How to choose a meaningful tattoo
A truly meaningful tattoo is one that stays relevant over 10, 20, 30 years — not just a reaction to a momentary state. At Funky Tattoo we always encourage a conversation before execution about what you want to say through the piece, in order to choose a symbol that will stand the test of time.
- Personal symbols — elements that represent you as a person: a totem animal, a flower associated with an important place, an object with personal history.
- Life moments — the birth of a child (name, date, fingerprint), a marriage (tattooed ring, intertwined initials), a move to another city (GPS coordinates, the city's silhouette).
- Overcomings — a defeated illness (semicolon for mental health, ribbon for cancer), an overcome addiction, a heavy loss honoured as a memorial.
- Values — freedom (bird, winged anchor), courage (lion, panther), faith (cross, crescent, Star of David), family (family tree, intertwined names).
- Cultural heritage — traditional Romanian motifs (knots, folk motifs), Japanese (koi, dragon), Celtic (knotwork).
Our recommendation: wait at least 6 months from a major event before tattooing it. Time filters emotional reactions and keeps only the meanings that truly matter. Book a consultation at +40 731 525 808 or contact@funkytattoo.ro.
Popular symbols and their meanings
Some symbols have established meanings over time, and choosing them is a shortcut to communicate a message. Here are the most requested at Funky Tattoo, with their traditional meanings:
- Semicolon (;) — continuation, not end. Symbol of mental resilience, popularised by the Project Semicolon movement for suicide prevention.
- Infinity (∞) — eternal connection, without end. Often for couples, family, or enduring beliefs.
- Lotus — rebirth, purity that comes from darkness (the flower grows from mud). Buddhist and Hindu symbol.
- Anchor — stability, hope, firm ground. For sailors and for those going through storms.
- Bird (swallow, phoenix) — freedom, returning home (swallow), rebirth from one's own ashes (phoenix).
- Lighthouse — guidance, salvation, hope in darkness. Symbol of someone who guided you through hard times.
- Lion — courage, strength, royalty. For people who have gone through trials and emerged stronger.
- Crew, panther — ferocity, revenge, protective instinct.
- Cross / religious symbols — faith, sacrifice, hope.
- GPS coordinates — the place of an important event (birth, meeting, loss).
- Fingerprint / signature — honouring a person, often memorial.
Note: many symbols have different meanings in different cultures (for example, the spider web was associated with prison). Ask the artist before execution. The starting price is 250 RON.
