34 Best UFO Tattoo Ideas
Natasha Kirmse
Table of Contents
About UFO Tattoos
Who hasn’t taken time in their lives to look up at the stars and stare into the vast dark sky? There’s something mysterious about the universe that draws our attention – from the possibilities of life to the endless planets and galaxies to explore, the idea grabs our attention for a variety of reasons.
Sometimes that interest captures our hearts, and we just want to honor the unknown – what better way than through a memorable UFO tattoo that invokes the other lives we believe in?
Whether fans of UFOs or just what they stand for, there’s a lot to symbolize with a single piece. Taking a look at the meaning, locations, costs, and more, I’m here to outline what getting a UFO tattoo would realistically look like and the best ways to go about it.
What Do UFO Tattoos Mean And Symbolize?
We all know the images of UFOs, tractor beams, aliens, and more. They appear endlessly in mainstream media, especially in the science fiction sector.
While these images make for wonderful artwork, sometimes we have to consider the symbols before adding ideas to the tattoo folder. UFO meaning isn’t universal – everyone has different interpretations and beliefs based on the image.
Typically, those who want a UFO tattoo fall under two categories, their meaning associated with their role:
- Believers: a big portion of those who tote a UFO tattoo tend to fall under believers. Keep in mind, that I’m not solely referring to radical believers here. Those who understand the vastness of space and its complexity typically fall under this title as well.
Believers who tend to sport these designs on their bodies can fall anywhere from having had personal experiences with UFOs to those who simply believe we’re not alone in the universe.
Those who play around with UFO designs for tattoos can also be believers who wish to take a stand against the information held back from the public.
Since the 1940s, the belief that the government knows more regarding external life than they’ve stated has plagued public opinion. Whether it’s true or not, many who believe in life elsewhere have used these tattoos as markers of the fact that life outside of our own exists.
- Science Fiction Fans: on a similar end of the spectrum, some who aim for UFO ideas are huge science fiction fans. These individuals often overlap with believers, however, there can be some significant differences in the meaning behind their designs. While belief is still a big factor, there are two other key meanings behind these symbols for fans of science fiction.
The most obvious symbolism found in UFO tattoos comes from references to well-known films and novels. True science fiction fans often adore showing off their love for favored fictional works, so it’s no wonder that reference tattoos are a big one in this category.
The other meaning tends to come from what UFOs stand for – the unknown. Embracing science fiction and these popular figures as symbols of all that’s been undiscovered and may exist in the world around us, these tattoos can be a reminder of how small we are and how little we know about the space that surrounds us.
Where To Get A UFO Tattoo
When getting any tattoo, determining where to get it tends to fall to personal choice. Some are more comfortable displaying back-size depictions while others just like a bit of a reminder in a more subtle area.
I’ll admit that most UFO tattoo designs found online don’t go too big – usually, these pieces appear on arms, legs, wrists, and ankles. However, don’t let the actions of others limit personal preferences and designs.
Alongside location (which can be pretty much anywhere), it’s important to consider the longevity of any UFO tattoo. There are a number of things that can affect the lifespan of a tattoo and they’re key considerations when deciding exactly what to get and where to get it:
- Color – this is a big one to plan ahead of time. Color tattoos tend to fade faster and require touch-ups to retain the bold and beautiful tones of the original design.
Those who don’t mind the faded look won’t need work as often, but the fading really kicks in around five to eight years after first getting the design. Lighter colors and white tend to be the first to fade due to the technique used. - Skin types – I hate to say it, but dry skin folks need to put in much more effort than those with typically hydrated skin. Due to its tighter nature, dry skin is prone to more damage, meaning there’s an increased chance of fading and blurring over time. The best way to combat this is constantly moisturizing to keep skin cells hydrated.
- Size – going alongside placement, size matters. Weight gain and loss distorts the elasticity of the skin and can actually break down the ink pigments to result in faster fading. This means any designs on stomachs, backs, ribs, or other areas likely to see fluctuation are more susceptible to fading.
Add in constant friction (like pants on a thigh piece) and that can put the tattoo through extreme conditions leading to faster fading.
The longevity of a design comes down to a variety of components, but they’re important to understand before deciding on that final design. Take some time to think about what you’re looking to gain from the piece before purchasing.
No one wants to spend big money on a design that fades quickly and doesn’t offer the satisfaction envisioned prior to getting the work done.
How Much Do UFO Tattoos Cost?
I wish I could give the ultimate guide to tattoo pricing, but, just like longevity, it tends to come down to a few key components:
- Artists – the tattoo artist themselves is a big factor in pricing. While a UFO tattoo may just be a simple, small piece, the same design can cover a variety of costs depending on the tattoo shop and artist.
The best way to find a good deal is by researching ahead of time. Take a few minutes (or more) to go over the artist’s work, see if it matches what you’re looking for, and then look at prices before comparing them to other options. Don’t go cheap on a tattoo, but don’t just go for the most expensive option either. - Size – huge factor in pricing is the size. Larger tattoos can take several hours, if not days, of work, and the artist has to be compensated for that time and ink. On average, smaller tattoos sit between $50 to $250 while medium sizes go into $150 to $500. Big tattoos easily sit in the hundreds, if not thousands, depending on the design.
The best way to get a good idea of the price is simply to approach a few tattoo artists and ask for a quote. No one will turn you away for asking a simple question. Find a UFO tattoo design that suits you and head into shops to ask around.
34 Best UFO Tattoo Designs
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History Of UFO Tattoos
UFO tattoo designs don’t have any great history behind them other than the tracking of the objects themselves. While many who sport tattoos of aliens and flying saucers are believers, some lean into the design more for the history of the objects and connected genres themselves.
The term UFO itself stands for Unidentified Flying Object and dates back through military history with the first major “sightings” appearing in the 1940s following World War II.
Despite the military now preferring UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena), the term has stuck around in the larger public with UFOs and flying saucers being the standard slang for extraterrestrial vehicles.
While having a UFO tattoo doesn’t necessarily link to any specific history, the understanding of a wider belief is prevalent amongst those who typically display the design.
Whether showing it off as someone with a personal story or simply to state interest in the unknown, the biggest history behind these tattoos tends to come from the personal reasons behind the chosen art.
Which Celebrities Have A UFO Tattoo?
While alien tattoos are pretty big in mainstream media, including with celebrities, it’s more unique to find Hollywood hits showing off those glistening UFO designs we adore.
Occasionally, celebrities will pop up with a design or two, some even combining the UFO and alien concepts into one single design.
The latest example of this idea comes from Annie Ilonzeh, known for her work in General Hospital, Arrow, Drop Dead Dive, and Empire. Her design works on the basis of simplicity.
All in black ink, this piece keeps it minimal through simple lines and dots to form the entirety of the piece.
Resting comfortably on the bicep, this piece appears lighthearted and fun, and offers a fresh take on the standard UFO, tractor beam idea seen so commonly across social media.
Looking for more inkspiration? We’ve got you covered:
