All the Spider Tattoo Meanings & Lots of Spider Tattoos for You!

Spider tattoos are a big thing inside the tattoo world, in fact, they are one of the big trends for the last few years.

And, because of this, I had to write this guide explaining everything about spider tattoos, so you can pick a design and, moreover, learn about this fantastic animal to get inked with.

On this guide, this is what you are going to read about:

• First, what are spider tattoos and why are they a huge trend.
• Then, all the meanings of spider tattoos.
• And, spider tattoo meanings in other cultures, a really interesting part.
• Of course, with a lot of different designs for you.

Spider Tattoos, a Huge Trend in Tattoo Industry

Yes, spider tattoos are a huge trend in the tattoo industry, and this is because a lot of things, for example, in the last few years, goth and dark aesthetics (like skulls or ravens) are trendy not only in tattoo designs, but in society.

There are a lot of TV shows from Game of Thrones to Sandman with this dark point and, personally speaking, I do love it.

Moreover, in the tattoo world there are some trends about realism (and micro realism) and in blackout too and, to be honest, the Classic American tattoo style stays forever, and spiders are one of the most inked animals there.

So, if you pick all the pieces together, it makes all the sense that spider tattoos are a trend, isn’t it?

Spider Tattoo in Realistic Style

This is the fist spider tattoo I want to share with you, because I think it is the perfect example of what a spider tattoo can be.

Made in a realistic style, all in black and gray ink, with a perfect shadowing and, moreover, this Japanese detail for this Hannya mask, the jealous demon from the Japanese traditional theater.

This fantastic piece of work is made by Zimoon, a very talented tattoo artist with several guest spots here and there, very focused on Japanese tattoo with tons of realism and a very special shadowing.

Spider Tattoo Meanings in the Western Culture

There are lots of meanings for a spider tattoo, but I want you to know about the Top5 ones:

A Spider Tattoo Is for Patience

The first meaning for a spider tattoo I want you to know is about patience and persistence.

If you think about it, spiders build their web and then wait for days (or weeks) to hunt an insect.

Well, this is maybe one of the definitions for patience and perseverance, isn’t it?

But a Spider Tattoo Is for Protection Too!

Not all the spiders, but most of them have poison (yes, other spiders hunt like the rest of animals, just hunting and biting, but this is another story), and they defend their homes and their webs with their lives.

And, because of this, spiders are a symbol for protection, because they can be fierce protecting their holes and webs.

A Spider Tattoo is For Craftsmanship

Yes, spiders usually make their webs in almost every place, from one corner in your home to among some leaves in the country.

And they do it perfectly.

Because of this, if you want to share with the world that you are a craftsmanship person, you may want to get inked with a spider tattoo!

Spider and Web Tattoo in Black Ink

Another terrific example is this one, this time, a black spider weaving it web, all with black ink only, and with a perfect mix between geometry and organic pattern in the web.

This wonderful work is made by another wonderful tattoo artist like Maksym Kuznetsov. He usually works from Germany at Gon Tattoo, in Berlin, but he used to travel to other cities, so stay tuned with Maksym.

A Spider Tattoo Is for Feminine Power

In many cultures, spiders are related with the feminine energy, and please, do not be confused with that, it is not only about “woman energy“, because all man on earth have some feminine energy too.

This, at least in Europe and in the US, can be related with Arachne legend, the most talented weaver person, who was transformed in spider by Athena.

Finally, Spider Tattoos Are for Transformation

The last meaning in the Top5 for spider tattoos is about transformation and personal growth.

Spiders are lonely creatures, because of this, they can be a symbol about meditation and all the changes of being thinking about your inner self.

Because of this, a spider tattoo can be about inner changes and personal growth.

What About the Spider Web Meaning?

Well, this is a very tricky one, lets me explain…

A spider web tattoo can be about some beautiful concepts, like patience or creativity, or about destiny and fate, but, there is a really big but here:

Spider webs are, in some countries and cultures, a prison tattoo, especially when they are placed in the elbow, knee or neck.

In fact, in some circles, each ring in the web represents one year in prison, and the spider web tattoo in prison slang meaning is about being caught in the system.

Finally, spider web tattoos, in some contexts and countries, can be about white supremacist affiliation, so please, be very careful if you want to get inked with this pattern.

There is a good point here:

Spider tattoos (and spider web tattoos) are a trend now, so many people are getting inked with a spider web tattoo just for aesthetic purposes, so this stigma is going to disappear.

Spider Tattoo with Skulls

Look at this awesome tattoo design about a spider hunting 3 skulls.

I like this tattoo because of the mix in the spider design, between illustration and realism, with lots of details like the tiny articulations in the spider legs, for example.

Moreover, the white ink for the web is fantastic and the red skull shadowing too.

So, this is a marvelous work!

This tattoo was made by Swan, a fabulous tattoo artist from Seoul, in South Korea, working at TAFAC, very focused on this kind of dark (or creepy) illustration that I do love.

