This tattoo design works for just about anyone. The thick, swirling lines and sharp points of a tribal-designed turtle go well with any other tattoos, from skulls to roses. They also work well as a first tattoo on the shoulder or back of the neck. The artistic and geometric nature of this design allows it to stand alone as an art piece on your skin.
Tribal turtles come in several different designs: Celtic knots, highly complicated African-derived designs, Native American geometric patterns and generic outlines filled with symmetrical lines and swirls.
For those who love turtles, a more realistic tattoo may be the way to go. Perhaps you love to surf near beaches where turtles come to breed or your personal spiritual totem is the wise turtle. Whatever your reason, there are many beautiful realistic designs to choose from. First, pick your species. Sea turtles, with curved flippers and light green scales and shells, are very popular on a curling wave background. You could also get a little box turtle with orange designs on his shell, crouched in a background of grass and buttercups. Others may like a spiny snapping turtle sitting on a portion of pond bank surrounded by cattails.
These turtles are most popular among women, but some men may like them, too. Cartoon turtles have exaggerated features, like wide, expressive eyes and mouths that smile, frown or grin and are full of teeth. Cartoon turtles also usually have very rounded heads and body parts. They can be any color and walk on two legs, wear hats or shoes and can be in any setting. Cartoon turtle tattoos are best for those who have other tattoos of a similar nature, since such exaggerated art may not stand alone very well.