(Updated 2024) Tattoos as an art form have come a long way since our prevalent obsession with trivial tribal motifs and trashy tramp stamps. Within the past decade we’ve seen a resurgence of traditional movements like the quintessential Old and New Schools interwoven with innovative styles and techniques that continue to redefine our interpretations of ‘contemporary tattoos.’

The internationally acclaimed studio, Aureo Roma, has compiled a list of the top forecasted trends for this coming year. Whether you’re attracted to more dainty delicate designs or you like to stand out with vibrant, monumental pieces, at least one of these trends will be sure to tickle your fancy. 

Here’s the Top Ten Tattoo Ideas for 2024 :

Black and white spectrum

Monochrome black and white tattoos are considered a classical staple artwork for anyone who’s looking to adorn their body but it’s the sophisticated way in which these shades are being used that make this a leading trend. Artists are pushing the boundaries in order to create an illusion of depth by incorporating gray scale variations with precise, saturated black line work.

Often times these darker shades are contrasted with piercing white details that produce a striking work of art. The beauty of black, white and gray is that these colors are applied to nearly every tattoo style. From heavily coated black inked sleeves to the most subdued, soft, gray-toned pieces, this is one trend that suits everyone of every age and skin tone. We suggest rendering photographs as well as any type of text or script tattoo in black and white to achieve a timeless yet distinct look

Fine-Line Minimalism

Within the last century the amount of needles in tattoo guns has decreased from around 7 to 10 to just 3 or even 1. The consequences of this reduction in needles is that line work is becoming evermore precise and refined. Fine-line tattoos as well as Single-needle tattoos are set to be very fashionable for this next year and are bound to stay popular for many years to come.

Fine-line tattoos are just one level up in thickness from the ultra thin and delicate Single-needle tattoos. The effect that these two styles evoke is captivating nearly every Hollywood starlet both male and female. Whilst you can choose highly complex scenes utilizing these methods, they are most often paired with more minimalist themes. For example small iconic symbols such as stars, hearts and flowers are now being tattooed with few needles. If you’re looking to hop on this bandwagon we recommend trying these two ideas: or you can go for precise lines filled with multidimensional shading or you can choose to just get the outline of recognizable shapes and symbols.

Geometric Accents

Geometric and astronomical shapes are some of the most admired tattoo concepts on Pinterest at the moment. Triangles, spheres, lines, dots and crescents are just some of the minimalistic shapes appearing all over social media. If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo with more angular sides and edges such as a triangle, square, etc. it’s imperative that you choose the right location on your body.

As we age, certain places on our bodies like the forearms will tend to grow longer rather than wider which is why it’s an ideal spot for a geometric or line-based tattoo. Instead, fatty places on our bodies like the hips, thighs and stomach can distort a geometric tattoo with time so do some research to make sure you select the ideal place. Our personal favorite way to play with this trend is to use geometric shapes as a sort of frame for a realistic subject. The juxtaposition of soft, organic shapes found in nature contrasted with sharp, distinct lines creates a mesmerizing effect that will turn heads.

Microrealism

The tattoo world is finally experiencing it’s own version of a Renaissance. Similar to the art historical movement, early tattoo depictions of animals, portraits and other objects appeared very flat, one-dimensional and like caricatures rather than photographic realism. Finally the Michelangelos, Leonardos and Raphaels of our generation are perfecting their skills using our skin as their canvases.

Realism as an up-and-coming tattoo movement is appreciated by nearly everyone and one of the best ways to harness the highest quantity of detail is by going micro. Deciding on a microrealistic tattoo means you’ll have a super intricate and elaborate work of art without sacrificing an arm and a leg… literally. Many celebs have been following this trend and often want their masterpieces to be easily hidden opting for cute peek-a-boo spots like behind the neck, on their biceps, etc. We recommend, however, flaunting your micro realistic tattoo since they are still rare and require an immense amount of skill.

