95 Joker Tattoos: Unveiling The Meaning With Unique Ideas (2024)

Believe it or not, after minimalist tattoos, portrait tattoos, preferably of fictional characters in the DC and Marvel Universe, are quite popular. While heroes and heroines such as Batman, Superman, even Captain America are some of the common finds among superhero tattoos, a notorious heel that often surpasses the previously mentioned faces is the Joker, the most iconic villain in the DC universe.

Covered in facepaint and draped in a jarring purple colour suit, the Joker isn’t just all about the looks. Sure, his goblin green hair can be seen from miles away, but what can’t be seen is his intimidating personality. His traits don’t just leave every die-hard DC fan in awe, but also make major contributions to the popularity of Joker tattoos.

A Joker tattoo comes in various shapes and sizes. The meaning also has multiple faces, all of which will be revealed throughout this article.

A Deep Dive Into Joker Tattoos: What It Means In The Tattoo World

@emagalluccio_tattoo

Joker tattoos are quite popular due to how colorful and realistic they are. The memorable quotes not only add to their likability even further, but also make Joker tattoos quite adaptable in the world of body modification. That’s not the only element of a Joker tattoo that carries their popularity to impressive heights, however, as each variation carries significant metaphors.

Associated with chaos, imbalance, and pain, Joker tattoos portray mostly the dark side of life. Since the character is known for being a narcissist, many obtain the artwork of the Joker to either unveil how they’re on the same page or practice self-love for the first time.

Since the Joker is known for keeping his word, obtaining a tattoo of the character can also help in being more consistent with daily activities in life.

The Popularity Of Joker Tattoos In The DC Universe

@claudiagebauertattoo

Joker is one of the most intimidating and easily the most dangerous villains in the DC Universe. While his presence terrifies spectators and his opponents, the character has a fanbase with an impressive volume in the DC Universe.

The popularity of the character not only stems from his appearance, but also his mannerisms. While his clownlike appearance does make him look weak and powerless, the impressive, high-functioning IQ of the Joker and the sheer confidence he carries not only deceives his opponents, but also makes him one of the most sought-after personalities in the DC Universe.

The Role Of Joker Tattoos On Pop Culture: How The Mainstream Media Propelled Them To Fame!

With the creative talents of Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, the Joker was curated. The character lived up to its hype, being the frontrunner among DC villains in most Batman comics from the 40s to the 80s.

While the character surely became one of the main reasons to follow Batman, its popularity rose substantially during the 80s in Hollywood, with the help of Batman: The Movie. The exposure later moved onto the world of body modification, making Joker tattoos a must-have among DC fans.

The act of getting Joker tattoos increased in numbers after the release of The Dark Knight, thanks to Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker. Although Jared Leto’s portrayal left a dent in that trend, the movement made an impressive comeback once Joaquin Phoenix demonstrated his acting skills as the Joker in 2019.

The Curious Case Of Joker Tattoos: Exploring The Mindset Of The Character

@_phoenixtattoo

While the aesthetic of Joker is something that will be talked about until eternity, his characteristics are elements that are often swept under the rug. But if you too are curious to find out how the creators of the DC wired the Joker into the supervillain he is today, be sure to move forward to the next segment.

The Joker’s physical appearance and his mental health are polar opposites, to say the least. The character wears face paint and laughs uncontrollably on the outside. However, the purple-suited man is quite complex on the inside, carrying symptoms of bipolar disorder, having no control over his emotions. He is also said to have narcissistic personality disorder, explaining his lack of empathy towards innocent lives.

Jarring Designs Of Joker Tattoos To Wear In 2024!

A Joker tattoo typically comprises a sketch figure that mostly highlights his outfit, hair colour, facial features, and body modifications. However, there are a list of alternatives that one can also find contentment in. From small tattoos to simple tattoos to large-scale realistic Joker tattoos, here are all the concepts you can take into account before curating your own Joker tattoo!

Joker Hand Tattoo

@tattoosbyharo

@kuso_zg_tattoo

A hand tattoo is definitely the most favorable placement for a stencil of the Joker, mainly due to the amount of exposure it gets. Even though any needle, even the finest one, might hurt and sting due to the number of nerve endings situated on the surface of the hand, it can be a good canvas to use for a detailed portrait tattoo.

