Do you have a ‘millennial’ tattoo? Artists reveal the generation’s embarrassing popular ink
Do these tattoos transcend generations? Some artists think not.
In a TikTok video amassing 17 million views, tattoo artists at San Diego’s Axiom Tattoo revealed the most common ink for millennials, or those born between 1981 and 1996.
“So, millennials used to get Harry Potter tattoos, specifically the Deathly Hallow symbol,” explained one artist in the clip posted this month, referencing the fantasy books-turned-movies penned by J.K. Rowling. “They are now getting cover-ups of those tattoos.”
Other artists said they’ve encountered many frogs wearing cowboy hats or bold, cursive script, but now daintier text is en vogue. Meanwhile, some tattooists said Disney-inspired ink or cartoon characters are popular among millennials.
“I definitely saw my share of infinity symbols and lotus flowers,” another added.
An overwhelming number of viewers admitted they were guilty of wanting to cover up their own Deathly Hallows tattoos, while others celebrated their lack of cringe-worthy ink due to a lack of funds in their early 20s.
“*Cries in covered up deathly hallows tattoo*,” wrote one user.
“As a girlie with a deathly hallows tattoo I’m tryna get covered up — y’all didn’t have to call me out like that,” another agreed.
“Everyday, I am thankful I was too poor in my early 20s for a deathly hallows symbol,” snarked someone else.
While some devout Potterheads refuse to cover up their beloved Hogwarts-inspired ink, other millennials added a few more generation-specific tattoo designs that the artists failed to mention.
“Don’t forget the anchors and those little arrows,” wrote one person.
“The dream catcher, as a millennial with a dream catcher,” added another.
“Anchor, pocket watch, compass,” one viewer commented.
Millennials have previously warned Gen Z ink enthusiasts about the perils of tattoo regret, with one woman urging the minimum age to get inked be raised.
