- I'm a tattoo artist predicting which body-art trends will be more and less popular in 2023.
- I expect clients will keep requesting more fine-line work and realistic designs.
- Finger tattoos were quite common at one point, but I think they'll be less trendy next year.
Largely in part to social media, tattoos trends ebb and flow, often gaining inspiration from fashion and pop culture.
And as a professional tattoo artist, I know which designs and styles clients are and aren't requesting — plus what that may look like in the coming year.
Large-scale, abstract tattoos are gaining popularity
Large-scale abstract tattoos are typically performed freehand to specifically flow with each body.
These have been increasingly popular, as they're unique to each person.
Abstract designs can look both soft or bold based on the artist's style, so this trend can fit a variety of ideas.
Full of sharp lines, cyber sigilism is in
With 1990s and Y2K trends coming back, I've also started to see a modern take on cyber-sigilism tattoos – specifically butterflies, hearts, lettering, and chrome or sparkles.
These designs are often quite elaborate and contain a lot of sharp, fine lines.
Stemming from the popularity of abstract tattoos, this style has a similar, cool vibe with a nostalgic twist.
More people are asking for traditional designs with fine-line work
Traditional tattoos will always be popular, but I think modern takes on common American "flash sheet" work — go-to designs the artist usually created without a specific client in mind — will be in style next year.
Specifically, a lot of clients like the mix of traditional black-ink designs with delicate linework and soft shading.
Realistic tattoos will likely get more desirable
Realism and microrealism have gained a lot of popularity in the past couple of years, and I think we'll continue to see more of those requests in 2023.
The style is straightforward in design and delicate, making it more attractive and easily digestible for first-time clients.
As a realism artist, I believe the increasing acceptance of tattoos in society paired with the familiarity of the style is part of this spike in popularity.
On the other hand, massively common tattoos are being requested less often
I foresee the popular tattoos you can easily find all over Pinterest being less requested next year.
Before Instagram became a digital portfolio for tattoo artists, many clients used to find popular designs on Pinterest. Now, a lot of artists have their own style and produce original work for their clients.
Most people want tattoos that are unique to them, so I think we'll be seeing more of that.
White-ink tattoos can be difficult to ink and heal
White-ink designs rose in popularity for a while, but I think they'll be less common in the upcoming year.
Although white tattoos can be subtle and cute, they come with a few downsides. White ink is more difficult to apply consistently, so it may be tough to find an artist that specializes in this style.
Additionally, white ink doesn't stay as bright as it is on the first day, so clients may be disappointed with how it fades.
I've seen fewer significant others inking their partners' names
I think couple tattoos will still be popular, but I imagine we'll be seeing fewer people getting their partner's name inked on them.
More clients are instead opting to get matching tattoos that also mean something to them individually.
Finger tattoos had a moment, but will likely become less common
Finger tattoos gained traction once celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Ariana Grande were seen with them, but the placement is one of the hardest ink and heal.
Finding an artist to do this well is extremely difficult, and many won't even offer the placement.
I think finger tattoos will still be around but less popular than they have been in the past, especially for people who are newer to body art.