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About Black Cloud Tattoos
Clouds have a natural connection to the sky and are often associated with myth, religion, and ancient cultures. When tattooed, they can serve as symbols of a higher power, transformation, intuition, and a lot more.
With so much room for interpretation, it’s no surprise that clouds have become a popular design choice among tattoo lovers. Besides the usual cloud, ink addicts often choose to get black cloud tattoos. These tattoos can be inked in a traditional or realistic style.
How you design your cloud tattoo really depends on personal preference. Different types of linework and shading techniques can transform the meaning of each cloud. From simple line work to solid black half sleeves, there are many ways to include black clouds in your tattoo collection.
Before I explore some black cloud ideas, I’m going to help you understand the various interpretations of this tattoo, its historical significance, and more.
After reading this guide, you’ll know the following:
- Meaning and symbolism of black cloud tattoos
- Different black cloud tattoo placements
- History of black cloud tattoos
- Cost of these tattoos
What Do Black Cloud Tattoos Mean And Symbolize?
Black cloud tattoos can represent many things. In Japanese culture, cloud tattoos are seen as high-status symbols representing exalted spiritual ideas, and masculinity.
On the other hand, clouds were considered a symbol of peace in ancient China. As I mentioned, clouds have a spiritual and religious significance, too. For instance, clouds as ‘God’s throne’ is a common interpretation.
While they’re often seen alone, it’s common for artists to use clouds as a background for other mythical characters or elements like the sun and moon, crying eyes, and animals. These tattoos can symbolize a client’s growth, resilience, or strength, depending on their unique design.
There are many variations of a black cloud tattoo, so its meaning will be different for every client. For instance, sometimes, a black cloud could represent mourning or simply be an aesthetic choice to fill some sleeve space. Other possible interpretations include religious tributes, mystery, transitions, or a symbol for deities.
If you’re wondering, what do black clouds symbolize? There’s no concrete answer. If you’re looking to get a cloud design, doing more research about Eastern and Western interpretations of the black cloud might help you come up with your own black cloud meaning.
Where To Get A Black Cloud Tattoo
Like other tattoos, it’s essential to think about your tattoo’s placement. It can make or break the appearance of your design. Also, which location you choose depends on how visible you want your tattoo to be.
Here are some places where I think a black cloud tattoo would look fantastic:
- Arms: Your forearm is the perfect place to display any tattoo. If you’d like to get a fully inked half sleeve, you can show off the black cloud tattoo perfectly in this area. But, if you’re looking for something easier to cover up, you can always opt for an upper half sleeve.
Plus, since resilience is a prominent meaning of these tattoos, black clouds can evoke masculine energy when showcased on your triceps.
- Lower legs: You can also showcase a black cloud tattoo around your calves. While the real thing might be up in the sky, bringing your tattoo closer to the ground is an interesting paradox. Plus, it’ll be easy to show off and take care of in the summertime.
- Thighs: While it might not be a popular spot, this is another area that would be easy to cover up if need be. And while the full black ink of black cloud tattoos might not look as good, minimalist linework designs can look absolutely adorable here.
- Chest and shoulders: Getting a black cloud tattoo on your chest can also represent strength—especially when placed on the left side. The Japanese black cloud tattoos can look especially mystical in these areas and serve as an entire piece.
- Wrists: The wrist is also a great placement for small and minimalistic black cloud designs. It’s the perfect area for anyone who isn’t into the usual big pieces and doesn’t want to sit for a long session.
Ultimately, your tattoo placement will depend on you. You can get a black cloud tattoo in many areas with variations in visibility, size, and style. Visibility is the number one factor, and you’ll want to choose a place on your body you’re comfortable with.
Tattoos can still look fresh for 30-40 years, depending on if they include fine or bold lines. So, bold black cloud tattoos will probably last for a long time.
But, of course, this will also depend on how well you take care of your tattoo while it’s healing. So, make sure to follow your artist’s aftercare instructions carefully.
How Much Do Black Cloud Tattoos Cost?
Generally, tattoo prices will vary depending on the artist, size, location, design, and ink quality. The cost of a black cloud tattoo also depends on the tattoo studio you choose.
Depending on the artist, they may charge you per hour. But, as I mentioned, some might charge you based on how complex the design is.
For example, something like a half-sleeve black cloud tattoo might be more expensive since it’ll take more time to ink. Some artists might even break up the sessions depending on how grand you want your piece to be.
But, if you’re opting for a smaller design, some artists typically start with a $100 deposit and go from there. For example, if you’re looking to get something about 5” tall, you could spend about $300, depending on the artist’s caliber.
Again, estimates will vary. But, it’s important to note that apprentices might have lower prices.
Of course, a tattoo is a commitment that’ll stay with you forever, but it’ll cost you a pretty penny. So, I suggest researching artists, exploring which styles you’d prefer, and inquiring about rates before making any quick decisions.
That way you won’t have to break the bank after enduring some tattoo pain.
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History Of Black Cloud Tattoos
As I mentioned above, black cloud tattoos are often associated with spiritual and religious meanings. The most sought-after style originates from Japanese and other East Asian cultures and can represent a number of different things. For example, clouds are historically known to signify happiness and luck in China.
Of course, scientifically, dark looming clouds signify an approaching storm and, when depicted in art, serve as an appreciation of nature. Also, in biblical stories, clouds represented a guiding light through the desert for Israelites.
In other stories, like ancient Greek comedy, clouds were called deities and changed shapes to reveal the true nature of the person looking at them. Ironically, since then, this has become a common pastime as people still talk about cloud shapes to this day.
Nowadays, many people who get black cloud tattoos use them as sleeve fillers or backdrops for other designs. I mentioned things like the sun, moon, and other traditional Japanese-inspired art. The black rain and cloud tattoos are the most simple and popular designs, typically symbolizing accomplishment or a loved one’s memory.
Again, while it is becoming more of a tattoo staple, black cloud tattoos hold many different meanings in culture and history. In addition, tattoos have become more personal to the client in the modern era.
So, with all the available mythology and science, it’s no surprise that interpretations vary between individuals and historians.
Which Celebrities Have A Black Cloud Tattoo?
Even though black cloud tattoos seem pretty popular for men, these designs typically involve more intricate ink work. In addition, the most common designs take up most of the arm and aren’t easy to cover up. So, it was a bit hard to find any notable celebs with similar ink.
Simple cloud tattoos with no shading are popular among young celebrities like Ariana Grande and Bea Miller. These delicate designs are definitely trendy, especially when it comes to placement.
For example, you can find Ariana’s small cloud on her ring finger commemorating a previous relationship and her fragrance of the same name.
Fingers are common areas for celebs to get their tattoos, especially if they want to be able to hide them for shows or projects. They’re easy to conceal with makeup and often add a touch of flair to every manicure and jewelry piece. But, they might fade faster with hand washing and other manual tasks.
David Beckham incorporates an artistic version of natural cloud formations into his own tattoo sleeve. It definitely has some religious motifs, with an angel looming just above the forearm clouds. As I said, these tattoos are difficult to hide, but they don’t deter Beckham from getting any endorsements.
Ultimately, it’s essential to pick a location and design you’re comfortable with—whether you want your tattoos to be seen or not.
Of course, the meaning of your tattoo will be personal to you and you don’t have to follow any specific storyline or myth. So, if you’re looking for a tattoo that could tell a million tales, the black cloud tattoo is a great option.
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