500 Wild Wolf Best Tattoos Design for Men & Women

December 22, 2021

0 32 17 minutes read

Wolf tattoos are some of the most popular body art designs for men because of their untamed nature and strong associations with family, loyalty, and protection. Even better, a wolf tattoo can be adapted to suit any style. Check out the different meanings of wolf tattoos and explore the various options for your next inking.

What is the meaning of a Wolf Tattoo?

Wolves have been found all over the world, from the US to Ireland, the Middle East, and Japan. As a result, they are one of the most recognizable animals on the planet. While they are considered protective guides in some cultures, others emphasize their wild and fierce nature as apex predators. The meaning of your wolf tattoo will depend on which characteristics of the animal you relate to most. For example, many men consider the wolf to symbolize family protection because in the wild wolves mate for life and hunt together in small family packs. For others, the wolf represents their animalistic side and primal instincts – the part of them that wants to be wild and free.

How much would a wolf tattoo cost?

The cost of a wolf tattoo is going to vary depending on the size, detail, and artist. Most wolf designs will be on the larger size, thanks to the detail needed. As such, it can take a few hours or even a couple of days for something like a full chest design. Most tattoo shops charge by the hour, and the rate could be a standard shop price, or it might vary by artist depending on their experience, exposure, and popularity. Expect to pay between $120-$200 per hour, on average. When you book in for a consultation and discuss your design with the artist, you’ll be able to ask for a ballpark quote. What does a howling wolf tattoo mean?

What does a howling wolf tattoo mean?

A wolf’s howl is one of the most recognizable calls of the wild. The reasons for a howl are to communicate and connect with the pack and to mark their territory. As such, a howling wolf tattoo can represent the connection you have with your family and friends. It also shows strength, spirit, and being in tune with nature.

Wild Wolf Best Tattoos Design

1. Tribal Wolf Tattoo

When considering a tribal tattoo, animal symbols are a great choice. The bold, black ink lines of the tribal art style make animal tattoos look unique. A howling, running, or snarling wolf would look particularly striking in the tribal style. You can add more details and shapes as you go, too, making the tribal wolf tattoo a versatile option.

2. Lone Wolf Tattoo

The lone wolf symbolizes someone who has a strong and independent personality. In nature, a lone wolf is one without a pack. These wolves tend to be stronger than pack wolves and are more dangerous. If you have gone through life, surviving, and succeeding through your skills, a lone wolf tattoo could be perfect for you. Try combining it with another design that represents finding your path, like a compass.

3. Geometric Wolf Tattoo

One tattoo trend that’s become popular in recent years is geometric tattoo designs. The art style involves using lines and angles to give a tattoo a minimalist look – symbolizing being stripped back to the core meaning of the inking. Geometric shapes also have hidden meanings as they are some of the oldest symbols in history. For a unique and interesting take on a wolf tattoo, check out a geometric style. It represents the core of a wolf: strength, wildness, freedom, protection, and connection to nature.

4. Small Wolf Tattoo

If you’re looking for a subtle tribute to the wolf side of your personality, a small tattoo would be ideal. Small tattoos are versatile because they suit any placement – from your forearm to your neck, foot, or finger. When choosing a small tattoo design, try to keep it simple as any details or color changes won’t be as visible as in a large tattoo.

5. Simple Wolf Tattoo

A simple wolf tattoo suits men with a straightforward and honest personality. One popular option is a single line wolf tattoo. The design is minimalist and uses only black ink, so it would be an excellent choice if you have a matching sense of style. Despite being a simple tattoo, the design is still eye-catching and captures the wild spirit of the wolf.

6. Traditional Wolf Tattoo

Traditional tattoos are perfect for men who want a classic and stylized inking with a lot of color and shading. These bold designs aren’t for shy types and will command attention. You can also be more creative with them, as they are intended to look artistic and show off your personality. Traditional wolf tattoos also look great paired with other symbols inked in the same style, like flowers, daggers, and animals, so if you want to start with a sleeve or a hand, they are a strong choice for your first tattoo.

