Butterfly tattoo ideas

What a butterfly tattoo usually means

Every butterfly starts as a caterpillar, so butterflies are often chosen to mark a change: a new start, a recovery, growing into yourself. They also work at almost any size, from a fingertip-sized outline to a full back piece.

Size and placement

• A tiny outline fits a wrist, an ankle or behind the ear.
• Detailed wing patterns need space between the lines. On a small piece, ask your artist to simplify the pattern so it doesn't blur together as it ages.
• Butterflies are symmetrical, so they sit well on centered spots: the back of the neck, the sternum, between the shoulder blades.

Before you take it to your artist

• An AI design is a starting point. Some tattoo artists say AI designs are often too detailed for the spot they are meant for, so expect your artist to simplify it.
• The free stencil is a clean line version that shows the line work. Your artist will still redraw it to fit your body.
• Check the size before you book: try the design on with a daylight photo of the spot.