Swan Tattoos Are the Elegant Trend Taking Over This Winter

Swan Tattoos Are the Elegant Trend Taking Over This Winter

A swan tattoo placed on the back of someone's arm.A swan tattoo placed on the back of someone's arm.

@ragebabytattoo/Instagram

Swans draw quite a few meanings in literature, all of which are lovely. There’s transformation (think the story of the ugly duckling), love and loyalty (have you ever seen two swans swimming side by side? they mate for life), and grace (just look at them!). The gorgeous animals make gorgeous symbols, both to think about and look at.

Last month, Chappell Roan revealed that she’d added a swan tattoo to her iconic assortment of body art. She worked with traveling tattoo artist Hichi on the piece, which was added to the underside of her right arm. Her particular swan can be seen dipping its head, and is adorned with a ribbon tied sweetly around its neck and a smattering of stars.

“You have a similar energy to swans this makes total sense,” added a fan in Roan’s comments section when she revealed the ink on Instagram. Others sent swan emojis or chimed in to say that they had similar pieces.

The addition and familiar stories only make sense—it’s a great motif. So, could your favorite artist’s favorite artist’s new favorite tattoo be your favorite, too? Ahead, discover 10 swan tattoo designs—including Roan’s—that communicate all the animal’s elegance and charm.

01of 10

Swan (Pop) Princess

Chappell Roan shows off her swan tattoo.Chappell Roan shows off her swan tattoo.

@chappellroan/Instagram

Behold: Chappell Roan’s very own swan tattoo. The singer has been visiting Hichi for years, and once again looked to the hand-poke artist for her expertise when adding the delicate bird. The details are gorgeous, obviously, but I’m particularly fond of how this swan bows its head. There’s something humble but mischievous about the pose that I’d be happy to carry with me always.

02of 10

In the Details

A super detailed swan tattoo.A super detailed swan tattoo.

@ragebabytattoo/Instagram

The owner of this elegant swimming swan is literally named Swan, which makes the whole thing even more delightful. Artist Karina of @ragebabytattoo made the fine line piece happen. I love that she looks like she’s about to take flight.

03of 10

Traditional Swan

A traditional swan tattoo.A traditional swan tattoo.

@speightxtattoo/Instagram

There’s nothing like a good traditional-style tattoo. No matter your motif, it looks so good. Artist Joshua Speight works out of Dayton, OH and delivers traditional art to a crowd of tasteful clients—including, as you can see above, swan lovers like ourselves.

04of 10

Shaded Swans

A shaded swan tattoo.A shaded swan tattoo.

@guaarden_/Instagram

Flash artist Naama (you’ll find them @guaarden_ on Instagram) creates blackwork illustrations inspired by gothic art, medieval imagery, and baroque motifs made for tattooing.

“I really find swans as a sort of symbol of hopeful romanticism,” wrote the artist when sharing this piece. “[The tattooee] mentioned that they remind her of Mazzy Stars’ music atmosphere and I just couldn’t agree more!”

05of 10

Let’s Reflect

A tattoo showing a swan swimming and its reflection.A tattoo showing a swan swimming and its reflection.

@local_p0ke/Instagram

Another double-swan situation, this “swan swimming with a black swan reflection” piece by Chicago-based artist @local_p0ke offers as much a lesson in duality as it does grace.

06of 10

Winging It

A swan tattoo about to take flight.A swan tattoo about to take flight.

@brina.ttt/Instagram

What do we think… is this swan by Pennsylvania-based artist Sabrina (@brina.ttt) about to take flight or settling down in the water for a sweet afternoon float? I’m not sure, but there’s perhaps something even more special about it living in the in between.

“Swans have such an elegance to them that I think people throughout history have also seen. There are stories from ancient Greece/Rome with Leda and the swan, to the romantic period where people use swan motifs like everywhere. I love that they have carried the symbol of love for so long,” the artist explains. “Swans have such a flow to them and you can mold them and do so much with their shape. They fit the body so nicely.”

