Dreamcatchers are a Native American tradition, and are stunning iconic objects rich in symbolism. The traditional dreamcatcher is made with a hoop, a web, feathers and beads. The dreamcatcher’s purpose is to catch bad dreams while letting good dreams pass through the web. Dreamcatchers have become popular in modern times, and many people choose to get them as tattoos. If you’re considering getting a dream catcher tattoo, check out our collection of designs and ideas.
1. Chest Dreamcatcher Tattoo
Apart from the back, the chest area is another top choice for those who want an elaborate tattoo design. This spot is said to be the seat of masculinity, power, and strength. Various tattoo designs work well when rendered on the chest. One of the top choices is the chest dreamcatcher tattoo with tribal embellishments.
2. Sleeve Dreamcatcher Tattoo
When you think about sleeve tattoos, you have to choose a design that maximizes space and visibility. This type and placement cover the whole arm from the wrist to the shoulder. Half-sleeve options start from the wrist to the elbow; or from the elbow to the shoulder. You can be extra creative with your tattoo designs. Feel free to combine elements to achieve fantastic body art. A dreamcatcher can be presented as a guardian that safeguards you and your whole family from harm and negativity. These types of tattoos will surely make heads turn.
3. Dreamcatcher Arm Tattoo
A dreamcatcher arm tattoo can be made complicated or straightforward, depending on what you want. Tattoo placement is also as crucial as the design you wish to have. Some designs look amazing on certain parts of the body. This spot provides ample space if you want a more extensive and more intricate design. But the arm area is also ideal for small and decent-sized dream catcher tattoo design. Likewise, getting inked on the arm is less painful compared to other areas of the body.
4. Forearm Dreamcatcher Tattoo
Another ideal placement for a beautiful dreamcatcher tattoo design is the forearm. Ideally, you can have designs with long and narrow details, and the dreamcatcher is perfect on this spot. It has ample space for a large and detailed piece. It allows the feathers or beads to go down along the arm without scrimping on space. Also, opting to have a tattoo on the forearm is low on the pain scale compared to other body areas due to the thick skin and muscles on this spot.
5. Shoulder Dreamcatcher Tattoo
Shoulder tattoos are often associated with power and strength. Thus many men prefer to have their most intricate tattoo designs in this placement. There are various meaningful tattoo ideas that you can carry on your shoulders, but one of the most popular and significant is the dreamcatcher. Having this image on your shoulder means you are protected and gifted with a positive outlook. The shoulder area is also ideal if it is your first tattoo experience. The spot is large enough for an intricate design, but the discomfort level is very low. However, if the design is large enough to cover up to the shoulder blades, the discomfort may increase because of the thin muscles and nerve endings in that spot.
6. Ankle Dreamcatcher Tattoo
Dreamcatchers can be designed prettily, roughly, or with tribal touches, but it will not diminish its rich symbolism and beauty. Seeing these talismans inked, one would always admire its charm and intricate designs. Men who opt for a rough or tribal touch on their ankle dreamcatcher tattoo will prefer bolder lines and darker hues or shading. Compared to the dainty dreamcatchers, heavier lines and shapes will exude masculinity better. But of course, getting body art on the ankle is not as smooth as the other parts of the body. It can be painful and uncomfortable, but the end product is always worth it.
7. Dreamcatcher Foot Tattoo
Foot tattoos are pretty trendy, but this spot can be pretty uncomfortable and painful to get a tattoo on. It is especially true for designs that require lots of shading and intricate detailing. For instance, a dreamcatcher foot tattoo can be exceptional on this spot, but you should expect that it will hurt a lot. A foot tattoo may also fade faster than other placements because the area is exposed to the elements.
