For a growing number of people—no matter their age—tattoos are a sign of self-expression. As access to the work of tattoo artists grows via social media and celebrity ink (think Hailey Bieber's myriad dainty pieces), we got curious about what is driving the trends for 2024. Is it solely social media? Is it all about what celebrities are rocking?According to tattoo artist Sydney Smith, there isn't just one thing: "Tattoo trends are often influenced by a combination of factors," she explains. Indeed, there are four key pillars: cultural movements, social media, celebrities, and the vision of the artist and client.
Ahead, explore eight of the most sought-after tattoo trends for 2024, according to Smith and fellow tattoo artists Cassie May and Koral Ladna.
Meet the Expert
Cassie May is a Toronto-based tattoo artist and owner of The Cassie May Studio, whose style focuses on microrealism and linework.
Koral Ladnais a tattoo artist, co-owner of Fortune & Love Tattoo, and Mad Rabbit pro tattoo artist whose work reflects her time traveling and studying traditional folk art worldwide.
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Cybersigilism Tattoos
AI might be polarizing, but May tells us the technology is already informing tattoo artwork."Cybersigilism is growing rapidly," she says. "[These pieces are] essentially a mix of tech and tribal, which suits our AI technology age perfectly."
Finger tattoos are among my favorites (I have two). They're dainty and subtle and can mark the love of something significant in your life. Smith tells us finger tattoos are increasingly popular among Gen Z, so the trend is not slowing down anytime soon.
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Floral Tattoos
Smith notes floral tattoos are here to stay. Why? "Floraltattooshave a timeless beauty to them, and they can be done in [various] styles," she says, helping them stay relevant in 2024 and beyond.
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Lower Back Tattoos
Lower back tattoos are making a comeback. However, Smith tells us these aren't your '90s and aughts lower back tattoos. "They're everywhere now, but with a fresh take," she says. "They're a small word or phrase, or the design is more simplistic."
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Animal Tattoos
Our pets are a large part of our lives, and our love for them is unmatched. For this reason,Ladna says animaltattoos are growing in popularity. "More and more animaltattoosthat represent either a pet, a loved one, or a concept of self" are trending, she shares. "These are found in [many] styles from realism to modernism to fine line."
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Minimalist Modernist Color Block Tattoos
"Tattoo technology has evolved so much that now tattoos that were not possible ten years ago are," Ladna shares. Minimalist color-block tattoos are representative of the growth of said technology. "So many artists are pushing what it means to tattoo in 2024," she says. "Clients are drawn to unique and non-traditional."
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Freehand Abstract Styles
Given the sea of inspo images you can find on social media, finding a totally unique tattoo can feel impossible. But if you find an artist well-versed in freehand abstract styles, May says you'll have the opportunity to create a tattoo that is "entirely original, at the moment, [that] can rarely be copied."
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Script and Calligraphy
For a personal touch, Smith says script and calligraphy will remain popular. With this type of tattoo, you can add a piece to your fingers, inner arms, lower back, neck, and beyond. The possibilities are endless.
The Final Takeaway
We know that trends come and go, and when it comes to permanent artwork, you want to ensure you're making a choice you'll love far beyond the trend. Before you settle on a tattoo this year, May has lasting advice: "Really ask yourself why you're getting the tattoo. I always tell my clients to take their time with an idea," she says. "If something seems too impulsive, I will occasionally deny a piece because I want my clients to be happy with their decision long term. These aren't items of clothing that can be easily removed; you should sit with an idea for a few weeks at least."
22 Popular Tattoo Styles, From Hearts to Hand-Poked
1. Blackwork tattoos. Blackwork tattoos are a bold and dramatic tattoo trend that is gaining popularity among tattoo enthusiasts. These tattoos use solid black lines and shading to create intricate and eye-catching designs, often with a strong geometric or tribal influence.
The global tattoo market size was valued at USD 2.03 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 2.22 billion in 2024 to USD 4.83 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.20% during the forecast period. Tattoos (also called body art) are a form of body modification performed using inks, pigments, and dyes.
What Is the Job Outlook for this Career? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs are expected to grow 14% for all craft and fine artists, from 2020-2030. This is on par with the growth for all careers and reflects the economy allowing people to feel comfortable spending money on art.
While there are more than 50 different styles to choose from, the top 8 most popular tattoo artforms can be broken down into the following categories. Traditional - Featuring artwork and art styles found in the 1700s, traditional body art aims to capture the start of the modern tattooing era.
According to the Statista Research Department, 41% of millennials and 23% of Gen Z have at least one tattoo, as of 2021. Tattoos have not been as taboo recently due to the new generations normalizing them in society, especially with millennials and Generation Z increasing the tattoo numbers over the last years.
Rihanna's finger tattoo is Shh... and its meaning is to hush people without saying a words. Brilliant. The tiny tat is inked her right hand index finger.
If anything, young people seem more likely than ever to look for a tattoo that links them to a life event and expresses their individuality. The fact that 40-year-olds are still getting their first tattoos, and tattoo popularity is driven by younger demographics, seems to say that they aren't going anywhere.
As the most respected tattoo artist in the industry, and with four decades worth of experience, Mark Mahoney holds an impressive clientele list. The popularization of the single needle/fine-line style is thanks to Mahoney.
The increasing popularity of tattoos has led to a boom in two industries—those who give them and those who remove them: The global tattoo market was valued at $1.89 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow from $2 billion this year to $3.92 billion by 2030, according to Fortune Business Insights.
Tattoo artist salaries typically range between $24,000 and $108,000 yearly. The average hourly rate for tattoo artists is $24.94 per hour. Tattoo artist salary is impacted by location, education, and experience.
Fortunately, that creates a significant demand that still isn't filled! Also, you get to help people improve their appearance, feel more confident, and give them something they will have for the rest of their lives. Because of this, a good tattoo artist will generally experience high levels of job satisfaction.
As a tattoo lover, you may have wondered if you are supposed to tip your tattoo artist. The answer is yes, it is customary to tip tattoo artists. In fact, it is considered polite and appreciative to do so.
Likewise, the proliferation of the cheap ink tradition carries its own shroud of mystery and uncertainty. That said, the act of warding off bad luck by adorning your body with a "13" design or another piece of art is a much more recent cultural phenomena than triskaidekaphobia, or the fear of the number 13.
Definitely, all artists agree that realism is the most complex style to draw, paint and tattoo. It requires a much higher level of detail and understanding of shapes, lights and shades than any other style.
Conclusion. The popularity of tattoos has grown significantly over the past decade, with an estimated 225 million people worldwide having at least one tattoo. In the United States alone, 30% of adults have a tattoo and 40% of those aged 18-29 have at least one.
Market Overview of Global Tattoo market: The latest research study on the global Tattoo market finds that the global Tattoo market reached a value of USD 14701.56 million in 2022. It's expected that the market will achieve USD 23995.97 million by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.51% during the forecast period.
While many people think that tattoos are only for millennials, that is not true at all. We've seen celebrities like Eva Longoria who have had their tattoos for years now, proving just how timeless these designs can be. So don't worry if you're thinking about getting a tattoo - it won't go out of style anytime soon!
Introduction: My name is Trent Wehner, I am a talented, brainy, zealous, light, funny, gleaming, attractive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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