Lightning has also been a fascinating occurrence of nature, not only because it looks absolutely terrifying at times, but also because we have associated it with a lot of symbolic meanings. Lightning is often seen as an analogy for deep and strong emotions, like inspiration, fear, or primal urges. And so, Lightning has been a very interesting subject for tattooists and tattoo enthusiasts all over the world!
But before you go and get your own Lightning tattoo, let us help guide you in choosing the perfect piece of ink. Below we’ll show you the most striking, eye-catching, and dazzling Lightning tattoo ideas for 2023. You’ll surely be inspired with the perfect idea of which tattoo style to get, as well as where to get tattooed on your body.
With that said, let’s begin!
Old School Tattoo of Lightning Coming From An Eye
We open the list with a classic Old School design. I really like how this tattoo almost looks sacred, with a mystical eye hanging from the clouds. The drops of blood dripping down along the Lightning bolts look really fascinating, too, adding lots of drama. Wonderful work by artist IG: @malnovatattooer
IG: malnovatattooer
Illustrative Tattoo of Lightning Bolt with Ocean Scene
I love how eye-catching this design is, thanks to its vibrant and bright color palette. The design idea is pretty cool, too: the Lightning bolt acts like a picture frame, with such beautiful scenery within. I also like the bold, black outlines which make the whole piece really well-defined.
IG: pablo_de_tattoolifestyle
Custom Sketch/Brush/Dotwork Tattoo of Lightning Bolt on Shoulder
This Lightning bolt has such a unique look because the artist has incorporated different techniques like Sketch, Brush and Dotwork into the design. I also really like how it goes well with the other existing tattoos. Props to the artist IG: @cosar_tattoo for the great work!
IG: cosar_tattoo
Blackwork Tattoo of Lightning on Back of Arm
The simplicity of this design is so elegant, and not at all boring. I really like how the artist uses Blackwork highlighted with white ink to literally and figuratively bring a sense of electricity to the piece. Artist IG: @jamjam.tattoo has a really unique approach to Blackwork – you should definitely check out her works!
IG: jamjam.tattoo
Custom Old School Inspired Tattooof Man on Shoulder and Arm
It’s really interesting how this design is influenced by Old School style, especially when it comes to the color palette and shading techniques. Still, there’s something very modern and innovative about the artwork. I also really like the pale blue that’s used for the man’s eyes, tattoo and tie!
IG: travisbrucetattoos
Custom Forearm Tattoo of Lightning with Blue Highlights
This one looks absolutely gorgeous, and I love that there’s no outline needed for the whole piece. One very interesting fact is that this is only a part of the whole design – it actually continues onto the client’s thigh! If you’re curious about what it looks like, check out the artist at IG: @sasha_eliott_tattoo
IG: sasha_eliott_tattoo
Old School Tattoo of Lighting Bolt Coming Out From an Umbrella
The concept of this design is so interesting. While we usually hide beneath an umbrella to shelter ourselves from the rain, this umbrella is actually where the rain and Lightning come from! The Old School style looks charming in this design, too.
IG: badlittleyou
Old School Tattoo of Lightning Coming Out From an Eye
This design has the same concept as the previous one, but features a different aesthetic approach. I really like how the eye is drawn in this one because its color matches that of the Lightning bolts. It looks as if the lightning comes directly from the pupil of the eye!
IG: marziobellomo_staytrue
Full-Back Blackwork Tattoo of Lightning
I absolutely adore this piece – it’s simple but so bold and impressive. It’s fascinating how the Lightning looks like roots from an old tree, or cracks on a floor! This is the kind of ink piece that just looks amazing, regardless of how we interpret it.
IG: piotras.ink
Blackwork Forearm Tattoo of Lightning with Dotwork
Another delightful work coming straight from artist IG: @jamjam.tattoo. I fancy the graceful Asian-inspired look and feel of this design, with the simple but mesmerizing circles inked around the Lightning bolts. The combination of Dotwork and Blackwork is just absolutely beautiful!
IG: jamjam.tattoo
Black and Gray Wrist Tattoo of Lightning Bolt
I absolutely adore the shiny, gleaming look of this Lightning bolt. The glass effect really makes it seem like the client is a superhero from an animation! The artist of this piece, Korean tattooist IG: @yeontann does an absolutely amazing glass effect on his designs. You should check out his page for more dazzling inspiration!
