Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
- INSIDER asked a tattoo artist about her most-requested types of tattoos.
- Tiny tattoos make the list.
- So do hearts and moons.
- Visit INSIDER's homepage for more stories.
Some people prefer out-of-the-ordinary tattoos, going out of their way to get next-level ink. But of course, since so many people get tattoos, there are bound to be some common favorite. If you're getting a heart, flower, or nature tattoo, there's a good chance you'll be in good company.
In her five years working professionally, Kelly Kapowski, a tattoo artist at Ascension in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has seen thousands of tattoo requests. Kapowski notices people most commonly get tattooed on the wrist, the ankle, and the ribs beneath the breast. But the designs she sees most often tend to share themes like nature, memories, and love.
INSIDER asked her to share some of the most common types of tattoo requests she gets. Of course the actual tattoos will vary, still it's interesting to see some common themes.
Landscapes and nature tatoos are popular.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Many people come in with tattoo designs inspired by the landscape that surrounds them.
"In North Carolina, everyone adores the trees and the mountains and the scenery, so I do a lot of mountains and trees that are common in North Carolina," Kapowski said. "Wave tattoos are also a popular choice."
Insects also make the list.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
A variety of insects are common in the tattoo world. "I do a lot of bees and butterflies and moths and lightning bugs," said Kapowski.
School spirit tattoos are also common, especially in university towns.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Located in a college town, Kapowski sees both students, alumni, and locals come into the shop looking for school spirit tattoos.
"Most of them would get their frat or sorority logos and symbols," she said. "We also get a lot of school pride tattoos."
Flowers are classic.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Kapowski finds that many women are often interested in getting simplistic flower designs. "Girls will come in wanting something very delicate, so they get simple lines of a flower under [their] ribs."
Matching tattoos are surprisingly common.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Groups of people often come into the shop looking for matching tattoos to symbolize their love for one another.
Pet tattoos are a way to show devotion to a furry friend.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
People often get tattoos to memorialize their love for their pets. The most common pet memorial tattoo is a paw print resembling that of the customer's furry best friend.
Infinity symbols have been popular recently.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Infinity symbols meaning "forever" have become an increasingly common tattoo over the years.
Many people getting matching tattoos or tattoos in honor of loved ones and pets also include infinity symbols on their designs.
"We get mothers and daughters coming in and wanting infinity symbols or pet owners wanting the infinity symbol with paw prints," Kapowski said.
Hearts are common too.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
One of the most simple but beloved designs, hearts are a universally popular tattoo. They can symbolize love or simply make for cute body art. Kapowski finds that people are often interested in getting hearts inked on their hip or behind their ears.
Inspirational words and quotes can be another popular idea.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Customers also often want inspirational words and quotes promoting strength and good virtues. The words "faith,""believe," and "always" are the phrases Kapowski sees most often.
Tiny tattoos are all the rage.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Rather than doing large, complex pieces, many people opt for tiny tattoos. Kapowski regularly tattoos "lines and dots and random symbols" on the insides of customer's fingers.
Moons are a staple.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Clients often come in seeking crescent moon tattoos, which often hold some important meaning. Crescent moons often symbolize things like life, death, and change.