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56 Inspiring Growth Tattoos with Meaning

What symbols represent growth? These inspiring and unique growth tattoos with meaning will be a reminder to keep growing and glowing.

What symbols represent growth? These inspiring and unique growth tattoos with meaning will be a reminder to keep growing and glowing.

Tattoos are not just decorations on the skin. They are also powerful reminders or representations of the wearers’ core values. Whatever style or design you choose, a tattoo should be meaningful and personal to you as it will be permanent.

One of the most empowering messages in tattoos is personal growth. It can be the growth of one’s wisdom, experience, and skills. Taking risks, embracing changes, and being more kind can also be a sign of growth.

Whether you want to celebrate how far you’ve come or remind yourself to keep evolving, growth tattoos will be a good idea as your next ink.

And in this post, you will find some common symbols of growth and creative growth tattoo ideas for both men and women.

Disclaimer: This collection of growth tattoos is for inspiration only. Please do not copy the artwork. If you love these tattoos, follow artists and show them some support.

Growth tattoos and symbols with meaning

Plants and seeds tattoos about growth

Plants symbolize life and abundance. And seeds, on the other hand, represent the early stage of life and the potential.

Therefore, we often see these two elements as symbols of growth.
In terms of design, they can be simple and realistic. Or they can pair up with other motifs and convey a more conceptual idea.

Abstract self growth tattoo by @harperrosetattoo

@harperrosetattoo

Just like plants, you need time to grow as a person. This feminine forearm tattoo will remind you to stay patient and invest in yourself.

Small seed and shovel tattoo

Planting a seed tattoo by @jordytattoos

@jordytattoos

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant. This cute small tattoo will be a good fit for those who relate to this inspiring quote about growth.

Inspiring root and seed tattoo

Plants growth symbol tattoo by @rootstattoo

@rootstattoo

The roots in this tattoo represent one’s expertise, skills, wisdom, and mental strength. The deeper the roots go, the higher the plants are. It reveals the truth that you must first build in to grow out.

Growing plants on the forearm

Unique growth tattoo by @fineline_cho

@fineline_chom

This black and grey tattoo vividly depicts the growing process of a plant. The girl in the last pot is a fun twist to the concept, adding surprise to the design.

Focus on your growth

Growth tattoo on the forearm by @plantifulin

@plantifulink

From seeds to plant

Seed tattoo about growth by @karpa.tattoo

@karpa.tattoo

The idea of this tattoo is pretty straightforward. It shows the sprouting of a seed, mirroring one’s personal growth. The solid black outlines make this tattoo suitable for both men and women.

Small green leaf on the ear

Green leaf behind the ear by @ch.tattoo.ahn

@ch.tattoo.ahn

Green is often used in tattoos about new beginnings and rebirth. And this small ear tattoo is no exception. 

It’s a subtle hint of the wearer’s pursuit of breakthroughs. And a discreet tattoo like this will be perfect even for teachers and nurses.

Leap of faith

Sophisticated plant tattoo symbolizing growth by @dd_verba

@dd_verba

You can’t grow to your full potential if you stay where you have always been. This intricate arm tattoo is a beautiful reminder to take risks and go out of one’s comfort zone.

Plants and the sun chest tattoo

Sun and plants growth tattoo by @corrieforeman

@corrieforeman

Plants need sunlight and soil to grow. And you need care and time to prosper. This chest tattoo highlights the importance of self-care and surrounding yourself with good energy.

Willow tree tattoos symbolizing growth

Willow trees can live in harsh conditions. Thus they are often associated with resilience and abundance. So if you are someone who thrives under pressure, willow tree tattoos are for you.

Detailed willow tree

Vibrant birch tree tattoo about growth by @ch.tattoo.ahn

@ch.tattoo.ahn

Willow tree branch tattoo

Birch tree growth tattoo by @chiera

@chiera

While most tree tattoo depicts an entire tree, this shoulder blade tattoo crops out a part of the tree. And the flourishing leaves paint a picture full of life.

Willow tree behind-the-ear tattoo

Willow tree behind-the-ear tattoo by @tattooist_namoo

@tattooist_namoo

Trees are rarely seen in behind-the-ear tattoos as the space is limited. However, the artist manages to tattoo the tree in detail in such a small area. For those who want remain a low profile, this dainty tattoo makes a good fit.

A tilted willow tree

Unique growth back tattoo by @chiera

@chiera

The tree imagery might not be as customizable as other objects like water. This shoulder blade tattoo shows us how to shape a tree tattoo according to its placement without distorting it.

Butterfly tattoos

The symbolisms of butterfly tattoos include changes and transformations.

A butterfly goes through different stages of life in various forms. Thus butterfly tattoos often send the message that growth might be painful, but it is also beautiful.

