The Impact of Pop Culture on Tattoos and Trends

If you like watching for trends, you may have noticed that tattoos have been heavily influenced by pop culture in recent years. Anime, the Marvel and DC universe, music, and other fads have become the subjects of custom ink throughout the nation and world. More people are also looking to their idols and favorite celebrities for inspiration about what kind of tattoo to get and where. Let’s explore how pop culture and inked celebrities have influenced tattoo culture and the trends, as well as why it is important to do some research before getting your own tattoo.

What is Pop Culture?

Before getting into the celebrities that have made tattoos more popular, let’s first discuss pop culture and what it means. Pop culture is defined as “the collection of beliefs, attitudes, ideas, images, perspectives, and other facets that are considered part of a certain culture.” As such, pop culture often reflects the preferences of younger generations and is considered to be trendy within the music, entertainment, technological, or fashion realm. Pop culture has a tremendous impact on society as a whole and can alter how people think and feel about specific components of society, to the point the interactions between people may also change.

As tattoos have become more prevalent within society, the negative connotation surrounding them has diminished. With pop culture references, such as superhero emblems, popular quotes, characters, and other elements showing up in tattoos, they have become more accepted within society. In other words, pop culture has made tattoos more popular, because people see their favorite entertainers and idols sporting ink and want it as well.

Who Are Some Celebrities with Iconic Tattoos?

Celebrities around the world sport tattoos that are meaningful and varied. Let’s take a look at some celebrities and icons who are inked and have influenced tattoo trends for years:

Angelina Jolie

Actress Angelina Jolie is known for an extensive collection of tattoos. Among her most iconic is the large Buddhist prayer tattoo on her back, which she got during a trip to Thailand. This tattoo is believed to offer protection and blessings, and it highlights her interest in Buddhism and spirituality. Jolie’s tattoos often mark significant milestones in her life, including coordinates of her children’s birthplaces and various symbols and quotes that reflect her journey and beliefs.

Rihanna

Rihanna’s tattoos have become a part of her signature look. One of her most iconic is a trail of stars on the back of her neck, symbolizing ambition and guidance. She shares this tattoo with her former lover Chris Brown. Another notable tattoo is the Egyptian goddess Isis on her chest, which Rihanna got to honor her grandmother.

Johnny Depp

Actor Johnny Depp, famous for his role in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, is know for extensive body art. One of his most iconic tattoos is the “Jack” tattoo on his arm, dedicated to his son Jack, which he got during the filming of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series. Depp’s tattoos are a testament to his life’s journey, filled with ups and downs, and his devotion to his family and art.

David Beckham

Famous model and former soccer star, David Beckham has an array of tattoos that tell a life story. His tattoos include the names of his children, as well as intricate designs and religious imagery. One of his most recognized tattoos is the large angel on his back, symbolizing his role as a protector of his family.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

The Rock has an impressive physique and expanding actor career, but he is also known for his distinctive ink. Symbolizing his Samoan heritage is a large Polynesian tribal design covering his left arm and shoulder. The design is done in a traditional style and represents his culture, family, and personal history.

Ruby Rose

Ruby Rose has an eclectic mix of tattoos. One that has drawn attention is the large, colorful sleeve on her right arm, which features abstract designs and animals. She also has the phrase “Just Love” tattooed on her knuckles to reflect her advocacy of LGBTQ+ rights and her belief in love and acceptance.

Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran has tattoos that tell a story of his life and singing career. His tattoos include symbols of his musical achievements, such as the title of his hit song “Galway Girl” inked in his own handwriting. Sheeran also has a large lion tattoo on his chest, representing his love for England and its national emblem.

Pop Culture References and Tattoo Ideas

Whether you want to emulate a famous celebrity, pay homage to one, or show your appreciation for other pop culture references, here are some tattoo ideas to get your feeling inspired:

Movies

• Star Wars: Millennium Falcon, lightsabers, Yoda, Darth Vader’s helmet, Rebel Alliance and Imperial insignias.
• Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows symbol, Patronus, Hogwarts crest, Harry’s glasses and lightning bolt, “Always,” “Mischief Managed.”
• Marvel/DC: Superhero logos (Spider-Man, Iron Man, Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain America’s shield), character portraits.
• Studio Ghibli: Characters from “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Spirited Away,” “Princess Mononoke.”

TV Shows

• Friends: Central Perk logo, Monica’s door frame, “How you doin’?”
• Game of Thrones: House sigils (Stark direwolf, Lannister lion), “Winter is Coming,” “Valar Morghulis.”
• Breaking Bad: Blue crystal meth, Heisenberg’s hat and glasses, Br and Ba elements.
• The Simpsons: Homer, Bart, Marge, couch gag scene.

Music

• The Beatles: Abbey Road cover, Yellow Submarine, song lyrics.
• David Bowie: Aladdin Sane lightning bolt, Ziggy Stardust, song lyrics.
• Queen: Freddie Mercury silhouette, Queen crest, “We Are the Champions.”
• Nirvana: Smiley face logo, Kurt Cobain’s signature, song lyrics.

Books

• Middle-earth: One Ring inscription, elvish script, Tree of Gondor.
• Alice in Wonderland: Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter, “We’re all mad here.”
• Sherlock Holmes: Holmes’ profile, “Elementary, my dear Watson.”
• 1984: Big Brother eye, “War is Peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strength.”

Video Games

• The Legend of Zelda: Triforce symbol, Master Sword, Hylian Shield.
• Pokemon: Pikachu, Charizard, Pokeball.
• Super Mario: Mario, Luigi, Super Star, question block.
• Overwatch: Hero icons (Tracer, D.Va, Genji), quotes.

Anime

• Dragon BallZ: Four-star Dragon Ball, Goku’s kanji, Capsule Corp logo.
• Naruto: Konoha symbol, Akatsuki cloud, Sharingan eye.
• One Piece: Straw Hat Pirates’ Jolly Roger, Luffy’s straw hat.
• Attack on Titan: Wings of Freedom emblem, titan silhouettes.

Other Pop Culture References

• Disney: Mickey Mouse, Cinderella’s castle, movie quotes.
• Invincible: Quotes, superhero silhouettes.
• Comic Strips: Calvin and Hobbes, Peanuts (Snoopy, Charlie Brown), Garfield.
• Retro Cartoons: Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, Tom and Jerry.

If you know pop culture—even a little of it!—some of these are most likely known to you.

Contact a Philadelphia Tattoo Shop Today to Get Inked

Pop culture has inspired the masses for generations. In other words, if you are a fan of something, be it anime, gaming, sports, or something else, why not use that to inspire your next tattoo (or your first)? Tattoos, after all, are a unique way to displaying your love for various fandoms. If you have a tattoo in mind, give Oracle Tattoo Gallery of Bensalem, PA a call. Our professional artists create customized pieces that you will adore. Fill out the consultation form or dial 215-638-1601 to schedule your appointment today!

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