From colours to vintage hues, a Joker hand tattoo welcomes everything with open arms. For best results, however, be sure to stick to the original colour scheme.

Joker Card Tattoo

@sk_tattoo_

@andrevieira_ironskull

@sabbytattz

Prior to curating the first sketch of Joker, artist Jerry Robinson was going above and beyond for inspiration, when he stumbled upon a playing card of the same name. While the curator left the hat alone, he took pointers from the grin used on the playing card and added that to the first sketch of Joker, which went on to become the first verified concept of the Joker.

While the graphic hardly represents the backstory, a Joker card tattoo can be a great way to stand out from the crowd. Wearing it can also be a great way to discover avid fans of the character from a big crowd.

Joker and Harley Quinn Tattoo

@nico_tat2

@yyc.joker

@jerseytattoo

Despite sharing an unhealthy bond, the duo of the Joker and Harley Quinn is quite memorable, a narrative that can easily be used to form a Joker and Harley Quinn tattoo, one of the favorable variations on this list.

The story of Joker and Harley Quinn is quite complex, as they first met in Arkham Asylum, where Quinn was his therapist. While the pair were polar opposites in every aspect, one thing led to another, and soon, Harley developed an unhealthy obsession with Joker, which was more of a win-lose situation.

While the story can’t be engraved in the tattoo, having the stencil of Joker and Harley Quinn can surely give one the opportunity to bring more awareness to the backstory.

Joker Smile Tattoo

@la_galaxie_du_geek

@2reckless__rome

After his suit, hair colur, and makeup, the most iconic element of Joker is his grin, also known as his smile. It is terrifying to look at in real life, but looks quite remarkable when added as the leading component of a Joker tattoo.

A Joker smile tattoo is the same as it sounds, being the perfect option for minimalists and beginners. While his crystal white teeth and cherry red lipstick should be enough to make the tattoo memorable, one can add a portrait to enhance the final impression.

Suicide Squad Joker Tattoo

@francatattooart

@dioucks

While Jared Leto’s depiction of the Joker was underwhelming, the Suicide Squad was a success in the box office, and is currently one of the best DC films of all time, making this Suicide Squad Joker tattoo quite valid to obtain.

Using certain segments to create the portrait tattoo can reward you with optimal and satisfying results. However, if you don’t have enough time to do your own research, we hope you find inspiration in the photos used for this entry.

Joker Face Tattoo

@kamilabarwin

@dom_macio_tattoo

@scorpiontattoo786

While engraving his quotes into a tattoo is the easiest option under Joker tattoos, the most common Joker tattoo is a face tattoo, comprising the iconic clownlike visuals.

The tattoo is a safe bet for beginners, with a high success rate. The graphic is also quite easy to mimic, even for inexperienced tattoo artists. Since the dimensions can be expanded and contracted, this face tattoo can be placed anywhere without a hassle.

Why So Serious Joker Tattoo

@kelvinmonster

@arizona_ink_

@tattooartby_derek

Among all the Batman movies released so far, The Dark Knight is easily the best one. In addition to having an unbeatable set of cast members and an alluring plot with unfathomable characters, the movie is known to be a gem for some catchy and memorable one-liners, such as the Joker’s “Why so serious?”.

The dialogue is, without a doubt, the most intriguing line that came out of the Dark Knight, and has multiple depictions. Some believe that the Joker is just genuinely preaching the act of being carefree, while the rest believe that it’s just a facade that masks the character’s dark and complex characteristics.

Heath Ledger Joker Tattoo

@oaguilarcrafted

@mullytattoo

@ashbyinktattoos

Jack Nicholson set the bar pretty high with his portrayal of Joker in 1989 with his appearance in the movie “Batman: The Movie.” And while a series of actors were hired and scouted in hopes of being his successor, the only actor who managed to outperform him was Heath Ledger, the main protagonist of this Joker tattoo.

Heath Ledger’s Joker is, without a doubt, the reason behind the supervillain’s success. And although the actor is no longer with us, a tattoo of his image as the Joker can be a great way to keep his legacy alive.

