Dolphins can be used alone or in a group to create both large and small tattoos. Stylized dolphins may contain less detail, making them suitable for smaller, more discreet tattoos. Photographic and realistic dolphins, or groups of dolphins including their marine setting, can be used to create larger tattoos.
Smaller dolphin tattoo designs can be placed almost anywhere and may be used to form the basis of a larger design later. Popular locations for single tattoos include the foot and ankle, hip, stomach, shoulders and back of the neck. Each of these placements can accommodate a small dolphin tattoo, as long as the detail in the piece remains minimal.
To create a larger piece, dolphins can be added to a background depicting their marine habitat. This can be set above or below water; each option opens up possibilities for larger pieces that are suitable for placement on the back, shoulder and leg.
Dolphins feature heavily in ancient Greek art and can be used in this context to create a piece that reflects a Greek heritage or an affinity with Greek mythology and culture. Dolphins in Greek art are depicted in a stylized fashion, with elaborate detailing and patterns.
In Greek art, dolphins are depicted as a symbol of luck and are often shown with mythological creatures such as nereid nymphs or as escorts of the god Poseidon. These elements can be combined in a larger tattoo, lending additional meaning to the artwork.
Dolphins can be combined with tribal designs and modern embellishments to create a stylized tattoo appropriate for almost any placement. These designs are particularly popular in lower back tattoos. The dolphins can be displayed as playing in and around the heavy black tribal lines, or as a part of the tribal design itself.
Designs of dolphins used in conjunction with tribal styles tend to be stylized themselves, rather than realistic. This allows these tattoos to be appropriate for many placements, as they will not lose their definition when rendered in a smaller size.