8. Dreamcatcher Wrist Tattoo
For tattoos that mean so much to you, seeing them every day provokes the heartwarming emotions that you want. The best placement for this unique body art is the wrist. It is an ideal spot for a simple, small and meaningful piece that you want to be reminded of every day. A dreamcatcher wrist tattoo is a design that will be worth the pain of the process. It will give you hope, protection, and positivity. However, you should also know that getting a tattoo on the wrist is more uncomfortable because of the lack of muscle and thin skin. Also, ink designs on this spot are pretty exposed to the sun’s rays. Thus they tend to fade faster than those in other placements.
9. Simple Dreamcatcher Tattoo
Dreamcatchers are some of the most beautiful tattoo designs you’ll see on men or women. They are incredibly intricate and detailed. However, more straightforward designs and minimalist touches work best for some. Men with a laid-back personality will choose simple designs that focus on essential elements like shapes and lines. Dreamcatchers do not be overly complicated to showcase its meaning. Simple dreamcatcher tattoos also look classy, fabulous, and elegant!
10. 3D Dreamcatcher Tattoo
For a more modern take on the traditional dreamcatcher, you can opt for a 3D or a 3-dimensional tattoo design for unique self-expression. These tattoos interact with your skin and give onlookers the illusion of having it above the skin or inside the body. Expert tattoo artists will add some highlights, lines, or shine to achieve that 3D effect. They may also use shading techniques to make it look rounded and shadows for distance and depth. These types of tattoo designs appeal mostly to free-willed, modern men. If you are after something different but meaningful, you can explore these tattoo techniques and the suitable designs with a 3rd dimension look.
11. Watercolor Dreamcatcher Tattoo
Watercolor tattoos have an ephemeral quality, which makes it like a painting. The colors are washed out and fade into the background or blend with other colors. It is a perfect style of creating a dreamcatcher tattoo. It makes the image float in a dynamic way. Watercolor dreamcatcher tattoos are typically larger than the average tattoo. A watercolor dreamcatcher is best placed on the chest, the side, the shoulder blade, or the thighs.
12. Native American Dreamcatcher Tattoo
For Native Americans, the dreamcatcher is a protective talisman that fends off bad dreams and negative thoughts. The design is quite simple, but it has been replicated many times. As a tattoo, it may include other elements that are also sacred to their culture. Men who want to honor the origins of this craft may choose the Native American dreamcatcher tattoo design. However, consider the appropriateness of your design before having it inked to avoid offending someone with your tattoo.
13. Feathers and Dreamcatcher Tattoo
Feathers signify many things in the Native American culture. It is linked with freedom, wisdom, strength, and power. Dreamcatchers are often designed with feathers because it is also believed to bring good dreams and positive thoughts to the person it protects. Also, the meaning of your dreamcatcher and feather tattoo will take a different sense depending on the plumes that you use. Eagle feathers symbolize courage, while owl feathers are linked with wisdom.
14. Dreamcatcher and Heart Tattoo
Going for the traditional dreamcatcher design is a great choice to honor your Native American heritage. You may also include other elements or explore variations in tattoo designs. Some people love adding owls, foxes, and hearts with their dreamcatcher tattoos. Overall, the design will still represent protection, but with an added symbolism. Nature means affection and love. The dreamcatcher and heart tattoo combination is a lovely way of reminding yourself of people you love and want to keep safe and protected.
15. Owl and Dreamcatcher Tattoo
The owl and dreamcatcher symbols are commonly combined in various art forms in the Native American culture. These two elements also make an exciting tattoo design that is also rich in meaning. The owl is linked with knowledge, wisdom and is known as the guardian of the deceased. Meanwhile, dreamcatchers are used as protection against bad energy and negative thoughts. A tattoo design that uses these two elements may represent these ideas in unique and cool body art.
16. Name and Dreamcatcher Tattoo
A name tattoo is one of the best ways to honor someone you love and unique to you. These tattoo designs are significant and vital to the wearer. It is meant to last forever, so deciding to get this type of tattoo design requires a lot of thinking. If you are dead set on getting a name tattoo, you may also consider combining it with other fantastic elements. The dreamcatcher name tattoo is the perfect choice if you are aiming for a beautiful and meaningful design. The talisman works as a protection against negative energy. Thus, your overall ink showcases how you want to keep your loved ones safe and protected.