Surrealism

Much like our fascination with Hyperrealism in the tattoo world, we are also loving Surrealism. This is a very peculiar movement that aims to construct a trompe l’oeil effect. The content of these tattoos is largely based on the western art movement from the early 20th century.

Dali-esque, dreamy imagery of exotic animals contorted with bursts of color and bizarre symbols are just some of the examples that will inspire your first surrealist tattoo. Given that Italy is the most tattooed nation in the world, we can count on their talents to pioneer this trend just as de Chirico did a century ago with Surrealism. This trend can be combined with a number of other 2024 trends that we’ve mentioned such as geometric shapes, vivid colors, fine-line, microrealism and more!

Playful pastels

Primary colors such as Red, yellow and blue were the most diffused in early 20th century tattoos. Although nowadays ink predominantly consists of carbon-based pigments, in the late 1800s and early 1900’s, the lack of experimentation of pigments meant that Mercury Sulfide and compounded Cadmium contributed to mostly red and yellow hues and as a result, artists’ palates were very limited. Luckily scientists are continually crafting new tones of tattoo ink to give us a vast array of colors.

The color story that’s getting the most notoriety lately is pastels. These more ethereal mid tones help to render certain subjects more life-like. Colored portraits can be brought to life using pastel shades as they are the colors we see most frequently in photography. Pastels are perfect for rendering flowers, animals and skin tones of human subjects.

Script and Roman Numerals

This trend is nearly as old as the history of tattoos itself. In some respects, our modern form of language and numbers can be compared to ancient tattoos that were made up of characteristic symbols read and understood by others. There is an innate attraction to foreign languages in the tattoo world but there has also been a trend over the last 30 years to engrave our favorite quotes and expressions that we believe define us.

There are limitless possibilities when choosing the calligraphy of your script tattoo as well. The top trend of the moment is single words written in fine-lined, double-spaced cursive. Roman numerals have also been an interminable trend over the past couple of decades but as it stands the only font that flatters this aesthetic is Times New Roman.

Fancy floral fantasies

It’s out with the old thickly outlined, opaque colored, five petaled prosaic flowers and in with seductive, opulent, multidimensional bouquets. Eye-catching flowers that pop as if each petal is made up of several translucent layers is what is enchanting us lately. If you have freckles, scars or other imperfections they can actually make your floral tattoo appear more unique.

But it’s not all about tantalizing textures and rich colors, even finely outlined flowers are blooming all over Instagram. This trend is also embracing plants as a whole. Even the most basic floral motifs such as roses and lotuses are undergoing a makeover. For 2024, flowers will no longer be strictly a feminine symbol but a trend that even men will embrace.

Precious portraits

Arguably one of the most common tattoo trends in the world are name and initial tattoos. Whilst they can hold a lot of sentimental value we feel as if the coolest trend to immortalize a loved one will be through portrait tattoos. Human portraits in particular require the most extensive amount of patience and precision therefore make sure you hunt down an experienced artist so as to accurately emulate the portrait of your choice.

The subject matter for this trend is endless; even our prized house pets will ensure the most spectacular pieces. We love the idea of unleashing your inner spirit animal on your flesh and showing the world what that creature represents to you.

Scandalous spots

There are many taboo locations on the body that most of us wouldn’t ever be brave enough to get tattooed. But thanks to the rise in celebrity popularity, certain body parts are now completely reasonable to tattoo. There are certainly a ton of negative stereotypes surrounding face and neck tattoos but with the increase of fine-line and single-needle styles, these highly visible spots are now becoming quite chic. In the Western world many office jobs are now banning discrimination against visible body markings which is making it socially acceptable to tattoo your face, neck, hands, etc.

But if you still don’t feel comfortable tattooing your temples, we would suggest micro tattoos behind the ears, on the inner lip, or even the sides of your fingers. We see socialites all over Instagram sporting hand, wrist and finger tattoos with lines as fine as hair strands.

Are you ready to get a work of art on your skin?

The AUREO Team can make any tattoo request a reality!