07of 10

In the Clouds

A swan tattoo that looks like she's floating in the clouds.A swan tattoo that looks like she's floating in the clouds.

@dwbtattoo/Instagram

Brooklyn-based artist David Bernier crafted this swan, whose long neck turns into a shorter body with cloudlike fluff. There’s something mystical to the approach… and doesn’t it seem like the bird is looking right at you? It is.

08of 10

Star Crossed Swans

A tattoo showcasing a pair of star-crossed swans.A tattoo showcasing a pair of star-crossed swans.

@silly.tatty/Instagram

Silly Tats by Shane in New York designed these star crossed swans. They’re staring right at each other, and the world behind them is exploding with their power. Not a bad situation to have taking place on your inner arm.

09of 10

Swan’s Biggest Fan

A swan fan tattoo on someone's hand.A swan fan tattoo on someone's hand.

@toniagost/Instagram

There’s so much to love about this soft feminine swan-meets-fan tattoo by Germany-based Toni Agostinelli: the hand placement, that dainty ribbon, the swooping neck. So enchanting.

10of 10

In Love

A tattoo of two swans with a heart between their heads.A tattoo of two swans with a heart between their heads.

@kyra_len

Though the sun is out lower on creator Kyra James’s arm, these peaceful swans look like they’re enjoying their time in the moonlight. The moon, in this case, is the sweet heart perched above their heads. Symbolism, remember?

Read more:

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Swan Tattoos Are the Elegant Trend Taking Over This Winter

A swan tattoo placed on the back of someone's arm.A swan tattoo placed on the back of someone's arm.

@ragebabytattoo/Instagram

Swans draw quite a few meanings in literature, all of which are lovely. There’s transformation (think the story of the ugly duckling), love and loyalty (have you ever seen two swans swimming side by side? they mate for life), and grace (just look at them!). The gorgeous animals make gorgeous symbols, both to think about and look at.

Last month, Chappell Roan revealed that she’d added a swan tattoo to her iconic assortment of body art. She worked with traveling tattoo artist Hichi on the piece, which was added to the underside of her right arm. Her particular swan can be seen dipping its head, and is adorned with a ribbon tied sweetly around its neck and a smattering of stars.

“You have a similar energy to swans this makes total sense,” added a fan in Roan’s comments section when she revealed the ink on Instagram. Others sent swan emojis or chimed in to say that they had similar pieces.

The addition and familiar stories only make sense—it’s a great motif. So, could your favorite artist’s favorite artist’s new favorite tattoo be your favorite, too? Ahead, discover 10 swan tattoo designs—including Roan’s—that communicate all the animal’s elegance and charm.

01of 10

Swan (Pop) Princess

Chappell Roan shows off her swan tattoo.Chappell Roan shows off her swan tattoo.

@chappellroan/Instagram

Behold: Chappell Roan’s very own swan tattoo. The singer has been visiting Hichi for years, and once again looked to the hand-poke artist for her expertise when adding the delicate bird. The details are gorgeous, obviously, but I’m particularly fond of how this swan bows its head. There’s something humble but mischievous about the pose that I’d be happy to carry with me always.

02of 10

In the Details

A super detailed swan tattoo.A super detailed swan tattoo.

@ragebabytattoo/Instagram

The owner of this elegant swimming swan is literally named Swan, which makes the whole thing even more delightful. Artist Karina of @ragebabytattoo made the fine line piece happen. I love that she looks like she’s about to take flight.

03of 10

Traditional Swan

A traditional swan tattoo.A traditional swan tattoo.

@speightxtattoo/Instagram

There’s nothing like a good traditional-style tattoo. No matter your motif, it looks so good. Artist Joshua Speight works out of Dayton, OH and delivers traditional art to a crowd of tasteful clients—including, as you can see above, swan lovers like ourselves.

04of 10

Shaded Swans

A shaded swan tattoo.A shaded swan tattoo.

@guaarden_/Instagram

Flash artist Naama (you’ll find them @guaarden_ on Instagram) creates blackwork illustrations inspired by gothic art, medieval imagery, and baroque motifs made for tattooing.

