Finding Tattoo Inspiration: Toowong Cemetery
If you’re on the lookout for inspiration for your next tattoo, it’s important to remember that inspiration can strike from anywhere, even somewhere like Toowong Cemetery in Brisbane, home to the graves of some of Brisbane’s most iconic figures and a whole lot of gorgeous macabre art. We wanted to take you through some ways cemeteries can inspire tattoo ideas, with a few handy reference images thrown in for good measure. This is our guide to finding inspo for your next tattoo in unlikely places, such as graveyards.
Angel Tattoos
Some of the more common tattoos involve imagery of angels, much like those found in graveyards. People love these angels for a variety of reasons, including the concept of guardian angels. Many people love the idea of a spirit or guardian angel watching over them in life. Maybe they view it as a loved one they’ve lost or something spiritual, and many choose to symbolise this using tattoos as a medium.
There’s also the fact that artistically speaking, angels make for beautiful tattoos, can commemorate deceased loved ones, embody a cultural or spiritual belief system, and so much more.
BRISBANE HAS SOME INCREDIBLE SPACES FOR TATTOO INSPIRATION, INCLUDING TOOWONG CEMETERY AT MOUNT COOTHA.
Portrait Tattoos
One of the most common types of tattoos, outside of text-based ones, is portraits. These portraits can be of famous people, friends, or family, dead and alive, that someone may want to commemorate.
People often get them to honour someone important in their life or signify that they’re a fan of this person or icon, such as musicians, famous outlaws like Ned Kelly or Scarface, pets, parents, or iconic celebrities.
Roses / Florals
You’ll find many graves at Toowong Cemetery adorned with carvings of roses and other types of florals, leaves, and nature-style concepts. Floral-themed tattoos are a hit and come in many sizes, shapes, forms, and styles.
Religious-Themed Tattoos
From crosses to depictions of figures from the bible, you’ll find them all scattered around graves throughout Toowong Cemetery. Religious tattoos are prevalent, but not just for spiritual reasons. We’re seeing a lot of people get religious-style tattoos just for the art and aesthetic of things.
Greek Statue Tattoos
Grecian-style tattoos are on trend and not slowing down. You can find many references to statues, pillars, graves, and more scattered all around cemeteries, especially Toowong, home to a sizeable Greek section.
Fun Fact: It’s believed that Jack The Ripper might be buried at Toowong Cemetery in Brisbane!
If you find yourself lost for ideas and social media platforms aren’t hitting the spot for you, sometimes it’s a good idea to get out into the world and look around for inspiration for your next tattoo. Your local cemetery is a good start!