Cartoon Tattoos Design Ideas

People know that cartoons aren't just for children, and they never have been. A cartoon tattoo shows that you "get it." A cartoon tattoo can be funny or cute, but it doesn't have to be. The tattoo can be deeply personal, depicting characters that have been significant to you throughout your life. If cartoons have played a major role in your life, your imagination, and your thinking, a cartoon tattoo could be a window to your soul.

Classic Cartoons

Whether you consider yourself super-smart or are always making dumb mistakes, a Wile E. Coyote "Super Genius" tattoo shows the world that you have a sense of humor about yourself. If you're thinking about this or other long-treasured characters, such as those in the Disney pantheon, you might use a tattoo to make a statement about your journey from the innocence of childhood to adulthood. You may also want your tattoo to humorously reflect the fact that many famous cartoon characters are anthropomorphic, perhaps showing a hint of Bugs Bunny in a rabbit, or Pepe Le Pew in a skunk.

Anime/Manga

Even if you're not a fan of Naruto, Sailor Moon or any of the the many other popular characters from this Japanese style of cartooning, the adult nature of this genre makes it particularly versatile for tattoo art. The cute faces of female anime characters often top sexy, realistic bodies and form striking pin-up designs. Consider combining them with Japanese characters or tribal designs for a tattoo with a hip Eastern vibe.

Superheroes and Villains

Given the current popularity of live-action superhero movies, a tattoo of Superman or Batman is a fun option. Consider incorporating elements of stunning realism and old-fashioned line art in your tattoo. You can even incorporate the images of the various actors who have played these characters in movies and television shows through the years. A tattoo of the Greek masks of comedy and tragedy might be represented by two famous Jokers from the Batman movie franchise, with Jack Nicholson being the face of comedy and Heath Ledger representing tragedy.

Current Movies and Television

Be careful when choosing a tattoo that includes recently popular images. Homer Simpson or the Family Guy may be a big part of your consciousness now, but they may not mean much to you in twenty years. However, if you have kids and have bonded with them over episodes of Spongebob Squarepants, a tattoo of that character may immortalize that special time in their lives and your relationship with them.