What Does A Joker Tattoo Mean?
In the game of cards, the Joker or Jester card is unique, not attached to any specific suit (clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades) like the rest. The spooky and intriguing character in its tattoo version has earned tremendous popularity for several reasons – the variety of tattoo types and meanings being the most common ones.
The Joker tattoo often represents chaos and insanity. But in a positive sense, it can also mean that the tattoo bearer thinks they are special and can do something different in life. Some people get inspiration from movies and choose the Joker tattoo as a tribute to the character.
Have a look at the popular Joker tattoo meanings illustrated below, and then make a decision whether you should opt for it.
Joker Tattoo Symbolism And Meaning
The joker, sometimes used as a wild card in the game, allows the player to manipulate it. It also goes by the name ‘X-factor,’ which can entirely change the game with its unpredictable and powerful influence.
That can symbolize strength and power for individuals who believe that they can do something different and impactful to whatever they want to do. You can select the Joker face or the full card featuring the symbol as a tattoo.
The Joker is an isolated card with no belongingness to any suits. Thus, it symbolizes isolation, uniqueness, and anomaly for many people. They pick the Joker tattoo because they do not feel they belong anywhere.
Its meaning could be negative or positive, as it is up to the individual. If you consider yourself an outlier, feel proud about it, and want a tattoo to represent that, you should give the Joker tattoo some thought.
Joker Tattoo Inspired By Films
Some films remind us of the Joker so much that when we think of it, their characters pop into our minds before the original card character itself.
Joker Tattoos And Batman
Many fans pick Joker and Batman tattoos to pay a type of ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ tribute to the characters. They had similarities, but they were a single entity at some point. For example, both had a battle with the feeling of loneliness.
The morally ambiguous characters impacted their audience so much that many decided to get them as tattoo designs. Also, it can indicate their reluctance to pick between two extremes of human characteristics.
Joker Tattoos And Heath Ledger
The representation of Joker tattoo portraying Heath Ledger is nuanced, like his character. He was alone in a hotel before shooting to take some time to examine his role with voices, get familiar with comic books, and jot down notes on a pad as the crazy clown.
While the character himself was an epitome of loneliness and mental derangement, the outstanding acting of Heath Ledger complemented it in a way that captivated the minds of many viewers. As a result, the Joker tattoo got a new face design taking inspiration from the actor.
Joker Tattoos And HAHAHA
Every Joker has a mean, maniacal, and cold laugh that mocks people and life. And that is the signature trait of Joker – he finds the things funny that others find terrible. In a way, it makes the character invincible.
When you get the HAHAHA Joker design, the tattoo will represent a breach of social traditions and rules. The character will bring out a side of your personality that does not want to abide by conventional life standards set by society.
Joker Tattoos And Why So Serious?
The ‘Why So Serious?’ phrase is probably the most famous and fan-favorite dialog of the Joker from the Dark Knight movie.
It is a great choice for a tattoo design. While referencing a classic part of the movie, it also tells that the tattoo bearer does not take life very seriously. You can get only the words or associate them with a different Joker tattoo design.
These are the most common movie- and character-inspired Joker tattoos. If you research further, you will also find Harley and Joker Tattoos, Skull and Joker Tattoos, the Joker Tattoo Card, etc. They all come down to the same concept discussed previously.
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Joker Tattoo Placement
The most relieving and unique advantage of a Joker tattoo is that it will look good even if it comes out distorted, no matter which version you prefer. So, you can have it on any part of your body in any technique or style you like.
Forearms make a great placement for a Joker tattoo. The face will move a little when you lean against something and your arm is swaying. Besides, it looks fine in the middle of your back, so the Joker’s face gets stretched or scrunched.
Joker Tattoo Techniques And Styles
Black And Grey Work
The Joker is actually a character full of colors, but a black and grey tattoo design gives it a new look by highlighting his moody personality.
It is the most fitting tattoo style for those searching for something artistic. But people also select it for the Joker, portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, to uphold the dramatic and classic spirit of the movie.
Watercolor Style
Watercolor tattoos are known for their versatility. When applied to a Joker tattoo design, the watery paints and splatters add a new tone to the image and introduce a new symbolism. The output turns out bloody, indicating violence, the most commonly associated characteristic of the Joker.
If your Joker tattoo is for your favorite actor, watercolor styles should be your preference. They are a distinct way to pay tribute to one’s favorite artist.
Graphic Tattoo Designs
Graphic tattoos are the ones with a profound visual impact. They apply contemporary tattoo styles to design highly original figures.
It is a dashing style for a Joker tattoo that will appear like a piece of street art on your body. And if you think about it, it suits the character pretty well, who gives zero regard to conventionalities.
Although these are the most contemporary Joker tattoo styles, you can also look up realistic styles, neo-traditional styles, illustrative styles, and others to get more options for your Joker tattoo.
Joker Tattoo Ideas
A Joker tattoo should be easily recognizable so that another Joker fan will be delighted to see and relate to it. Here are some ideas to show off your Joker tattoo.
Small Tattoos
A tattoo does not have to be gigantic to be impactful. If you want to keep your Joker tattoo small, you can do that and still have it detailed. The only concern is to get a tattooist expert at small tattoo techniques.
Large Tattoos
Large tattoos give you a way to add more elements to your design. If you plan to highlight multiple properties of the character Joker, you can get ideas from the films and combine them in a single design.
Green and Purple Tattoos
Green and purple are a terrific combination for the Joker, which is bound to grab people’s attention. The colors look pretty cool in the design, playing off one another beautifully.
However, it is not a common choice. Most people will not go for purple and green. But again, when was Joker about commonalities?
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What To Consider Before Getting A Joker Tattoo?
Picking An Area And A Design
It is ideal to choose multiple designs before committing to anything because there are remarkably many Joker tattoo designs available. Also, the character has lots of details, including the playing card category.
Your first step should be deciding on the tattoo placement. Then, you will look for designs that will turn out great. Prepare a short list of 7 to 8 designs before narrowing down the final one.
Keeping A Flexible Budget
Remember that choosing the Joker character and choosing the Joker card as your tattoo differ significantly. The first one is more detailed and expensive than the latter.
If you have a tight budget, a silhouette or a simple outline is your way to go. Although that will save you money, I recommend against it for a Joker tattoo. You do not want to keep out the details. It is a distinct characteristic of a Joker tattoo.
In case the cost is above your affordability, you should wait and expand your budget instead of settling for a suboptimal design.
Finding An Expert Tattoo Artist
Any artist will do a good job with a Joker card tattoo, but the characters will take some expertise. You should research your local tattooists online before visiting them physically. It will give you some idea about their work, techniques, and skill.
Ideally, you want a tattooist who aces in portrait tattoos. They should work on any tattoo design you give them.
Final Words
The key to getting a Joker tattoo design that you will love is taking some time to find it – one with an engaging look and a message you find meaningful.
Choose any Joker tattoo meanings you want, get a design you will take pride in, look for a capable tattooist who can do justice to the tattoo, and there you go!
