Tattoo artists in San Diego, California, have unveiled the prevalent ink choices associated with millennials, shedding light on the evolving trends within this demographic.
In a viral TikTok video garnering over 16.2 million views, artists hailing from Axiom Tattoo shared insights into the most common tattoo designs favored by the millennial generation, defined as those born between 1981 and 1996.
From whimsical depictions like a frog sporting a cowboy hat to beloved Disney characters inked onto skin canvases, the artists effortlessly pinpointed the prevalent themes dominating the tattoo landscape.
Annie Wood, representing Axiom Tattoo, emphasized the personal significance of tattoos and the shop’s unique vantage point in observing prevailing trends among their clientele. “Tattoos feel so personal to each of us, and as a tattoo shop, we have the unique experience of noticing the trends among our clientele. It’s fun to get to see a whole age demographic come in and get unintentional matching tattoos,” Wood shared with Newsweek.
Delving into specific trends, artists revealed a notable shift in preferences. “So, millennials used to get Harry Potter tattoos, specifically the Deathly Hallows symbol; they are now getting cover-ups of those tattoos,” one artist disclosed, signaling a departure from the once-ubiquitous homage to the fictional wizarding world, possibly influenced by author J.K. Rowling’s controversial remarks regarding transgender individuals.
Another emerging trend highlighted was the evolution of cursive script tattoos, with one artist noting, “I think it used to be cursive, and now it’s cursive but really spread out.”
The revelation of these common tattoo trends sparked a flurry of responses from millennials, many of whom resonated with the observations shared by the artists. Commenters reminisced about their own tattoo experiences, with some expressing surprise at certain omissions. “Idk how none of them mentioned stars or sparrows,” Mallory commented, echoing the sentiments of others.
Reflecting on the cyclical nature of tattoo trends, Wood likened them to fashion cycles, asserting, “Trends for tattoos are similar to clothing trends; they always come back in fashion after some time away from the spotlight.” Wood also noted the resurgence of the once-dismissed “tramp stamp,” indicating a resurgence of interest in designs previously deemed passé.
The overwhelming response to the discussion on tattoo trends was met with enthusiasm by the studio staff, who appreciated the opportunity to engage with clients and foster conversations around personal experiences and shared memories. “It’s honestly been such a great experience. Everyone loves to talk about their own tattoos, and it’s really cool to be the facilitator in that conversation,” Wood remarked.
In unveiling these tattoo trends, Axiom Tattoo not only provides insight into the evolving tastes of millennials but also fosters a sense of community and connection among those who share a passion for body art.