IG: yeontaan
Full-Back Blackwork Tattoo of Lightning
Another full-back tattoo, but this one with slightly more detailing and thinner lines. I really like the subtle feeling of balance and symmetry in the design, especially for something that could easily appear messy. I also love how the design extends up onto the neck. Wonderful job on the artist’s part!
IG: monicahalliday.tattoo
Blackwork Tattoo of Lightning over Ribs and Side Stomach
If you like an edgy look for your ribs, this one is probably perfect for you. I just love how the Lightning bolts run all the way down to the client’s stomach. The dusty look of the lightning makes it really realistic, too. What an amazing design!
IG: tropicaltattoo_guastalla
Traditional Japanese Style Tattoo of Foo Dog and Lightning
The Asian influence makes this design absolutely captivating to me. Foo dogs are symbolic, protective statues. I really like how the teeth in the foo dog’s mouth look just like tiny versions of the lightning bolt, as if to suggest just how powerful and potentially protective this creature is. For similar pieces, check out the artist at IG: @yubtattoo
IG: yubtattoo
White Inked Tattoo of Lightning over Hand and Fingers
This is probably one of my favorite designs. I certainly have not seen many all-white tattoos, because it’s much trickier to maintain white ink in the long run, compared to other colors. But this one looks magnificent, and I hope it heals and holds up nicely over time, although touch-ups will most likely be needed in the future.
IG: yxung_tattoo
Micro Realistic Blackwork Tattoo of Lightning and Clouds
You’ve seen other tattoos by @jamjam.tattoo previously on the list, but we still want to include this one for how clean and magnificent it looks. I really like the addition of the clouds in this design, and how soft and thick they seem. Again, wonderful skills are credited to the artist!
IG: jamjam.tattoo
Back of Ankle Custom Color Tattoo of Lightning Inked on a Stamp
I’ve got to say, I’ve never seen another tattoo that’s quite like this one! I really love the stamp idea, because you can literally put anything you like there, not just Lightning. Also, wouldn’t it be wonderful to get matching tattoos of this type, but with different landscape pictures? Very clever idea, right?
IG: feine.ttt
Minimal Linework Tattoo of Lightning Bolt on Finger
For something as small as a finger, we need a design that can fit while making a strong impression at the same time. This tattoo does just that! I really like the 3D effect of the parallel Lightning bolts, inked in bright red and blue, making this tattoo an immediate standout.
IG: caire_tattooer
Minimal Tattoo of Lightning Bolt Behind Ear
Now, this is such a nice little surprise! I love how simple this design is because it’s well hidden right behind your ear. Definitely the perfect option for anyone who likes a Minimalistic tattoo that’s not overly conspicuous.
IG: antzni
Blackwork Tattoo of Lightning on Thigh
This tattoo has a very similar style to some of the others we’ve seen, but what sets it apart is the placement. I really like how the client is wearing a high-split LBD, because it works so well with the tattoo; displaying it for all to see. Such an alluring piece of art! Very Sexy Indeed
IG: sontalik.tattoo
Micro Realistic Blackwork Tattoo of Lightning Within a Frame
There’s something so symbolic about this piece that provokes a lot of thought. I wonder what the equal sign means, and the globe from which the Lightning bolts initiate, too. The diamond frame also makes everything even more interesting. What’s your interpretation of the design?
IG: jamjam.tattoo
Custom Color Tattoo of Lightning with Rainbow and Clouds
This is such a delightful and loveable design. I like how everything about this piece looks so joyful, especially the raindrops that look like pieces of jewelry! A little fun fact gathered from the artist’s original post: this design is inspired by the client’s real experience of witnessing lLghtning strikes through a double rainbow!
IG: janinetattoos
Blackwork Tattoo of Lightning Over Shoulder and Arm
This is another placement idea for those of you who want something a bit more visible. I really like how the Lightning bolts reach this client’s arm in such a natural, eye-catching way. For more beautiful pieces like this one, definitely check out the artist’s profile at IG: @lagrotte_tattoo
IG: lagrotte_tattoo
Blackwork Tattoo of Woman Crying Within a Flash-Shaped Frame
We want to end today’s list with something from our own studio! I really like how mysterious this woman looks, with her seemingly hypnotized eyes as tears drip down her cheek. The fact that we only get to see part of her face makes the whole design much more intriguing. Pretty awesome, right?
IG: panumart_tattoo
We hope you found what you were looking for and had as much fun looking at these tattoos as we had writing about them. Until next time, happy inking!
