Humans have turned to the skies for guidance since we’ve been human-ing. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that sun and moon tattoos are some of the most requested designs in tattoo parlors today. Celestial bodies can be a reminder of the vastness of space and how small each of us is in comparison. Further, a sun and moon tattoo can remind us to try and strike balance in our lives. No matter what your reasoning, these tattoos won’t do you wrong.
We wanted to get an idea about the trends surrounding this genre of tattoo so we turned to social media to discover the latest and greatest designs to share with you. We noticed that sun and moon tattoos are equally beloved by people of all gender expressions and there was no one that has a monopoly on them. Everybody must have a sun and moon design! Let’s take a look at some fantastic examples for ink inspiration.
Get Inspired by These Sun and Moon Tattoos!
Make It Fine
If you’re in the market for a modest tattoo, consider working with an artist who excels at fine lines. The stick and poke method (by hand and without a gun) was likely used to make this sun and moon tattoo so exceptionally fine.
Opposites Attract
If you don’t want your sun and moon tattoo together, you can pair them in other creative ways. We find two wrists in this example that come together very nicely. Each is outfitted with decorative elements that make them so personal and original.
Share
Among matching tattoos, sun and moon tattoos are hugely popular. We find a matching pair that have some razor-sharp lines. If you’ve got a buddy, consider something similar to share.
In Your Hands
A touch of magic seems to be the subject matter of this sun and moon tattoo. We find the celestial bodies floating above a pair of hands. They cast a spell, don’t they?
Mandala In the Moon
Mandala-inspired tattoo designs are hugely popular today. With this sun and moon we find the familiar shapes filled with Mandala elements which proves a very unique look unlike any other we found while researching these tattoos.
The Cycles
Cycles of the moon cap the top portion of this tattoo with the lower half radiating rays of the sun. It’s an interesting concept that we did not see replicated. If you’d like to celebrate the moon, consider something similar for your sun and moon tattoo.
On Each Shin
The sun and moon tattoos in the above example are located on the shins. Take a look at how the moon is framed in a black and grey area with radiating lines. We love how both “shine” and balance each other out.
Stylish
We find a crescent moon underneath the sun with rays that appear to be shared. The wavy ones contrast with the straight ones to offer balance.
Subtle
In this ornamental design, the shapes of the sun and moon are applied in a decorative manner. You get more of an impression of the two in this tattoo which might appeal to you!
Stone-Faced
We’ll find many more sun and moon tattoos with faces but the rather stern expressions found in this tattoo really stood out. While many of these designs offer whimsy, this one sets a different tone.
With Cats
We can’t resist a cat tattoo and these fur babies look so cute next to the sun and moon found in this design. Take a look at all of the fine lines used to give the animals’ fur texture. If you love cats, you know it’s possible to incorporate them into your own design.
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Ornamental
In this sun and moon tattoo, we find a more abstract approach. The crescent moon is filled with a botanical-inspired design and the sun has a cute pattern that the rays of sunlight seem to emanate from. It’s wonderful!
Dazzled
Dot work is a tattoo technique and form of shading that is made by thousands of tiny dots. Take a close look at the above tattoo and you will see that those dots have been masterfully applied to shade the sun and moon but also as part of the decorative elements surrounding them.
Experiment with Color
We have seen a lot of black and grey examples so far, but that’s not the only option! Feel free to experiment with color and work with your artist to come up with a scheme that makes sense for your tattoo. An ombré technique blends different colors into gradients that truly stun.
Hot & Cold
In this classic sun and moon tattoo, we find a hot sun and a cool moon. This is a classic look that conjures imagery from children’s picture books.
Go Dark
While color can be grand, sometimes bold and black is the right answer. If you’d like to be bold with your color choice, go with something simple like this that makes a big impact.
Dreamy Watercolor
Watercolor tattoos are a huge trend today. We find the technique applied to the sun and moon tattoo above with splashes of blue and orange. For moms, you might have some names you’d like to add to your design.
Romance
We find the personification of both the moon and sun in this mesmerizing tattoo. It’s a very original design that’s more than enviable.
Light & Dark
Playing with light VS dark proves a wise decision for contrasting tattoos that really pop. The same landscape lit by sunlight and moonlight is an interesting concept among these sun and moon tattoos.
Decorative
Are you a plant lover? Vase tattoos offer you the opportunity to tell your story with the intricate designs on the vessel. A cute little sun and moon make an appearance here but aren’t necessarily the stars of the show.
Micro Moment
If you’re not after a huge tattoo, consider going micro with your design. Often they make more of an impact than larger tattoos. We find a hand holding the sun and moon here. Simple, tidy lines are all it takes.
The Relationship
The person who shared this image captioned it, “the relationship between the sun and moon.” It’s another one of the romantic sun and moon tattoo ideas.
Cheerful
Here’s a handsome, straightforward design that’s not breaking new ground but it’s done so well it feels noteworthy. Tidy lines and subtle shading really make this sun and moon tattoo a standout.
Drama
On the other end of the spectrum, you can go maximalist with your design. There’s so much color applied to this design. It’s also a watercolor tattoo and you will find stars inside the “paint” that’s leached from the center of the moon design.
Yin & Yang
A classic symbol of light and darkness striking balance can be found in yin and yang. These tattoos are exceptional and take the concept to the next level.
A Dream
The cool colors in the clouds and moon are balanced with the warmness of the sun and stars. Take a look inside each shape and you will super-fine lines that offer movement and an added layer of visual interest.
Sparkles
Again, you will not find anything out of the ordinary with this design but we wanted to direct your eyes to the starry objects. Inside each, you will find a collection of rainbow-colored dots. If you’re after some sparkle, consider requesting something similar.
Bold In Black
We’re back to black and grey to celebrate its virtues after seeing several examples with colorful ink. These black and grey sun and moon tattoos are exquisite. Brilliant dot work gives both tattoos tons of visual interest and texture.
Make It Pop with White
Tattoo artists have been experimenting more and more with white ink to highlight designs. The sun and moon tattoo above is breathtaking thanks to all of the masterful line and dot work. But, white ink to highlight the features on the faces of each really adds so much contrast.
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Share Your Message
“Still I Rise,” proves a perfect pairing with a sun and moon tattoo. Perhaps you can think of other sentiments that work well to use for your own tattoo. Ink is all about self-expression and if a quote will help you do just that, add one to your tattoo!
There you go! We hope you found some fresh ideas for your sun and moon tattoo. As you have seen, there are many ways for you to achieve your celestial tattoo. We urge you to work with a tattoo artist with a point of view that you share for the most original and meaningful tattoo. Happy tattooing!