Top 60+ Best Little Mermaid Tattoo Ideas – [2022 Inspiration Guide]

With millions of fans and a powerful and uplifting theme throughout, Little Mermaid tattoos are a great choice for Disney film aficionados who were impacted by this classic film and want ink commemorating its symbolism.

As the generation raised on the Disney tales of the late eighties and early nineties continues to transition to adulthood, the nostalgia generated by these animated films is palpable. The Little Mermaid taught children the importance of acknowledging self-worth through catchy songs and classic animation and many people choose to commemorate their love of this children story -often with their first tattoo.

Using a variety of styles and approaches, each of the 63 Little Mermaid tattoo ideas in this collection demonstrate the appeal of designs inspired by this quintessential Disney movie.

1. Ariel Little Mermaid Tattoo Ideas

The protagonist in this classic Disney film, most people choose a Little Mermaid tattoo that features Ariel. While the distinctive animation style of these Disney tales is timeless, several of these Little Mermaid tattoo designs rework Ariel using a more realistic illustration style.

Two standout pieces reimagine Ariel herself covered in tattoos, making for playful tributes to their favorite Little Mermaid character that are more in line with tattoo enthusiast’s love for tattoo inspiration.

2. Sleeve Idea Little Mermaid Tattoo Designs

The arm is a large canvas and people choose to utilize this space by creating unique full and half (forearm)sleeve Little Mermaid tattoo designs. Some of the pieces in this collection feature a single subject-Ariel-on this large canvas, creating highly detailed portraits of this timeless Disney character.

Other designs bring other main characters into the spotlight, creating entire underwater seascapes that occupy the entirety of the wearer’s arm from wrist to shoulder.

For die hard Little Mermaid fans, the large size and high visibility of a sleeve is the only way to show their love of this Disney film to the world.

3. Vibrant Color Little Mermaid Tattoo Designs

Some people love the look of vibrant ink used to produce eye catching tattoos and, thankfully for them, the characters and scenes from under the sea in the Little Mermaid provide plenty of opportunities for bright color or watercolor inspiration.

Many of these colorful Little Mermaid tattoo design incorporates Ariel and her crimson hair, with the blues and greens of the sea to produce a striking contrast that makes for some excellent tattoos.

4. Little Mermaid Tattoo Designs and Leg Placement

The leg is another popular location for Little Mermaid tattoo designs for several reasons. The calf, with its pronounced musculature, makes for a great canvas thanks to the natural, anatomical lines that a skilled tattoo artist can utilize to make for a more interesting Disney tattoo design.

The large size of the leg makes it ideal for big tattoos, while still retaining an added level of discretion compared to large work on the arms.

5. Ariel and Friends Little Mermaid Tattoo Designs

Ursula (not a friend), Flounder, Sebastian the Crab, and Scuttle the Seagull. The quirky and memorable characters from this classic Disney film provide plenty of subject matter for unique Little Mermaid tattoo designs. The pieces in this collection stick closely to the original Disney animation style and use bright colors to produce these clean tattoos.

One interesting piece uses subtle lines to recreate the draft lines from pre production, highlighting the act of animation that brought all these characters to life.

6. Little Mermaid Tattoos and Thigh Placement

The thigh is a great choice for a larger Little Mermaid tattoo and the pieces in this collection are great examples that utilize this canvas. Using bright colors to recreate the distinctive animation style of this Disney film, each tattoo artist takes full of this large space to create excellent Little Mermaid tattoo designs.

Once again, we see an Ariel design that gives her a tattoo makeover, complete with a full color Sacred Heart tattoo on her chest.

7. Small and Simple Little Mermaid Tattoo Designs

Sometimes less is more and for many people, a small and simple design is perfect for their Little Mermaid tattoo. While several of these small designs recreate the Disney animation of the original film, several other interesting approaches are utilized as well.

One particularly unique piece uses a soft application of bright, transitioning colors and applies fully saturated black ink to produce the instantly recognizable silhouette of Ariel swimming through the sea.

8. Black and Gray Little Mermaid Tattoos

While it may not be the first style that comes to mind when we think of a Little Mermaid tattoo, each tattoo artist in this collection demonstrates how successful a black and gray approach can be when applied to this popular Disney film. Precise lines and smooth shading are expertly utilized for these monochromatic designs.

Little Mermaid Tattoo FAQs

What does an Ariel tattoo represent?

Ariel was the 7th daughter of King Triton and was a rebellious mermaid that longed for life as a beautiful woman on land, eventually falling for the human Prince Eric. An Ariel tattoo can represent a determination to follow your dreams, trust your intuition, and never give up on true love.

What are other popular Little Mermaid character tattoos?

While Ariel is undoubtedly the most popular character for a Little Mermaid tattoo, her best friend Flounder, Sebastian the Crab, Ursula the Sea Witch, and the Disney Princess’ father King Triton are all popular subjects that can be incorporated into unique commemorations to this Disney film.

What does a mermaid tattoo represent?

Mermaids have been common subjects for tattoos since the days of nautical tattoos applied to sailors on shore leave. These magical creatures are often used to represent change and transition and for many female tattoo enthusiasts, a mermaid tattoo can symbolize freedom, strength and love of the sea.

Did you enjoy this exploration into Disney Princess designs and beautiful mermaid Tattoos? Click on the links below for more Disney Tattoo Ideas and mythical creatures from the ocean body art:

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