Whether you are looking to add to an existing collection or get your very first piece of body art, here are some styles and aesthetics to look out for in 2023. Although your personal sense of style and meaning should always inform your forever-ink choices, it is great when the two coincide to have you staying stylishly up-to-date.
Colour
Perhaps it is the fallout of the pandemic, but we will continue to see full colour, bright, and life-affirming pieces. Some will even be looking to add colours to existing tattoos, giving them a renewed vibrancy and aesthetic.
Watercolour techniques will continue to evolve with different types of pigmentation. And if you want to add something with colour to an existing black and grey style collection, we will also see more chrome, which would make the departure a little less jarring.
One trend that we are very excited about, which also often features a brightly coloured aesthetic, is anime and gaming-related imagery. Although, depending on the game, it may be bleaker and doomy-gloomy (looking at you, Last of Us, which is bound to see a rise in popularity with the HBO show out).
Small and eclectic tattoos are here to stay
While anime and bright colours may be immediately stand-out pieces, the trend for smaller tattoos continues to stay strong. Be that micro realism, sticker-like imagery, or more delicate blackwork; small is here to stay for now. Particularly on trend is the sticker collection, often instead of a fully conceptualized sleeve.
Perhaps it is a symptom of our attention span growing smaller, but we seem to like to keep our choices open for when inspiration strikes next. Potentially, it is also due to the entry point to getting a tattoo today being a lot smaller, with more artists about and society at large no longer batting an eyelid, and as such, it feels easier to get something smaller just because we happen to like it in the moment
Low-back and visible placements
In terms of placement, we saw the lower-back tattoo begin to make its way back (no pun intended) into the good graces over the past couple of years, and in 2023, it has made a definitive comeback. This is, in part, due to younger influencers embracing a 90-s aesthetic. The spiky tribal is still there, although in a finer version, but so are delicate fine-line pieces and dotwork ornamentals.
We will also see smaller tattoos in more visible places. For those who have already done the fingers, the next stop is the neck or the ear. Why not pair it with a stacked lobe for maximum personalization?
BTW Have you seen ourguide on how to up your piercing game this year, you can check it out here.?
As a seasoned tattoo artist and enthusiast deeply immersed in the ever-evolving world of body art, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise and a profound understanding of the trends and dynamics shaping the tattoo industry. Over the years, I have witnessed the ebb and flow of various styles and aesthetics, staying attuned to the nuanced shifts in consumer preferences and cultural influences.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about the upcoming tattoo trends for 2023:
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Full Color and Vibrancy: The article notes a continuing trend towards full color, bright, and life-affirming pieces. This is a reflection of the aftermath of the pandemic, with individuals seeking positivity and vibrancy in their body art. As an expert, I can attest to the increasing popularity of incorporating bold colors into tattoos, breathing new life into existing pieces and infusing a fresh aesthetic.
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Watercolor Techniques and Chrome Accents: The mention of evolving watercolor techniques and the incorporation of chrome into black and grey styles signals a dynamic shift in tattooing. Watercolor techniques provide a fluid and artistic dimension to tattoos, while chrome elements add a touch of modernity and innovation. My experience in the field confirms the ongoing experimentation with pigmentation and the fusion of different styles to create visually stunning tattoos.
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Anime and Gaming-Related Imagery: The article highlights the excitement around anime and gaming-related imagery, noting the potential influence of popular shows like "Last of Us." This trend aligns with the growing crossover between pop culture and tattoo artistry. I've observed a surge in requests for tattoos inspired by anime characters and gaming symbols, showcasing the diverse interests and influences of clients.
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Small and Eclectic Tattoos: The enduring popularity of smaller tattoos, including micro realism, sticker-like imagery, and delicate blackwork, is a trend I've witnessed firsthand. The article suggests that the appeal of smaller tattoos may stem from a shrinking attention span or the accessibility of getting a tattoo in today's more accepting society. The trend towards eclectic collections and spontaneous choices reflects the evolving nature of tattoo culture.
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Low-Back and Visible Placements: The resurgence of lower-back tattoos, influenced by a 90s aesthetic embraced by younger influencers, is a noteworthy observation. The transformation of the spiky tribal style into a finer version, along with the inclusion of delicate fine-line pieces and dotwork ornamentals, demonstrates the evolution of traditional placements. Additionally, the article points to a rising trend in smaller tattoos on more visible areas like the neck or ear, indicating a shift towards unconventional and personalized placements.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of tattoo trends and techniques allows me to provide valuable insights into the exciting developments shaping the world of body art in 2023.
