This style can also include black-and-gray and color realism designs, offering a variety of interpretations, says Zee. His design of a crane (a common motif in traditional East Asian art) with peonies, an element he frequently incorporates into his work, is an excellent example of this trend.
Nostalgic realism
Courtesy of @littleanniemotel
Courtesy of @littleanniemotel
Getting a tattoo inspired by a movie or pop culture moment is nothing new (I, myself, have the house from Practical Magic on my upper right arm), but the trend is only growing stronger. Motel says more and more people are getting ink that memorializes their fandom, particularly in black and gray realism. Her millennial clients will ask for pop culture references, like reality TV stars or homages to classic shows, as they “grow nostalgic for simpler times.”
“Tramp stamps”
Courtesy of @melissamartellart
The lower back tattoo that was popular among women in the ‘90s (the name “tramp stamp” comes from the mocking that women would receive for this placement when it would peek out from under a cropped shirt) is having a renaissance. Tattoo artist Melissa Martell has seen more clients request this placement in her Cleveland-based studio, noting that the lower back area is also “the perfect spot” for a large decorative piece. But it’s not just the placement getting a reboot—the once-controversial moniker is being embraced by Gen Z, too. “Women are reclaiming negative stereotypes that were once used to disparage them as a form of empowerment,” she says. As for the types of tattoos that are popular for the modern tramp stamp, Martell says they vary from floral and ornamental designs to bold, abstract ones.
Fine script
Courtesy of @lynneatattoo
Courtesy of @nicetattooparlor
Names or meaningful words, written in a delicate cursive font, remain as popular as ever. If you’re looking to dip your toes into a tattoo trend as a first-timer, this might be the one for you. “Fine script feels timeless,” says Lynnea, who notes that she often tattoos children’s names on parents. While people often opt for more hidden spots for their first few tattoos, Lynnea says she’s noticed people are opting for more visible placements—such as the side of the neck or on their hands—for these script tattoos, even if they don’t have a ton of other body art.
Retro aesthetic
Courtesy of @melissamartellart
Courtesy of @melissamartellart
Martell’s needle has seen a lot of retro tattoos lately, whether it’s about incorporating the atomic stars of the ‘50s into her artwork or drawing up vintage objects. “I’ve tattooed Pyrex dishes, ceramic poodles, and disco balls,” she says. Martell adds that the popularity of these designs might simply be an algorithmic side effect of engaging with mid-century kitsch content on your social media. “Younger generations are just discovering these eras through social media and thrifting and vintage shopping,” she says.
Micro realism
Courtesy of @nicetattooparlor
Courtesy of @nicetattooparlor
You’ve probably seen multiple highly detailed, miniature portraits of pets while scrolling through tattoo hashtags on Instagram. Lynnea says this micro realism style, which can also be applied to tattoos of animals, people, architecture, and everyday objects, has boomed in popularity. “The phenomenal work we are seeing a lot of from artists in Asia has had a major influence here,” explains Lynnea. Indeed, tattoo artists like Ellyn Yeseong Song and Linsey Lee, both from Korea, specialize in this hyper-realistic, small-scale style.