17. Moon and Dreamcatcher Tattoo
Dreamcatchers are typically crafted using a wooden hoop and strands looking like a spider’s web in the center. These talismans are meant to protect you from bad dreams as you sleep. Some also add elements like the moon to represent transition and growth through their unique body art. It is an effective tattoo and comes with intricate detailing that you can customize according to your preferences.
18. Dragon and Dreamcatcher Back Tattoo
A back tattoo will surely make a statement. Thus, it would help to spend time thinking and perfecting your design before deciding to have it. The spot is often reserved for elaborate body art, and it is perfect for something significant. If you are attracted to the symbolism of the dreamcatcher, you can have it designed with intricate details and elaborate rendering. The space on the back allows for large-scale images that will bring gasps of appreciation. This placement option also appeals to those who want to be discreet and cover up their ink. Whichever design you choose, it will always be unique to you. It would help if you also considered that more significant tattoo designs take longer to complete. You may need to have several sessions because it will be tedious, time-consuming, and uncomfortable.
19. Wolves Dreamcatcher Tattoo
Wolves combined with dream catchers to create a unique tattoo design will showcase a sense of power and mystery. The wolves are powerful creatures, but they are often associated with strong family ties. They move and rely on their pack members for support and survival. But cultures also link these animals to magic and mystery. With a dreamcatcher on the overall design, you can portray the protection and support you are always ready to give to your loved ones.
20. Raven and Dreamcatcher Tattoo
When it comes to dreamcatcher tattoos, the images are always captivating and surreal. They are made unique, detailed, and intricate. Some are simple, rough, or traditional. A raven and dreamcatcher tattoo is a dynamic combination that is sure to pique other people’s interests. It evokes mixed feelings depending on how dark or bright your tattoo design is. This tattoo design is more meaningful because the wearer can add other elements or quotes to personalize it. On their own, raven tattoos have negative and positive meanings. Although it has long been linked with death, mystery, and negativity, raven tattoos may also represent light, future, memory, wisdom, prophecy, and protection. Combined with the dreamcatcher, you highlight all the positive meanings of the raven and amplify it with your talisman.
FAQ
The dreamcatcher has long been a symbol of protection, and the tattoo can be seen as a way of ensuring that only good dreams come through. The web-like design of the tattoo can also represent the interconnectedness of all things, something that is important to many cultures. In addition, the dreamcatcher tattoo can be seen as a reminder to stay grounded in reality and not get too caught up in chasing unattainable dreams.
For some people, the best option is to get the tattoo on their upper back or shoulder, where it can be easily seen but is also relatively easy to cover up if necessary. Other popular choices include the ribs, forearm, and ankle. Ultimately, the best placement for a dreamcatcher tattoo is wherever it will look best on your body and have personal significance for you.
Dreamcatcher tattoos have different interpretations, especially when they have other elements. But, in general, dreamcatchers are often associated with protection and safety. After all, dreamcatchers are known to protect people from bad dreams and spirits. That’s why some people choose this design to protect them from evil.
Numerous people believe that dreamcatchers hold a broader meaning. That means they go beyond the legends related to dreams. For some, dreamcatchers can act as good luck charms. They can represent good energy, neutralizing bad energy.
Although dreamcatcher tattoos are considered feminine, they’re becoming popular among men. That’s because many men are drawn to design as it’s thought to bring positivity and protection. Besides being symbolic, dreamcatcher tattoos look cool in general.
When getting a dreamcatcher tattoo, you need to be aware that it can potentially offend some people. That’s because the iconic symbol is often used as a sign of Native heritage. So before getting a dreamcatcher tattoo, make sure you’re doing it right.