Joker Hahaha Tattoo

@mr.neko.tattoo

@blaze_zdravkovich

@shorelinetattoo_beth

One of the handful of minimal options that one can consider to fulfill their cravings for a Joker tattoo is this “Hahaha” tattoo, featuring a quote tattoo.

In the movies, apart from his intimidating presence, his clownlike attire, and his delusional behaviour, it is his hysterical laugh that is often reminisced. Though the primary component of this tattoo is the phrase itself, one may also add a portrait of the character to make the impression more engaging.

Jared Leto Joker Tattoo

@gregwhelantattoo

@inkglorious_sheffield

Jared Leto’s method acting proved to fall short of creating a significant impact on the DC Universe. However, prior to the release of the Suicide Squad, his portrayal built quite the hype.

Jared Leto’s Joker tattoo is as simple as they come, comprising nothing but a portrait tattoo. The artwork is quite staggering, however, especially due to the white hue of the face paint, the forehead tattoo, the red lipstick, and the goblin green hair.

Joker Forearm Tattoo

@mark.inkaholic

@admira.art

The forearm can be an excellent location for a Joker tattoo, especially if you’re hoping to make the most of your creative thinking. The canvas carries tons of space, all of which can be utilized to display patterns, portraits, and motifs. With the help of dialogues, the tattoo can also be used to replicate some unforgettable moments.

A forearm tattoo of the Joker is quite easygoing in terms of pain, since the forearm is quite resilient, containing thick layers of skin. The tattoo also heals faster in contrast to most of the options on this list.

Demar Derozan Joker Tattoo

@ot.storieaspicchi

Chicago Bulls’ Shooting Guard Demar Derozan is known for many things that involve his ball-handling skills, facilitating skills, and mid-range shooting skills on court. Off the court, however, it is his Joker tattoo that hogs all the attention.

The native from Compton California has a portrait tattoo of Heath Ledger’s joker on his right bicep along with the words “Before you judge me, make sure you’re perfect,” another classic line from The Dark Knight.

Joker Sleeve Tattoo

@_middlehouse

@mcpheetattoo

A sleeve tattoo of the Joker could be a great way to pay homage to the character and obtain great visuals at the same time. It is the perfect area for replicating segments, wearing colours, and showcasing an artwork of the supervillain using realism.

A Joker sleeve tattoo should be engaging and enable one to wear stories, so curate the concept carefully. If your creative thinking hits a brick wall, consider having a chat with the tattoo artist.

Small Joker Tattoo

@gang.tattoo

A motif or icon of Joker can also be a great option for beginners. Since the dimensions are limited, the tattoo can be placed anywhere and everywhere.

Using the distinct facial features of Joker can be a good way to unlock a small Joker tattoo that is memorable and admirable. While it could be difficult for the tattoo artist to add realism to the artwork, don’t forget to add a colourful scheme to make the illustration presentable.

Joker Neck Tattoo

@jurisonstattoo

A neck tattoo might not be the brightest idea to entertain when you’re thinking of a Joker tattoo, but can still be possible to obtain. The procedure will bring tons of discomfort due to the sensitivity of location, but might pay off if you’re into realism.

A Joker neck tattoo is time-consuming, so be sure to have enough patience. Apply numbing cream to the area as well if you’re a beginner.

Batman Joker Tattoo

@mort.artt

@ciaaastek_

The rivalry between Batman and the Joker is definitely iconic, to say the least, but also quite tricky. While each character does everything in their power to ruin the ambitions and aims of the other, there’s also a certain comradery that seems to make the pair inseparable.

And although we’ll never pinpoint exactly why their bond is so complex, one can always find consolation with the help of a Batman and Joker tattoo.

Simple Joker Tattoo

@seyran_akyaz

Going all in seems to be the best case for Joker tattoos. However, it’s not the only one available.

In fact, if you desire nothing but a simple option, taking pointers from this simple Joker tattoo can be a great activity to partake in.

While the variant does involve a portrait tattoo, it also incorporates a simple shading and blending technique, which can easily be implemented by a mediocre tattoo artist.

