50 Cool Cardinal Tattoo Ideas for Men & Women in 2024
What’s the most loveable thing about birds? Their ability to fly, of course! That’s the main reason we admire them. The second best reason to love birds, in my opinion, is for their beautiful colors. A peacock’s feathers, a parrot’s tropical variety, and the cardinal’s flush red. This gorgeously colored bird will look just as good on your skin as it does in the wild!
But before you go and get your own cardinal tattoo, let us help guide you in choosing the perfect piece of ink. Below we’ll show you the most unique, most stylish, and best-looking cardinal tattoos ideas of 2024. 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.
Arm Tattoo of Two Cardinals On a Winter’s Day
Without any words you can tell this tattoo is about love. The yellow female Cardinal and the red male remain together even during the harshness of a winter day. The subtle Watercolors against the framed winter scene set the mood and make this tattoo a standout. Beautifully inked by artist IG: @danitattoonyc.
IG: danitattoonyc
Realistic Color Calf Tattoo of Red Cardinal
Looks like this Red Cardinal holds the key to a ticking time bomb. Although I’m not sure of the intended meaning it’s clear that this is a beautifully inked Red Cardinal. Fine lines, contrast, multiple tones and shading create a 3D effect – and complete realism. Perfectly positioned along the length of the outer calf no one will miss this tattoo. Sure to invite questions.
IG: texas.tattoos
Sweet Minimal Cardinal Tattoo on Woman’s Inner Biceps
Simplicity rules this Minimal style tattoo in both its shading and linework. Although typically only black ink is used with this style, the orange specifically identifies this as a female Cardinal. Its size and location make this a perfect choice for the tattoo-newbie. Welcome Aboard.
IG: tattoobychang
Beautiful Blackwork Tattoo of Cardinals on Man’s Forearm
This is a truly stunning tattoo. Utilizing the perfectly sized “canvas” provided by the forearm, beautiful steady lines, heavy opaque shading and Dotwork are on display. With nothing more than black ink you can sense the essence of these two Cardinals. Masterful.
IG: opie_san
Powerful Old School Tattoo of Cardinal on Forearm
You can sense the power of this Red Cardinal – brought to you via the bold black outlines and the simplicity of both the shading and color palette. The result is an intensity that’s hard to ignore. Positioned on top of the forearm, it’s an obvious standout.
IG: jakethorsell
New School Cardinal Tattoo
I love the bold, in-your-face style of New School. Never shy, there’s a use of heavy outlines and vivid colors. Here the subtle pastel shades of the flower contrast nicely with the highly saturated reds and yellow. No one can deny this tattoo is great body art.
IG: truetubes
Old School Red Cardinal Tattoo on Inner Biceps
With its bold black outlines, minimal shading and simple color palette – this is Old School Style. Of course this isn’t your Grandpa’s tattoo of a flag or pinup girl. This is where Old Style gets updated with a new theme; the Red Cardinal.
IG: kmacktattoos
Neo Traditional Tattoo of Two Cardinals
With the subtle color palette of Neo Traditional style this inking is reminiscent of a beautiful silk fabric. The sophisticated use of shading and light by the artist IG: @rosemaryiane adds to the silky feel. Sure you’ll want to touch it just be sure to ask first.
IG: rosemaryjane
Floral Whip Style Tattoo of Cardinal on Woman’s Shoulder
This is a gorgeous tattoo with so much to love. The exquisite steady black lines bring both the Cardinal and florals to life. Whip shading, a specialized shading technique, is then used to create a stippled effect. The design itself and its positioning are also perfect. Beginning along the collarbone and then gracefully draping over the shoulder onto the arm, this Red Cardinal becomes the “piece de resistance”. Masterful Indeed
IG: stellatxttoo
Large Old School Red Cardinal Tattoo
Again we see the characteristic elements of Old School style: bold black outlines, simple shading and a simple color palette. White ink is also used to add dimension and detail to the body of this Cardinal. Although a simple touch, the use of white ink requires both skill and experience. Best to check your artist’s portfolio before opting for its use.
IG: sterling_barck
Realistic Cardinal Tattoo on Man’s Calf
When using Realistic style the artist must deal with proportions and light to create the image. To achieve a realistic image the artist will employ fine lines, shading and contrast which result in a 3D effect. This is done in this tattoo with a gray color palette with added pops of color.
