Seven Ambigram Tattoo Ideas5 min read

Ambigrams are a type of typographical art – they are designed in a way to have the same word or a new word to be read from each direction. Ambigrams are commonly used for tattoos; common designs include life-death, hope-faith, and family-forever ambigrams.


Ambigrams gained popularity after being featured in Dan Brown’s novel, Angels and Demons.


Ambigrams are a delicate form of art; they require much patience, effort, and a precise technique; any wrong move or a slip of the hand can end up ruining it and make it illegible.

Ambigram tattoos are a great choice for your next tattoo – they are artistic and have a deep meaning. You can use them to symbolize something meaningful to you or express yourself, your thoughts, and your beliefs.


In this article, we will explore seven different types of ambigram tattoos – and hopefully, you might just get one yourself!

Sister-Friends

This ambigram reads ‘sisters’ one way and ‘friends’ the other way. It is a great tattoo idea for those individuals who might be very close to their sister or those who have a friend who is like a sister to them. It would be a cool idea to get this ambigram tattoo with your sister or friend – it would act as a symbol of your bond.

Harry Potter

harry potter ambigram tattoo

This ambigram tattoo is for the Harry Potter aficionados out there. It spells out ‘Harry Potter’ from the up and downside. Get this tattoo to show everyone just how much you love Harry Potter. This tattoo can also act as a great conversation starter and help you find likewise individuals who love Harry Potter as much as you do!

1984

1984 ambigram tattoo
Source: Pinterest

The 1984 ambigram tattoo reads ‘1984’ from both the up and downside. It could be that 1984 is your birth year or, the more likely scenario, you are a fan of the novel by George Orwell. You might be passionate about the story and what it represents – so much so that you would get a 1984 ambigram tattoo.

Philosophy-Art & Science

Philosophy Art and Science ambigram tattoo
Source: Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY

This version reads ‘philosophy’ on one side and ‘art & science’ on the other. Do you believe that philosophy is the pedestal for art and science? Or do you believe philosophy originates from art and science? Whatever your beliefs, this tattoo is one of the unique ones and has a lot of meaning behind it. If you were to get this tattoo, take a minute to wonder what it means to you.

Dream-Magic

With one side spelling out ‘dream’ and the other ‘magic,’ this ambigram tattoo is for those who are dreamers and have a dreamy spirit. If you believe you contain the magic to make your dreams come true, then this tattoo is for you! This tattoo announces to the world that you are not afraid to work for what you want!

Faith-Trust

This tattoo spells ‘faith’ on one side and ‘trust’ on the other. This tattoo is for the sensitive souls, for those who believe in the goodness of the world. Your sensitive and hopeful nature would be reflected in this tattoo. This tattoo also acts as a daily affirmation to have faith and trust that everything will be okay.

Strength-Courage

This tattoo, again, is for the hopeful individuals who might need a source of motivation each day; reading ‘strength’ on one side and ‘courage’ on the other. The tattoo acts as a reminder of how courage cannot be achieved without strength.

The above tattoo ideas can be done in any color other than black. Conduct an experiment and browse
around before you select the color you want – you might want to get adventurous and out of your
comfort zone and try out an out-of-the-ordinary color!