From the meaningless to the just because.
Syd Smith
Getting my first tattoo was actually a pretty bland experience.
It was my 18th birthday, and my celebratory plans were to step inside my first tattoo parlor.
Syd Smith
Regardless, I decided that my first tattoo would be a star on the inside of my lip.
I think I had just learned that lip tattoos were a thing (thanks, Cobra Starship).
This tattoo was significant at the time.
Stocksy
Stocksy
And Im certainly not the only one.
So in just a few years, the way we think about tattoos has drastically changed.
And I dont know about you, but I certainly became tethered to my TikTok FYP during those years.
Syd Smith
[As a result] it fosters acceptance for alternative looks.
Essentially, Social media is normalizing getting tattoos, and even driving which styles are most popular.
And I personally find this to be accurate.
Syd Smith
But even she was hesitant about getting these tattoos at first.
Mei Pang says, My family always told me never to get any [tattoos].
The internet has opened my eyes to tattoos and art in general.
Along with more tattoo visibility, there are psychological components as well.
Even with my very first tattoo, I made sure it was out of sight.
In fact, I think many people will be interested to hear that I have this tattoo at allsurprise.
This ideology seems to be a part of the conversation despite the uptick in visible tattoo trends.
Therefore, going ahead with it felt almost validating in a way.
The ideology behind tattoos is changing ever so slowly.
Im pretty moved by this way of thinking.
But that doesnt stop anyone from choosing those same places to get ink.
I give a lot of what I call permanent jewelry tattoos (ornamental rings and bracelets).
I would say about half my clients come to me for this specifically.
Even Rosa herself says, My hands were actually the first place I gave myself tattoos.
Just delicate little hidden pieces.
I already wore a lot of rings and thought of them as jewelry.
For some reason, hands felt lower commitment to me.
Of course, getting a tattoo is a total commitment.
And ultimately, getting a specific tattoo doesnt mean commemorating something major.
Sydney Smith, known as@sydsmithtattooon TikTok, is decorating the bodies of many Millennials and Gen Zers.
She says, My clients are primarily young adults, typically anywhere from 20 to 35 years old.
Thats why tattoos can be such a great form of self-expression for them.
Theyre also more likely to be open to trying out new and innovative tattoo designs.
Thats really exciting because it means theres a lot of room for creativity and experimentation.
Smith says, Tattoo trends have changed a lot over the years.
Previously, tattoos usually had really thick lines and lots of shading.
But nowadays, a lot of people prefer more delicate designs with thinner lines.
One interesting thing to note is that technological advancements in tattoo machines have contributed to this trend.
Along with technological innovations, Chowdhary says, Tattoo practices [are] more accessible and safe.
The technology for tattoo techniques and removal has also advanced.
Together these factors inspire a more lighthearted approach to tattoos than [ever before].
Semipermanent tattoos have come a long way since sponging them onto your arm during recess.
So maybe all tattoos do carry a bigger meaning, even if theyre totally meaningless.
Or you just got one because you like it or because you had an impulse.
We should be praising the silly little tattoo and leaning into this moment of raw authenticity.
Even if it only commemorates a mere moment in your life when you saw a design and loved it.
Its super fucking cool.
