Why a Tattoo? The Meaning, Motivation and Pure Love of Ink

The Rise of Tattoos in Western Culture

Tattooing hasn’t always been as mainstream in Western culture as it is today. In the U.S., tattoos were once associated primarily with sailors, military personnel and counterculture movements. But over the last few decades, they have exploded in popularity—so much so that a 2023 Pew Research Center study found that 32% of U.S. adults now have at least one tattoo, and 22% have more than one.

So, why do people get tattoos? Some ink carries deep meaning—honoring loved ones, marking milestones or reflecting personal beliefs. For others, it’s simply about aesthetics and wearable art. Let’s take a closer look at some of the main reasons people choose to get tattooed.

Commemorative Tattoos: Honoring Loved Ones and Life Events

One of the most common reasons people get tattoos is to honor someone special or commemorate an important life event. Memorial tattoos, tributes to pets or ink that mark a personal milestone are all deeply meaningful ways to express love, loss and individual experiences. 

📌According to Pew Research, 69% of tattooed individuals have at least one tattoo to remember someone or something significant.

While these tattoos carry emotional weight, commemorative tattoos make up a smaller portion of my clientele compared to those who get ink purely for aesthetic reasons.

Self-Expression & Identity

Tattoos are also a powerful form of self-expression. Many people get inked to reflect their beliefs, interests or personal identity. Whether it’s a cultural symbol, a meaningful quote, or an artistic design, tattoos allow individuals to showcase their uniqueness.

📌 While the Pew study found that 47% of tattooed individuals got at least one tattoo as a way to make a personal statement, Psychology Today reports that 12% of people specifically view their tattoos as a reflection of their identity.

That said, while self-expression is a factor, most of my clients aren’t looking for deep meaning—they just love how tattoos look!

Aesthetic Appeal: Some Just Want a Tattoo!

For many, tattoos are about art for art’s sake. They don’t need a deep meaning—they’re just visually striking and exciting to wear. Tattoo collectors often seek large-scale, custom pieces simply because they appreciate the craft and love how tattoos look on their bodies.

📌 In my experience, about 90% of my clients get tattoos purely for the aesthetic appeal. While commemorative tattoos and symbolic ink have their place, most people I work with just want an amazing piece of body art.

This aligns with modern tattoo trends, where bold designs, custom tattoos, and artistic collaborations with tattoo artists take priority over symbolism.

Personal Growth & Transformation

Some people use tattoos to mark personal growth, overcome struggles, or symbolize new beginnings. Whether it’s a phoenix rising from ashes, a Buddhist symbol of enlightenment, or something completely unique, tattoos often serve as visual representations of personal journeys.

How COVID-19 Changed Tattoo Trends

Tattoo demand surged after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, with many people choosing tattoos to represent resilience, personal struggles or major life changes. A 2021 Time magazine article reported that the pandemic prompted many individuals to re-evaluate their lives and commemorate their experiences through tattoos.

At the end of the day, people get tattoos for many reasons—but in my experience, the vast majority of tattoo collectors simply love how tattoos look.

Ready to start your next Tattoo?

Whether you’re getting inked to commemorate something meaningful, express your personality or just because tattoos are awesome, one thing is certain: tattoos are a timeless form of art and self-expression.

If you're ready for a custom tattoo designed just for you, let's bring your vision to life! Not sure where to start? Check out our blog on Custom Tattoo Design to learn why working with an experienced artist makes all the difference.

Whether you have an idea in mind or want to collaborate on something unique, I’m here to create a piece that’s both meaningful and visually stunning. Schedule your consultation today!

Serving clients from Fairfax, Washington DC, and the surrounding areas, Iconic Tattoos is committed to delivering exceptional tattoo artistry.