Are you thinking about getting a new tattoo for the ever-lovable Disney mouse but aren’t sure what the history behind the tattoo is?
The Mickey Mouse Cartoon premiered in 1928 as a test screening. The cartoon would go through multiple iterations before the pop culture Mickey Mouse was born in “Steamboat Willie.” Now, Mickey’s ears are the most recognizable sign of Disney, next to Disney Castle.
I always loved watching Mickey Mouse cartoons, and it sounds like there’s a lot of history to catch up on! In this article, we’ll explore symbols, meanings, styles, and where the tattoo is most often placed.
What Do Mickey Mouse Tattoos Symbolize?
While meaning and symbolism are very similar, we will examine them separately. The meaning will be how the tattoo owner considers the tattoos, and the symbolism will be what Mickey Mouse stands for in pop culture.
Today, the Mickey Mouse franchise (and most of Disney) represents an age-old company that revolutionized the animated movie industry. The company symbolizes determination, hard work, and a successful dream.
As for Mickey Mouse himself, he symbolizes the purest intentions in Hollywood. Happiness, fun, dreams, and childhood can be seen throughout his cartoons and movies. His signature ears are one of the most recognized symbols in the entire world.
Through his on-screen time with his wife Minnie, we see a gentleman who loves her very much. Through his friendship with Goofy, we know a friend everyone needs to have. Even in Mickey’s relationship with his dog, Pluto, we see a cheerful character with a great attitude.
What Do Mickey Mouse Tattoos Mean?
As always, a tattoo’s meaning relates to the owner.
For Mickey Mouse, it’s a tattoo to remember to be positive and confident in oneself. To look on the bright side and remember that your friends and family always have your back.
For many children (and adults!) across the world, Disney really is the happiest place on earth. Mickey’s ears are a steady reminder of that joy and youthful feeling.
People with Mickey tattoos are always looking at the positive sides of life. They’re outgoing and friendly, and they love to make new connections. They know that nothing in the world is risk-free, so you must be confident in yourself to succeed.
They’re great people to have in your life because they’ll ensure you don’t grow up too fast. They’ll always be around with a playful energy that turns even the worst days into ones worth remembering.
Mickey’s ears are a popular tattoo to get with someone you love because they’re simple and easy and usually don’t cost too much. Who doesn’t want a matching tattoo about happiness with their best friend?
Characteristics and Styles of Mickey Mouse Tattoos
One of the fantastic things about Mickey Mouse tattoos is their versatility. There are so many options for styles and colors that it’ll be hard to pick your favorite!
Characteristics of Mickey Mouse Tattoos
Unless you’re getting an outline of his ears, Mickey tattoos require a lot of black ink. These images stand out well on fair-skinned individuals, while darker-skinned individuals may want to go for a full-color option.
Because of Mickey’s long screen history, there are a lot of designs to choose from. Some tattoo artists will draw a Mickey Mouse sketch tattoo, while others will render a 3D, full-colored version.
While most Mickey tattoos embody the same happy symbolism as the mouse, some artists have taken a darker rendition. Horror Mickey Mouse tattoos have gained popularity for their disparity with Disney’s original interpretation.
These characteristics can get dark quickly and change the above meaning to something more akin to an image you’d find in a Steven King novel. I’ve even seen a zombie Mickey Mouse wandering around looking for brains!
Styles of Mickey Mouse Tattoos
There are various style options for such a simple tattoo (especially one so well known). A popular choice is just outlining the mouse or his ears while leaving the rest uncolored or “blank.”
The watercolor style adds to the designs and gives the tattoo a visual pop. There are black and grey options and more psychedelic design options. It’s both easier and harder to customize a design that’s this simple.
It’s easy because there’s a lot of flexibility to work with. It’s difficult because everyone knows what Mickey is supposed to look like and altering the tattoo could change others’ interpretations.
Where Do Mickey Mouse Tattoos Usually Go?
Because this tattoo is typically small, it fits almost anywhere on the body. A common place you’ll find it is on the inner wrist, an ankle, or behind an ear. If you’re getting the full Mickey Mouse, he’s most often located on a forearm or a shin.
Of course, if your Mickey Mouse is part of a larger Disney character collection, a great spot is a full sleeve tattoo, thigh tattoo, or chest piece. You’ll want an area with enough space for all the components without the tattoo looking squished.
Which Artist Should Do Your Mickey Mouse Tattoo?
When looking for a tattoo artist, check out their social media pages for recent projects that may not be included in their standard portfolio. Because Mickey is a cartoon character, you’ll want someone with a cartoon background if you’re getting the full mouse.
If you’re opting for a more specialized tattoo, start with a list of elements you want your tattoo to have. Will it have color? Will it be larger or smaller? Are you getting one with a friend? These can influence which artist you choose.
My best recommendation is to find someone specializing in cartoon or line work and then reach out to see if it’s a good fit. Don’t be afraid to check out multiple shops!
Summary
Mickey Mouse has a great history through Disney as one of the oldest and most successful animated cartoons. He’s a happy, positive-thinking mouse that reminds us of the best ways to stay a kid at heart.