IG: mani.art.ne
Linework Cardinal Tattoo Showcasing Whip Style
Beautiful black lines are on full display here with Whip Style upping the sophistication level of this tattoo. This specialized technique creates a stippled effect adding to the artistry of the design. A small but creative touch is the addition of Dotwork below the bumblebee.
IG: leah_b_tattoos
Blackwork Cardinal Tattoo
The muted opaque planes of black ink in this tattoo create a winter-like scene. This of course is enhanced by the absence of any color. The design is enhanced by its fine lines and subtle shading.
IG: sarah_spread
Bold Neo Traditional Style Cardinal Tattoo
This tattoo definitely packs a punch with its bold color palette of red, gold and green. The stylized shading of Neo Traditional style always adds interest to the design. Here it’s prominently seen on the leaves as well as the Cardinal’s neck feathers.
IG: evin.p.tattoos
Custom Linework Watercolor Tattoo of Cardinal on Man’s Chest/Collarbone
This looks like the outline of Virginia (USA); guessing that that’s where this guy is from. The outline also serves as a great backdrop for this pretty Red Cardinal. The upper part of the outline looks like mountains while the lower part serves as a perch for our bird. It should be noted that the Watercolors are beautifully done. This style is anything but easy and without skill can appear very messy. Well Done.
IG: tattoosbyl
Custom Design Cardinal Tattoo On Top of Forearm
Orange and blue Cardinals with this pattern aren’t seen in Nature but a custom tattoo allows your imagination to run wild. The fine lines and opaque color shading create a unique, dramatic look. As importantly, the design makes perfect use of the “canvas” provided by the top of the forearm.
IG: zoya_myers
Neo Traditional Red Cardinal With Skull Tattoo
The muted tones of Neo Traditional style are on display in this tattoo. You can also see the characteristic stylized shading highlighting the skull. Creatively it’s nice how the body of the Red Cardinal frames the skull. Again this theme is reminiscent of Cardinals symbolizing a connection with deceased loved ones.
Large Neo Traditional Style Red Cardinal Tattoo
Neo Traditional style brings you this large Red Cardinal tattoo. Characteristically we see the use of colorful inks in muted tones; here specifically red and green. Small areas of negative or uninked space throughout the design create a glitter-like effect. Very Cool. Props to artist
IG: neotradtattz
Old School Cardinal Tattoo
With lots of negative space, heavy black lines and opaque shading – this tattoo almost looks like a carving on top of a totem pole. Thin black lines also are used for shading taking this design to a whole other level. Nicely Done
IG: casdecarvalho
Old School Red Cardinal Tattoo on Forearm
Cardinals are often associated with love so why not have this Red Cardinal holding a heart; and in Old School style ink it with bold black outlines, simple shading and a simple color palette. Unexpectedly white ink is used to highlight both the wing and tail.
IG: joshwoods
Realistic Red Cardinal Leg Sleeve
Look closely and you’ll see that there are two Red Cardinals; one beside the portrait and the other in the woman’s hand. Look again and you’ll see another hand pulling on the Cardinal. Somehow this all seems to be associated with death; perhaps remembrance of a deceased loved one.
Blackwork Cardinal Tattoo With Lettering on Thigh
Sighting a Cardinal is often associated with reassurance of overcoming one’s struggles or insecurities – as seen in the lettering beneath each of the two tattoos. The heavy opaque black ink within the nest is highly characteristic of this style. Both Bold & Deliberate.
IG: poisyn_ivyy
Large New School Tattoo of Cardinals on Shoulder Blade
New School style evolved from, what else, Old School. The two styles are very similar but are characterized by different themes. With Old School we often see ships, flags and pinup girls. Think Grandpa’s tattoo. New School designs more often feature animals; perfect for depicting these two Cardinals.
IG: melisehilltattoo
Blackwork Cardinal Tattoo on Forearm
This linear tattoo on the forearm is so vivid even though it’s devoid of any color. There’s such extensive detail thanks to the many thin black lines and both light and heavy shading. Thanks to this you can look at this design and sense and feel the colors that would be present in Nature. Put a frame around it and it’s yours forever.
IG: marat.blackart
Geometric Style Red Cardinal on Forearm
This Red Cardinal looks like a badass; from his bold red color, sharp claws – and is that an evil eye? Of course the angular geometric shapes around and on the body of the Cardinal enhance this menacing look. Seems like he’s saying “Look But Don’t Touch”
IG: zach_crisp
Realistic Red Cardinal Tattoo on Forearm
Realistic Red Cardinal Tattoo on Forearm
Comment: If this weren’t a tattoo you might expect this Red Cardinal to be taking flight. The open wings create a sense of movement while the 3D effect creates a realistic looking bird. To achieve this the artist uses multiple fine lines and varying tones for contrast.
