Tattoo Artists List Common Tattoos Each Generation Gets Done, People ‘Feel Attacked’ (2024)

I think it’s safe to say that tattoos are becoming more and more common and trendy, especially among younger generations. However, it’s also important to add that despite frequent comments from older generations about tattoos and, let’s just say, how they are not fans of them, somehow they manage to hop on the tattoo train as well.

However, just like with nearly everything else, there are also visible differences across generations when it comes to tattoo designs. About that, Axiom Tattoo artists made videos revealing what tattoos each generation constantly gets.

More info: TikTok

While there are probably many of us who want our tattoos to be unique, sometimes we get also get caught up in trends

Image credits: axiomtattoo

But if you really don’t want to be like everyone else and spot the same tattoo as yours on somebody else, take notes about the most common millennial, Gen Z and Gen X tattoo designs, places and tattoo styles!

The viral videos were shared on the Axiom Tattoo San Diego account, known on TikTok under the @axiomtattoo username. All their videos of artists sharing tattoo differences between each generation went constantly viral and collected almost 35M views in total!

So, starting from the millennial generation (people born between 1981 and 1996 years) – according to tattoo artists, their most common tattoo design would be a dreamcatcher and the most common tattoo style is watercolor. Also, artists pointed out that for their tattoo placements, millennials tend to choose their ribcage.

One of the trends for millennials is to get dreamcatcher tattoos, as well as the watercolor tattoo style

Image credits: axiomtattoo

Image credits: axiomtattoo

Gen Z go for tattoos that can mostly be found on Pinterest – when it comes to designs and tattoo styles

Image credits: axiomtattoo

Image credits: axiomtattoo

Image credits: axiomtattoo

Image credits: axiomtattoo

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Image credits: axiomtattoo

Image credits: axiomtattoo

Image credits: axiomtattoo

Image credits: axiomtattoo

Image credits: axiomtattoo

Now, let’s see about Gen Z (people born between 1997 and 2010 years) – the first tattoo design mentioned was ‘angel numbers’ (such as 777, 444, 333, etc.), which are really trendy right now. Another tattoo artist names bows, lockets and a mix of both. A few other artists also pointed out that post stamps, sparkles, and Haku are really popular among this generation.

Speaking about placements – in comparison to millennials, Gen Z tend to choose the front of their ribs, and tramp stamps.

Image credits: axiomtattoo

And if you are wondering about the tattoo style, tattoo artists pointed out that Gen Z-ers tend to choose Pinterest tattoos, which are usually small and minimalistic – in other words, patchwork.

Image credits: axiomtattoo

As the most common tattoo designs among Gen X, tattoo artists listed owls, feathers and coverups

Image credits: axiomtattoo

Image credits: axiomtattoo

Image credits: axiomtattoo

Image credits: axiomtattoo

Image credits: axiomtattoo

And let’s not forget Gen X (people born between 1965 – 1980 years) tattoo trends – in the video, tattoo artists listed owls, Celtic, feathers , tribal, and tattoos with Chinese characters. Another artist also added that some of the most common ones are coverups of their ex-wives’ names.

People online loved these kinds of videos and even laughed at themselves for being typical examples of their generation. “Haha I guess I’m old soul… old millennial here! I admit I have a Feather tattoo,” one user wrote. “Me looking at my gen z bf with two angel number tattoos knowing that was gonna be on the list,” another added.

Image credits: axiomtattoo

Bored Panda also got in touch with Joanne Sherlock, the owner and manager of tattoo studio Nomad Ink! We asked Joanne if there are any misconceptions about tattoos between generations – “There is so much information out there now, I’m not sure there are any misconceptions left!”

She added that tattoos used to be for the antagonists of society and for people who were looking to make a statement. “Thankfully, now, it’s more about using your body to express who you are, knowing who you are will change but your tattoo will always be part of your story.”

“If I was to generalize, there’s definitely a difference between what those under 30 and over 30 want.” She explained that young people are looking for smaller, quirky tattoos that pinpoint exactly who they are at that moment while those over 30 are looking for larger pieces that they’ll (hopefully) still love in 30 years, and they have the confidence to not care who else identifies with their tattoo choice.”

Now, speaking about societal perceptions of tattoos, Joanne noted that tattoos aren’t anywhere near the social statement they once were. “You no longer have to ‘pin your colors to the mast’ and live and die by your tattoo choices. Yes, they’re still permanent, but societal perceptions no longer dictate that you must remain the same person you were when you got your tattoo.”

She also emphasized that perceptions in employment settings are also changing. “Millennials are the ones in charge now (and in some cases, Gen Z) and they are the demographic with the most tattoos.” She also shared that certain tattoos, such as those on hands or necks, are still called job stoppers for good reason, but if you look at large luxury retailers such as Burberry, there’s evidence of them hiring young people with tattoos in terms of staying relevant.

Finally, Joanne pointed out that social media has opened up the world of tattoos to everyone. “It’s relatively limited to Instagram or TikTok, unless the artist has a particular niche that might dictate the need for Discord, but the use of social media has allowed better tattoo artists to shine and those without skill or expertise to become exposed.”

She also emphasized that there are hundreds of brilliant tattoo artists out there without the time or inclination for social media, and unfortunately, career progression for most of those can be limited, which is a real shame.

So, guys, don’t forget to check out Nomad Ink’s Instagram page and share your thoughts about these tattoo trends! Are they accurate, in your opinion? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

People online missed some common designs and found their own tattoos in these videos

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