The iconic image of owl always fascinates menbecause of the rich symbolism associated with this elegant bird. As a bird with a particular flight and a nocturnal monarch with large alert eyes and deep hooting, the owl represents a deep wisdom and is a beautiful motive to get tattooed. The unfair negative connotations attached to this bird are due to the fact that the owl is a nocturnal creature, constantly busy during the night. On the other hand, the positive connotations of this bird are due to its physical appearance and its large bright and curious eyes. Owls are particularly sensitive and their eyes do not support the light of day but they are particularly effective during the night, which is the kingdom of these birds. The final verdict regarding the merits of owl tattoos will depend on who wears them and the cultural beliefs of each.
Many owners of owl tattoos believe in magic and associate the decorations of their bodies with a mysterious source of strength that helps them cope with every turn of life. Whether really or psychologically, tattoos have helped many people to trust them. As deep and mysterious as its magic, the owl is associated with the night and the wisdom that radiates from the depths of the unknown, a kingdom in which the owl moves without a problem. Owl designs are a common illustration of ancient magic books.
In a few rare occasions, people consider owls or owls as a symbol of death. The term "angel of death" is sometimes used to describe the owl, mainly because of its association with the night. While some cultures see it as an imminent death sign, most other cultures see the owl in a clearer and brighter way. These latter cultures believe that owls can move freely between life and the afterlife: they would have the power to guide souls from one kingdom to another … a protective task enjoyed by those who wear owl tattoos .
Meaning of owls tattoos
The owl, as a symbol, has existed since the dawn of time. Archaeologists who studied the Giza pyramid, an ancient Egyptian construction, discovered remains of mummified owls. The mysterious nocturnal bird is also present in the Egyptian hieroglyphs. The Mayan engravings on the walls and statues of this culture contain beautiful silhouettes of owls. The spiritual impact of the owl on many cultures and peoples is difficult to explain but its effect on the collective psyche is undeniable.
In addition to the ancient Egyptians and Mayas, other ancient peoples such as the Celts, Greeks, Romans, Hindus and Native Americans refer to the nocturnal bird in their myths. The owl was seen as the symbol of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and the Greeks considered him a fine strategist, given his nocturnal hunting maneuvers. Owls are the protectors of a sacred past and are creatures present in many prophecies. They are beings who have crossed the barriers of time, East and West. People who wear tattoos of owls are proud to consider their bodies as witnesses to rich, immemorial traditions.
Types of tattoos of owls
This drawing communicates a message and should be as attractive as it is elegant so that its owner is proud to wear it. The tattoos of owls are versatile: they can be tattooed in color or monochrome, posed or in flight. The creators of tattoos can bring their art to its maximum expression when asked to make drawings of owls. The tattooed designs of the most popular owls are:
1. Owl drawings
This drawing has a special effect on those who look at it: they remain fascinated by the white feathers of the immaculate creature. The incredible characteristics of this bird give an air of dignity and elegance to the composition. The drawing therefore brilliantly fulfills the true objective of the tattoo, which is to let the spectator appreciate the beauty of the work and the presence of the mysterious virtues attributed to the owl.
2. Owls and hourglass drawings
The origin of this drawing is rather vague but the fact that owl and time have always been associated can explain the presence of the hourglass. Some people use the silhouette of an owl baby to represent and magnify their love for their children. Their names may even be included in the drawing.
3. Tribal designs of owls
It is a popular option in the world of body art, which refers to the indigenous cultures of the peoples of America. These drawings are often designed in turquoise, coral and dune tones, to create a spiritual as well as a terrestrial model. Members of these cultures see the owl as a sign of impending doom that may include death. This belief could be due to the nocturnal lifestyle of the bird. The owl bearer also considers this drawing as a protection against his deepest fears.
4. Celtic drawings of owls
This drawing includes the Celtic spiral and the patterns of knots and keys that are characteristic of ancient Celtic drawings. And although this model of drawing may represent a death threat, it can also symbolize the wisdom and intelligence associated with the bird. The personal views of the tattooed person will determine the meaning of this pattern.
