Skull tattoos are a staple - both as popular flash designs all the way to full sleeves. This collection of printable tattoo stencils is ready to tattoo or can be used as a starting point for creating custom designs.
1
Skull and Snake Tattoo Stencil
A classic pairing, a skull and snake tattoo can be oriented to fit just about anywhere on the body. You can easily adjust the patterns on the back of the snake - just keep in mind that super detailed patterns will work better with larger tattoos. With smaller designs, you’ll want to simplify.
2
Realistic Skull Tattoo Stencil
Realistic skulls are popular for both black and gray and color tattoos. Designs like this can be “reusable” while still creating unique designs. For example, you might reuse the skull but substitute a snake or ropes instead of the chains.
You can also mix styles, like adding a neo traditional snake coiling around the head and through the eye sockets.
Pro Tip:
We don’t recommend realistic tattoos for beginners. American Traditional art is best oriented for new artists. They are a little more flexible if you need to fix small mistakes after the fact.
3
Skull and Butterfly Tattoo Stencil
For clients who still want something realistic but prefer a softer look, then a skull and butterfly design might be the right choice. These skull tattoo stencils could also be redrawn to be in a different style.
Pro Tip:
Using dotted lines makes it easier to know where to put shading in skull tattoo stencils.
4
Evil Skull Tattoo Designs
For clients who want something more intense and dark, an evil looking skull might be the right option.
5
Bull Skull Tattoo Stencil
Bull skulls carry a rugged, Western vibe that always looks strong in tattoos. This stencil captures the horns and details in a clean layout.
Pro Tip:
Adding flowers (either your own or from stencil kits) can be a quick way to make this design more feminine.
6
Skull and Rose Tattoo Stencils
The skull-and-rose combo is one of the most timeless tattoo designs out there. This stencil balances the dark and beautiful elements for a strong, classic look.
7
Skull and Flower Tattoo Stencil
Similar to the rose and skull tattoo stencils, this floral design shows how you can move a skull around in different angles to create unique designs.
8
Owl Skull Tattoo Stencil
A different take on the normal “owl skull” that has the skull on the owl’s stomach, this design plays with the theme of wisdom and judgment.
Pro Tip:
Grim reaper tattoos often make good cover up designs.
9
Skull Hand Tattoo Stencil
Hand tattoos require a durable design that’s going to stand the test of time, especially since our hands see constant movement, friction, and washing. Picking classic skull tattoo stencils like this one are your best bet for hand tattoos.
10
Skull Knee Tattoo Stencil
The rounded shape of the skull fits well on the knee. You can extend the design around the knee with additional elements like florals, fire, etc.
11
Sugar Skull Tattoo Stencil
Sugar skulls are colorful, detailed, and full of symbolism. This stencil lays out the key shapes so you can easily add in all the decorative details.
12
Punisher Skull Tattoo Stencil
The Punisher skull is a popular flash piece - just make sure you’re leaving enough space in the lower half of the skull so that it doesn’t blend together as the tattoo ages and expands.
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