While tattoos offer individuals the chance to express their unique identities, some designs have become so ubiquitous that tattoo artists are expressing frustration with their overuse. What was once considered an edgy or personal choice has become, for many professionals, a tedious and repetitive task.
A recent Reddit thread on r/AskReddit posed the question, “Tattoo artists, what pieces are you tired of doing?” and the responses were overwhelming. With nearly 16,000 comments, the conversation quickly revealed that many designs we associate with trendiness have become a source of irritation for the artists who ink them.
The Rise of Overdone Tattoo Trends
The discussion kicked off with an amusing post from a receptionist at a tattoo studio in Scotland, sharing some of the most requested designs: “People just want pocket watches and roses… and infinity symbols,” the receptionist noted. This frustration was compounded by one particular request for a “squashed sideways 8,” a design popularized by social media, which had become a favorite among a group of friends.
For many artists, such common requests are a sign that the tattoo world is in the throes of a trend cycle. With certain designs gaining rapid popularity, tattoo shops are increasingly inundated with clients asking for variations of the same imagery.
The Popular Yet Overused Designs
Among the most commonly mentioned tattoos that artists are growing tired of are nautical-themed designs. One artist shared their experience of working on “nautical sleeves,” referencing traditional maritime symbols like anchors, compasses, and maps. While these designs are part of tattoo history, their widespread popularity has led to a sense of redundancy. As one artist from a small island community put it, “It’s brutal trying to make it ‘unique’ when every fifth person has one.”
Feathers, pocket watches, and infinity symbols also topped the list of tired requests. These once trendy symbols, though symbolic for some, have become so overused that they no longer carry the same weight or meaning they once did.
Coordinates: A Geographic Repetition
Another design that has run its course is tattoos of longitude and latitude coordinates, often marking a person’s hometown or another significant place. One Reddit user shared that their artist had grown weary of these requests, noting, “My artist said he was sick of Longitude Latitude coordinates of their hometowns.” While these tattoos are deeply personal for some clients, for tattoo artists, the sheer frequency of these designs has made them feel somewhat mechanical.
The Overplayed Crown and Animal Tattoos
The trend of tattooing big cats, particularly lions and tigers, with crowns is another motif that has overstayed its welcome. A particularly amusing comment from the thread read, “Big cats wearing crowns” — a design that has been done so often that it no longer evokes the regal or powerful symbolism intended by the original wearer. For many tattoo artists, these designs have become so formulaic that they no longer hold the same creative challenge as they once did.
Finding the Balance Between Trend and Originality
While these common tattoo requests may seem like easy commissions for tattoo artists, the reality is that many professionals prefer designs that allow for creativity and individuality. As the tattoo world becomes more saturated with popular trends, artists are expressing a desire for clients to think beyond the typical symbols and embrace more original, personal ideas.
Some artists have also raised concerns that the prevalence of these designs reflects a larger issue in the tattoo industry: a reliance on social media trends. With platforms like Instagram showcasing viral tattoo designs, many clients come into the studio with a picture of a popular design in hand, asking for an exact replica. This trend toward copying and reproducing popular tattoos often stifles the artist’s ability to create something fresh and unique for each person.
The Changing Landscape of Tattoo Culture
While the tattoo industry will always have its popular designs, this conversation highlights the shift in the way tattoos are being approached by both artists and clients. Many tattooists have begun to advocate for the importance of individuality and creative collaboration. The overuse of certain designs reflects a growing desire to push beyond the traditional and into more personalized tattoo art.
For some clients, this means moving away from widely known symbols and exploring new imagery that better represents their unique experiences, values, or identities. For others, it may be about working with a tattoo artist to co-create a design that holds special meaning, rather than settling for a pre-existing trend.
Conclusion
Tattoos are a powerful form of self-expression, but as trends evolve, so do the demands placed on tattoo artists. The rise of overdone designs like nautical symbols, coordinates, and crowned big cats has led to a growing sense of frustration among professionals who feel limited by the overuse of these motifs. For many tattoo artists, the true challenge lies in crafting original, meaningful designs that allow for creativity and personal expression. As the tattoo culture continues to evolve, it’s clear that a return to more individualized designs may be the key to keeping the art form fresh and exciting for both artists and clients alike.
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