Reviewed and Updated: October 19, 2022 by Jamie Wilson BA
The sun is the symbol of the great cycle of life. Here are some of the excellent sun ray tattoo drawing ideas that you must try for your next tattoo design.
When it comes to sun tattoos, you can experiment with a variety of shapes and designs.
Sun tattoos don’t always have to be small or circular to create the desired meaning. They can also include abstract sun tattoo designs and traditional sun tattoo designs.
Before we get into the different types of sun tattoos, let’s take a look at the meaning of this symbol. Simply put, the sun is one of the oldest symbols in the world. Different cultures have depicted this symbol in different ways. For example, Celtic cultures believed that the sun’s rays represented feminine power, and in ancient Egypt the sun was seen as the primary source of life. Perhaps for all these reasons, sun tattoos have gained tremendous popularity in the world of tattoo lovers. Below are some of the best examples of sun rays tattoo designs that you can try for your next tattoo.
Decorative sunbeams drawing tattoo
Did you know that the origin of the ornamental tattoo style can be traced back to the historic Roman Empire? This type of tattoo design uses different lines, spirals and waves, often united in a beautiful pattern that not only looks aesthetic but also reinforces the meaning of the design. The image mentioned above is such a beautiful example of an ornamental tattoo design. Etched on the person’s feet, we can see a rather interesting version of a simple sun rays tattoo. The artist created the entire look using only black ink and underpinned the design with various patterns. Decorative tattoos are usually quite large; However, if done right, a small decorative tattoo will look just as grand and meaningful.
Sunbeams and Clouds Tattoo Designs
If you are looking for big and dramatic designs, this is a must have for you. The above image includes a beautiful sun ray tattoo paired with clouds to give the design a more realistic vibe. The tattoo artist created this whole look using black ink and different shades. Such tattoos are particularly popular with men. Indeed, some people associate the sun with the great masculine principle, yang. Just as the moon is believed to represent all feminine qualities such as mystery, beauty and elegance, the sun represents strength, warmth and power. If you like these kinds of meanings behind your tattoo, these are definitely ones you should consider. The ideal place for this type of tattoo is on the upper arm, thigh and chest. This is because they offer a much larger canvas for tattoo design.
Sun rays and eye tattoo
As mentioned earlier, a sun tattoo design does not carry a single meaning. There are multiple representations and different representations of this unique element. In ancient Chinese cultures, the sun is considered the cosmic eye in the sky. The image mentioned above is a reproduction of the same. In this design we see a beautiful sun ray tattoo and right in the middle the artist has incorporated the design of the eye. It is believed that the eye is the window of the soul. So what better way to give your tattoo a unique look than with a sun and eye tattoo? The detailing of the eye carried out by the artist is indeed remarkable. It is not easy at all to create such realistic designs. Hence, if you decide to have this design, make sure you choose someone with proper experience and expertise to avoid any kind of mistakes in your tattoo art.
Small sun tattoos
Tattoos don’t always have to be big and dramatic to have meaning. A small and cute design can have the same effect. A beautiful small sun tattoo design is engraved on the person’s forearm. This type of minimalist tattoo designs are usually preferred by women for their simple yet elegant nature. For the rays of the sun, the tattoo artist has drawn simple bold lines and paired them with various small unique patterns. One of the greatest advantages of minimalist designs is that you can place them almost anywhere on your body. They are also quite easy to make and don’t take much time.
Lettered Sun Ray Tattoo
Here is yet another unique twist on a simple sun ray tattoo. The artist used two different elements for this tattoo design namely the sun rays and the clouds. In addition, he also added a quote to make the tattoo more impactful. If you look closely, you can see the phrase “The sun always comes out after the rain” written on the person’s forearm. Sunbeams are generally a rich symbol of any new beginning or the beginning of a new phase in life. Combining it with this kind of meaningful quotes will enhance the overall look of your tattoo design. If you have such a favorite quote of yours, why not use it in your tattoo design? You can also add bright colors like red or orange to make the tattoo look more vibrant and prominent.
Dove and sunbeams tattoo design
The dove is one of the most classic icons of peace and tranquility in the tattooing world. The white dove in particular has countless references in art and literature. For example, in Christianity, the image of a white dove carrying an olive branch is considered a symbol of harmony. At the same time, in other cultures, the dove is seen as a representation of Almighty God and is considered a very spiritual bird. In this picture we can see such a beautiful example of a dove tattoo design. Dove tattoos are usually created with white ink. However, you can also add any color of your choice to make the design more personal and unique. To emphasize all of the above qualities of this bird, the artist has further integrated the design of the sun and clouds. If you are someone who likes this kind of spiritual tattoo designs then you can use this one as an inspiration next time you get inked.
Wave and half sun tattoo
While the sun is considered a symbol of new life and energy, many people associate the ocean with the unpredictable nature of life. When summed up in a single tattoo design, it can bring a whole new meaning and create a unique look for everyone. One such example was shown here by this image. Etched on the person’s upper arm is a beautiful design of a half sun and wave tattoo. If you look closely at the picture, you can see that the tattoo artist designed the wave in the shape of a moon. He has used clear fine lines for the sun’s rays and the entire design is drawn in black ink only. If you are new to the world of tattooing, this can be a great way to kickstart your journey. The design not only looks aesthetic, but is also meaningful.
sun and sword tattoo design
The sword is one of the oldest weapons used by warriors throughout history, in battles and wars. Thus, it is the perfect epitome of strength, honor and freedom. In this image we can see that the artist incorporated the sword design into the sun symbol. One of the main highlights of this tattoo is how creatively the artist designed the sun’s rays to emphasize the sun’s circular shape. In addition, he has designed the sword very intricately to give it a sharp and crisp appearance.
Nice sun tattoo
Here is another example of a minimalist sun tattoo design. Etched onto the person’s forearm, the tattoo artist only designed the sun’s rays in jet black ink. This tattoo looks so simple yet carries a deep spiritual meaning of light and rebirth. For those who don’t like their tattoo design to be big and messy, this can be the perfect one.
Colored rising sun tattoo
Photo credit: @temple.arts.andwellness via Instagram
The above mentioned image contains a cool design of a rising sun tattoo that the artist created on the back of the person’s elbow. Rather than opting for the traditional black and white ink, here the wearer has opted for a more colorful design. It definitely looks aesthetic and lively. At the same time, you can also add any color of your choice to your sun tattoo design. This makes the design more distinctive and easily noticeable from a distance. Some of the most common colors used in sun tattoo designs are red, orange, and yellow.
Nothing can go wrong, especially with a sun tattoo. This is because they are quite easy to make and don’t require a lot of detail. Aside from that, here are a few other examples of sun rays tattoo designs for you to check out.
- Tribal Sun Tattoo
- Sun rays and crescent moon tattoo
- Sun rays and stars tattoo
- Black Sun Tattoo
- Realistic sunbeams tattoo designs
Featured image from Pinterest