100 Awesome Compass Tattoo Designs

When coming to select tattoo ideas, not only do people consider their fashion styles but also the symbolic meanings of motifs. As the member of steampunk or biomechanical tattoo family, compass tattoo is appealing for its variety of designs and unique position in the history.

It is crucial for the mariners to grasp the direction in the course of their navigation. They could determine the position by the sighting of landmarks or celestial bodies. But it never became reliable until the introduction of compass in the past age.

What does compass tattoo symbolize?

Quill pen and compass tattoo

A compass is a navigational instrument to determine the direction of magnetic north. Divided by function, there observed three types of compass in the ink art design.

  • Pocket compass – a small compass to give cardinal direction for personal use
  • Nautical compass – used for marine navigation with complementation of map.
  • Compass Rose – or wind rose, a device used by meteorologists to give wind conditions, direction and speed, over a period of time at a specific location.

Due to its original meaning, compass tattoo is traditionally regarded as maritime tattoo for sailors. But nowadays, it could stand for more meanings. Compass with map could signify transition of locations in personal life. Regardless of pocket compass or wind rose, it can be used as guidance to the right direction.

What body part to get a compass tattoo

When it comes to tattoo placement, multiple factors need to be our considerations. For example, tattoo style, size and complex of the design and the degree to bear the pain.

Despite single device, most of compass tattoo does not look like small tattoos if considering area to accommodate complementary details and shading. Most of them are inked on the forearms or upper arms. Some creative designs appear on the foot or back.

If you choose a small tattoo in watercolor style, it’s flexible in terms of placement. When done well, it can be cute and lovely on wrist, back or forearm.

Awesome Compass tattoo ideas

A compass ink can be rendered in various styles, such as retro, vintage, grayscale, etc. No matter how eye-catching the design is, it’s important to understand true meanings it represents. Here in this post, please enjoy the collection of 100 awesome designs by different tattoo artists. Let us know which one inspires you most in the comment.

Wherever ya will go

Wherever ya will go

The epic body art depicts the symbols of love including not just compass but red rose and arrow entangled with ribbon. When a rose was shot by arrow, it means the heart has been captured by the beloved one. When the love is guided by errorless compass, who else has doubt on the oath of true love?

Black and grey ink with compass and daisy flowers on forearm

Black and grey ink with compass and daisy flowers on forearm

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Compass inspired body art with ink splashes on forearm

Compass inspired body art with ink splashes on forearm

This piece is created with the geometric shapes that form a compass rose. The ink splashes add aesthetic appear as well as the look of map.

Sleeve tattoo to tribute to parents

Compass sleeve ink art for tribute to parents

The black and grey tattoo draws a bell tower, a quill pen on the map with two locations, Spain and Argentina. The giant picture across time and space reminds people of certain historic event that might have happened between the two countries. But the actual intention is to pay tribute to the parents of the wearer as one is from Spain and another is from Argentina.

Black and grey forearm tattoo

Black and grey forearm tattoo

The realism 3D ink depicts rose and compass on a map knotted with rope on forearm. The map shows heritage, rose represents birthplace and the compass represents the transition from England to Australia.

Gray wash tattoo on forearm

Gray wash tattoo on forearm

The idea for this tattoo is similar to the above one. On the top, there are words written on the ribbon, which appears to express love and passage of time. The iron rope adds accent of bond as well as strength and masculine style.

3D tattoo with combination of compass, rose and candle

3D tattoo with combination of compass, rose and candle on forearm

This realistic forearm ink art is created with a lighting candle and a red rose that is centered around a retro compass. Lighting a candle signifies the wishes of the wearer. The words on the map seems to reveal the meaning of the piece.

Realistic compass ink on the map in grey shade on forearm

Realistic compass ink on the map in grey shade on forearm

If you expect your tattoo lasts longer, black color piece is the best to keep it from fading. Whether you opt for tribal style or 3D realistic like this piece, you can’t go wrong.

Amazing compass back tattoo for girl

Amazing compass back tattoo for girl

Stylized compass and anchor watercolor ink for women

Stylized compass and anchor watercolor ink for women

Be the one to guide me but never hold my dream

Compass and anchor tattoo with quote - Be the one to guide me but never hold my dream

Guided dreamcacher and feather tattoo on thigh for women

Guided dreamcacher and feather tattoo on thigh for women

This thigh tattoo for women features a beautiful dreamcatcher with a compass rose at its center. The dreamcatcher is adorned with feathers, adding an elegant touch to the overall design. The tattoo appears to be a guided dreamcatcher, symbolizing the protection of dreams and aspirations. Placed on the thigh, this tattoo is sure to turn heads and make a statement.

