15 Must-Know Tattoo Trends For Spring 2023

Floral tattoos for spring? Groundbreaking. Actually, though — they're a classic. “Florals are always trending,” Sam says, so you really can’t go wrong with a botanical or two. This spring she predicts a lot of art deco-inspired floral designs, as well as folks using flowers to embellish or layer on top of other images. Perhaps the best part of opting for a floral tattoo is that they’ll never go out of style, says Sam.

Surrealism tats have been big for a while now, and will still reign supreme come spring. “The way they capture the dream world really provides endless inspiration for artists who want to create designs that clients can relate to on another level,” Reena tells Bustle. “People seem to just like weird imagery that makes you think a little bit.”

According to RK, a Mad Rabbit partner and resident artist at Atelier Eva, spring will see lots of squiggly tattoos that portray movement. “Think designs that use the unique curvatures of one’s body and create movement and contours — things that are very harmonious between design and body,” she tells Bustle.

Patchwork sleeves, where you get mix and match designs on your arms, are also having a moment. “I think patchwork tattoos are going to maintain their relevance, with people collecting different art styles that mesh well together to have a truly personalized sleeve,” Reena says.

RK also predicts that you’ll see a lot more negative spacing — or less density — between tattoos. “Whether it’s large botanicals that use the back and legs or lines that drape around the whole arm, these designs all complement the body as a whole image, rather than the tattoo itself being the sole visual impact,” she says. The negative space also gives each tattoo room to breathe so it truly stands out.

Spring 2023 will see a boom in geometric designs, too, especially ones that use flowers as inspiration. “My clients have been liking tattoos that are more saturated with details, and more ornaments and decoration,” says Lorena Lorenzo, a tattoo artist and owner of Indigo ArTattoos.

As far as placements go, Lorenza predicts the sternum will be the it-spot for spring, especially since Rihanna — the Queen of the sternum tattoo — performed the Super Bowl Halftime Show in February. She envisions people flocking to get similar ink of their own.

Prepare to see a rise in colorful tats, says Lorenza. “More and more clients are experimenting by adding color to their new pieces or even adding accents of bright pigments to give more life to their old tattoos,” she tells Bustle. Colorful ink can help your ink collection pop — and it’s just so spring-y.

According to tattoo artist Cassie May, nature-inspired tattoos that feature florals and animals will be super popular. “They represent rebirth,” May tells Bustle. “Spring is a perfect time to ink this flourishing feeling.” Go for hummingbirds, butterflies, botanicals, or whatever feels fresh.

Jingxi Gu, the owner and lead artist at Patchwork Tattoo Therapy, points to plant tattoos as another take on the traditional floral tattoo. “There's no better time to get a flower or plant related tattoo,” she tells Bustle. Think lush leaves, ivy, and pieces that incorporate dark green. “They look amazing when we're able to take off heavy winter clothes and show some skin,” she says.

Leilani, a tattoo artist and owner of Leilani Tattoos, has noticed this trend as well. “Designs inspired by nature are becoming increasingly popular,” she tells Bustle. “People are drawn to the organic and natural shapes that these designs provide, and many are incorporating vibrant colors to create a more vivid and eye-catching effect.”

Another way to capture a colorful spring vibe? With a bright watercolor tattoo, of course. “Watercolor tattoos have been popular for a few years and are still popular in 2023,” Leilani says. “These designs make use of bright, bold colors that are blended together to resemble the look of a watercolor painting. They're ideal for creating a one-of-a-kind, eye-catching design.”

If you want a photorealistic tat of a family member or pet, go for this trend. “Realistic tattoos, which aim to create a lifelike representation of a person, animal, or object, are becoming more popular in 2023,” Leilani says. “These tattoos require a skilled artist to achieve the desired effect and can be done in black and grey or with color.”

“These designs are all about simplicity, with minimal lines and basic shapes creating a subtle yet powerful image,” Leilani says. Minimalist tattoos work pretty much anywhere on the body, but she says the most common placements are the wrist, ankle, or behind the ear.

Another simple option is a delicate, pretty script tattoo. “People are getting quotes or meaningful phrases tattooed in a variety of fonts and sizes,” Leilani says.

For something extra unique, Leilani suggests going for a trendy glow-in-the-dark tattoo this spring, especially if you’re planning on going to a few late-night get-togethers. “These tattoos are created with a special ink that glows under UV light and can create a stunning effect in the dark,” she says.