Mother’s Day often brings reflections on the unique and cherished relationship between mothers and daughters. Beyond traditional gifts, some are choosing a more permanent and intimate way to honor this bond: tattoos. Sharing a love for tattoos can be another beautiful layer to this connection, and the idea of matching or complementary “Mom And Daughter Tattoos” is gaining popularity as a meaningful expression of love and kinship.
For those who appreciate body art, the idea of getting inked with your mother or daughter can be incredibly special. It’s a way to physically represent an emotional tie, creating a lasting symbol of your relationship. Perhaps, like me, you’re already envisioning sharing the world of tattoos with your daughter and exploring the perfect design to celebrate your unique connection.
You’re certainly not alone in considering ink to commemorate this bond. Many mothers and daughters have already embraced this beautiful form of expression. Let’s delve into some heartfelt stories from mothers and daughters who’ve chosen tattoos to celebrate their relationship, offering inspiration and ideas for your own meaningful ink.
Forget-Me-Not Tattoos: A Symbol of Remembrance
Matching forget-me-not mother and daughter tattoos as a tribute to a loved one
Alice and her mother, Jenni, share matching forget-me-not tattoos, a delicate and poignant choice for mother daughter tattoos. For Jenni, tattoos weren’t initially on her radar until she witnessed Alice’s growing passion for them. Her first experience was a 60th birthday gift from her daughters, sparking an interest in tattoo art. It was Alice’s enthusiasm that truly paved the way for their matching mother and daughter tattoos.
Alice recounts:
“I don’t think my mum would have ever considered getting tattooed if it wasn’t for my own interest. Her first tattoo was a gift from my sister and me, an art deco lady for her 60th. Seeing my tattoo journey, she became curious about the experience herself, wanting to feel that ‘tattoo magic’.
Her second tattoo, and the one we share, is a tiny forget-me-not flower on our arms. We had them done by Tracy D at Modern Classic in London. Tracy’s beautiful, delicate style was perfect for what we envisioned. The colors are subtly matched, connecting our tattoos visually.”
“It was a deeply emotional experience, filled with memories of Annemie.”
The forget-me-not flower holds a profound meaning for Alice and Jenni. It’s a tribute to their dear family friend, Annemie, who had passed away from MS. Annemie herself had a forget-me-not tattoo, shared with her children, symbolizing enduring love and remembrance. Alice and Jenni promised Annemie they would get matching tattoos in her memory. “Every time I see it, I think of her,” Alice shares.
“It’s more than just a mother and daughter tattoo; it represents a bond that extends beyond us. My mum and I are incredibly close; our relationship has evolved into a deep friendship. Getting this tattoo together strengthened that bond. We’ll probably get another matching tattoo someday – maybe lipstick-themed, as we both love it!”
Jenni adds her perspective:
“My interest in tattoos definitely blossomed because of Alice! The matching tattoos came about after the passing of our dear friend Annemie in the Netherlands. Annemie chose the forget-me-not as a symbol of remembrance, and we wanted to honor her and our special friendship. That’s why Alice and I got tattooed together.
Alice and I share a very close relationship, so having this matching tattoo is incredibly meaningful. I would happily get another matching tattoo with her, as long as I love the design!”
Holding Hands Tattoos: Growing Together Through Ink
Linework tattoo depicting mother and daughter holding hands with floral accents, symbolizing their enduring connection
Tayler and her mum Lisa chose a delicate linework tattoo of holding hands, interwoven with flowers, as their mother daughter tattoo. This design beautifully encapsulates their journey of growing together. The idea for matching tattoos was Lisa’s birthday gift to Tayler, and this particular design resonated deeply with both of them. Created by @dip.dip.draw, the tattoo carries a heartfelt message.
Tayler explains the symbolism:
“It was my mum’s idea for a birthday present, and when she showed me this design, we both knew it was perfect. The concept behind it is that my mum had me when she was 20. She always says, ‘Mothers will hold their daughters’ hands for a while, but their hearts forever.’
This quote felt incredibly fitting because she was young when she had me, and we’ve essentially grown up together. We support each other like best friends, in addition to being mother and daughter.”
“Over the past year, my mum has said I’ve been her rock.”
Tayler continues, “She’s been moving into her own home and navigating some really stressful times, and we’ve leaned on each other. This tattoo is a reminder of that constant support.
We actually have four matching tattoos now – two dedicated to my grandad, her father and step-father, and a heart tattoo that all the women in our family share. It’s comforting to look at this tattoo and be reminded of my mum, even though we talk all the time. When she’s no longer here, it will be even more precious.”
Quote and Flash Tattoos: A Shared Artistic Journey
Lois and her mum Carey’s story is deeply intertwined with tattoo artistry itself. For them, mother daughter tattoos are not just about shared ink, but a shared passion and creative journey. Lois, a tattoo artist, has tattooed her mother extensively, making their bond literally etched in ink.
