The Small Tattoo Takeover

By Shyloh Koo

After graduating high school, I noticed many of my friends getting small tattoos on their arms or wrists. There was a flood of posts showing tiny tattoos on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, and most of the designs were cute little objects like butterflies, keychains, hearts, chairs, moons, flowers, and clouds. To complete the simplistic look, some added colors to their designs. 

In the past, the nature of tattoos lasting forever on one’s skin was a critical aspect that caused some to steer clear of them. However, now a tattoo is commonly considered a fashion statement that expresses one’s identity or something significant to them. My friends chose their zodiac signs, birth flowers, or their favorite shapes or objects that hold meaning. Designs have become lighter than before - unlike thick and dense tattoo designs from the past, small tattoos utilize fine lines and simple images. 

These clearly showcase Gen Z as young people who are courageous, bold, and do or express what they love. I think the logic of getting a small tattoo is this: if I like a butterfly and it means something to me, I will put it on myself and embrace it as part of myself. Personally, I want a small tattoo of my two dogs designed with fine outlines on the inner flat side of my arm. Because they mean so much to me, I want to express them as part of myself. 

Like a fashion trend, visually aesthetic small tattoos on social media influencers impacted young people to mimic it through their own tattoos. Will it be just a fleeting trend? If you are thinking about getting one of those small tattoos, think about what can be timelessly symbolized or express yourself. Make a wise decision on a forever item that you will have on yourself!