When it got here to superstar information in 2020, nobody appeared ready to withstand seeing stars’ newest tattoos. From Hailey Bieber’s tiny “J” to Bella Hadid’s shoulder ink, there was loads of inspo for these on the lookout for extra physique artwork. However now, there are a slew of 2021 tattoo trends to contemplate earlier than you get inked.
Bustle reached out to notable tattoo artists — like superstar piercer and proprietor of Body Electric Tattoo Brian Keith Thompson, artist Huka Lewis at Royal Heritage Tattoo, Alysha Howard of Ink and Dagger Tattoo in Roswell, Georgia, and many extra execs — to talk about 2021’s hottest ink designs.
In keeping with these artists, among the identical motifs and designs that have been massive the previous few years will likely be sticking round (assume symbols and minimalistic artwork), however they’re going to be joined by some new — and possibly sudden — developments in each placement and elegance. For those who have been planning to get a brand new little bit of physique artwork in 2021 or in case you’re nonetheless on the fence and simply need to see some inspiration in your Pinterest board, listed below are a few of 2021’s tattoo developments, as predicted by consultants. One factor’s for certain: Simply because a tattoo is tiny doesn’t suggest it could’t be intricate.
Maybe one of the shocking predictions comes from Royal Heritage Tattoo’s Huka Lewis. For her, 2021 would be the yr of the coverup — not precisely the brand new tattoo.
“I feel the largest tattoo developments for 2021will be coverups, as lockdown has given folks lots of time to take a look at themselves and take into consideration what they don’t like and [what they] want to change,” she tells Bustle. “The belief [has been] that point is brief and issues may change at any time, so why wait?”
Amy Leavell Bransford, artist and proprietor of SparrowHawk, says that psychedelic-inspired tattoos with brilliant colours and daring black strains will likely be main for 2021 and factors to SparrowHawk artist Brucie‘s work as a first-rate instance. “I would describe my model as illustrative surrealism,” they inform Bustle. “I really like utilizing daring strains and brilliant pops of coloration. Kinda psychedelic acid artwork.” The funkier the higher.
Celeb piercer and proprietor of Physique Electrical Tattoo Brian Keith Thompson sees larger-scale items as turning into in style, which is the alternative of certainly one of 2020’s greatest developments, micro tattoos. Assume Cardi B’s peacock tattoo, for one (Thompson, BTW, occurs to be behind her her well-known dermal piercings).
“I’m seeing extra folks getting bigger tattoos proper now,” he tells Bustle. “I feel it is partly due to 2020, and other people [feeling] just like the world is damaged.” His idea? Persons are abiding by the philosophy that they have nothing to lose, so why not go massive with their ink?
One other pattern Thompson sees for 2021 is very symbolic tattoos like non secular emblems (à la Demi Lovato’s cross on her hand) and memorial tattoos. This may be something from crosses to clouds — no matter symbolizes your beliefs.
For UK-based tattoo artist Zaya, astrology and astronomically-inspired items are a rising pattern to count on within the new yr. “I feel a tattoo pattern of 2021 will likely be all issues astral and mystical,” she tells Bustle. “Persons are getting extra fascinated with star indicators, the solar, and moon phases.” She factors to tiny, “twinkly” stars mixed with dot-work as a dainty tattoo concept that matches the invoice.
Along with the brand new star and moon designs Zaya sees coming, she additionally predicts that an older standby will stick round within the ink world. “Floral tattoos received’t be going wherever,” she tells Bustle. “The fragile and natural nature of wildflower tattoos make them so interesting to most, and it’s one thing you may’t actually remorse, so long as it is finished nicely. Folks additionally carry plenty of that means with flowers, like reminiscences of family members.”
Consistent with Thompson’s prediction for greater items, Physique Electrical tattoo artist Ray Jimenez says extremely seen physique artwork will even be a pattern. “Most tattooed folks need to have the ability to present the work,” he tells Bustle, including that the forearms, fingers, and fingers will likely be in style placements within the yr to return.
Jimenez additionally predicts that not each tattoo has to imply one thing in 2021. “Traits I’ve seen are motifs, mandalas, patterns, and huge scale symmetry,” he says. “Persons are extra open to designs which can be aesthetically pleasing and don’t essentially have or want a transparent that means behind them.”
Tattoo artist Johnny Dagger is one other professional who sees a 2020 ink pattern (one which was popular among celebrities) persevering with into 2021. His take? Minimal tattoos are sticking round. “With minimal tattoos, they’re like little equipment you can gather and costume up or costume down,” he tells Bustle, noting that these small designs might be easy however profound.
Alysha Howard, artist at Ink and Dagger in Atlanta, sees folks upgrading and increasing their current ink into larger-scale items in 2021. “Within the new yr, I feel persons are going to start out going greater with their tattoos,” she says. “Lots of my current shoppers have began with one thing small after which have determined they need to flip it right into a full sleeve. With tattooing turning into extra socially acceptable, persons are getting bolder of their decisions.” Her prediction? You are about to see much more half sleeves and full-thigh items.