Blackwork Tattoo of Cardinal and Bear on Man’s Arm and Shoulder
This tattoo looks like a scene right out of the woods. You can hear the roar of the bear and sense the flight of the Cardinal. That’s created with the use of awesome black lines and black shading. Stylistically it’s nice how the Cardinal’s wings form a circle with the shoulder. Additionally the interrupted black inking and shading at the bottom of the design add creative interest.
Realistic WatercolorsTattoo of Two Cardinals
In the hands of a skilled artist a tattoo becomes a piece of art; case-in-point this design. The degree of detail, shading and contrast seen here is amazing. And to achieve this with Watercolors is truly awesome. Here the Watercolors are applied in a very precise manner which is very difficult. Without the requisite skill and experience the design could literally look like a mess. Big props to artist:
IG: yesytattoo
Neo Traditional Cardinal Tattoo on Woman’s Hip
This tattoo is big, bold and beautiful. On display are the muted shades and stylized shading (see Cardinal’s face) so characteristic of Neo Traditional style. What’s really cool about this design is that it’s super-bold but also super-private due to its location. Lucky for those who sneak a peek.
IG: meagma
Full-Sleeve Blackwork Tattoo of Cardinal
There’s nothing I don’t like about this tattoo; from the heavy black outlines to the areas of opaque inking to the beautiful stippled detailing. The design itself is perfectly proportioned to the space provided by the shoulder and arm. The moon behind the Cardinal’s head then elevates this tattoo to another level. This is how an artist distinguishes himself. Big props to artist
IG: stipplewhipper
Sophisticated Blackwork Cardinal Tattoo on Forearm
This tattoo in an understated way shouts “Look At Me”. It’s truly a work of art; from its design to the skilled inking on display. With stylized trees in the background, the Cardinal pops out at us highlighted by its white ink outline. But wait there’s more: great shading around the edges and heavy opaque black inking, reminiscent of leaves on the bottom. Great Tattoo
Whip Style Cardinal Tattoo
I’m always amazed at what a skilled artist can create with ink and a tattoo gun – on skin. The lines seen here are absolutely beautiful as is the shading creating the birds’ detailing. Whip Style is then used to create the stippled look of the leaves. Truly Beautiful.
IG: juliannamenna
Neo Traditional Cardinal Tattoo on Forearm
Doesn’t this tattoo make you feel like you’re in Paradise; beautiful flowers, berries and a big Red Cardinal. Though the colors are luscious they’re muted which is so characteristic of Neo Traditional style. The unexpected addition of white ink on the flowers and on the Cardinal itself just ups the interest level.
IG: haileymblopez
Watercolor Tattoo of Four Cardinals on Woman’s Arm
Watercolor paintings and tattoos look deceptively easy but require considerable skill. So the fact that there are not one but four Cardinals in a small space, each with considerable detail, is pretty impressive. The colors are really beautiful as if the artist dipped her brush in actual Watercolors. If you’re in Ottawa, Canada check out artist
IG: picsola
Blackwork Cardinal Tattoo on Woman’s Arm
With branches extending onto the shoulder, this design makes perfect use of the space provided. In essence the tattoo’s shape perfectly mirrors the body’s anatomy. Beyond this, the steady black lines detailing the design are beautiful.
IG: midwestlove
Neo Traditional Red Cardinal Tattoo on Forearm
A long linear design like this tattoo is perfect for the forearm. The muted color palette here is beautiful and has a metallic quality to it. That’s achieved by using different tones and shading reminiscent of stippling. Offsetting this is the white inking below the eye and the more saturated color in the center of the flower. Great Job.
IG: worldofneotrad
Black and Gray Cardinal Tattoo on Forearm
With Black and Gray style only black ink is used which is then watered down to produce varying shades of gray. This design is highlighted by the use of negative or uninked space on the leaves and around the bird. The orientation of the tattoo allows the customer to always have this Cardinal in perfect view.
IG: naturetats
Pretty Watercolor Tattoo of Cardinal on Forearm
Here’s another intriguing Watercolor style tattoo. The colors are precisely applied and are truly beautiful. It’s obvious that the forearm provides the perfect canvas for this large, linear design.
