Harley Quinn’s transformation in Suicide Squad wasn’t just a change in costume; it was a full-blown reinvention, marked by bold makeup, vibrant hair, and most notably, a collection of edgy tattoos. These tattoos aren’t just random designs; they are integral to her chaotic and rebellious character, making them a must-have for any authentic Harley Quinn cosplay or for fans wanting to embody her spirit through body art. This guide will dive into the details of Harley Quinn’s Suicide Squad tattoos, providing you with everything you need to know to recreate them, whether temporarily for a costume or as inspiration for permanent ink.
Suicide Squad Harley Quinn Costume DIY Hair, Tattoos, and Good Night Bat
Decoding Harley Quinn’s Tattoo Style
Before diving into specific tattoos, it’s important to understand the overall style and message conveyed by Harley Quinn’s ink in Suicide Squad. Her tattoos are:
- Playful and Chaotic: Reflecting her personality, the tattoos are a mix of whimsical and slightly unhinged, mirroring her unpredictable nature.
- Hand-Drawn and Imperfect: They don’t look professionally done; instead, they have a DIY, almost childlike quality, enhancing her impulsive and less refined persona.
- Text-Based and Graphic: Words and simple graphics are prominent, making them bold and easily recognizable.
- Thematic to Her Character: Many tattoos directly reference her relationship with the Joker, her “Daddy’s Lil Monster” persona, and her overall mischievous attitude.
This understanding is key when recreating the tattoos. Striving for perfect lines and professional tattoo aesthetics would be counter to the character. Embrace imperfection and a hand-drawn look to truly capture the essence of Harley’s tattoos.
Key Harley Quinn Suicide Squad Tattoos and How to Recreate Them
Let’s break down the most iconic tattoos and explore how you can bring them to life:
1. “Rotten” Cheek Tattoo
Perhaps the most recognizable of her facial tattoos, “Rotten” is prominently displayed on her right cheek.
- Placement: Right cheek, just below the eye.
- Style: Bold, black, hand-style lettering. Slightly uneven and not perfectly aligned adds to the authenticity.
- Recreation Methods:
- Temporary Tattoo Paper: The easiest and most accurate method. You can find templates online or create your own “Rotten” text in a suitable font, print it on temporary tattoo paper, and apply it.
- Face Paint Crayon or Liquid Eyeliner: For a quick, DIY approach, use a black face paint crayon or liquid eyeliner. Practice the lettering beforehand to get a feel for the style. Remember to keep it slightly messy!
- Body Markers: Similar to face paint, body markers offer more control and precision than crayons, allowing for bolder lines.
2. Heart on Cheek
A small, black heart is located high on her left cheek, near the temple.
- Placement: Left cheek, near the temple, above the cheekbone.
- Style: Simple, solid black heart outline, again with a slightly hand-drawn feel.
- Recreation Methods:
- Temporary Tattoo Paper: Include a heart design on your temporary tattoo sheet.
- Face Paint Crayon, Liquid Eyeliner, or Heart Stencil: Draw freehand or use a small heart stencil for more consistency.
3. “Daddy’s Lil Monster” Chest Tattoo
This iconic phrase is tattooed across her upper chest, a clear nod to her relationship with the Joker.
- Placement: Upper chest, spanning from shoulder to shoulder, just below the collarbones.
- Style: Black, handwritten-style script, slightly uneven and playful.
- Recreation Methods:
- Temporary Tattoo Paper: Crucial for this larger, more complex tattoo. Templates are readily available online.
- Body Markers (with assistance): If you’re skilled and have someone to help, you can freehand this with a black body marker. However, temporary tattoo paper is highly recommended for accuracy and ease.
4. Diamond Symbols
Small black diamond shapes are scattered on her left forearm and hand.
- Placement: Left forearm and back of the left hand, seemingly randomly placed.
- Style: Small, solid black diamonds.
- Recreation Methods:
- Temporary Tattoo Paper: Include diamond shapes on your sheet.
- Face Paint Crayon or Stencil: Draw small diamonds or create a simple diamond stencil for quick application.
5. “PUDDIN” Upper Thigh Tattoo
Though often hidden by her shorts, “PUDDIN” is tattooed on her upper right thigh, another affectionate (albeit twisted) term for the Joker.
- Placement: Upper right thigh.
- Style: Black, handwritten-style script, similar to “Daddy’s Lil Monster”.
- Recreation Methods:
- Temporary Tattoo Paper: Essential for recreating this tattoo accurately.
- Body Markers: Less practical for self-application due to location, temporary tattoo paper is highly recommended.
6. Other Minor Tattoos and Details
While the above are the most prominent, Harley also has smaller, less noticeable tattoos that contribute to her overall look:
- “I Heart Puddin” Tattoo: Sometimes depicted as a small heart with “Puddin” inside, often on her arm.
- Smile Face Tattoo: A small, simple smiley face, sometimes seen on her ankle or arm.
- Subtle Line Work and Scribbles: Look closely at reference images; there are often very fine lines and seemingly random scribbles that add to the chaotic, “tattooed-by-herself” aesthetic.
For these smaller details, you can use fine-tip black liquid eyeliner or body markers to add them freehand, focusing on keeping them subtle and in line with the overall style.
Tips for Applying Temporary Harley Quinn Tattoos
- Clean and Dry Skin: Ensure the skin area is clean, dry, and free of oils or lotions for better tattoo adhesion.
- Application Accuracy: When applying temporary tattoos, carefully position them according to reference images for accuracy.
- Setting Spray (Optional): A makeup setting spray can help prolong the wear of temporary tattoos, especially if using face paint or markers.
- Removal: Most temporary tattoos can be removed with baby oil or makeup remover. Face paint and markers can be washed off with soap and water.
Beyond Temporary: Harley Quinn Tattoo Inspiration
While this guide focuses on temporary tattoos for cosplay, Harley Quinn’s ink can also serve as fantastic inspiration for permanent tattoos. Her style is bold, fun, and unique. Consider adapting elements like:
- The “Rotten” lettering style for other words or phrases that resonate with you.
- Diamond and heart motifs in your own designs.
- Handwritten-style script tattoos for personal quotes or names.
- The playful and chaotic placement of tattoos for a unique and edgy aesthetic.
If you’re considering permanent ink, consult with a professional tattoo artist who can help you translate the essence of Harley Quinn’s tattoos into a design that is uniquely yours, while maintaining a high standard of tattoo artistry and hygiene.
Conclusion
Harley Quinn’s Suicide Squad tattoos are more than just body art; they are a visual representation of her chaotic personality and iconic style. By understanding the style and methods outlined in this guide, you can confidently recreate these tattoos for your next cosplay or draw inspiration for your own permanent ink. Embrace the playful imperfection, and you’ll be one step closer to embodying the spirit of Harley Quinn!
