Eventhe arrowshold meaning, signifying the promise of adventure in all directions.
The compass design is also a personal favorite amongst tattoo artists, such as Gianna Caranfa.
However, we were five girls with different personalities," she shares.
@joannamroman/ Instagram
“One girl received an upward-facingarrowwith just an ‘N’ for north.
Another received a compass that [replaced north, south, east, and west with] our initials.
I used a simple dragonfly as the center and placed the coordinates around it like a normal compass.”
@wasilewska__wasilewska
Meet the Experts
Gianna Caranfais a tattoo artist atSkinscapes Tattooin Mahopac, New York.
Christopher Drummond is a master cosmetic tattoo artist atPFrankMDby Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank.
Watercolor Map Compass Tattoo
Compass tattoos dont have to be all black ink.
@mcqueen_mode
Add a bit of color to your design by overlaying the compass onto a watercolor ink map.
The compass will pop against the light color and add a bit of personalized whimsy to the design.
There is more upkeep for a color tattoo.
@breckmarquette
However, research suggests that red ink is more frequently associated with adverse reactions.
This ink utilizes the four directions and breaks the idea of a compass down toits bare elements.
The arrows as compass lines give a sense of design and personalization.
@tattooist_shinji
Squiggly Line Compass Tattoo
Simplify your compass by keeping your ink to dots and lines.
Here, the directional arrows have a foldover look, and dashed and dotted lines add aesthetic effect.
Long arrows through each axis stand out with their precise line work.
@say.wu/Tattoo by@ilwolhongdam
Besides the wrist, a lot of people put them on an ankle as well."
This tattoo features airport codes to symbolize a few places with special significance.
Its abstract as well, with no directions featured and only lines pointing off into the distance.
@tattoo.umg
This design uses the four-leaf clover as the focal point, with directional lines and letters overlaid.
The dot shading gives the clover a bit of definition, and the sketch-like outline makes it feel hand-drawn.
However, Caranfa says this design would fare longer in a bigger size.
@bery_forestink
The bigger the tattoo, the longer it will last.
The smaller the tattoo, the faster it will blur," she explains.
Air Travel Compass Tattoo
A compass tattoo doesnt have to feature a traditional compass.
@tattoo.umg
Instead, uncomplicated outlines and basic dot additions make this tattoo stand out for its simplicity.
Basic Compass Tattoo
Are you someone who thinks less is more?
Do you prefer to break things down to their simplest roots?
@efer_bp
This kind of tattoo is ideal fora minimalistor utilitarian.
It’s perfect for any wanderer-by-sea (orMoby Dickaficionado).
This effect is created with light shading around the edges of the continents.
@hopetaylorphotography
In this case, that center is the arrow, which uses bolder line work than the surrounding details.
Filled-In Map and Compass Tattoo
@tattooist_greem
Are you a world traveler?
Published online March 22, 2024:S0365-0596(24)00034-5.
@ale_tattoo_valenzano
@conlll
*@noamyona___*
@tattooist_greem
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