The aesthetic appeal of angels tattoos or wing tattoos can be highly enchanting and quite classy. Some prefer just a tiny tattoo of a wing or angel on a discreet part of the body. While others want their tattoo to be seen, known and recognized in all of its glory. However, there is much more to wing tattoos which delve far deeper than the simplicity of aesthetics. Below, we’ll discuss the admirable symbolisms of wing tattoos. In addition, you’ll find information on the celebrities with wing tattoos and the most common styles. If you are looking for where to find great tattoo designs and ideas, click here to discover the coolest places!

Celebrities with Wing Tattoos

Nicole Richie, the Hollywood socialite extraordinaire and soon-to-be wife to rocker Joel Madden, has a dainty set of small wings tattooed on each of her shoulder blades. The wing tattoos are shaded in with orange and black. Kelly Osbourne has a similar tattoo in pink. This is a very demure and ladylike take on the often hardcore wing tattoos which cover the better part of the back.
Gemma Arterton, of the hit movie “Prince of Persia: Sands of Time” also has a small black and white wing tattoo behind her left ear. Kat Von D, the tattoo queen of the television show “LA Ink” has a sprawling tattoo with a provocative angel with towering wings across her abdominal area. Pop Singer Justin Timberlake has an angel tattoo with the word “Guardian” tattooed onto his back. And finally, the reality television siren Tila Tequila has a small red heart tattoo with wings on her right bicep.

The Symbolism of Wing Tattoos

Wing tattoos may symbolize a wide variety of meanings for different wearers. For some, it can symbolize freedom or a triumphant take on a recent life experience, such as surviving cancer or a near death experience. It may also represent the commemoration of losing a loved one to the after life; the tattoo itself symbolizes that the tattooed person strongly believes that their loved one is resting in the arms of an angel or may be an angel. When a small child passes away, a cherub tattoo, which is a more religious take on the standard wing tattoo, is often chosen. This is to symbolize the childish innocence of the recently deceased.

The most common significance of wing tattoos is religion. Some see themselves as a messenger of God and feel that an angel wing tattoo conveys their devotion to serving the Lord. Devil wing tattoos are becoming increasingly popular as they symbolize a contemporary take on life. Wings accompanied by a devil, rather than an angel, symbolize the life balance between good and evil and the wearer believes that he is an ordinary person with both positive and devilish intents and desires.

Other less common but equally as important meanings are a strong wish to fly, or a prideful denotation of a trade, such as being a pilot or being part of the Air Force. An emblem of protection from all things dark and ill wishing is also routinely conveyed through wing tattoos.

Popular Styles

A wing tattoo style which is becoming increasingly popular is small black and white wing tattoos behind or under each ear. In this position, they act as a permanent set of earrings and are a fashionable and daring fashion statement that only the roughest and toughest of wearers would even dream of having. However, a set of two small angel wings on a woman’s shoulder blades is always popular. This is considered to be a classy take on an otherwise seemingly gargantuan tattoo.

For men, these styles can work but on a much larger scale. Men’s styles include one large wing on each arm. This is especially attractive when the muscles are flexed and the wings appear to be growing and contracting with the movements of each arm. This tattoo starts anywhere between the neck, shoulder or elbow and generally carries onto the wrist. Like Kat Von D, wing tattoos over the abdomen are popular. However, they typically feature an intricate design, such as an angel, cherub and the like.

How Much Will It Cost?

As with all tattoos, the cost varies by the complexity of the tattoo, whether colors will be used, the size of the tattoo, the skill of the tattoo artist and the reputation of the body shop. Therefore, it is nearly impossible to estimate the cost of your angels tattoos or wing tattoos. If inquiring locally, you’ll see that estimates will vary significantly by tattoo and piercing shops. In order to receive the most accurate estimate from your chosen tattoo artist, bring a photo or rough sketch of the tattoo you want, be certain as to the prospective location of the tattoo on your body, size and the colors you’d like incorporated.

Overall wing tattoos, along with all types of angels tattoos are trendy. However, the meaning and the personal value of the tattoo will increase exponentially if you’re seeking a wing tattoo to commemorate the death of a loved one, to celebrate a milestone in your life or to convey your devotion to your religion by inking an ethereal wing onto your body. Whatever the meaning behind your wing tattoo, onlookers will gasp in admiration when viewing the otherworldly angel wing on your body.

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