Butterfly growth symbol tattoo

Butterfly growth symbol tattoo by @b.sin_tattoo

@b.sin_tattoo

Rose bouquet and butterfly

Beautiful butterfly tattoo by @palette.tt

@palette.tt

Simple butterfly arm tattoo

Simple butterfly arm tattoo by @anaoliveiratattoo

@anaoliveiratattoo

Abstract butterfly sleeve tattoo

Abstract butterfly sleeve tattoo by @natalka.tattoo

@natalka.tattoo

What makes this butterfly tattoo stand out is the swirl pattern on it. The distortion symbolizes the chaos in growth. But when you tough through the confusion and frustration, you will be a better version of yourself.

Phoenix tattoos about growth

The phoenix is a mythical creature that is found in different cultures. But what’s in common is its ability to be reborn from fire. This characteristic in folklore makes the phoenix a empowering tattoo motif symbolizing growth and rebirth.

Behind-the-ear phoenix tattoo

Behind-the-ear phoenix tattoo symbolizing growth by @oztattoom

@oztattoom

Unlike most phoenix tattoos that are bold and vibrant, this small tat uses solid black lines to illustrate a simplified phoenix. 

If you want a tattoo to honor a new life chapter, this is an elegant and low-key option.

Between-the-boobs phoenix tattoo

Between-the-boobs phoenix tattoo by @skinmachinetatto

@skinmachinetatto

It’s not easy to tattoo between the boobs as the space is limited. However, the tattooist has done a good job in simplifying the shape, making it fit on the placement. It also accentuates the wings and draws people’s attention.

Phoenix back tattoo

Phoenix back tattoo by @idan_naftali_tattoos

@idan_naftali_tattoos

Triskelion growth symbol tattoos

The triskelion symbol consists of three interlocking spirals. It is an ancient symbol that appeared in various cultures with different meanings.

The three spirals are believed to represent harmony, balance, and order, which are all essential for the growth of a person and a society.

They can also represent three stages of life: youth, adulthood, and old age, creating a seamless cycle of growth and life.

Triskelion growth symbol tattoo

Triskelion growth symbol tattoo by @marianovidor

@marianovidor

Sleek triskelion bicep tattoo

Triskelion growth symbol bicep tattoo by @kimtamtt

@kimtamtt

Triskelion symbol on the back

Triskelion growth symbol tattoo by @evo_tattoo_studio

@evo_tattoo_studio

Steps and stairs tattoos

Transformation doesn’t happen overnight. You must take baby steps to reach the next level of your life.

In this case, steps and stairs tattoos perfectly demonstrate this idea. They might not be as common as other growth symbols, but they are ideal for people who want something creative.

Stairs and moon

Stairs and moon lit sky about growth by @karina.miko

@karina.miko

Step by step, aim at the moon, and you will touch the sky.

Stairs tattoo symbolizing growth

Stairs tattoo symbolizing growth by @philip_popek

@philip_popek

Sometimes life is overwhelming, especially when you don’t know what to do or where to go.

This tattoo tells us to stay patient and stop trying to figure everything out. Instead, focus on the steps before you, and let life unfold as you go.

Simple steps tattoo

Simple steps tattoo by @fonteljuice

@fonteljuice

One step at a time

One step at a time growth tattoo by @karina.miko

@karina.miko

Meaningful staircase tattoo

Staircase growth symbol tattoo by @fleurnoiretattoo

@fleurnoiretattoo

Step by step

Step by step quote tattoo about growth by @recycletattoo.mini

@recycletattoo.mini

Growth tattoos are not just symbols. Quote and word tattoos can also be an empowering statement.

Footprint tattoo

Baby steps footprint tattoo about tattoo by @myart_carmen

@myart_carmen

While many footprint tattoos are dedicated to newborns, they can also refer to baby steps that lead to success.

Delphinium flower tattoos

Delphiniums are not only beautiful. They are also a symbol of prosperity and spiritual growth.

As the birth flower of July, the clustered flower petals represent the growth of one’s wisdom and mental strength.

They also bring a sense of liveliness and vibrance. That’s why the flowers are also associated with positive feelings like joy and hope.

If you are someone who sees the good in everything, delphinium will represent your positive take on life.

Purple delphiniums

Delphinium flower tattoo about growth by @frommay_tat

@frommay_tat

Black outlined delphiniums

Black and grey delphinium tattoo by @choiyun_tattoo

@choiyun_tattoo

Purple delphinium flower and gemstone tattoo

Delphinium growth symbol tattoo by @tattooist_solar

@tattooist_solar

Sunrise tattoos

Sunrise tattoos symbolize rebirth, new beginnings, and a new life. And the sun rising over the horizon is similar to the process of building up skills and strength to shine later.

