaming Village" Upper Thigh Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo of a detailed crab with a castle on its shell, inked on a person's thigh.

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    #98

    Stylized Lettering With A Cherub Tattoo

    Gothic tattoo of an angel with intricate dark designs on a leg.

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    #99

    Back Tribal Tattoo Piece

    Back adorned with intricate gothic tattoos featuring thorn-like patterns.

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