Post Malone Tattoos: The Meaning Behind the Ink
Post Malone Tattoos
Posty has been getting steadily inked since 2015, when he first came onto the spotlight with his hit single White Iverson. What started as a few tattoos soon turned into a full-body collection, with each new piece adding another layer to his evolving story. Many are deeply personal, while others were done in the spur of the moment. Let’s check out a few of his tattoos and the meaning behind them.
Face Tattoos: The Most Recognizable Part of His Ink
Post Malone’s face tattoos are a defining feature of his look. He has spoken openly about how they give him confidence and serve as a unique form of self-expression.
1. Daughter’s Initials (DDP) – Right Side of Forehead
In one of his more sentimental tattoos, Post Malone inked the initials DDP on his forehead in large gothic script as a tribute to his daughter. Since he spends a lot of time on the road, the tattoo is a personal way to keep her close.
2. "Always Tired" – Under His Eyes
Possibly his most famous script/lettering tattoo, the words “Always Tired” sit below his eyes. Post has said that this reflects the exhaustion that comes with his career, long nights in the studio, and the demands of constant touring.
3. Barbed Wire – Across His Forehead
A bold, unmissable detail, the barbed wire wraps around his hairline. While it doesn’t necessarily have a deep meaning, Post has mentioned that he just liked the look of it and thought it was a cool design.
4. Sword – Right Side of His Face
A massive medieval-style sword runs from his temple down to his jaw. Post has always been interested in knights and medieval history, and this tattoo ties into his appreciation for historical weaponry.
5. Bloody Buzzsaw – On His Cheek
In 2020, he added a detailed bleeding buzzsaw to his face while on tour. The tattoo process was documented on Instagram, showing fans the raw, in-the-moment decision to get the ink.
6. Blackjack Playing Cards – Near His Temple
Post Malone has a small stack of blackjack cards tattooed near his temple, reflecting his love for gambling. He got this tattoo while in Montreal and has said it was purely for fun.
7. "Stay Away" – Above His Right Eyebrow
One of his earliest face tattoos, this phrase is believed to reference Nirvana’s song Stay Away, though he has also cited rapper Lil Peep’s “Cry Baby” tattoo as inspiration.
8. Skull with Horns – Near His Ear
A horned skull tattooed near his ear adds to the darker, edgier side of his collection. Skulls are a recurring theme in Post’s ink, appearing multiple times across his body.
9. Medusa (Snake-Tongued Woman) – Left Side of His Head
Inspired by Greek mythology, this stylised version of a Medusa tattoo, the snake-haired Gorgon. It’s only visible when he shaves his head, adding an extra layer of mystery to the design.
10. Red Heart – Near His Left Temple
A rare pop of colour among his mostly black and grey tattoos, this bright red heart stands out but doesn’t have a clearly stated meaning.
Tattoos Honouring Music Icons
Music is at the centre of Post Malone’s life, and his tattoos pay homage to the artists who influenced him.
11. Kurt Cobain (On His Arm)
As a huge Nirvana fan, Post has a portrait of Kurt Cobain inked on his arm. He has performed Nirvana covers multiple times and considers Cobain one of his biggest inspirations.
12. Johnny Cash (On His Shoulder)
A tribute to the legendary country singer, this tattoo reflects Post’s admiration for outlaw country and storytelling through music.
13. Bob Dylan & Bob Marley (On His Arms)
Post Malone has also honoured Bob Dylan and Bob Marley with detailed portrait tattoos, showing appreciation for their impact on music.
14. "Stoney" – Under His Chin
A nod to his debut album, Stoney, this tattoo is partially hidden by his beard.
Symbolic and Personal Tattoos
Beyond tributes, many of Post Malone’s tattoos carry personal meaning or represent things he enjoys.
15. "Molon Labe" (On His Stomach)
A phrase from ancient Greece meaning “Come and Take Them,” this tattoo represents defiance and resilience. It has ties to both Spartan warriors and the Texas Revolution, aligning with Post’s Texas upbringing.
16. Texas & New York State Outlines (Behind His Ears)
Raised in Texas but born in Syracuse, New York, Post has small tattoos of both states behind his ears.
17. Knight in Armor (On His Arm)
Medieval imagery appears again in his armoured knight tattoo, reinforcing his interest in history and warriors. This piece is a unique video game tattoo that honours one of the classics.
18. "So Far, So Good, So What" (On His Arm)
A likely reference to the Megadeth album, this phrase sits among his growing collection of music-inspired tattoos.
Weapons & Skulls: A Recurring Theme
Post Malone’s body art includes multiple references to weapons and skulls, often tied to his love for history and bold imagery.
19. Praying Hands Holding a Gun (On His Shoulder)
This tattoo blends religious symbolism with firearms, making it one of the more unique pieces in his collection.
20. Snake Wrapped Around a Gun (On His Arm)
A common design in old-school tattooing, this coiled snake tattoo and a gun combination fits Post’s interest in firearms and classic American tattoo aesthetics.
Tattoos That Happened on a Whim
Not all of Post Malone’s tattoos come from deep meaning—some were purely spontaneous.
21. Beer Pong Loss Tattoos (On His Arm)
After losing a game of beer pong to Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, Post had their signatures tattooed on his body.
22. Playboy Bunny Logo (On His Arm)
Post’s first tattoo ever was a Playboy Bunny, inspired by Justin Bieber. It later got a cracked appearance after Bieber accidentally hit Post’s arm while playing basketball.
23. Master Shake (From Aqua Teen Hunger Force, On His Side)
According to Post, this was one of the most painful tattoos he has ever gotten.
A Constantly Growing Collection
Post Malone continues to add tattoos, each one reflecting different aspects of his life, career, and interests. Whether it’s a tribute to an artist, a historical reference, or a spontaneous decision, his tattoos make up a highly personal collection that sets him apart.
As his career evolves, so does his ink, making his body a permanent record of his journey.
Thinking About Getting a Meaningful Tattoo?
Whether you’re drawn to music tributes, historical symbols, or bold personal statements, CB Ink Tattoo’s crew of 25+ world-class artists have over 100 years of combined experience perfecting meaningful tattoos.
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