7. Celtic Wolf Tattoo

Wolves were once native to Ireland, and they frequently appear in Celtic mythology. Some Celtic tribes even claimed to be descended from the wolves. Rather than being seen as a threat, wolves represented protection and guidance and were a symbol of transformation. A Celtic wolf tattoo combines the image of a wolf with the signature knots and twists of Celtic art.

8. Japanese Wolf Tattoo

Wolves are considered protective in Japanese folklore – specifically; they are said to watch over travelers. Native Japanese wolves were much smaller than wolves in Europe or the US, looking more like wild dogs. They were considered to be messengers of the kami spirits, and for that reason, they are sometimes depicted with bells, which are traditionally used in rituals to get the attention of Shinto gods. There are still wolf shrines in Japan, even though Japanese wolves became extinct more than a hundred years ago. For your Japanese wolf tattoo, you could try an inking in the traditional Irezumi art style or a more modern look.

9. Native American Wolf Tattoo

Wolves have a special place in the cultural traditions of many Native American tribes. They are often associated with courage and strength, as well as loyalty and hunting. If you have Native American heritage, you could honor it with a wolf tattoo combined with other tribal symbols such as a war bonnet, feathers, or the sun and moon.

10. Wolf Pack Tattoo

In the wild, wolves almost always live in close family packs. For that reason, they are frequently associated with loyalty – particularly to loved ones and blood relatives. A wolf pack tattoo represents that idea perfectly. It also symbolizes strength in numbers and how families protect each other through hard times. For those who are fans of Game of Thrones, a wolf pack inking could be paired with a famous quote from the show: “When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives.”

11. Howling Wolf Tattoo

Not only do howling wolf tattoos look cool, but they can also be meaningful. One of the most recognizable ‘calls of the wild’ is the wolf’s howl. There are two main reasons wolves howl: to communicate with their pack and to mark their territory. Therefore, a howling wolf tattoo says that you are strongly connected to your ‘pack’ – your family and loved ones – and are also a strong person who is not afraid to stand their ground and speak their mind.

12. Wolf and Moon Tattoo

Wolves are often associated with the moon due to the myth that they howl when the moon is full. The full moon in January is also known as the ‘wolf moon’ because wolves tend to howl more in the winter months. Together, the two represent night, darkness, mystery, and connecting with primal instincts. The image of the wolf and moon has been used on album covers, T-shirts, and elsewhere in pop culture for decades for these reasons.

13. Watercolor Wolf Tattoo

Give your wolf tattoo an interesting and eye-catching look with the watercolor technique. Your tattoo artist will make your inking look as though it has been painted on, with a wash of color bringing the animal to life on your skin. It’s an ideal choice if you want a more artistic tattoo with a lot of depth and dimension. Many men choose a subtle, masculine color like blue to make their wolf inking stand out.

14. Wolf Dream Catcher Tattoo

Another Native American-inspired tattoo design is the wolf dream catcher tattoo. Both dream catchers and wolves symbolize protection from harm. If you have Native American ancestry, a dream catcher tattoo could be a way to honor your heritage. If not, you could incorporate some elements, like feathers, into your wolf tattoo as a subtle tribute to the rich history and culture of Native Americans.

15. Wolf Paw Tattoo

A paw print is one of the more subtle wolf-themed tattoos. It has many different meanings; for example, it can be a protective symbol, which is why many men ink the names of their children within the paw print. The wolf paw tattoo can also represent being a ‘lone wolf’ – a strong individual who walks their path and relies on their skills to survive.

16. Wolf Eyes Tattoo

The eyes are the window to the soul – and the same is true of a wolf eyes tattoo. When you design your tattoo, think about the emotion you want the eyes to convey. A skilled artist will be able to give your inking a sense of power, wildness, mystery, or determination. For this reason, a wolf eyes tattoo will always stand out – particularly with a forearm placement. It’s also a great way to add color to a black ink tattoo, blue, orange, and red are commonly chosen to highlight the eyes.

17. Wolf Skull Tattoo

A wolf skull tattoo has many meanings. Skulls are associated with death, while wolves are depicted as guides. As a result, the combination of the two represents understanding death and the afterlife. On the other hand, a wolf with a skull in its mouth could represent the rational ‘human’ being overtaken by your wild and untamed ‘wolf’ side of your personality. It’s also a symbol of overcoming weakness and finding strength – particularly to overcome losses and grief.

