Skull tattoos in Knoxville
Skulls with roses, swords and blades, deer skulls, and darker illustrative pieces.
A skull is one of the most flexible tattoos there is. It can be grim, funny, elegant or ornamental depending on what goes with it. Julie’s skulls come with roses, swords, hats and flowers, plus deer skulls and a two-headed calf.
Memento mori
“Memento mori” is Latin for “remember death.” Painters in the 1500s and 1600s put skulls in portraits and still lifes as a reminder that death ends everything. A skull tattoo is often about living fully, not about death.
Skulls and roses
A skull and roses puts death and beauty side by side, and the round skull and round flowers balance each other in the design. It works on the forearm, upper arm or thigh. More on the floral tattoos page.
Skulls with swords and blades
A blade through or behind a skull adds a strong vertical line, which suits the forearm, sternum and spine. Julie’s ornamental version adds filigree to the sword. See dagger and sword tattoos.
Animal skulls
Deer skulls with antlers are a natural fit in East Tennessee, and the antlers can branch across the chest or upper back. Cow, ram and bird skulls are other options. Animal skulls pair well with flowers, moons and moths.
Calaveras
The decorated Mexican skull, or calavera, owes its look to the artist José Guadalupe Posada, whose skeleton prints became the most iconic version. A calavera with marigolds is a traditional memorial piece.
Getting the skull right
- Eye sockets: they’re the darkest part, and the shading around them sets the mood. Deep, round sockets look grim; softer ones look calm.
- Jaw: a skull with its jaw open looks like it’s laughing or screaming. Closed, it looks quiet.
- Size: teeth and cracks need room. A skull smaller than about two inches is best kept simple.
Skulls by Julie
8 pieces by Julie. Tap any photo to see it larger.
Questions
Is a skull tattoo bad luck?
No. In art, a skull has usually meant appreciating life, not wishing for death.
Black and grey or color?
Most of Julie’s skulls are black and grey, sometimes with a single red accent.
Can you add a skull to an existing tattoo?
Often, yes. Send Julie photos of the current piece and where you want the skull.
How much is a skull tattoo?
It depends on size and detail. Request a quote