53 American Flag Tattoo Ideas
Ever since The Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution on June 14, 1777, the American flag has been a symbol known all around the world. For more than two hundred years and counting, it has stood for freedom and liberty as well as the unity and might of our nation.
With thirteen white and red stripes and thirteen stars to match across a blue field, the national flag literally came to life in vivid color. It is hard not to be drawn into the commanding Betsy Ross design, which, by the way, is credited to Francis Hopkinson.
Yet, even though today’s flag looks a little different, with fifty stars representing the fifty states and thirteen white stripes for the colonies, what it represents hasn’t changed at all. It’s been said the color red is a showcase of not only valor but hardness. White is purity, while blue is the notion of freedom and justice for all.
However, you might be surprised to know the flag you see today has gone through more than just two changes over the years. The truth is, a forty-eight star flag reigned over the nation for close to fifty years before the version with one additional star took over on Independence Day on July 4, 1959, and another with fifty stars was raised exactly a year later on July 4, 1960.
If you have a strong sense of patriotism for the USA, you’re really going to enjoy these top 60 best American flag tattoos for men. For some men, these patriotic tattoos are a reminder of grandfathers or even brothers who have served in the military. Generally, the American people admire the flag tattoo design as simply a tribute to their homeland and country. Regardless of your connection to these patriotic designs, you’re sure to be inspired by countless creative and masculine American flag tattoo ideas.
See more about - The Top 50 Best Ultimate Tattoo Ideas
American Flag Tattoo Ideas
This is a well-drawn etched in black and gray. The shading is precise and exceptionally crafted, with a beautiful technique in the gray of the stars and . Note the new wave ripple symbolizing resiliency and the rent border of the .
Nothing can be considered more patriotic for an American than a intertwining the US with its bird emblem, the . This is great — the detail of stars and makes it look stitched — and the is beautifully executed with smart gray shading to contrast the ‘s .
A beautiful new wave realist easily identified by the rippling of the on the . The ‘s smart use of white ink, rather than negative space, gives the the creamy in the alternate , while it’s smudged along the outside to give it a border.
This on the upper arm is exceptional. The detail is such that you aren’t sure whether the colors were muted on purpose or if the was drawn on staggering black and gray.
This is a cool military-style US on the inner . It’s done with an emphasis on thick gauge black shading instead of the use of . The subject’s rank, nickname, and date of birth are etched along the bars of the .
Animal realism meets in a brilliantly worked black and gray and . The is striking in its photo image quality and balanced well by the execution of deft shadow in the rippling .
Many consider it disrespectful to have a inked on your , but there are some who choose such a design as a memorial . This in takes up half of this ‘s chest.
When a dies in the service of his country, a is draped on the casket and later folded and presented to the surviving kin after the funeral. This showing a folded and dog tag is a beautiful tribute to a deceased loved one or friend who died serving the country. The ‘s contrast with the somber of this design.
Here are more featuring the , with the often integrated into the design.
American Flag Tattoo FAQ
It’s important to get a firm idea of the way in which your chosen artist does their pricing for American flag tattoos.
Experienced tattooists will have a good grasp of how long an artwork takes, so they will be able to accurately give you a per piece price, while others will stick to an hourly rate. It’s recommended you communicate effectively to avoid miscommunication.
The most in-demand artists can charge as much as $500 per average, while gifted apprentices and the less experienced may charge only $75. The average per hour price is from $150-$200 per hour
A small American flag tattoo could cost around $250-$300 before tips. More complex work in conjunction with other images can cost upwards of $1,500 for top quality artists and take up to 5 hours+ on the chair.
American flag etiquette is important; those adjudged to have mishandled, besmirched, or willingly damaged the American flag are subject to federal law. Those flags tattered or shredded by natural attrition must be disposed of in an appropriately dignified manner and replaced.
Flag etiquette also extends to flag tattoos. It is considered disrespectful by many to have a torn or tattered American flag inked on your skin. You’ll find that in most cases where American flags are displayed differently, the image, framing, or border around the flag is manipulated and the flag itself stays true.
A popular form of new wave tattoo patriotism utilizes a ripple or windswept effect in the flag, which signifies American resilience.