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Vintage compass among colorful leaves and flowers

Vintage compass among colorful leaves and flowers

Globe map and nautical compass

Globe map and nautical compass

Black and grey ink with compass and map on forearm

Black and grey ink with compass and map on forearm

Nautical compass and world map

Nautical compass and world map

We are not touched with forest

We are not touched with forest

Elegant wind rose tattoo design on forearm for girls

Elegant wind rose tattoo design on forearm for girls

This design is unique in that the compass is not depicted as usual device. Instead,
The artist simplifies it to the geometric pattern that enlists the stylish symmetrical drawing.

Antique nautical compass and anchor ink on the leg for girls

Antique nautical compass and anchor ink on the leg for girls

This gorgeous piece has turned the metallic mechanism to nature friendly artifact. The pink and pastel colors perfectly interpret the inner world of the wearer. Despite the life secured by the compass and anchor, she never hides the longing for flying as a bird.

Incredible carving tattoo with world map and nautical compass on forearm

Incredible carving tattoo with world map and nautical compass on forearm

Usually realism creates impression of real and people are impressed with the incredible skill. But the carving effect along the edge brings striking feeling with the tattoo. I am wondering what unforgettable experience makes scarification.

Melted compass

Watercolor small tattoo on wrist
The wrist tattoo is a stunning work of art, featuring a realistic compass with watercolor at its edge. The design is truly unique and eye-catching, as the compass appears to be melting into the skin. The watercolor effect adds a beautiful touch, giving the tattoo an almost ethereal quality. If you prefer small design, the compass can be inked on the wrist like watch. For instance, this piece depicts a metallic compass with ink splashes and dot lines that makes it stylish.

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Watercolor wind rose tattoo on calf for man

Watercolor wind rose tattoo on calf for man

Wind rose on the background of Mandala pattern

Wind rose on the background of Mandala pattern

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Octopus with compass rose

Octopus with compass rose

The combination of compass rose and the ocean creature reminds people of the importance of harmonious relationship between mankind and sea lives. The octopus is painted as silhouette, but it’s nothing short of lovely.

V sign gesture and pocket compass on broken paper in black shade

V sign gesture and pocket compass on broken paper in black shade

The tattoo features a pocket compass on a piece of broken paper, shaded in black ink. Underneath the design, two fingers form a V sign gesture. The overall look is rugged and edgy, with a hint of rebellion. The compass represents a sense of direction and guidance, while the broken paper symbolizes the imperfect nature of life. The V sign gesture adds a touch of defiance and individuality.

Compass and a pair of compasses

Compass and Compasses tattoo

This piece integrates nautical compass and compasses that is an instrument for accurate drawing. With this in mind, the realistic tattoo is to signify guidance in the right direction but in secure.

Nautical monocular and compass sleeve ink in greyscale

Nautical monocular and compass sleeve ink in greyscale

Realistic compass tattoo on half sleeve

 Realistic compass tattoo on half sleeve
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Blackwork with two realistic compasses on upper arm

Blackwork with two realistic compasses on upper arm

Realistic compass with map

Realistic compass with map sleeve tattoo

Trash Polka – compass star on forearm

Trash Polka - compass star on forearm

Watercolor compass sleeve tattoo

Watercolor compass sleeve tattoo

Not all that wander are lost

Not all that wander are lost

This piece is the best idea for women who love compass themed ink. Instead of large realism piece, watercolor style is often the choice to create feminine tattoo. The artist created a stunning watercolor-style tattoo on the shoulder blade. A beautifully compass takes center stage, surrounded by splashes of vibrant blue and green hues, evoking a sense of adventure and wanderlust. To the right of the ink, the words “Not all who wander are lost” reminds the wearer to embrace their journey and explore the world fearlessly.

Watercolor compass ink for women

 Watercolor compass ink for women

Compass back tattoo in scratch and watercolor style

Compass back tattoo in scratch and watercolor style

Full sleeve tattoo with nautical compass and map in watercolor style

Full sleeve tattoo with nautical compass and map in watercolor style

Rainbow compass tattoo with name and date in watercolor style

Rainbow compass tattoo with name and date in watercolor style

Watercolor compass tattoo for women

Watercolor compass tattoo for women

Watercolor ink with stylish compass

Watercolor ink with stylish compass

Sundial and Compass

 Sundial and Compass tattoo
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Realistic compass, watch and quill pen on map

Realistic compass, watch and quill pen on map

Compass and hourglass full sleeve tattoo for man

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Vintage compass in watercolor background

Vintage compass in watercolor background

Compass with flower full sleeve tattoo

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Boat and anchor centered around marine compass

Boat and anchor centered around marine compass

Beautiful watercolor compass back tattoo

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Black and white compasses ink art on forearm

Black and white compasses ink art on forearm

The amount of quality and shade work in this tattoo is extensive. The forearm piece depicts two metallic compasses as if they were left on war-torn field. The realistic style and extreme details present perfect 3D effect in this tattoo.