18. Wolf Head Tattoo

Wolf head tattoos are some of the most popular forms of the wolf inking for men. They are suited to many different placements as they look good in both large and small forms. Another reason for their popularity is because wolves have expressive faces that can showcase many different emotions and ideas. Consider how you want others to perceive your wolf tattoo and what it says about you. For example, a snarling wolf shows your intimidating presence and more aggressive side, while a wolf with a passive expression looks more aloof, mysterious, and spiritual.

19. Wolf Chest Tattoo

Men frequently choose chest tattoos because it offers plenty of space for detailed designs. When it comes to wolf tattoos, you’ll be able to fit a full wolf, side profile, or wolf head – and you can even have the design spread to your shoulder and bicep for more impact. A classic option is a howling wolf on the left side of your chest, as this means the animal inking is directly over your heart. Tattoos that are placed here tend to represent the most important and meaningful symbols in our lives.

20. Wolf Hand Tattoo

Because they can’t be hidden under clothing, hand tattoos are for men with a rebellious and outspoken side. In the past, these tattoos were usually worn by gang members or prison inmates, but they are common among everyday people today. The hand is also one of the most painful places to get inked, so you need to commit to the design you choose. If you connect with what the wolf symbolizes on a deep level, a wolf hand tattoo is for you.

21. Wolf Shoulder Tattoo

Your shoulder is a great place to show off your wolf tattoo because it’s large enough that all the details will be visible. Additionally, that part of the body doesn’t have too many ridges or curves that could distort the design. Many men favor a shoulder tattoo because it can be easily covered with a shirt, and is one of the more traditional places to get a tattoo. It’s also relatively low on pain, so if you want to get a larger wolf tattoo, with color and shading, consider your shoulder for the design.

22. Wolf Forearm Tattoo

Two on-trend wolf forearm tattoos are wolf eyes or a wolf head. These designs don’t require a wide space, making them ideal for a narrow placement. Wolf forearm tattoos also have a lot of impacts because you can reveal them by rolling up your sleeves. They’re a great conversation starter and have an edgy feel.

23. Wolf Back Tattoo

Just like your chest, your back is an ideal placement for a wolf inking. The smooth, flat, wide surface means your artist can create a bigger design with a lot of detail, such as a mandala wolf. It’s especially good if you want a tribal tattoo or a photorealistic style. Bear in mind that you won’t be able to see your back tattoo without a mirror. However, it will make you stand out to others.

24. Wolf Sleeve Tattoo

A sleeve tattoo starts at your shoulder and continues down to your wrist. Most sleeve designs combine different symbols and motifs. A wolf inking can be an excellent centerpiece for a sleeve tattoo as it pairs well with other animal inkings, nature-themed tattoos like trees, the moon, and abstract shapes.

25. Wolf Thigh Tattoo

Thigh and other leg tattoos have become very popular over the last few years. Just like a back tattoo, a thigh tattoo will give your artist plenty of space to create a standout wolf tattoo design. A wolf’s head on your quad is one particularly striking option. Whether you choose a photorealistic style, traditional style, or even a geometric look, a wolf thigh tattoo will always look great.

What are 3D tattoos?

The term ‘ 3-dimensional tattoo’ refers to any design that looks three-dimensional, rather than two-dimensional (flat) on the skin.

The best tattoos of this nature will be realistic enough to look like photographs.

The 3D technique is used for a number of innovative and creative designs – from simply tattooing hyper-realistic looking objects to crossing into the realm of believable optical illusions.

3D tattoos are likely to take longer to complete than two-dimensional designs and require a huge amount of expertise from the tattoo artist.

If you’re considering getting a tattoo like this, it’s best to try to find a tattooist who specializes in this aesthetic, even if it means looking outside your area or paying a bit more than expected.

3-dimensional tattoo work only achieves its purpose – looking realistic – if the artist gets everything 100% right.

