Lion tattoo ideas

What a lion tattoo usually means

Lions stand for courage, strength and protecting your own, and a lion with a cub is often chosen by parents. A calm lion reads as quiet strength; a roaring one reads as a fight.

Size and placement

• Faces need room. The eyes and nose are where people look, so give the head enough size for them to stay clear.
• The chest, upper arm, thigh and back fit a full lion's head; the forearm suits a profile.
• Born under Leo? The Leo page has three more lion designs.

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.