Ideal placement of owls tattoos
The good placement of the pattern will highlight the beautiful drawing of the owl. The owl figure has rich elaborate details. And although its simple silhouette is easily recognizable and may be the subject of the drawing, many people prefer to place more details on their owl tattoo. The most popular representations of this bird show it either in a static pose or in full flight. The place where the tattoo will be placed, however, can determine the success of a tattooed drawing. Body art placed on the shoulders usually conveys a sense of protection and vigilance. An owl tattoo on the nape of the neck clearly mimics the real life style of the bird, as this place is often hidden during the day and shown at night. Consulting the tattoo artist to determine the ideal placement of the tattoo is crucial because there are many places that can fit this design, such as the chest, back, feet and other special areas, in addition to the shoulders and the bottom neck.
Preparation tips before the tattoo session
The day the future owner of a tattoo decides to make his desire for personal expression a reality, it could be very useful for him to follow the following advice:
1. Eat a good meal, not too heavy but consistent, before going to the tattoo studio. Eating enough is necessary to give the body the energy reserves that will allow it to neutralize the pain inherent in the process. The precious vitamins present in a healthy meal can speed up the healing process.
2. Choose comfortable clothes to go to the session. Wearing lightweight, easy-to-remove clothing can greatly facilitate the flow of operations. You should also wear loose enough clothes to avoid chafing against the new tattooed design.
3. Take something away to pass the time if your session is supposed to be long. Books, music players, tablets and other gadgets can be very useful.
4. Prepare your own product kit for post-tattoo care and this before the first needle stitch. Although the tattoo artist can sometimes provide some care products, preparing your own is not a bad idea. This kit will allow you to choose products more in line with your preferences, such as an antibacterial ointment, a certain type of gauze or other useful care products.
Estimation of implementation costs and standard prices for owl tattoos
The best way to choose a trusted artist is to listen to recommendations from friends or acquaintances. They can also give you an idea of the cost price of your tattoo. Some basic price references are:
– The rates charged by tattoo artists vary according to their geographical location. Tattoo artists in big cities are more expensive than those in small towns, the difference being around € 50 per hour. A local artist will usually charge you € 150 per hour of work while his colleague in the city will charge you about € 200 an hour. Customers will find better equipment for tattoo artists in large cities as they update their equipment more regularly to justify the difference in price. The smallest and simplest tattoo will cost between € 40 and € 60, depending on the location of the studio.
– The more elaborate designs of owls are more expensive than simple designs, mainly because of the extra time involved in making them. This type of drawing usually requires a greater experience on the part of the tattoo artist, which also comes into play in the cost price of the tattoo.
– The colored tatroos are more expensive than those in black ink. It is not so much due to the price of the ink but rather to the additional skills that this type of tattoo requires from the tattoo artist and the additional time of work.
– Owls tattoos are filled with pattern repetitions and are rich in detail, especially at the wings. Trusting a cheap and inexperienced tattooist can compromise the results of the work, but especially pose serious health problems in case of poor sterilization of the instruments used. A reputed tattoo artist would not take the risk of putting his reputation at risk because of a lower price.
Maintenance Tips for Owls Tattoos
Acquiring a detailed drawing of owl requires patience. The real beauty of the tattoo will not be visible at the exit of the studio, because the tattooed area has been injured by the process and the skin will require careful care to prevent infections. Remember to wash your skin with warm water, with mild antibacterial soap. The idea is to limit to the maximum the possibilities of irritation of the skin. Avoiding direct sunlight and unnecessary contact with the skin is highly recommended. Washed skin should be dried immediately with a soft, clean towel, avoiding rubbing. Injured skin that becomes increasingly red may indicate an infection requiring medical attention.
A well-healed owl tattoo is a joy for the eyes and will delight those who wear it as well as those who will look at it.