“I really find swans as a sort of symbol of hopeful romanticism,” wrote the artist when sharing this piece. “[The tattooee] mentioned that they remind her of Mazzy Stars’ music atmosphere and I just couldn’t agree more!”

05of 10

Let’s Reflect

A tattoo showing a swan swimming and its reflection.A tattoo showing a swan swimming and its reflection.

@local_p0ke/Instagram

Another double-swan situation, this “swan swimming with a black swan reflection” piece by Chicago-based artist @local_p0ke offers as much a lesson in duality as it does grace.

06of 10

Winging It

A swan tattoo about to take flight.A swan tattoo about to take flight.

@brina.ttt/Instagram

What do we think… is this swan by Pennsylvania-based artist Sabrina (@brina.ttt) about to take flight or settling down in the water for a sweet afternoon float? I’m not sure, but there’s perhaps something even more special about it living in the in between.

“Swans have such an elegance to them that I think people throughout history have also seen. There are stories from ancient Greece/Rome with Leda and the swan, to the romantic period where people use swan motifs like everywhere. I love that they have carried the symbol of love for so long,” the artist explains. “Swans have such a flow to them and you can mold them and do so much with their shape. They fit the body so nicely.”

07of 10

In the Clouds

A swan tattoo that looks like she's floating in the clouds.A swan tattoo that looks like she's floating in the clouds.

@dwbtattoo/Instagram

Brooklyn-based artist David Bernier crafted this swan, whose long neck turns into a shorter body with cloudlike fluff. There’s something mystical to the approach… and doesn’t it seem like the bird is looking right at you? It is.

08of 10

Star Crossed Swans

A tattoo showcasing a pair of star-crossed swans.A tattoo showcasing a pair of star-crossed swans.

@silly.tatty/Instagram

Silly Tats by Shane in New York designed these star crossed swans. They’re staring right at each other, and the world behind them is exploding with their power. Not a bad situation to have taking place on your inner arm.

09of 10

Swan’s Biggest Fan

A swan fan tattoo on someone's hand.A swan fan tattoo on someone's hand.

@toniagost/Instagram

There’s so much to love about this soft feminine swan-meets-fan tattoo by Germany-based Toni Agostinelli: the hand placement, that dainty ribbon, the swooping neck. So enchanting.

10of 10

In Love

A tattoo of two swans with a heart between their heads.A tattoo of two swans with a heart between their heads.

@kyra_len

Though the sun is out lower on creator Kyra James’s arm, these peaceful swans look like they’re enjoying their time in the moonlight. The moon, in this case, is the sweet heart perched above their heads. Symbolism, remember?

Read more:
A swan tattoo placed on the back of someone's arm.A swan tattoo placed on the back of someone's arm.

@ragebabytattoo/Instagram

Swans draw quite a few meanings in literature, all of which are lovely. There’s transformation (think the story of the ugly duckling), love and loyalty (have you ever seen two swans swimming side by side? they mate for life), and grace (just look at them!). The gorgeous animals make gorgeous symbols, both to think about and look at.

Last month, Chappell Roan revealed that she’d added a swan tattoo to her iconic assortment of body art. She worked with traveling tattoo artist Hichi on the piece, which was added to the underside of her right arm. Her particular swan can be seen dipping its head, and is adorned with a ribbon tied sweetly around its neck and a smattering of stars.

“You have a similar energy to swans this makes total sense,” added a fan in Roan’s comments section when she revealed the ink on Instagram. Others sent swan emojis or chimed in to say that they had similar pieces.

The addition and familiar stories only make sense—it’s a great motif. So, could your favorite artist’s favorite artist’s new favorite tattoo be your favorite, too? Ahead, discover 10 swan tattoo designs—including Roan’s—that communicate all the animal’s elegance and charm.

01of 10

Swan (Pop) Princess

Chappell Roan shows off her swan tattoo.Chappell Roan shows off her swan tattoo.

