Can you name something that combines artistic skill, cultural significance and a personal meaning the way tattoos do? A lot of people can’t look past the permanence of a tattoo, and the question of whether or not you’ll regret drawing something with ink onto your skin forever, but the world of tattoos is infinitely more complex than those thoughts.
- It can help you commemorate a loved one
- It can remind you of a strong message
- It can be nothing but an aesthetic fashion without meaning
All around the world, tattoos are still a very popular thing. From Canada to South Korea, the artistry of tattoos is only getting more original and complex, and the trends are always changing. This year, we saw many interesting patterns in the style, placement and size of tattoo that people got.
Here’s a roundup of tattoos that you, or someone you know, most likely got inked onto their skin:
Minimalist Designs. You might have seen these on quite a few supermodels this year, like Cara Delevingne’s finger snake and Ariel Winter’s tiny elbow crook tattoo. These tattoos are great because they’re affordable, quick to get and perfect for the person who wants a tattoo but not the attention that comes with getting one. The most popular minimalist tattoos this year include fine print, elegant scripts and small geometrical shapes.
Watercolor. Watercolor have a unique look because they don’t rely on lines that much and they give a design the illusion that it was painted onto the skin. A lot of tattoo artists have a hard time doing these tattoos, but when they’re done right the effect is worth the trouble.
Stick ‘n Poke. The DIY method involves poking your skin using a sewing needle and ink. The final effect is a simple and delicate linework that looks fragile but stylish. Plus, it’s really easy and cheap to do it, if you really want a tattoo that doesn’t follow a mainstream style.
Fingers. Particularly, getting inked on the inside part of the finger became a trend this year. It’s usually a word or a discreet shape, and it’s the perfect tattoo for those who like something more discreet, almost so that only they can see it. The beauty of these tattoos is that they mimic the appearance of a ring.
Feathers. There’s something light and complex about a feather tattoo, and a lot of people caught on to that. Whether it’s the symbolism behind it, or the soft textured effect that some tattoo artists are good at achieving, the reason behind why this tattoo became so popular is unique to every individual.
Fandom References. Every year it seems as though fandom culture becomes more and more accepted into mainstream culture. With wildly popular sci-fi, fantasy and horror TV shows like Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead becoming so monumental, more people feel emboldened to pay those shows a tribute in the form of a tattoo.
Cubism. This style of art was popularized by Pablo Picasso in the early 20th century, but this year it became a very fashionable type of tattoo. When done correctly, these pieces can really catch someone’s eyes thanks to their uniqueness.
Anchor. These tattoos used to be worn mostly by sailors and people who worked in similar positions. It was also a symbol of Christianity worn by Christians who were persecuted by Romans. It represents hope, salvation and being calm in the face of troublesome situations.
Tarot Cards. There’s something alluring and esoteric about the minimalist design of a tarot card tattoo. Lately, occultism movements have gained a more vocal and popular voice this century, and that includes tarot cards. The beauty of tarot card tattoos also lies in the fact that there are at least 15 different designs a person can get, depending on the meaning they’re going for.
Forest Trees. This type of landscape tattoo was popular mostly with men, and it relied on a very minimal amount of colors. Trees are a symbol of resilience, rebirth and strength against the harshest of weather conditions.
Deer Heads. A tattoo of a deer, particularly of a horned buck, is associated with virility, lust and fertility. The natural crown on top of a buck’s head gives it an air of royalty and nobility, something that not a lot of animals can achieve without looking threatening. This year, the deer tattoo trend came in many styles: pointillism, geometric, tribal and photo-realistic.
Cleverly Matching Designs. Here, the possibilities are endless. There are no limits to what you can do with your friends or significant others when it comes to matching tattoos, as long as you are creative. Whether you like matching art, animals or funny references to food, matching tattoos don’t have to depend on one another to work.
Brush Strokes. Just like with watercolor tattoos, this style of artwork makes it look as if a someone painted onto the person’s skin using a brush and not a needle.