IG: fredrick_tattoos
Old School Cardinal Tattoo on Arm
Here’s another example of design outline following the body’s anatomy. The brown border at the top not only frames and highlights the Cardinal but also mirrors the shoulder’s anatomy. With beautiful color inking and steady black lines, this tattoo is a standout.
IG: tattoosnob
Minimal Cardinal Tattoo on Inner Biceps
With Minimal Style, “less is more”. With nothing more than thin black lines and some shading this Cardinal appears to have taken flight. It literally appears to be flying above the arm. Nothing More Needed.
IG: jady.tess
Floral Whip Style Cardinal Half-Sleeve Tattoo
This design is beautiful as it follows the length and width of the arm. The gorgeous shading is produced with the technique referred to as Whip Style. Not only is contrast produced but also a subtle stippled effect. Truly Impressive.
IG: gruyay
Blackwork Cardinal Tattoo on Man’s Chest
The solid planes of black ink used in this design lend an air of power and majesty to this Cardinal. Orienting the bird at an angle further further suggests this feeling. It’s especially nice how the design sweeps over the chest towards the shoulder. With black lines at the top and bottom serving to frame it, this Cardinal comes to life.
IG: aspectgraphite
Realistic Cardinal Tattoo on Calf With Accompanying Portrait
This tattoo actually isn’t complete. The bird and flowers later got filled in but it looks really cool like this. I think anyone could mistake the face and hand for a photo; it’s that realistic and expertly done. In general the lines are perfect as is the shading and luminescence of the lips. This awesome design is then brought to another level with the layering of heavy opaque black ink extending from the mouth to the neck to the fingers. This is how you create Drama and Sophistication. Amazing. No wonder the artist IG: @campohltattoos was a contestant on the 2019 Season 12 of Paramount’s Network’s Ink Master. Major Respect.
IG: campohltattoos
Watercolor Cardinal Tattoo on Forearm
This Watercolor tattoo is dramatic while also have a delicate feel to it. The highly saturated dramatic color of the Red Cardinal is offset by the more muted shades of the other Cardinal and surrounding flowers. The design is a perfect marriage of the two.
Pretty Watercolor Tattoo of Cardinal on Forearm
Here’s another intriguing Watercolor style tattoo. The colors are precisely applied and are truly beautiful. It’s obvious that the forearm provides the perfect canvas for this large, linear design.
IG: fredrick_tattoos
Neo Traditional Red Cardinal Tattoo on Forearm
A long linear design like this tattoo is perfect for the forearm. The muted color palette here is beautiful and has a metallic quality to it. That’s achieved by using different tones and shading reminiscent of stippling. Offsetting this is the white inking below the eye and the more saturated color in the center of the flower. Great Job.
IG: worldofneotrad
Black and Gray Cardinal Tattoo on Forearm
With Black and Gray style only black ink is used which is then watered down to produce varying shades of gray. This design is highlighted by the use of negative or uninked space on the leaves and around the bird. The orientation of the tattoo allows the customer to always have this Cardinal in perfect view.
IG: naturetats
Realistic New School Red Cardinal Tattoo on Forearm
Depictions of Cardinals are often associated with remembering loved ones. The lettering included in this design obviously is a nod to this. New School style with its characteristic heavy outlines and vivid colors is then used to make a memorable tattoo.
Linework Cardinal Tattoo on Triceps
Framed by Blackwork tattoos this Cardinal seems nestled within a safe space. It’s a very creative design decision. The design itself showcases thin black lines and dots of ink creating the shading. This is Linework Style.
Floral Black and Gray Cardinal Tattoo on Shoulder Blade
This is one exquisite tattoo from its design to its inking. There are so many elements that make it exceptional: steady black lines, beautiful shading in varying tones, small negative or uninked spaces that create a sparkly effect and pops of white ink. And completing the design is the circle framing and highlighting the Cardinal’s face. Of course to achieve this you need a skilled artist. Props to artist IG: @rebeccablairtattoos out of Saskatoon, Canada
New School Red Cardinal Tattoo
This tattoo brings to mind a Winter Wonderland complete with holly and sparkling snowflakes. There even appears to be some dew or frost on this Red Cardinal. As Cardinals are associated with remembering loved ones, this tattoo suggests that that’s especially true during the holidays.
IG: skylar_rose_art