Dotwork of compass rose on arm

Dotwork of compass rose on arm

Realistic compass and rose ink on rib

Realistic compass and rose ink on rib

Map with Compass

Map with Compass ink on forearm

Realistic compass on the map of pacific ocean

Realistic compass on the map of pacific ocean

3D compass blackwork on calf for man

3D compass blackwork on calf for man

Compass and anchor

compass and anchor tattoo in watercolor style

Negative space – Compass and coin

Negative space - Compass and coin forearm tattoo

Gray wash tattoo with nautical compass, feather and Hummingbird on forearm

Gray wash tattoo with nautical compass, feather and Hummingbird on forearm

Personalized compass ink with flower and chain on forearm

Personalized compass ink with flower and chain on forearm

Vintage compass and rope strand in black shade

Vintage compass and rope strand in black shade

Watercolor wind rose tattoo on shoulder

Watercolor wind rose tattoo on shoulder

Compass and skull on map

Compass and skull on map sleeve tattoo

Greysacle – compass on jigsaw puzzles

Greysacle - compass on jigsaw puzzles

Ideas to integrate steering wheel, compass and map

Ideas to integrate steering wheel, compass and map

Rose & Compass in black & grey style

Black & grey Rose & Compass

Grey Wash – Pocket compass arm tattoo

Grey Wash - Pocket compass arm tattoo

Compass and compasses shoulder tattoo

Compass and compasses shoulder tattoo

Gray wash – Rose and compass

Gray wash - Rose and compass

Vintage ink with compass and map

Vintage ink with compass and map

Compass and leaves

Compass and leaves

Grey Compass with touch of abstract

 Grey Compass with touch of abstract

Traditional style

Traditional style

Rose and compass with ribbon

Rose and compass with ribbon

Spiral clock compass tattoo

Spiral clock compass tattoo

Hand compass tattoo

Hand compass tattoo

Black and grey ink with map, voyager compass and rose flower on shoulder

Black and grey ink with map, voyager compass and rose flower on shoulder

compass sleeve tattoo

compass sleeve tattoo

Compass and Roses Tattoo detailed

Compass and Roses Tattoo detailed

Rose and compass in old tradition style

Rose and compass in old tradition style

Koi fish and compass

Koi fish and compass tattoo

Guns and roses

Compass tattoo with Guns and roses
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Compass and flower hand tattoo

Compass and flower hand tattoo

Retro compass ink with bracelet on foot for women

Retro compass ink with bracelet on foot for women

Compass shoulder tattoo with stars and swirls

Compass shoulder tattoo with stars and swirls

Compass with banner in 3D style

Compass tattoo with banner in 3D style

Realistic Compass tattoo

Realistic Compass tattoo

Negative space Compass tattoo on side

Negative space Compass tattoo on side

Colored ink with Compass and bracelet

Colored ink with Compass and bracelet by Guen Douglas

Rose and Compass ink

 Rose and Compass ink done by Sean Ambrose

3D Compass Tattoo on shoulder

3D Compass Tattoo on shoulder

Gray Wash compass shoulder tattoo

Gray Wash compass shoulder tattoo

Retro compass emblem with stars on shoulder

Retro compass emblem with stars on shoulder

Gray Wash compass foot tattoo

Gray Wash compass foot tattoo

Pocket compass with floral swirls

Pocket compass with floral swirls

Small compass tattoo on foot

Small compass tattoo on foot

Black and grey compass and rose tattoo on shoulder

Black and grey compass and rose tattoo on shoulder

Traditional Compass ink on upper arm

Traditional Compass ink on upper arm

Do confidently on the direction of your dream

Do confidently on the direction of your dream

Tree of life full back tattoo with an owl and compass

Tree of life full back tattoo with an owl and compass

Black and white compass Rose Tattoo on Arm

Black and white compass Rose ink on Arm
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Blackwork with compass and forest on forearm

Blackwork with compass and forest on forearm

The map in the compass

compass forearm tat

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