Realistic 3D tattoo design ideas

As we’ve already mentioned, creativity is key to creating the very best and most original tattoos.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, consider the following ideas – and don’t forget to check out our massive gallery of awesome three dimensional tattoos!

Animals and objects

This type of tattoos in 3D involves simply – though let’s be honest, it’s not that simple – tattooing a photorealistic image of something on your body.

Real-looking objects and animals make for striking, eye-catching tattoos.

Some popular choices include:

Flowers – always a popular tattoo element, flowers look even better when tattooed in 3D. Most people opt for roses since they’re one of the more complex flowers to tattoo and ones with the most depth involved – there’s a lot of light and shadow play on and between the petals, unlike with flowers that are naturally more flat. Drops of water are sometimes added for extra realism. Both color and black options are viable, and each will result in a distinctive style – though of course, the use of color will make the image more lifelike.

Portraits – portrait tattoos are tough to get right and a major commitment (they’re not as easy to cover up as names!), yet this doesn’t affect their popularity all that much. Plenty of people still get them, and there’s no reason not to if you have the right tattoo artist to help you and the certainty that this is the right choice for you. Portrait tattoos are usually done in black ink. If they were done in color, they’d blend in too much with the color of your own skin.

Animals – both tattoos of pets and of wild animals are often done in 3D to add depth and heighten the aesthetic value of the design. Usually tattooed in color for maximum realism, these tattoos tend to be quite large in order to preserve all the details and make the design more believable. Tigers, wolves, and lions are common choices, as are snakes and lizards.

Spiders – from black widows to huge tarantulas, realistic spiders make for awesome-looking tattoos in 3D. Though these insects generally cause most people to flinch and many are positively fearful of them (sometimes with good reason, after all), the symbolism of the spider is not altogether negative. They’re associated with power, mystery, and growth. Spiders also represent the concept that our choices construct our lives – likely due to the elaborate webs that spiders gradually build to catch prey.

Skulls – often combined with other elements, such as flowers or snakes, skulls never seem to lose popularity. In 3-dimensional tattoos they’re typically done in black ink, giving them a dark, gothic look. This fits in with the general cultural meanings of death and mortality that skulls bring to mind. Skulls also have some positive meanings, though – they’re sometimes associated with protection and wisdom.

Eyes – realistic-looking eyes, either single or in a pair, are another tattoo you’ll see a lot of while browsing our gallery. Eyes are symbolic of intelligence and omniscience, as well as morality and truth. In certain cultures, eyes are considered to be gateways into the soul – sometimes associated with the concept of the ‘third eye’. The third eye is supposed to be the eye of the soul – what could simply be called intuition. In Egyptian and Western occult traditions, the left eye symbolizes the moon and the North, while the right eye represents the sun and the South.

Landing insects

This is one of the most popular choices and one of the safest ones where it comes to achieving the desired effect.

And the effect you’re aiming for here is to make it look as if an insect, such as a butterfly or a dragonfly, has landed on your skin.

The insect is made to look realistic through painstaking work on the tattoo artist’s part – working with several reference images of real examples of your chosen insect to make sure it looks ‘real’ on your skin.

The tattoo is not complete without adding a shadow dropped by the insect – without it, the tattoo could still look somewhat flat.

The placement of a 3D landing insect tattoo is also an important factor to consider. Especially in the case of larger designs, the area can’t be too curved (like the top of your shoulder or your elbow), since this will distort the shape of the tattoo. For lifelike insect tattoos, consider your forearm, the back of your shoulder, or somewhere along your leg – such as your thigh or calf.

The sky’s the limit on what insect you could go with for your tattoo. You could think about what critters visually appeal to you, consider whether you have any personal stories or memories you associate with any particular insect, or take a cultural meaning or value associated with an insect as a starting point.

Butterflies

Butterflies are symbolic of transformation, first and foremost. This is because they start their lives as considerably less attractive caterpillars before transforming themselves into the colorful, beautiful flying insects.

They’re also associated with hope, change, and life itself. As such, they’re particularly meaningful 3D design choices if you want to celebrate an important change in your life or overcoming a difficult struggle. Butterflies are also sometimes thought to be symbolic of the passing of a loved one.

