Semicolon Tattoo Meaning and Semicolon Tattoo Ideas

The Semicolon and semicolon tattoos have become a powerful symbol for those that have survived traumatic life experiences. A semicolon tattoo is also used as a mark of solidarity for others that have lived through these experiences too.

Amy Bleul, the founder of the nonprofit Project Semicolon, said she chose the semicolon because “It’s used when an author could’ve chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to. The author is you and the sentence is your life.”

Semicolon tattoos are an important reminder that you will persevere, this is your life, and you will carry on. We have put together a list of some of our favorite semicolon tattoo ideas, to help inspire you.

#10: Birds Flying Semicolon Tattoo

This semicolon tattoo has a quote and birds flying from the semicolon. The meaning behind this semicolon tattoo is that whatever struggles we have gone through in the past makes us who we are today. And through that struggle we have built ourselves strong enough to soar like a bird in the future.

Tattoo done by Summer

#9: Sun and Moon Semicolon Tattoo

This sun and moon semicolon tattoo represents the night and day, and no matter how dark the night is, a new day is always coming. A simple yet powerful semicolon tattoo idea. 

(artist credit unknown, please let us know so we can link)

#8: Watercolor Heart Semicolon Tattoo

This semicolon tattoo reminds us to love ourselves always, no matter what we have gone though. The contrast of the color and black also reminds us that the dark days make us appreciate the bright colors of life that much more.

Tattoo done by Ryan

#7: Semicolon in Flowers Tattoo

This semicolon is showing that even when life appears to be all roses, there can be struggle hidden from view. But that struggle is what makes us who we are, all the different pieces of who we are. This combination is the beauty that makes us, us. Just like the mix of individual flowers that create a bouquet.

Tattoo done by Summer

#6: Classic Semicolon Tattoo

This semicolon tattoo is simple, clean, and to the point. It is the classic semicolon tattoo idea, and it's simplicity only amplifies its meaning. A great semicolon tattoo idea that can work for anyone.

Tattoo done by Sarah

#5: Yin Yang Semicolon Tattoo

The yin yang symbolizes balance, and that balance is always shifting, always changing, just like us and our lives. It means that even when we are in our darkest hour, we must carry on, because life will balance itself, you will be okay.

Tattoo done by Ryan

#4: Cat Semicolon Tattoo

The meaning of this semicolon tattoo is obvious to any animal lovers. The joy an animal brings us is enough to make you want to carry on though anything. They show unabashed love, they don't hold grudges, and they are always there.

(artist credit unknown, please let us know so we can link)

#3: Flower Semicolon Tattoo

Flowers wilt and disappear, they look more like common weeds than things of beauty. But even in that state they have beautiful flower waiting to bloom. This semicolon tattoo reminds us that our time to bloom will come too, because just like flowers, we have beauty waiting inside to show the world.

(artist credit unknown, please let us know so we can link)

#2: Micro Semicolon Tattoo

A small or micro semicolon tattoo is perfect for those who want a simple understated reminder just for themselves. These micro tattoos may look simple, but they require a highly skilled tattoo artist to tattoo them.

Tattoo done by Ryan

#1: Arrows Semicolon Tattoo

The second an arrow leaves an archers bow he has no control over it. He pulls back the bow tight, he carefully aims at his target, he does everything he can to ensure a good flight, but once he releases it, it is out of his control. This is like life, we prepare, we train, we do our best, and then, life just happens. We hope for the best, but whatever happens, we must try our best, and we must carry on.

Tattoo done by Ryan

We hope this article helped you understand the meaning of semicolon tattoos, and helped give you some good semicolon tattoo ideas. Let us know some of your favorite semicolon tattoo ideas in the comments below.

Are you interested in more tattoo ideas than just semicolon tattoos? Then make sure to check out some of our other popular tattoo articles by clicking here .

See you soon!