8+ Skull Patterns
Skulls are enigmatic, mysterious, creepy, and beautiful, and that is why they are used in many designs ranging from prints to architecture and even tattoos. It doesn’t have to be Halloween to use these little trinkets because they don’t have to be always scary; after all, we all have one. Skulls can also be cute, elegant, and unique, just like Jack Skellington. Wouldn’t you agree?To prove our point, we have collected some of the best skull patterns out there for use by any designer or artist who comes and visits our website. Together with the other Photoshop patterns available, let us make the world more beautiful by using these motifs in your creative projects.
Vector Skull Pattern
Seamless Skull Pattern
Free Photoshop Skull Pattern
Watercolor Vector Skull Pattern
Decorative Skull Pattern
Sugar Skull Pattern
Skull Symbolisms
- Death. Probably the most used symbolism of the human skull is death. Because the human brain is attuned to see faces in a few dots and lines, it cannot separate the skull from a familiar human face. Thus, the now past life of the skull is being symbolized.
- Life. In ancient times, the skull represents life which is the honoring of humanity in the flesh and the embodiment of consciousness. The human skull often has the greater visual appeal than any bone in the human skeleton that is why it is easy to be fascinated with them even as they repel.
- Sex. A skull that is usually without the lower jawbone was an emblem worn by bawds, rakes, sexual adventurers, and prostitutes during the Elizabethan England. It is used to advertise their station and territory.
- Vanity. It is depicted in the famous lithograph by C. Allan Gilbert where a girl is seated in front of her mirror and the picture transforms into an alternate image of skull on the observer’s perspective.
If these representations are not what you are looking for, feel free to browse our Halloween patterns on this site and find what works for you.
Black Skull Pattern
Deer Skull Pattern
Knitted Pattern with Skulls
Other Meanings of the Skull
In modern times, the skull is used in more ways than mentioned above.
- Invoke fear or caution. The skull skull with crossbones is used to signify a poisonous substance as well as pirates in the sea. When they appear on a glass bottle, it means you are not supposed to drink or eat it.
- Symbolize transformation. Such as the appearance of the death card in a tarot reading, the skull means life after death, metamophosis, or change whether in life itself or other aspects of living.
- Symbolize nonconformity. When seen on flags, signs, or tattoos, the skull represents free-thinking, rebelliousness, toughness, courage in the face of danger and death.
- Good luck charm. Ancient and primitive cultures believed that skulls can ward off evil so they wore them to ensure protection and well-being. In Celtic culture, it represents the seat of power and the house of the soul.
- Decoration. As they are visually appealing, many people think they are cool so a lot of fashion items and other design materials use them for decoration. Alexander McQueen once popularized the trend of stylized skulls.
For me, the use of skulls should not be seen as negative as it invokes mindfulness of our own mortality and a humble reminder of our temporary existence in the physical wold as well as the importance of living in the moment.
Don’t forget to check out other patterns available on our website, such as the seamless patterns that can be used to create larger and seamless designs.
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