Skull tattoo – meaning and designs for girls and men. Skull Tattoo - Sketches and Meaning of Skull Tattoos History of Skull Tattoos

In this lesson I will show you how to draw a skull step by step and from scratch. As the tutorial progresses, I will explain every detail of the drawing process, so it is designed for beginners.

To make your task easier, draw a small skull. This will allow your hand to use the same movements as when writing, therefore making your work easier.

Drawing the base of the skull

Step 1

To begin, draw a simple line. The length of the line depends on your preferences - the longer, the larger the drawing will be. If necessary, don't be afraid to use a ruler.

Step 2

Determine the center of the line and put a mark.

Step 3

Draw a new line perpendicular to the previous one. Let it be a little longer than the first one.

Step 4

Draw a copy of the first line on the opposite side, forming a cross-shaped figure.

Step 5

From the resulting cross we will draw an oval. If you are having difficulty drawing such shapes, proceed as follows: start with light strokes between the two ends of the perpendicular lines.

Then we draw a clear line along these strokes.

We use this technique and complete the oval.

Step 6

Finding the center of the left quarter...

... and divide this side into six equal segments.

Step 7

Using a curve we connect two points through one.

Step 8

We divide the previous line with another curve, forming a loop.

Drawing the jaw

Step 1

Draw a short line of the oval down.

Step 2

We put marks on this line.

Step 3

Draw a horizontal line intersecting the bottom point.

Step 4

Now we divide the right quarter of the oval into four segments.

Step 5

From the first point we draw a line down.

Step 6

From the loop we draw another line down, parallel to the previous one.

Step 7

Divide the last line into four segments.

Step 8

We intersect the central point with a perpendicular line. Its length should be the same as the length of the segment that this line intersects. Make sure that this line is parallel to the longest line that intersects the center of the oval.

Step 9

We outline the resulting symmetrical cross with a circle. To simplify the task, we use the method of drawing circles that we used for the oval.

Step 10

We close the jaw shape with two additional lines.

Drawing the nose and teeth

Step 1

Draw a small circle on the back of the skull.

Step 2

We divide the lower part of the circle from the previous section into three segments.

Step 3

Through four points we draw a curve.

Step 4

Draw a circle above the loop. This is where we will draw the eyebrow.

Step 5

We draw a line from the eyebrow to the jaw.

Step 6

Draw a neat curve between the loop and the eyebrow.

Step 7

Under the oval we draw a line parallel to the long line intersecting the oval.

Step 8

Draw another curve under the eyebrow. This will be the bridge of the nose.

Step 9

From the tip of the bridge of the nose we draw a line to the center of the circle on the jaw.

Step 10

We divide the upper right part of the circle on the jaw into three segments.

Step 11

From the extreme point on the circle we draw a line to the bottom curve.

Step 12

We draw three curved lines for the teeth.

Detailing the skull

Step 1

Now we divide the quarter circle on the jaw into two segments.

Step 2

Between the point on the circle and the eye socket, draw an oval.

Step 3

We divide the right side of the oval into two parts.

Step 4

From a point on the oval we draw a line to the upper end of the jaw.

Step 5

In the same place, from the bottom point of the oval to the end of the jaw, draw a straight line.

Step 6

Draw a small oval on the jaw joint.

Step 7

Next to the large oval on the cheek, draw a small circle.

Step 8

From this circle we draw two curves, from which we will form the lower part of the jaw.

Step 9

From the small circle we draw a curve to the eye opening.





Step 10

Step 11

Under the outline of the brain, draw an oval and connect it with a straight line to a large circle on the jaw.

Step 12

At the bottom of the jaw we draw a large circle so that the skull has a more realistic shape. The circle should be slightly above the horizontal auxiliary line.

Step 13

We finish drawing the nose by adding a few more additional lines.





Step 14

We continue drawing the teeth.





Finishing the skull

Step 1

The sketch is ready! To draw the final outlines, we use, for example, a black pen or marker, or we place transparent paper on top of the sketch so that the outline is visible, and trace the skull.

To begin, we draw the outer contour of the skull.

Step 2

We draw the eye hole.

Step 3

Then we draw lines on the temples and cheeks.

Step 4

We draw the teeth, slightly rounding the base of each tooth.

Step 5

We outline the jaw.

Step 6

Now, using light pressure on the handle, we add details on the skull. Nothing too complicated, just a couple of “sutures” between the bones of the skull.

