45 Creative KAWS Tattoos (2024)

Inked Mag Staff

July 19th, 2022

Are you familiar with KAWS?

While you may not recognize the name Brian Donnelly, we’re certain you’re familiar with Kaws. Kaws, stylized as KAWS, is the professional name of Donnelly and he’s most known for his stylized characters. These characters have some of the same physical characteristics as Mickey Mouse, such as the shoes, shorts and gloves. However, his figures typically also have a skull-shaped head, X’s for eyes and bones on either side of the head. Donnelly began painting his characters in the 1990s and later expanded to casting his figures in 3-D.

KAWS figures range significantly in size, with the smallest being just a few inches in height and the tallest reaching nearly 33 feet. Over the years, KAWS has done a number of high profile collaborations with artists like John Mayer, MTV, Comme des Garçons and Travis Scott. KAWS has also shown at a number of high profile museums around the world, including the Cincinnati Contemporary Art Center, the High Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum.

KAWS has also made its way into the tattoo world, inspiring numerous artists across a variety of styles. Take a look at 45 of our favorite creative KAWS tattoos in the gallery below, then let us know your favorite piece from this list in the comments section on social media.

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45 Creative KAWS Tattoos (2024)

FAQs

What does KAWS tattoo mean? ›

Kaws tattoos are inspired by the artwork of Brian Donnelly, also known as Kaws. Kaws tattoos often feature his iconic characters, such as the "Companion" or "Chum." These tattoos can symbolize a variety of meanings, including pop culture appreciation, creativity, and individuality.

What does KAWS symbolize? ›

Kaws brings all kinds of emotion within his pieces. He is the correlation of being in between what was formerly and what is new and now in the hierarchy of art. Kaws is the result of a democratic culture.

Why is KAWS so popular? ›

His origins in graffiti brought his work to a diverse audience, many of whom had nothing to do with the art world. Unlike most artists, KAWS did not start out with a gallery; he was fully aware of the benefits of showing his work in the street and mass-producing pieces in order to build a following.

Why does KAWS cost so much? ›

KAWS figures are so expensive because they are highly sought after by collectors and art...

Do KAWS hold value? ›

Overall, KAWS' work has been a good investment for most people, but it's important to remember that it depends on when one acquired KAWS' work. And this is a critical point to consider if you are thinking of investing in his in 2024 and beyond.

How much is KAWS worth? ›

Expect to spend anywhere from $1000 to $50,000 on a KAWS print.

What is KAWS most known for? ›

In the late 90s, Kaws started to design limited-edition toys and clothes. He created props for well-known companies, including Nike, Vans, A Bathing Ape and Original Fake. Kaws also made redesigns of famous characters like Mickey Mouse, the Smurfs, SpongeBob, and the Simpsons.

What did KAWS do for Disney? ›

Immediately after graduation in 1996, KAWS began working as a freelance artist for Disney, creating animated backgrounds. Some of his most popular works include his contributions to 101 Dalmations, Daria, and Doug. Once KAWS began to gain popularity, his graffiti advertisem*nts became highly sought after.

What do the x's in KAWS mean? ›

The X on the eyes is a cartoonist's way of showing that the character has died — just as pain is represented by stars, and filthy language by a mass of diacritical marks, and thought by a speech-balloon with bubbles, and speech through an electronic device (telephone/radio/television) by a speech-balloon with a ...

What celebrities own KAWS? ›

From BTS members V, RM and J Hope, Canadian rapper Drake to singer-songwriter Pharrell Williams, the list of celebrities who own KAWS figures is extensive.

What does the Bible say about tattoos? ›

Per Leviticus 19:28, “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves.” Historically, scholars have often understood this as a warning against pagan practices of mourning.

How to get a secret tattoo? ›

Some great spots for hidden tattoos are the chest, back of the neck, lip, and more. Tickly or sensitive areas like the bottom of your feet, or armpits, are great for hiding ink but may not be the most comfortable option.

Do tattoos stretch when you gain muscle? ›

For those who actively build muscle mass, especially bodybuilders, the skin can stretch to accommodate larger muscles. This can cause a tattoo to stretch and distort, particularly if the tattoo is in an area where significant muscle gain occurs, such as the arms, chest, or legs.

What is kaws figures? ›

Kaws Figures is the representative work of famous American toy designer Brian Donnelly (Kaws), and its design style is unique, combining street culture, graffiti art, and pop culture elements.

What is the KAWS character called? ›

Companion is just one of a set of figurative characters created by KAWS. Other notable characters include Accomplice, Chum and Bendy. Many of KAWS' cartoon characters are repeated throughout his artworks, recurring in different settings or in slightly different iterations.

What is the meaning of a clown tattoo? ›

Common among gang members, clown face or mask tattoos can have many different meanings. “Laugh now, cry later,” “play now, pay later,” and “my happy life, my sad life” are just a few. This style of tattoo is popular among Latin and Asian gang members.

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