In addition to the above, a blue butterfly 3D tattoo generally symbolizes good luck. Yellow butterflies stand for joy, happiness, and positivity. White ones are associated with purity and, in the context of Christianity, salvation.

Dragonflies

Dragonflies have many meanings which differ somewhat between cultures. In general, they symbolize change, adaptability, transformation, and self-realization.

In Japanese culture, dragonflies are symbolic of power, victory, and agility. For Native Americans, dragonflies stood for happiness and purity, as well as for protection from ill health and injury. In Buddhist cosmology, dragonflies represent the joining of Heaven and Earth.

In tattoo art, dragonflies are often thought to represent living in the moment – letting go of the past, not worrying too much about the future, and focusing on what’s important to us here and now.

Cracked or ripped skin

These tattoo designs in 3D are way less grim than they sound. The 3D effect is achieved here by making it appear as if part of the skin is missing, to reveal something unexpected and unusual beneath.

It’s an interesting choice since this type of tattoo blends in perfectly and appears as if it really is a part of the person’s body.

Again, there are plenty of options here, limited only by your creativity and the size you want your tattoo to be.

Biomechanical

The biomechanical tattoo style involves designs which represent a seamless blend of human and machine. This means combining bones and tissue with gears, pistons, and other mechanical elements in one design, creating the illusion of a cyborg-like nature.

Though biomechanical designs are sometimes done as traditional, two-dimensional tattoos, the 3D option is far more popular. In order to show the blend of muscle and metal, the muscle must be ‘exposed’ – hence including the illusion of missing skin in the design.

Biomechanical tattoos don’t have any specific meanings in themselves – most of the time they’re purely a form of artistic expression and of decoration.

The biomechanical style in broader art movements originates from the 1970s and is closely associated with Ridley Scott’s 1979 movie Alien. In recent years, the steampunk style has influenced biomechanical tattoos – swapping the steel and cabling of traditional biomech for brass clockwork and gears.

Superheroes and other pop culture elements

A highly popular choice among ‘missing skin’ tattoos, this type is based on the idea of having a costume or a different appearance ‘under’ your skin.

Superheroes are a common theme here – you’re bound to have seen 3D tattoo pictures where it seems as if the person’s skin has been torn off to show a Spiderman or Batman costume underneath.

Characteristic, distinctive clothing/costumes, armors, and appearances of characters from movies, comic books, and games, are all great choices for this kind of tattoo.

An interesting twist is to have several tattoos with the same theme – a ‘rip’ on the chest is a classic, but you could also get matching tattoos, here and there, on other parts of your body – such as your shoulders, arms, and legs.

Writing

Using the 3D technique puts a new spin on the traditional quote tattoo. This kind of design usually involves making it appear as if the writing is under your skin, rather than on it.

To achieve this effect, the tattoo artist uses shading to create the illusion of a part of your skin missing, with the letters showing underneath.

There a couple of things to decide on when considering this kind of three-dimensional tattoo. First of all, you need to think about what the writing itself should be – you could opt for a name of a loved one, a quotation that’s important to you, or even a full page of text from a source that has personal meaning to you (e.g. your favorite book or a religious text).

Next up, the shape of the ‘cutout’ – it could look as if the skin is missing in a particular shape, such as a star, heart, or circle, or you could go for a less ordered ‘ripped’ look – as if it’s been scratched or torn off.

The fact that the writing will be ‘under’ your skin suggests that the text is not just important to you, but is a part of you. A 3D under-the-skin writing tattoo is therefore the perfect choice for writing that truly represents who you are, or who you want to be.

Optical illusions

An optical illusion uses perspective, shapes, color, and light/shade to create images that are deceptive, confusing, or misleading to our perception. Put simply, optical illusions cause us to see something that either doesn’t exist in reality or actually looks different than what we think it does.

There are many types of optical illusions out there, but the type we’re most interested in is based mostly on an illusion of depth. Think of graffiti art that makes it seem as if an image is ‘floating’ in the air, or of murals that make it look as if there’s a tunnel – when really, it’s just a plain, solid wall.