23 Semicolon Tattoos That Represent a Powerful Message

Getty/Stefania D'Alessandro
Getty/Stefania D'Alessandro

For some people, getting a new tattoo is no big deal; for others, it requires months of planning. Oftentimes, there is a larger meaning behind a tattoo. A lot of thought goes into making a decision on the image that will be inked onto your body forever, which is why so many people choose to get tattoos that have significant meaning.

There are many different inspirational and uplifting tattoo ideas to choose from, but one symbol with a powerful message behind it is the semicolon. A semicolon is a punctuation mark that indicates a pause between two sentences and represents that although the sentence could have ended, the author chose to continue it after a brief respite.

According to Jennifer Covarrubias, clinical director of outpatient services at Mental Health Center of San Diego, the semicolon tattoo shares a similar meaning behind it. "The semicolon tattoo became a trend in 2013 when Project Semicolon started," Covarrubias tells POPSUGAR. "It's more than just a hashtag trend on Instagram — the semicolon tattoo is a powerful statement in support of those struggling with mental health conditions, substance use, and suicide."

Project Semicolon was founded by Amy Bluel, who says, "A semicolon is used when an author could've chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to. The author is you and the sentence is your life." After Bluel lost her father to suicide, she formed the nonprofit organization to raise awareness about mental health. Project Semicolon encourages people to post images of their semicolon tattoos online, and the hashtag #semicolontattoo has over 90,000 posts on Instagram alone, where many people have shared their personal experiences and struggles with mental health.

Covarrubias adds, "The semicolon tattoo signifies a person's resiliency to keep going after a life challenge, suicidal ideation, or addiction. It's a mark of victory, hope, courage, and strength."

If a semicolon tattoo sounds like something you'd be interested in getting, keep scrolling. Ahead, we rounded up images of some of the best semicolon-tattoo ideas to inspire your next trip to the tattoo parlor.

Sun Semicolon Tattoo

This semicolon tattoo gives a sunny twist on the classic design.

Micro Semicolon Tattoo

Love tiny tattoos? Take it a step further with a micro tattoo. This one is small but has a mighty meaning.

Arrow Semicolon Tattoo

The forearm placement and addition of an arrow surrounding this semicolon tattoo make it unconventional but still beautiful.

Bird Semicolon Tattoo

If you're looking for a semicolon-tattoo design that's a little different, we love this one that incorporates birds sitting together.

Survivor and Hope Semicolon Tattoo

These two tattoos showcase the semicolon as part of two empowering words: "survivor" and "hope."

Words Semicolon Tattoo

This large semicolon tattoo features empowering words written inside it. It can be customized with any words that have meaning to you personally.

Book Semicolon Tattoo

This semicolon is situated on the spine of an open book, symbolizing that they are only in the middle of their life story with many pages to go.

Foot Semicolon Tattoo

Semicolon tattoos can be placed anywhere, but this tiny one placed on the foot would be a great location if you want to keep your ink private.

Watercolor Butterfly Semicolon Tattoo

This semicolon tattoo features the semicolon as the body of a butterfly with beautiful blue-and-purple watercolor wings.

Continue Semicolon Tattoo

This semicolon tattoo symbolizes making the decision to pause and continue. The semicolon is designed as the "i" in the word "continue."

Dragonfly Semicolon Tattoo

This design utilizes the semicolon to make the body of a dragonfly and has wings attached. Dragonflies symbolize change and transformation, which gives this tattoo a powerful message.

Penguin Semicolon Tattoo

This semicolon-tattoo features a detailed drawing of a penguin, who holds the period in their beak.

Special Numbers Semicolon Tattoo

The numbers in this tattoo have a special meaning, and the semicolon in between makes the message even more powerful.

Birds in Flight Semicolon Tattoo

This semicolon design placed on the forearm is bold and features birds breaking off into flight.

Just Breathe Semicolon Tattoo

This semicolon tattoo features an additional powerful message, "just breathe," with the semicolon as the letter "j."

Heart Semicolon Tattoo

This sweet semicolon tattoo features an outline of a heart, with the semicolon making up a small section.

Graphic Cats Semicolon Tattoo

This unconventional semicolon tattoo is made up of two different cats that are curled up on themselves. This intricately detailed image could be swapped out for almost any animal that has a special meaning to you.

Body Semicolon Tattoo

Different than many of the semicolon tattoos we've seen before, this one features the outline of a body with the semicolon as the person's belly button. It also features stormy clouds above where the head should be, which could represent their thoughts and feelings.

"Still I Rise" Semicolon Tattoo

This semicolon tattoo features mountains and words from Maya Angelou, "Still I rise," where the semicolon is the letter "i."

Eye With Teardrops Semicolon Tattoo

This powerful image features a crying eye with a semicolon as a teardrop.

Warrior Semicolon Tattoo

We've seen a lot of semicolon tattoos that feature a powerful word spelled out using the semicolon as a letter. This tattoo in particular features the word "warrior" with the "i" as a semicolon — a reminder to always be brave, even in the face of adversity.