Joker Leg Tattoo

@carrillotattooartist

If you’re seeking a way to demonstrate a large-scale design, using the resilience and size of the leg can be a great notion to have in mind.

A Joker leg tattoo isn’t just full of surprises and crystal clear visuals, but also comprises tons of room for elements and tattoos that match the energy levels of the notorious character himself.

The surface is quite stretchy, and might be difficult to work with for an average tattoo artist. However, in contrast to most locations, the leg is known to be one of the convenient regions.

Damaged Joker Tattoo

@brucebruce901

While Heath Ledger’s Joker contained no tattoos, the variant that was portrayed by Jared Leto in Suicide Squad was the polar opposite, with tattoos all over his body. One of the most eye-grabbing tattoos on his body remains a phrase that only says “damaged,” which carries more sentiments than meets the eye.

According to the artist, Jerry Robinson, Joker obtained his “damaged” tattoo in the asylum, mainly to intimidate his then-foe, Batman.

Dark Knight Joker Tattoo

@skokanictattoo

For those unaware, the Dark Knight is perceived as the best Batman film in the franchise, mainly due to Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker. While the actor did win his first Academy Award for his depiction of Joker, one can also pay the portrayal more flowers by wearing this Dark Knight Joker tattoo.

To make the tattoo exciting, be sure to take inspiration from certain segments of the Dark Knight. And if you can’t make a pick, try recreating the bank heist during the first half of the movie.

Skull Joker Tattoo

@pedbreaks_bgts

Wearing a Joker tattoo can be intimidating in itself. However, if you’d like to take the energy to another level, try pairing the character with the stencil of a skull, associated with death and darkness.

When obtaining the tattoo, take assistance from blending and various shading techniques to enhance the visuals. You can even add borders to make the components look more presentable.

Joker Chest Tattoo

@cmozley95

Exploring the dimensions of a chest can also work wonders if you’ve got a Joker tattoo in mind. The canvas is spacious, painless, and easy to work with.

While using the colorway of the Joker is beneficial nonetheless, one can easily change the narrative and convert the illustration into a colourless variant or a vintage variant. Additionally, as the area runs quite big, curating an enormous design typically takes a couple of sessions to finish.

Joker Arm Tattoo

@andywesttattooartist

Feeling conflicted when picking a placement area is quite common when you’ve got a Joker tattoo in mind. And while the sketch can seamlessly be placed on various surfaces, a Joker tattoo looks best when worn as an arm tattoo.

In addition to offering a fair amount of space for the graphic, an arm tattoo is quite painless to obtain. With enough care, a Joker tattoo ages exceptionally well when worn as an arm tattoo.

Joker Back Tattoo

@lucky7stattoodroitwich

@tattoosila

If you feel that the canvas provided by a sleeve tattoo is too narrow for your hefty draft, consider getting a Joker back tattoo. The area can absorb multiple blows at a time, and can showcase tons of components simultaneously.

The timeframe of this tattoo is quite long, but the results of this tattoo are even better, making it a promising investment in the eyes of many.

Joker Quote Tattoo

@niink_25

Regardless of which portrayal you find the most likable when it comes to the Joker, the dialogues generated in each movie and series will forever remain iconic.

While you can post some all over the walls of your room, you can also remember your favorite dialogue with the help of a Joker quote tattoo, comprising a portrait tattoo alongside the caption itself.

Joker Eyes Tattoo

@jade_origenes

If you don’t want to commit to a portrait tattoo of the Joker, replace the idea with the sketch of his eyes. Add the eye shadow alongside the eyeballs to make the illustration easy to recognize. Minimize the size if you’re hoping to obtain it in a compact location.

While this variant welcomes colours with open arms, using a black and white palette would be better if you consider yourself a minimalist and are simply seeking a basic variant.

Traditional Joker Tattoo

@216tattz

As the Joker’s aesthetic already comprises a series of colours, one can easily turn the sketch into a promising traditional tattoo.

Even though the illustration can be carried by the visuals of the Joker, the sketch of Batman can also be added to cover more space, and make the impression a bit more intriguing. You can also add dialogues to give more meaning to the illustration.