@chappellroan/Instagram

Behold: Chappell Roan’s very own swan tattoo. The singer has been visiting Hichi for years, and once again looked to the hand-poke artist for her expertise when adding the delicate bird. The details are gorgeous, obviously, but I’m particularly fond of how this swan bows its head. There’s something humble but mischievous about the pose that I’d be happy to carry with me always.

02of 10

In the Details

A super detailed swan tattoo.A super detailed swan tattoo.

@ragebabytattoo/Instagram

The owner of this elegant swimming swan is literally named Swan, which makes the whole thing even more delightful. Artist Karina of @ragebabytattoo made the fine line piece happen. I love that she looks like she’s about to take flight.

03of 10

Traditional Swan

A traditional swan tattoo.A traditional swan tattoo.

@speightxtattoo/Instagram

There’s nothing like a good traditional-style tattoo. No matter your motif, it looks so good. Artist Joshua Speight works out of Dayton, OH and delivers traditional art to a crowd of tasteful clients—including, as you can see above, swan lovers like ourselves.

04of 10

Shaded Swans

A shaded swan tattoo.A shaded swan tattoo.

@guaarden_/Instagram

Flash artist Naama (you’ll find them @guaarden_ on Instagram) creates blackwork illustrations inspired by gothic art, medieval imagery, and baroque motifs made for tattooing.

“I really find swans as a sort of symbol of hopeful romanticism,” wrote the artist when sharing this piece. “[The tattooee] mentioned that they remind her of Mazzy Stars’ music atmosphere and I just couldn’t agree more!”

05of 10

Let’s Reflect

A tattoo showing a swan swimming and its reflection.A tattoo showing a swan swimming and its reflection.

@local_p0ke/Instagram

Another double-swan situation, this “swan swimming with a black swan reflection” piece by Chicago-based artist @local_p0ke offers as much a lesson in duality as it does grace.

06of 10

Winging It

A swan tattoo about to take flight.A swan tattoo about to take flight.

@brina.ttt/Instagram

What do we think… is this swan by Pennsylvania-based artist Sabrina (@brina.ttt) about to take flight or settling down in the water for a sweet afternoon float? I’m not sure, but there’s perhaps something even more special about it living in the in between.

“Swans have such an elegance to them that I think people throughout history have also seen. There are stories from ancient Greece/Rome with Leda and the swan, to the romantic period where people use swan motifs like everywhere. I love that they have carried the symbol of love for so long,” the artist explains. “Swans have such a flow to them and you can mold them and do so much with their shape. They fit the body so nicely.”

07of 10

In the Clouds

A swan tattoo that looks like she's floating in the clouds.A swan tattoo that looks like she's floating in the clouds.

@dwbtattoo/Instagram

Brooklyn-based artist David Bernier crafted this swan, whose long neck turns into a shorter body with cloudlike fluff. There’s something mystical to the approach… and doesn’t it seem like the bird is looking right at you? It is.

08of 10

Star Crossed Swans

A tattoo showcasing a pair of star-crossed swans.A tattoo showcasing a pair of star-crossed swans.

@silly.tatty/Instagram

Silly Tats by Shane in New York designed these star crossed swans. They’re staring right at each other, and the world behind them is exploding with their power. Not a bad situation to have taking place on your inner arm.

09of 10

Swan’s Biggest Fan

A swan fan tattoo on someone's hand.A swan fan tattoo on someone's hand.

@toniagost/Instagram

There’s so much to love about this soft feminine swan-meets-fan tattoo by Germany-based Toni Agostinelli: the hand placement, that dainty ribbon, the swooping neck. So enchanting.

10of 10

In Love

A tattoo of two swans with a heart between their heads.A tattoo of two swans with a heart between their heads.

@kyra_len

Though the sun is out lower on creator Kyra James’s arm, these peaceful swans look like they’re enjoying their time in the moonlight. The moon, in this case, is the sweet heart perched above their heads. Symbolism, remember?

01of 10

Swan (Pop) Princess

Chappell Roan shows off her swan tattoo.Chappell Roan shows off her swan tattoo.