Lois shares her story:
“I’d wanted tattoos for as long as I can remember. For my eighteenth birthday, I suggested to my mum that we get matching tattoos as a present. Mum had also always wanted tattoos, but growing up in New York when tattooing was illegal, she never knew where to go. I think she’d almost forgotten it was an option, so when I suggested joint tattoos, she was immediately on board!”
Image showcasing chest tattoos on Carey, done by her daughter Lois, highlighting their shared passion for tattoo art
“Our first matching tattoo was a quote from the Egyptian Book of the Dead, which my mum often used in her artwork. The quote is about motherhood, and I grew up seeing it in her paintings and embroidery, so it felt ingrained in me. The quote is:
“My heart, my mother; my heart, my mother! My heart whereby I came into being.”
“Now we have so many matching tattoos! Once we started, we couldn’t stop. One of my favorites is from Michelle Myles at Daredevil Tattoo in New York. It’s an old flash piece of a heart with ‘NYC’ on a scroll, from Michelle’s collection of 1910s tattoo flash.
My mum is actually the person I’ve tattooed the most. She let me practice on her constantly when I was starting out. I’ve now filled most of the spaces on her arms, back, and chest, and we’re almost done with her legs too! I’ve only done a few mother daughter tattoos for other people, and I’d love to do more. It’s always such an honor and a beautiful responsibility to create tattoos that connect mothers and daughters.”
Image of Lois and Carey standing side-by-side, showcasing the close bond between mother and daughter tattoo artists
“Mum and I have a very strong relationship. We’re both passionate, obsessive, and artistic, constantly messaging each other for advice on our current projects. She’s been my biggest supporter in becoming a tattooer, and still encourages me when I feel anxious or unsure. I genuinely don’t know where I’d be as a tattoo artist without her.”
Bouquet Tattoos: A Floral Tribute to Family
Kylie and Colleen’s mother daughter tattoo story is a beautiful example of extending the bond beyond just two people. Their bouquet tattoo honors not only their relationship but also the influential women in their family: grandma and aunt. It was Kylie’s first tattoo, making the shared experience even more special.
Kylie details the idea:
“It was a joint decision. This was my first tattoo, so I wanted it to be deeply meaningful. My mom already has a small tattoo for my brother and me, and I wanted something similar to represent the important women in my life.
I envisioned a bouquet, and as soon as I suggested it, my mom was completely on board. We decided to get it done together. While only my mom and I got the physical tattoos, it’s a tribute to my mom, grandma, aunt, and me. The bouquet has four flowers, each representing our favorite: lily of the valley for my mom, daisy for my aunt, chrysanthemum for my grandma, and anemone for me.”
“Our tattoo artist, Heather Mellor (@heathermellor), who I’ve known since high school, did an incredible job bringing my idea to life. She went above and beyond when she learned it was a piece for my aunt and grandma too. After our tattoos were done, Heather hand-drew two extra copies as artwork for my grandma and aunt to have at home.”
“Having my mom there for my first tattoo was so comforting.”
Kylie continues, “She jokingly teased me about the pain, but as soon as the needle started, I could tell she knew it wasn’t that bad! She was just having fun. I couldn’t see the tattoo as it was being done, so I relied on my mom’s excited glances to know it was looking good.
She was right there beside me for my tattoo, and I was right there for hers. Getting a tattoo with your mom is a completely different level of connection compared to getting one with friends. With these flower bouquets, I carry a piece of three significant women in my family with me every day.”
“My mom has always been my biggest supporter. Growing up, she was always there, keeping me organized, encouraging me, and comforting me through tough times. When I moved to the city for school after high school, it was hard on both of us being apart. When the pandemic hit, it was even tougher, with just Zoom calls and phone calls. Getting this tattoo as soon as restrictions eased was incredibly special. It’s been about a year and a half since we got them, and it’s so comforting having this constant reminder of her.”
Colleen adds her perspective:
“As Kylie said, it was a joint decision, but I’d been wanting another tattoo for a while. When Kylie first mentioned wanting one, I told her to take her time and choose something meaningful.
“Then I kind of casually suggested, ‘I would really love to have a mother/daughter one.'”
“I was thrilled with her bouquet idea because it was personally special to us, and also included the influential women in my life. I encouraged Kylie to go first because I knew mine might be a bit more painful, and I didn’t want her to get nervous. We sat beside each other during the process, and I’ll always remember her excitement watching Heather create mine, a duplicate of hers. Heather did an amazing job. Every time I look at my forearm, it’s another reminder of my little girl.”
These stories illustrate the diverse and deeply personal meanings behind mom and daughter tattoos. From symbols of remembrance to celebrations of shared journeys and family bonds, these tattoos are powerful testaments to love and connection. Perhaps these stories have sparked an idea for you and your own mother or daughter. Whether it’s a matching symbol, a shared quote, or a design that represents your unique relationship, mother and daughter tattoos offer a beautiful and lasting way to celebrate your unbreakable bond. Consider exploring tattoo artists in your area who specialize in meaningful and delicate designs to bring your own mother daughter tattoo vision to life.
