Tattoo Meanings

Tattoo Meanings & History

Have you ever wondered what your tattoo actually means? There is so much history behind Traditional and Japanese tattooing. From sailors being able to get specific tattoos only after a certain time at sea to Japanese folklore creatures, it’s a rabbit hole worth falling into!

We’ve outlined some of our most common tattoos here as well a brief history of dark traditional and Japanese style tattooing.
If you have any questions about any of them or are interested in booking any of these timeless pieces, click the button below!

Traditional Style Tattoos

The Moth carries a quiet power — a symbol of transformation, intuition, and the pull toward light.
In traditional tattooing, it often represents change, resilience, and the mystery of what lies beyond the surface.
A traditional moth tattoo reminds us of growth through darkness and the beauty found in evolution.
The traditional tiger tattoo is all about strength, confidence, and raw energy. A symbol of courage and independence, the tiger represents standing your ground and trusting your instincts. It’s a design that doesn’t whisper — it commands attention.
Done in a bold traditional style with strong lines and solid colour, tiger tattoos are built to last and only get better with time. Whether placed on the arm, chest, or leg, a traditional tiger tattoo is a classic choice for anyone who wants something fearless, timeless, and full of attitude.
The Eagle stands as a bold symbol of strength, freedom, and resilience in traditional tattooing.

Fierce and commanding, it represents courage, pride, and the will to rise above any challenge.

A traditional eagle tattoo embodies power and independence — a timeless reminder of fearlessness and purpose.
A bold traditional snake tattoo carries a mix of danger, wisdom, and transformation.
In classic tattooing, snakes are seen as protectors and symbols of resilience — shedding what no longer serves them and coming back sharper than before.
In bold, traditional tattooing, this design is a go-to for anyone wanting something fierce, powerful, and timeless. Each snake is tattooed in that iconic, heavy-lined style by Zach, creating a piece that stands out with attitude and meaning.
A bold traditional vase with flowers tattoo blends classic symbolism with timeless style.

In traditional tattooing, flowers often represent growth, beauty, and the cycles of life, while the vase grounds the design, symbolising stability and care.

At our private tattoo studio in NSW, Australia, this design is a favourite for clients seeking meaningful, bold traditional tattoos. Each piece is crafted by our traditional tattoo artist in Australia, Zach, to create a striking design that’s both vibrant and full of life.

Japanese Style Tattoos

A Japanese Oni tattoo blends power, protection, and fierce spiritual energy.

Traditionally, Oni are fearsome demons, but in Japanese tattooing they often represent strength, resilience, and the ability to face life’s chaos head-on.

Tattooed in a striking, high-impact style by Zach, an Oni piece becomes a powerful reminder of conquering adversity and owning your inner fire.
Yōkai tattoos dive into the strange, playful, and sometimes unsettling world of Japanese folklore.

These supernatural beings can be tricksters, protectors, spirits, monsters, or something in between — each one carrying its own story and energy.

Choosing a Yōkai tattoo is often about embracing the mysterious parts of life, the shadows, the humour, and the things that don’t fit neatly into good or evil. It’s a way of wearing a piece of myth on your skin, honouring the weird, the magical, and the beautifully unpredictable side of Japanese storytelling.
The Hannya mask embodies the torment of a woman consumed by rage, heartbreak, and betrayal.

Once human, she transforms into a demon driven by obsession and sorrow, her face twisted between fury and agony.

In Japanese tattooing, the Hannya represents the darker edges of emotion — jealousy, vengeance, and suffering — while also serving as a symbol of protection against deceit and harm.

It's a haunting reminder of how love can descend into madness.
In Japanese tattooing, the dragon represents strength, wisdom, and protection.
Unlike its Western counterpart, it’s seen as a benevolent force — a guardian that brings balance and good fortune.
A Japanese dragon tattoo embodies courage and guidance, a powerful symbol of control over one’s destiny and respect for nature’s energy.