A glorious gorilla tattoo feels like wearing your values on your skin — strength, resilience, quiet dignity, and a soft spot for your chosen family. I don’t know about you, but when I see a well-done gorilla piece, I get this little rush: like someone chose a symbol that actually means something. Lately I’ve noticed everyone from first-timers to lifelong ink collectors getting in on the action, and honestly? I’m here for it. Scroll through these 20 gorilla tattoos — from tiny, sly nods to full-blown back pieces — and maybe you’ll find the one that makes you want to book an appointment immediately.
Old-school forearm gorilla — classic and bold
Credit: @adriantattus
Traditional tattoos are loud in the best way — big outlines, saturated colors, zero subtlety. This one’s a black gorilla head with flashes of red and yellow that just demand attention. If you like your ink to announce itself when you lift your sleeve, this is your vibe.
Thigh three-eyed gorilla — spooky and kind of regal
Credit: @tattoos_by_jnorm
Okay, three yellow eyes? Iconic. This traditional-style thigh piece turns the gorilla into an all-seeing leader — think authority with a mystical twist. It’s bold, a little eerie, and definitely made for someone who likes a symbolic edge.
Crowned shoulder blade gorilla — king energy
Credit: @paulmurphy_tattoos
A crown changes the whole conversation. It layers authority, victory, tradition — or whatever personal meaning you want to give it — onto the gorilla’s natural leadership energy. Shoulder blades are such a sweet spot for something that feels private but powerful.
Neo-traditional gorilla — richer colors, more personality
Credit: @jonan.rod
If you like the classic look but want it pushed a little further, neo-traditional brings in a wider palette and more intricate shapes. This gorilla plays with color and composition so it feels unique — like a vintage poster that’s been remixed for now.
Sticker-sleeve gorilla — playful and quick to get
Credit: @mercury.tts
Sticker sleeves are one of those trends that feel refreshingly low-commitment — bold designs that read like a collage. A gorilla sticker in that mix gives you character without hours of shading, so if you want instant personality, this is a cute route.
Abstract leg gorilla — modern and expressive
Credit: @renatofirminoo
Abstract means it’s less about photorealism and more about feeling. This leg piece uses shapes and negative space to evoke the gorilla rather than replicate it — perfect if you want something modern that sparks conversation without spelling everything out.
Upper arm gorilla — wearable statement piece
Credit: @marcoklose_official
Upper arms give artists room to flex, and this realistic gorilla has that dramatic presence that either inspires awe or mild terror — depending on who’s looking. It’s versatile, easy to show off, and ages pretty well when placed here.
Full-sleeve gorilla — jungle party on your arm
Credit: @myskow_slawomir
A full sleeve lets the gorilla live with other motifs — tigers, leaves, and filler that make the whole thing feel cohesive. If you want a narrative or a themed look, sleeves are where artists can go wild and tell a visual story.
Full-back gorilla — go big or go home
Credit: @marc_studio_ink
Want to make people gasp? A full-back gorilla does that. It’s dramatic, it’s committed, and it turns your whole back into a canvas. If your motto is "make an entrance," this is the kind of piece that’ll do it.
Neck gorilla — bold, visible, unmissable
Credit: @allied_tattoo
Neck tattoos aren’t for everyone — but if you want constant visibility and a statement that follows you everywhere, the neck is perfect. This gorilla says "I don’t play small" and it’ll definitely get people talking.
Chest gorilla — raw and in-your-face
Credit: @babyfaceoneill
Chest pieces are dramatic — wearing a screaming gorilla over your heart is a bold choice that reads tough and a little theatrical. Tank tops and V-necks suddenly become part of the performance.
Thigh blackwork gorilla head — striking and graphic
Credit: @micablancotattoos
Blackwork is all about contrast and presence — no color, just bold black that stands out. A thigh placement keeps it semi-private but powerful; it’s the kind of tattoo that makes you feel like you’ve got a secret weapon under your jeans.
Head tattoo gorilla — extreme and unforgettable
Credit: @usatraditional
Head tattoos are a next-level commitment. Whether you’re covering a receding hairline or just ready to shave and go bold, a gorilla up there is striking, unapologetic, and a little bit wild. Not for the faint of heart, but iconic if you pull it off.
Hand gorilla — tiny canvas, big attitude
Credit: @gus.ink
Hands are always visible, so whatever you put there becomes part of your everyday expression. A gorilla on the hand is playful and confrontational at once — a little show-offy, but that’s the point.
Three-headed chest gorilla — theatrical and bold
Credit: @jab_sangin_tattoo
This one stretches across the chest and yells "look at me." Three screaming gorilla heads in stark black ink is pure drama — minimal detail, maximum impact. It’s a project, but the payoff is major.
Side-neck gorilla — small placement, sharp bite
Credit: @skingrafter
If you want something close to the face but subtle, the side of the neck or behind-the-ear area is perfect. This tiny, detailed angry gorilla with red eyes is compact but fierce — little package, big personality.
Gorilla and dagger — classic symbolism with an edge
Credit: @lewiscarter_tattoos
Daggers bring a layered meaning — danger, betrayal, protection, sacrifice. Pairing a gorilla with a dagger mixes the primal with the symbolic, giving the piece a story beyond just a portrait.
Thigh crowned gorilla — private royalty
Credit: @blvck_shak
A crowned gorilla on the thigh is like a quiet reminder of your strength — close to you, personal, and only on display when you choose. It’s regal without being performative.
Realistic inner-arm gorilla — detail that stuns up close
Credit: @onurzaferz
Realistic work takes time, and when it’s done right, you can almost see the fur move. Inside the arm is a spot where detail pays off because people get close — it’s intimate and impressive.
Forearm gorilla — finishing strong with style
Credit: @sacredgallowstattoo
We come full circle to another forearm piece — a tried-and-true placement that’s wearable and visible. Forearm gorillas show off craftsmanship and let you flex your personality in a way that’s hard to ignore.
Wrap-Up
Anyway, if you’ve been thinking about getting a gorilla tattoo, I hope one of these sparked something — whether it’s a tiny, private symbol or a full-back theatrical piece. Tell me which one you’d pick, or if you’ve already got gorilla ink, show me a pic. I live for this stuff.