Step 7

Using shading, we apply shadows to give the effect of a drawing from an old book.





Great job!

In this lesson you learned how to draw a skull step by step. We also suggest that you familiarize yourself with other lessons, for example.

Skull tattoo is one of the most popular tattoo ideas today. The skull tattoo has many interpretations and meanings and is popular among men and women around the world. This gloomy and mournful symbol has a deep meaning, which makes people choose a skull for the plot. tattoo.

The meaning of a skull tattoo

Since ancient times, the skull has symbolized death, decay, impermanence and the movement of time. In ancient times, people were close to nature and observed that everything dies and is born again. Winter gives way to summer, time goes in circles, and despite death, life continues in the world. It is this process, cyclicality, not dying, that most people put into a skull tattoo.

In any culture, in any era, people sought answers to eternal questions. They tried to look beyond the boundaries, touch the secrets and understand the unknown.

In the Christian tradition, the skull means forgiveness, atonement for the sins of mankind.

Often a skull tattoo is complemented with flowers for contrast, reminding ourselves that life and its blossoming are not eternal and should be appreciated every day.

In the American Indian tradition and in the biker subculture, the skull serves as a talisman against danger and death.

Mexican skull tattoos

Mexican tattoos with skulls are a favorite subject for tattoos around the world. They are distinguished by their brightness and are similar in style to ethnic ornaments.


Small skull tattoos

It is worth noting that not everyone is ready for a large skull tattoo. If you like the meaning of a skull tattoo, you can choose a small size design.



Animal and bird skull tattoo

In all historical eras, animal and bird skulls were considered amulets and endowed with magical powers. A tattoo with an animal skull can also be a talisman.


Skull tattoo – Skull tattoo for men

Most men associate a skull tattoo with the biker tradition: complete freedom, faith in fate and one’s own strength. Such tattoos give self-confidence, masculinity and strength. A skull tattoo reminds a man of his true purpose, that he must live the time allotted to him with meaning.







Skull tattoo – Women’s skull tattoos

The skull is chosen by brave and risky girls. Not every girl is ready to get a large tattoo with a dark aesthetic. But today the boundaries between male and female subjects are losing their relevance. If literally a decade ago a skull tattoo could only be found on female bikers or rock stars, today this design is close to many. Instead of brutal, dark sketches, modern girls also prefer sophisticated, minimalistic plots.








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How to Draw a Pirate Skull and Crossbones Step by Step

  • Step 1

    And so let's start drawing our skull) Let's start by drawing an egg. This will be our basic skull shape.

  • Step 2

    Now we must draw the eye sockets so that they are symmetrical to each other and do not move in any direction, then we draw the nose.

  • Step 3

    So, we need to draw the cheekbones on our skull and also not forget about the brow ridges, marking them with a curved line as shown in the figure. The main thing is not to rush, but to try to do everything evenly and cleanly, depending on who))

  • Step 4

    We begin to schematically depict the jaw; the shape of the lower jaw is somewhat similar to a door handle. Next you need to add some details, such as the sockets for the teeth.

  • Step 5

    Draw the teeth as shown in the picture

  • Step 6

    Let's draw a crack on the forehead and start drawing the approximate location of the crossing bones. If you draw with a pencil, then you always have a chance to erase lines or shapes that didn’t turn out, that’s what the eraser is for))

  • Step 7

    We finish with the bones of our skull and move on to the next step

  • Step 8

    Let's go over the detailing of the skull and bones. Add some curved lines along the edges of the bones.

  • Step 9

    Our skull head is almost ready. All we have to do is erase the unnecessary lines. Don't forget to add a bullet hole to the skull.

  • Step 10

    Here is the final result of our work. And now, march to scrub the deck, Karamba!!! P.S. I hope this lesson will be useful to beginners who want to learn how to draw. If this post helps anyone, I will certainly translate more lessons and make my own. Thanks to all))

Video: how to draw a human skull

How to draw a human skull step by step

Video: how to simply draw a skull for a child

How to draw a skull with tongue


Video: drawing a pirate skull with a pencil

How to draw a skull pierced by a dagger with a snake step by step

  • Step 1

    We will begin our drawing by drawing sketch lines of the base of the skull. To do this, draw a circle, then draw a line in its lower part, and draw an oval in the upper part. Then at the top of the circle we draw a semicircular line, as you see in our example.


