75 Steampunk Tattoos For The Hardcore Steampunk Fans

The trend of Steampunk tattoos has become increasingly popular on social media sites such as Pinterest and Instagram. The Sci-Fi niche is already one of the popular subjects in tattoo design. The Retro-futuristic style of tattoos featuring realistic mechanics and technology look stunning.

When it comes to getting a Steampunk tattoo, it is a permanent decision. That is why we have gathered a collection of trendy Steampunk tattoos, so you have an easier time designing your next Steampunk tattoo.

Contents

1 History of Steampunk
2 What is a Steampunk Tattoo?
3 Designing Steampunk Tattoos
4 Popular Steampunk Tattoo Designs

History of Steampunk

The word Steampunk did not exist until the late 1980s. It was initially used to describe a genre of speculative fiction where technological advancements were powered by steam. However, this idea has been around since the 19th century, known as Neo-Victorian futurism. Many significant artworks and Steampunk fiction were created even before the genre had a proper name. Sci-fi authors such as H.G. Wells and Jules Verne, the forefathers of this genre, inspired authors such as Tim Powers, James Blaylock to create modern conceptions of Steampunk.

What is a Steampunk Tattoo?

Steampunk tattoos depict futuristic and classical styles of mechanics and machinery incorporated with various objects. These tattoos remind us of the Victorian era when steam-powered machinery was prevalent. However, it does not stop at Victorian influences. Incorporating Sci-Fi elements adds a touch of modern, vintage, or rusticity in the steampunk style. The popular features in steampunk tattoo designs include clockwork, gears, glasses, biomechanical parts, etc.

In some Steampunk tattoo designs, the bones and joints appear to be mechanical parts. Thus, steampunk tattoos are very similar to mechanical tattoos.

Designing Steampunk Tattoos

The Victorian era has a significant influence on Steampunk tattoo designs. The color schemes of these tattoos match the machines, fashion, and inventions of this era. The most common color associated with steampunk is brown, a shade of rusted metal or leather. Sepia-like tones seen in the photographs taken in the 19th-century era are also associated with this retro-futuristic genre. You can also use the shades of brown combined with a reddish yellow palette to get the color of brass. Using brown and reddish yellow colors gives your tattoo a strong steampunk aesthetic.

Many of the visualizations of Steampunk have their origins with, among others, Walt Disney’s film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954), including the design of the story’s submarine, the Nautilus, its interiors, and the crew’s underwater gear; and George Pal’s film The Time Machine (1960), especially the design of the time machine itself.

Often, steampunk art is the artist’s interpretation of existing technology, combining it with old industrial, Victorian, or American Western aesthetics. As an example, you could create a table lamp from rusted pipes, metal parts, and a vintage bulb.

Popular Steampunk Tattoo Designs

Steampunk Heart Tattoos

The human hearts in these tattoo designs are consist of steampunk gears and cogs. All these hearts have pipes above where the steam comes out. Steampunk heart tattoos look best on the chest, and they look pretty cool and modern.

Steampunk Owl Tattoos

With Steampunk owl tattoo design, you can either go for realism or neo-traditional style. The owl looks pretty cool when you equip it with steampunk gears and the hat.

Steampunk Octopus Tattoos

In the 19th century, the octopus symbolized the railroad and the Industrial Revolution, which are central to the steampunk culture. The sprawling networks of the railroad company resemble octopus tentacles.

Steampunk Cat Tattoos

If you are a steampunk fan and a cat lover, this is the perfect tattoo for you. Gear up your cat with your favorite steampunk costume for a badass look.

Steampunk Seahorse Tattoos

Steampunk Ladies

These tattoos capture images of ladies wearing steampunk costumes. The tattoo styles range from realism, watercolor, and blackwork.

Steampunk Sea Creatures

One of the best-known Steampunk movies is 20000 Leagues Under the Sea, based on the novel written by Jules Verne. So the steampunk sea creatures are prevalent in steampunk tattoos. Here are the tattoos of a steampunk whale, stingray, and sea turtle.

Steampunk Watch Tattoos

You can do a Steampunk watch tattoo in many ways. You can get in all-black design, in colorful ink, and any size. They look great on any body part.

Steampunk Insects and Animals

Steampunk Flying Machines

There are varieties of transports in the steampunk world. These vehicles are depicted from the famous steampunk fiction. Tattoos below include a Zeppelin and Howl’s Moving Castle.

Plague Doctor

Plague doctor tattoos are probably the most popular Steampunk tattoo designs.

Devastating outbreaks of the “Bubonic Plague” struck Italy in 1656, resulting in the deaths of thousands in Naples, Rome, and Genoa. In these cities, Plague Doctors were hired to treat the plague patients.

The costumes of the plague doctors were similar to soldier’s armor. The most striking feature was a bird beak-like mask. It was made out of crystal glasses which was more than aesthetic and acted as a respirator filled with dried flowers or spices. The doctors also wore a long Moroccan leather gown to prevent contact with the patients. They used wax on the surface to avoid Miasma sticking to the surface.