Anime and Cartoon Tattoos: Why are They So Popular?
Image credit: Ryzchu
Anime and cartoon tattoos are all the rage right now, and it’s not hard to see why. For fans of anime and classic cartoons, getting a tattoo of a favorite character or scene is the perfect way to show off their love of the stories and characters. Whether you grew up watching Dragon Ball Z or Adventure Time, or still binge Rick and Morty and Demon Slayer, there’s a tattoo out there that’ll let you wear your fandom proudly.
Why are Anime and Cartoon Tattoos So Popular?
If you’re a die-hard anime or cartoon fan, it makes sense that you’d want to immortalize your favorite characters on your skin. These tattoos are more than just cool designs—they’re a way to keep a piece of your favorite stories with you forever. People often feel a strong connection to certain characters because of their qualities like bravery, loyalty, or even just a good sense of humor. Another reason may be their journey and struggles reflect to them.
Another reason why anime and cartoon tattoos are blowing up? The art styles are super unique and vibrant. From the intense, emotional eyes of anime characters to the bold, exaggerated features of cartoon figures, these designs pop like nothing else. They are instantly recognizable and have an established visual identity.
Anime Tattoo Ideas
There’s no shortage of amazing anime tattoos out there, so choosing the right one can be a little overwhelming. Here are some of the most popular ideas fans are going for:
Image credit: Isnard Barbosa
Your Favorite Characters
If you’ve got a character you absolutely love, like Naruto, Goku, or Sailor Moon. They’re an easy choice for a tattoo! These iconic characters make for some of the most popular designs, and they always stand out. They can be tattooed straight as they are from the show, or in an alternative style.
Anime Eyes
They say the eyes are the window to the soul. If that discussion comes to anime, then these windows will be instantly recognizable. Anime is famous for big, expressive eyes which are easy to recognize to their characters. Naruto’s Sharingan eyes and Oshi No Ko’s signature starry eyes of Ai, Aqua and Ruby are instantly recognizable and make for excellent tattoos.
Symbols and Logos
Not every anime tattoo has to be a character portrait. Some people go for subtle symbols, like the scout regiment wings from Attack on Titan or the Akatsuki cloud from Naruto. These designs are low-key but still instantly recognizable to fellow fans.
Anime Scenes / Manga Panels
There are some moments in anime that are just so iconic they deserve to be immortalized. From thrilling fights to intimate moments, there are plenty of memorable moments. With plenty of anime being adapted from Manga. It makes sense to turn these moments from being inked on paper, to being inked into skin.
Full Anime/Cartoon Sleeves
If you’re really committed to anime, a full-sleeve tattoo featuring characters and scenes from your favorite series can be a stunning work of art. You can include multiple characters, action scenes, or even mash-ups from different shows.
Cartoon Tattoo Ideas
Image Credit: Roxy Rider
Cartoon tattoos have just as much variety as anime tattoos, and they’re a great way to show off your quirky, playful side. Whether you’re into classic cartoons or something more modern, here are a few popular options:
Classic Characters
You can’t go wrong with the old-school characters like Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, or Tom and Jerry. These are timeless characters that bring out the nostalgia, making them a favorite for cartoon tattoos.
Modern Favorites
For those who are into newer cartoons, shows like Rick and Morty, Adventure Time, or Gravity Falls offer a ton of creative inspiration. Characters like Finn, Jake, or Rick Sanchez are always fun to tattoo. Each with their unique looks and crazy adventures.
Stylized Designs
Some artists put their own spin on famous characters by drawing them in a different style—like turning a happy cartoon character into something more edgy or gothic. It’s a cool way to make your tattoo unique and show off your personality.
Crossover Designs
If you’re a fan of both anime and cartoons, why not mix the two? Some fans are getting creative with crossover tattoos, where they blend anime and cartoon characters into one awesome design. Think Pikachu hanging out with Homer Simpson, or Finn as a demon slayer.
Finding the Right Tattoo Artist
Image Credit: Kira Bishop
Not all tattoo artists are used to drawing anime and cartoon designs, so finding the right artist is key. Here are a few tips to make sure you get exactly what you want:
Find an Artist Who Knows Their Anime & Cartoons
Check out portfolios online or on social media, and look for artists who have experience with anime and cartoon styles. You want someone who understands the bold lines and vibrant colors that make these tattoos stand out. Bonus points if they have seen and love the anime and cartoons you want to get tattooed.
Prepare plenty of references
Prepare plenty of references of the character you want tattooed. This will help the artist come up with a great design for your tattoo by giving them an idea of their visual style. If it’s a specific scene or panel from a manga, try to get a high resolution scan or screenshot of that moment.
Go for a consultation
Once you find an artist you like, book a consultation to go over your ideas. Be sure to bring your reference pictures, and don’t be afraid to ask for their input. A good artist can help tweak your design to make it unique, fit your skin and proportions.
Some anime and cartoon tattoos use a lot of color, and color tattoos can fade over time. Alternatively, you can ask the artist to alter the design for black and gray colors, which can hold up better over time. Make sure your artist uses high-quality ink and that you follow their aftercare instructions to keep your tattoo looking sharp for years.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a hardcore anime fan or just love a good cartoon, these tattoos are a fun way to express yourself. From the bright colors to the emotional connection you feel with the characters, anime and cartoon tattoos are here to stay—and they look amazing.
If you want to get an anime or cartoon tattoo of your own, we’re happy to help! With some anime lovers here in our team, we’ll be happy to take on a project for you favorite series or characters! Send us a DM through any of our contact details and we’ll be happy to help!