  • Step 2

    Let's start drawing the snake's face. To do this, draw the upper and lower jaws of the snake, as in our sketch.


  • Step 3

    Let's draw the snake's face in more detail. To do this, draw its eyes, nostrils, upper and lower fangs, and then draw a long tongue for the snake.


  • Step 4

    Draw the curved body of the snake. After we draw it, we move on to drawing a sketch of the skull.


  • Step 5

    Let's start by drawing the top of the skull and then gradually move on to drawing the cheekbones, brow bone and upper jaw.


  • Step 6

    Now that we have drawn the skull shape, drawing the facial details of the skull will be much easier. And now we draw the eyeballs and the bridge of the nose. Pay special attention to drawing the eyes of the skull, as they give the tattoo a particularly mesmerizing look.


  • Step 7

    We draw the teeth, and then the blade of the dagger, which pierces right through the skull.


  • Step 8

    Draw the lower part of the skull. Afterwards we draw the areas for the teeth, and only then draw the teeth of the skull. As you draw, make sure that the lower teeth are the same size as the upper teeth.


  • Step 9

    We draw the back surface of the skull and add small structural details to it, which will give the skull an even more terrifying look.


  • Step 10

    And finally, we finish drawing the bone handle of the dagger, and then around the skull we finish drawing the snakes encircling the body, as you see in our example.

A skull tattoo has various meanings. In most cultures, the skull is considered a symbol of death. A tattoo can be used as a symbol that a person is not afraid of death or as a symbol that life is fleeting and everyone will die, so every day is worth living as if it were your last. Because of this symbolism, a skull tattoo can symbolize the death of a friend or loved one. Depending on the style of execution, the tattoo design can be frightening and brutal or, on the contrary, colorful and bright.

Once upon a time, people wore such a tattoo, wanting to appear intimidating and instill horror. Used in prison tattoos and criminal gang tattoos. A skull tattoo for bikers is a talisman against death. From an artistic point of view, a sketch can be very effective either on its own or in combination with other images: animals, fire, flowers, playing cards, wings, weapons, dice, jewelry and coins. The choice of place on the body to place the sketch is varied.

Types of skull tattoo designs

  • “Candy”, Mexican style. El Dia de los Muertos (Spanish for Day of the Dead) is a popular festival in Mexico in which skulls play a central role. People gather as families to honor the memory of deceased loved ones. During the celebration, skulls are made from sweets. This is where the design with flowers and jewelry comes from, which girls often choose.
  • Men's tattoo. A brutal sketch will demonstrate to others that its owner is not afraid of death or accepts that the outcome is inevitable.
  • Women's tattoo. Skull tattoos are not just for brutal guys. Girls choose tattoos for the same reasons. The sketch can be made more feminine by using flowers, jewelry and bright colors.
  • Pirate tattoo. Do you consider yourself a pirate? Skull and crossbones are perfect for people who live by their own rules, regardless of the opinions of society.
  • Skull and roses. Performed in honor of a friend or loved one. It looks contrasting, bright and stylish.
  • Animal skull tattoo. It means the balance of life and death, the transition from the physical to the spiritual. Another meaning is longevity.

History of the skull tattoo

  • The centuries-old Spanish tradition of marking the entrance to the cemetery with a skull and crossbones.
  • In the 17th and 18th centuries, pirates used skulls on their Jolly Roger flags. The flags inspired terror and encouraged victims to quickly surrender. Because of their lifestyle, pirates remain a source of inspiration for many freedom-loving individuals today.
  • Germany. The Totenkopf (German: Death's Head) symbol was a skull, sometimes with crossbones. Frederick the Great's hussars wore black uniforms with Totenkopf on their hats. The same uniform was worn by members of the Nazi SS during World War II.
  • America. Since the 19th century, a skull and crossbones have been used to represent containers containing toxic substances. In the modern world, this means poison and the danger of death in many countries.

Celebrities with skull tattoos

  • Rocker Adam Levine boasts a tattoo of a mermaid holding a skull on his back.
  • Ginny Depp ankle tattoo. A skull with the inscription “Death is Certain”, which means “death is inevitable.”
  • Ben Affleck wears a pirate tattoo on his right arm.
  • The rapper Timati has a full back tattoo. A skull in a crown with two crossed microphones instead of bones and the inscriptions “The Boss” and “Moscow City”.
  • Slash - tattoo on the left hand.
  • Ozzy Osbourne's daughter Kelly got a pirate tattoo on every
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