@chappellroan/Instagram

Behold: Chappell Roan’s very own swan tattoo. The singer has been visiting Hichi for years, and once again looked to the hand-poke artist for her expertise when adding the delicate bird. The details are gorgeous, obviously, but I’m particularly fond of how this swan bows its head. There’s something humble but mischievous about the pose that I’d be happy to carry with me always.

02of 10

In the Details

A super detailed swan tattoo.A super detailed swan tattoo.

@ragebabytattoo/Instagram

The owner of this elegant swimming swan is literally named Swan, which makes the whole thing even more delightful. Artist Karina of @ragebabytattoo made the fine line piece happen. I love that she looks like she’s about to take flight.

03of 10

Traditional Swan

A traditional swan tattoo.A traditional swan tattoo.

@speightxtattoo/Instagram

There’s nothing like a good traditional-style tattoo. No matter your motif, it looks so good. Artist Joshua Speight works out of Dayton, OH and delivers traditional art to a crowd of tasteful clients—including, as you can see above, swan lovers like ourselves.

04of 10

Shaded Swans

A shaded swan tattoo.A shaded swan tattoo.

@guaarden_/Instagram

Flash artist Naama (you’ll find them @guaarden_ on Instagram) creates blackwork illustrations inspired by gothic art, medieval imagery, and baroque motifs made for tattooing.

“I really find swans as a sort of symbol of hopeful romanticism,” wrote the artist when sharing this piece. “[The tattooee] mentioned that they remind her of Mazzy Stars’ music atmosphere and I just couldn’t agree more!”

05of 10

Let’s Reflect

A tattoo showing a swan swimming and its reflection.A tattoo showing a swan swimming and its reflection.

@local_p0ke/Instagram

Another double-swan situation, this “swan swimming with a black swan reflection” piece by Chicago-based artist @local_p0ke offers as much a lesson in duality as it does grace.

06of 10

Winging It

A swan tattoo about to take flight.A swan tattoo about to take flight.

@brina.ttt/Instagram

What do we think… is this swan by Pennsylvania-based artist Sabrina (@brina.ttt) about to take flight or settling down in the water for a sweet afternoon float? I’m not sure, but there’s perhaps something even more special about it living in the in between.

“Swans have such an elegance to them that I think people throughout history have also seen. There are stories from ancient Greece/Rome with Leda and the swan, to the romantic period where people use swan motifs like everywhere. I love that they have carried the symbol of love for so long,” the artist explains. “Swans have such a flow to them and you can mold them and do so much with their shape. They fit the body so nicely.”

07of 10

In the Clouds

A swan tattoo that looks like she's floating in the clouds.A swan tattoo that looks like she's floating in the clouds.

@dwbtattoo/Instagram

Brooklyn-based artist David Bernier crafted this swan, whose long neck turns into a shorter body with cloudlike fluff. There’s something mystical to the approach… and doesn’t it seem like the bird is looking right at you? It is.

08of 10

Star Crossed Swans

A tattoo showcasing a pair of star-crossed swans.A tattoo showcasing a pair of star-crossed swans.

@silly.tatty/Instagram

Silly Tats by Shane in New York designed these star crossed swans. They’re staring right at each other, and the world behind them is exploding with their power. Not a bad situation to have taking place on your inner arm.

09of 10

Swan’s Biggest Fan

A swan fan tattoo on someone's hand.A swan fan tattoo on someone's hand.

@toniagost/Instagram

There’s so much to love about this soft feminine swan-meets-fan tattoo by Germany-based Toni Agostinelli: the hand placement, that dainty ribbon, the swooping neck. So enchanting.

10of 10

In Love

A tattoo of two swans with a heart between their heads.A tattoo of two swans with a heart between their heads.

@kyra_len

Though the sun is out lower on creator Kyra James’s arm, these peaceful swans look like they’re enjoying their time in the moonlight. The moon, in this case, is the sweet heart perched above their heads. Symbolism, remember?

Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/swan-tattoo-ideas-11862344


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