Joker Thigh Tattoo

@marcomartini_tattoo

If you don’t want your tattoo to always be accessible to the public eye, going for this Joker thigh tattoo can be a good notion to contemplate if you’d like an undisclosed location. The area offers tons of space that can easily fit a colourful sketch or a variant with a classic colour scheme. Since the thigh comprises layers of fat, a Joker thigh tattoo can be an enjoyable option for beginners and those sensitive to pain.

Girl Joker Tattoo

@diamondbluetattoo

Female counterparts of super-villains in the DC Universe do exist. And although Harley Quinn is the beau of the man in the purple suit and funky tie, a female version of Joker, known as Duela Dent, exists as well.

While the character got minimal screen time and has a very niche fanbase in the world of fiction, this girl Joker tattoo can still be a compelling concept to resort to if you’re hoping to think outside the box.

Realistic Joker Tattoo

@emilystewartist

After Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker, it’s safe to say that Jack Nicholson’s impression is definitely the most convincing one of them all. In recent times, however, it is Joaquin Phoenix who deserves all the flowers.

A realistic Joker tattoo is just the way it sounds. It involves a crystal clear portrait of the character, with a quote underneath the sketch. While Joaquin Phoenix’s facial features are the most compelling areas of this tattoo, you can definitely replace it with the sketch of your favorite actor instead.

Joker Mask Tattoo

@missstitchtattoos

If you want something different, take the colour palette of the Joker and add that to a mask to replicate this Joker mask tattoo. The silhouette is quite simple to create, making it a good variant for newbies. To stretch the impression of the visuals, try adding components directly related to the Joker’s personality and symbolism.

Animated Joker Tattoo

@cruz_studiooftattoos

Ending the list is this tattoo, which can be a good option if you’re more into the animated version of Joker, or anime tattoos in general.

The graphic features a portrait tattoo in the form of a blackwork tattoo, which can be a safe variant to bet on for beginners. The size of this design works above and beyond to fit the dimensions of any location.

Preparing For A Joker Tattoo With The Help Of Visuals

Although everyone is aware of how the Joker physically looks, converting every portion into a tattoo could be a bit difficult, even for professional artists. Since most areas also contain delicate shading patterns and unique borders, the average Joker tattoo can take multiple sessions to reach the finish line.

Moving on, while the previous segment might be of help if you have yet to generate your own concept of a Joker tattoo, this portion will enable you to set realistic goals when you finalize the appointment. To learn more, give the following clip a watch!

Frequently Asked Question

Taking into account how compatible and versatile the graphic of the Joker is, finding a look that resonates with your preferences and frame should be sufficient to be met with successful results. However, if you feel that unresolved feelings of doubt are clouding up your vision, read through the following questionnaire to tackle and resolve them successfully.

Q: What does a Joker tattoo symbolize?

Ans: A Joker tattoo is used to convey feelings of pain, hardship and struggles. Many also wear Joker tattoos to promote the act of self love due to how self-absorbed the character is. On various occasions, a Joker tattoo is obtained to stay strong to overcome feelings or obstacles of adversity.

Q: How much is a Joker tattoo?

Ans: While the amount paid for a Joker tattoo depends on the stencil and the elements of the artwork, a Joker tattoo typically costs around $500 due to being a portrait tattoo. The amount may go up depending on the shading technique used and the colour palette incorporated into the tattoo.

Conclusion

While most tattoos either focus on the metaphor or the visuals, a Joker tattoo kills two birds with one stone with the energy it gives. The iconic villain isn’t just draped in colours that are a maze for the mind to look at, but it can also be used to drop major hints on one’s darkest secrets, characteristics, life-changing events, and more.

The influence of Joker in the world of body modification is quite massive in the tattoo world, especially in the eyes of die-hard DC fans. The existence of the character is so groundbreaking that, with enough sketch figures, one can obtain a Joker tattoo with multiple crossovers.

From forearm tattoos to neck tattoos, a Joker tattoo knows no bounds. Since most options are colour tattoos, the average Joker tattoo requires plenty of touch-ups and cleaning to stay grounded and sane at all times!