Inside: Origami tattoo ideas that will get you folding for more tattoos.
Origami is a Japanese form of art where you fold the paper in specific ways to make it look like cool things like birds, boats, butterflies, and more.
I remember trying to learn origami when I was younger and let me tell you… I was awful at it.
But that didn’t stop me from admiring the people who actually could create such amazing art using nothing but their fine motor skills and a piece of paper.
Nowadays, origami is still very popular amongst people around the world. With its aesthetic lines and simple style, it shouldn’t be surprising that origami is a very popular subject for tattoos. Popular AND beautiful!
One of the most popular things to create with origami is a crane or bird. As shown in the photo above! I really love the way origami art translates to tattoo art. Although paper is a 3-D object, the shadows and details are much simpler than say a real bird (obviously). So the end result is a clean and cool-looking tattoo.
You can really create anything you want out of paper, so choosing something to get as an origami tattoo can be hard. There are too many options! But I have some great news: I created a list of over 100 different origami tattoo ideas that will help you pinpoint your style and tattoo goals.
But before we get into that, let’s talk about the meanings behind getting an origami tattoo as well as the cost and pain scale.
Origami Tattoo Meaning
The meaning behind an origami tattoo will vary based on what is being depicted on the paper. Overall, an origami tattoo can represent the beauty in the mundane, and the power we hold in finding it.
Think about it, we take an ordinary and typically boring piece of paper, look at it and think, “I could make this prettier”. Although this may be a small thing objectively, it’s actually quite deep when you truly consider it.
Getting an origami tattoo could serve as a reminder to you that only you have the power to create beauty in this world, and it all comes from a change in perspective and the drive to follow through with making changes. I think I would find this very inspiring as a tattoo!
Will It Hurt?
How badly an origami tattoo will hurt largely depends on the tattoo that you end up going with. Larger tattoos with color and thicker lines tend to hurt more in the long run.
Plus the color tattoo needle actually has multiple little needles as opposed to just one most of the time. Especially when it is being used for shading.
I’ve learned that the most painful areas to get tattoos tend to be where the bones are closer to the skin. This is because the nerves here aren’t as protected as they would be when they’re covered by a layer of fat.
From experience, the best place to get tattooed is the thigh or my personal favorite: The forearm.
These places are naturally meatier and protected! Plus they look cool.
How Much Does An Origami Tattoo Cost?
An origami tattoo will cost different depending on the artist you are going to and the qualities of the tattoo. Price can range anywhere from $50-$1000 or more depending on the size, color, and detail.
So make sure you check with your artist and get a quote after your consultation. This is the best way to make sure you know what you are going to pay.
Now let’s get into the origami tattoo ideas!
Cute Origami Tattoos
2. Floral Bird
3. Paper Boat
5. Origami Animals
7. Fluffy Dog
8. Little Mushroom
10. Adorable Cats
11. Paper Airplane
12. Cute Sparrow
13. Intricate Animal
14. Majestic Wolf Tattoo
15. Paper Planes, Matching Tattoos
16. Perfect Flamingo
17. Cutest Little Llama
18. Simple Lined Bird
19. Watercolor Origami Tattoos
21. Simple Kitten Tattoo
22. Little Fox
23. Love Letter Zipping Through the Air
24. Thigh Tattoo
25. Beautifully Decorated Paper
26. Origami Dinos
27. Tiger Origami
28. Decorated Bird
31. Yorkie Origami
33. Dotted Paper Plane
Origami Butterfly Tattoos
Butterflies are another one of my favorite things to see in origami. They are so elegant and adorable at the same time, and they make for such amazing tattoos. See for yourself.
34. Black Butterfly
35. Butterfly Outline
36. Â Awesome Butterfly Outline
37. Origami Butterfly with Color
38. Detailed Butterfly
39. Butterfly Pair
40. Decorated Butterfly Tattoo
41. Butterfly Blue Flower Origami
44. Simple Butterfly
Other Designs
Here are some designs that have many different subjects from a classic bird to a pug… there is something here for everyone.
My personal favorite is number 45.
It’s the one in the photo right above this section. The feathers are so detailed and yet simple, I am living for it.
46. Red-Lined Butterfly
47. Funny Duckling
48. Pug Origami
49. Boat Paper
50. Rooster With Photos
51. String Origami Birds
52. Triceratops
54. Mandala Bird
55. Velociraptor
56. Hawk Origami Tattoo
58. Purple Traditional Tattoo
59. Cat Playing
60. Origami Twinkle Bird
61. Blue Boat
62. Simple Delicate Bird
63. Colorful Fox
Origami Elephant Tattoo
Elephants are another great option for those of you getting an origami tattoo. They can represent many things. For example, if you are a parent you can get a family of elephants, one for each member of your fam. Cool right?
64. Mama Elephant with her Two Babies
65. Epic Elephant
66. Elephant Family
67. Watercolor Elephant
68. Black and White Elephant Origami
71. Adorable Elephants
72. Detailed Elephant
74. Little Watercolor Elephant Family
75. Elephant Duo
78. Clean Elephant with Great Line Work
79. Elephant with Blue Flowers
70. Black and White Minimalistic Elephant
71. Elephant with Mandala Side
72. Simplistic Elephant
73. Leave Filled Plant
75. Floral Elephant
Origami Crane Tattoo
The crane is a classic animal used in origami. It’s often one of the first things you try to learn when taking on this craft. Because of this, these are probably the most popular theme for an origami tattoo.
77. Watercolor Birds
78. Red Sun Setting
79. Bird Made Out Of Newspaper
80. Perfect Paper Bird with Sun
82. Outlined Bird with Floral Background
83. Origami Watercolor Tattoos
84. Red Detailed Bird
85. Blue Bird Origami
86. Blue Floral Bird
88. Blue and Pink Roses
89. Dotted Pattern Bird
90. Cool-Themed Bird
100. Lavender Origami Bird
101. Classic Origami Bird
102. Watercolor Sketch Bird
103. Traditional Flower Tattoo
104. Origami Tattoo
105. Blue Half Circle Bird
106. Origami Stars
Aren’t these just amazing? If you found an artist you love makes sure to follow them, they deserve all the affection for their craft! IF there is a specific design you love, take a screenshot of it to show to your tattoo artist.
I’ve recently re-ignited my passion for origami, and these tattoos are just fanning the flame. Are you dialing your local tattoo shop yet? Because I am!
Oh and remember, If you do get a tattoo then make sure to use proper aftercare while it’s healing.
This is the best way to ensure your new ink looks great for the years to come.
I'm Victoria Hudgins, a seasoned professional in the field of home decor, which seamlessly complements my artistic passion for tattoos. With nearly a decade of experience as a tattoo stylist, having designed at some of the world's top tattoo studios, my dual expertise helps to fuel my creative inspiration.