60+ Exclusive Hipster Tattoo Ideas – Show The World Just How Unique You Are
Today’s topic is hipster tattoos before we get into this specific style of tattoos let’s first look at what it means to be a hipster because this will help you understand this look a little better.
Hipsters are people (of any age, but particularly 20 – 30 something-year-olds) that reject trends and mainstream views, value independent thoughts and ideas, and are creative in their work and often in their appearance as well.
Often they will wear vintage-looking clothes like sundresses and suspenders, tight fitting stovepipe jeans, brown and cream suits and thick rimmed or winged glasses.
A hipster is a person who expresses themselves without conforming to current trends and whims. Instead, they choose to eat in small mom and pop restaurants instead of chain franchises, buy art from their local gallery and food from local farmers.
They are generally down to earth people who are intelligent and a positive outlook on life. Today we will look at some of the most common tattoo designs associated with hipsters but also give you ideas on how to design a completely unique tattoo for yourself!
Contents:
What Does A Hipster Tattoo Mean?
There is no easy answer to this question and the reason for that is that there are so many designs to choose from. Generally, these types of tattoos express originality because they have special meaning to the people who choose them.
A tattoo like this identifies you as part of this counter-culture. We will explore the meanings of different designs next.
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Hipster-Inspired Tattoo Designs
Arrows –Arrows are a commonly requested hipster design. Arrows signify direction and are also said to be symbols of elegance and grace. This type of tattoo looks good in any size and can work when with a single arrow or a group.
Animals – Many people, especially those with creative souls, identify with a certain animal and feel they share similar traits. Each of these animals has a different significance.
The most popular among these are wolves (freedom and power), owls (wisdom and intelligence), foxes (cunning and mischief), birds such as doves and sparrows (freedom), deer (sensitivity, intuition, and gentleness), and bears (confidence and solitude).
Hearts – Small stand alone hearts (outlined or filled in) show your love for the world around you and symbolize hope – making them a popular design with the hipster set.
Infinity symbol – This design is often requested by all types of clients, but loved by hipsters who often contemplate philosophical issues. Sometimes cursive words or names are woven into the infinity symbol design. This is a great basic design that speaks for itself.
Dream catchers and Feathers – These look amazing as a medium to large tattoo designs and you can add crystals, flowers, feathers and different colors to make a unique design. These are meaningful to the hipsters who pride themselves on dreaming big and following their dreams.
Old school sailor designs – Old school type tats with thick black outlines and basic colors are also a popular choice – these include ships (representing journeys), compasses (direction and good luck), and anchors (safety and security).
Triangle – Simple triangle tattoos are a commonly requested design. These range from small solid triangles to medium sized ones with thick borders.
The triangle is significant in many cultures and religions, including Christianity where it represents the holy trinity and in Greek culture where it is a symbol of a doorway.
Trees and Tree of Life – We know that trees are tough and can survive the grueling elements. A tree (or group of trees) in your tattoo design could represent your own resilience and strength in overcoming adversity.
The Tree of Life design shows a tree and its roots contained within a circle. This design is thought to be based on the Flower of Life design and symbolizes eternity, growth, and protection.
Choosing The Perfect Placement For Your Hipster-Inspired Tattoo
Most of the designs we’ve discussed can be placed anywhere on the body, but when it comes to hipster tattoos you not only want to try and get a one of a kind design but also an unusual placement.
Think of areas such as the front upper thighs, back of upper arm/above elbow, behind the knee, and the sides of our fingers.
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How To Choose and Design Your Own Unique Hipster Tattoo
The best design for a hipster tattoo is a subject, symbol, word or picture that has a special meaning that perhaps only you and a few other people will understand. However, if you like something that a lot of other people like there’s no shame in that – go ahead and get that design.
If you are not sure, look online for ideas and think out of the box. Foods like a head of lettuce, pineapple or a hamburger could make a conversation piece while references to obscure movies, songs or books are also a good idea.
How about a doodle or even using one of your children’s drawings – these will be completely unique. Your tattoo could also represent your passions – what about a notebook, headphones or a cartoon camera?
Once you’ve chosen the design the next step is the placement – try and be original with this as well as it adds to the hipster feeling of a tattoo i.e. not mainstream.
In Short…
When it comes to tattoos remember what your mom told you – tattoos are forever, so do your best to avoid fads. That said, it is your body and you are entitled to decorate it any way you please.
This type of tattoo is meant to set you apart from others so if you choose something unusual like a pineapple or a strange reference you should be prepared to answer questions about it.
Hipster tattoos are all about being different, so go ahead and let your imagination run wild – we’re sure you’re going to come up with something amazing!