Cute sunrise back tattoo

Cute sunrise back tattoo by @handpoke_joyce

@handpoke_joyce

Half sunrise shoulder blade tattoo

Half sunrise shoulder blade tattoo by @trfart

@trfart

Simple sunrise tattoo on the arm

Sunrise tattoo symbolizing growth by @negro_magenta

@negro_magenta

Wave growth symbol tattoos

Just like water tattoos, waves express the pursuit of freedom and calmness. The way waves consistently crash on the shore and change the landscape represents the endless changes in life. 

It sends a message that change is inevitable. But it puts people to the test and shapes them into a new version.

Mountain and waves

Mountain and wave growth tattoo by @bongkee

@bongkee

Because waves can be depicted in various shapes, they are perfect as cover-up or add-on tattoos, just like this one. The new wave tattoo perfectly complements the previous mountains on the back, creating a harmonious and meaningful picture.

Cute watercolor wave

Girly wave behind the neck tattoo by @heim__tattoo

@heim__tattoo

Watercolor is a coloring technique used in painting. It refers to the way of filling colors without borders in between. The method allows colors to flow fluently in watercolor tattoos and creates a whimsical feeling.

Initial and waves

Wave and initial wrist tattoo by @doubletake__beauty

@doubletake__beauty

This wrist tattoo provides a creative example of combining waves with initial tattoos. The flowing movement in the letter K and the waves connects the two elements.

Wave stamp tattoo

Waves growth tattoo by @tattooist_mul

@tattooist_mul

Sun and wave rib tattoo

Sun and wave minimalist tattoo about growth by @tattoosbyina

@tattoosbyina

If you want a rib tattoo, it may be a good idea to stay simple. The rib is a tricky placement for a tattoo because it’s boney and narrow. But a dainty, small tattoo like this one will fit perfectly on it.

Japanese waves tattoo

Japanese waves tattoo about growth by @doartinkstudi

@doartinkstudio

Dandelion tattoos about growing up

Unlike most growth tattoos that mirror the process, dandelion tattoos have a more complex meaning behind them.

A dandelion usually symbolizes letting go and moving on. The wind carries its seeds away so they can grow elsewhere.

As a symbol of growth, a dandelion reminds you to let go of the old to embrace the new. It may refer to leaving your hometown or cutting off a toxic relationship. However, these difficult endings may also be a new beginning.

Blue dandelion tattoo

Blue dandelion tattoo by @oble_tattoo

@oble_tattoo

Dandelion rib tattoo

Dandelion rib tattoo by @mechainktattoostudio

@mechainktattoostudio

Letting go

Cutting the chain growth tattoo by @newtattoo_gogo

@newtattoo_gogo

Meaningful ouroboros tattoos

Also known as a snake biting its tail, the ouroboros symbol carries the meaning of an endless life cycle. It’s also a reminder that life is always going forward, and you should never stop evolving.

Ouroboros growth symbol tattoo

Ouroboros and moon tattoo by @_o.doa_tt

@_o.doa_tt

Ouroboros and moon tattoo

Moon ouroboros wrap around tattoo by @khalblk

@khalblk

Floral ouroboros and bee

Floral ouroboros and bee tattoo by @smith.ink

@smith.ink

Mountain tattoos for adventurers

Mountains are often seen in tattoos for adventurers. But they reveal another truth about growth – you have to aim at the peak and, at the same time, enjoy each step.

Simple mountain forearm tattoo

Simple mountain growth tattoo by @mashatattoos

@mashatattoos

Artsy mountain and landscape tattoo

Artsy mountain and landscape tattoo by @eiji_tattoo

@eiji_tattoo

Trees and mountain tattoo

Trees and mountain tattoo symbolizing growth by @makeamindfullmark

@makeamindfullmark

Tree and tree ring tattoos

Trees are often associated with life and new beginnings.
It may take ten years or even longer for a tree to fully grow. But when it does, it can stand the test of storms. It reminds us to be patient with our growth and water ourselves with love and compassion.

On the other hand, tree ring tattoos reflect a person’s maturing. Each year the tree grows and adds to its girth, creating a tree ring in the cross-section. It instills the belief that it takes time to become wiser and stronger.

Peach tree symbolizing growth

Peach tree symbolizing growth by @pokhy_tattoo

@pokhy_tattoo

I grew

I grew tree tattoo by @ninelivestattoos

@ninelivestattoos

Simple tree arm tattoo

Simple tree growth symbol tattoo by @tattooist_bear

@tattooist_bear

Music and tree ring

Tree ring arm tattoo about growth by @antidotex_tattoo

@antidotex_tattoo

Small tree ring bicep tattoo

Tree ring tattoo about growth by @ink.dust

@ink.dust

Which of these tattoos about growth resonates with you?

Leave a comment down below and share your thoughts!