Spider Tattoo Meaning in other Cultures

Let’s move into another meanings for spider tattoos and, for me, this is the most interesting part in all this guide.

I want you to know some about the meanings for a spider tattoo in Japanese, Celtic, African and Native American cultures.

Spider Tattoos in Japanese Culture

First, a spider in Japanese is called kumo, and it has a lot of meanings, because, in Japanese culture, a spider can represent both good fortune and deception.

Yes.

Maybe one of the key points is if the spider has a golden orb-weaver (it is called kogane-gumo), in that case, a spider if for luck.

Moverover, speaking about feminine energy, in Japan there is a legend about Jorōgumo, a creature that can transform between a beautiful woman and a spider.

Spider Meaning in Celtic Culture

For Greek people, spiders were about fate and, in Celtic culture, are the same, because they are related with the Goddess of destiny.

One more time, spiders, this time in Celtic culture, are related to feminine energy, patience and persistence, and they can symbolize overcoming obstacles.

Spider Meaning in African Culture

In African culture we have Anansi, a god who represents wisdom, creativity and knowledge, and this character is represented in a lot of different stories.

So, in many African cultures, the spider’s meaning is about oral tradition and storytelling too, and I think it’s beautiful.

Finally, Spider Meaning in Native American Symbolism

For Native Americans spiders were an important animal, especially in the Navajo and Hopi tribes.

In fact, there is a character called Na’ashjé’íí Asdzáá, a spider woman, the one who taught humans how to wave.

One more time, spiders in Native American culture represent creativity, wisdom and protection. Moreover, the spider web is about the web of life, which connects all living things.

Fantastic, isn’t it?

Some More Spider Tattoo Designs for You!

And now, here you can see some more spider tattoo designs for you, just to get inspired:

Spider and Web Tattoo in Purple Ink

Look at this wonderful piece of work!

One more time, it is a spider weaving it web tattoo and, one more time, this is a completely different and awesome tattoo!

This time, a huge spider with purple details in illustration style, but with a fantastic detail level, and I do love the linework, very organic, for the web.

This fantastic tattoo is done by Madness, a terrific woman tattoo artist owner of Nuit Tattoo, a private tattoo studio in Bordeaux, France.

She has her own personal tattoo style, with this illustration and purple ink, so once you see one of her tattoos, you can recognize them.

Simple Spider Tattoo

Yes, the simplest tattoo can be astonishing and eye-catching, as you can see here.

This is a very simple concept of a spider hanging on its own thread, all in black ink with some white details, and nothing more.

But, the detail level on the tiny spaces, the geometry and the perfect work makes the point for this tattoo.

This perfect work is done by Younggi Jo, an impressive tattoo artist working in Seoul, South Korea, you should follow.

Classic American Spider Tattoo

And now, the perfect example of a spider tattoo done in Classic American tattoo style, and in a very classical way.

Thick lines, bold design, simple, but eye-catching, and a little bit of shadowing.

This fantastic job is done by Tom Butts, with some spots in Rhode Island.

Creepy Spider Tattoo

And, if you want something creepier and funnier, you may have a tattoo design like this one, one more time in illustration style, and, one more time, very eye-catching with a perfect finish.

As you can see, this spider with lots of eyes (like spiders are) is done with a very classic tattoo style inside the Classic American way, and I do like it.

This tattoo is done by U Davidson, a brilliant tattoo artist working at Pacific Rose Tattoo, in Vancouver, Canada, and he has this dark, creepy and very personal style, so you should follow him.

Another Classic American Spider Tattoo

Yes, this is another option for a spider tattoo in a Classic American traditional tattoo style and, as you can see, the final result is perfect.

Thick bold lines, perfect linework with a little bit of geometry in the web, vibrant colors in red and yellow, as the Classic American says, so this is a perfect work.

The tattoo is done by Tony Perez, owner of Electric Ave Tattoo, in Austin, Texas. Tony is 100% focused on Classic American tattoo, so, if you need to get inked with a classic design, maybe Tony is your guy!

Odd Lady Spider Tattoo

I do love this tattoo design.

Yes, it is a little odd and creepy, but that is completely the point, isn’t it?

As you can see, this is a lady spider made in a very traditional way to get a tattoo, one more time, inside the Classic American style, with a lot of white tiny details to give the tattoo design a very bold finish.

The tattoo is done by Jaded Youth, an incredible woman tattoo artist usually working at Strangelove tattoo in Los Angeles, California, but she usually travels to some guest spots.

And yes, you should follow her, because she has a very personal tattoo style.

Spider Tattoos Are Just Fantastic

As you may see, a spider tattoo has a lot of possibilities and you can have a terrific piece of work in your skin.

Moreover, you know now the meaning of a spider tattoo in different cultures, so I hope this guide inspires you.

Thanks for reading!

Some Spider Tattoo FAQs