Traditional Tiger Tattoo

In American traditional tattooing the tiger is traditionally associated with strength, courage and fearlessness. Like the panther, it is drawn mid-roar with its teeth bared, so it reads as a symbol of power and a refusal to back down.

Tigers are also solitary hunters, so many wearers choose one for independence and trusting their own instincts. Pairings change the meaning: with a dagger it reads as danger and defiance, with roses it balances ferocity with beauty, and fighting a snake it becomes a struggle against an enemy or a personal weakness. As with most traditional tattoos, the meaning varies from wearer to wearer.

This page covers the American traditional (old-school) tiger. Japanese-style tigers, drawn with wind bars, waves and bamboo, are a different tradition with their own meanings.

• Tiger head — the most common version: a roaring head with black stripes, green or yellow eyes, a red mouth and white fangs. Works at almost any size.
• Crawling tiger — a full-body tiger drawn as if prowling along the arm or leg. A classic forearm, upper-arm or shin piece.
• Tiger and dagger — a blade driven through the head, sometimes with drops of blood.
• Tiger and roses — the head framed by red roses and green leaves, a rounder composition for the shoulder, thigh or chest.
• Tiger vs snake — a fight scene, usually for the forearm, thigh or back.
• Black and grey tiger — the same bold outlines and stripes with grey shading instead of color.

Tiger heads fit almost anywhere: forearm, upper arm, calf, thigh and chest, and at a smaller size even the hand or knee. Crawling tigers need length, so they usually go on the forearm, bicep or shin. The stripes are the hallmark of the design, so keep them bold and well spaced — very small tigers can lose their stripes as the tattoo ages, especially below about 7 cm (3 in).

When you bring a flash design to your artist, they will adjust the size and composition to fit your body and redraw the stencil. That is normal and part of the craft.