Gen Z are inking themselves with ‘cybersigilism’ tattoos believed to have ‘symbolic powers’
Most trends come and go very quickly, but tattoos aren’t so easy to sweep under the rug once they’re no longer in style.
Generation Z is going crazy for the sinewy, sharp-looking cybersigilistic designs, which are said to have symbolic “powers.”
The dangerous-looking designs – Gen Z’s answer to ’90s tribal tattoos – have racked up millions of views on TikTok, with dozens of others keen to get their hands on their own veiny-looking tattoos.
The trend is largely inspired by celebrities, with A-listers including Billie Eilish and Phoebe Bridgers joining in by inking their skin.
Cybersigilism combines the digital age with traditional ‘sigils’ – referring to a painted symbol believed to have magical power.
One TikTok videowhich has now been viewed 27 million times, features tattoo artists at the Markd studio in Sydney answers to what they think are Gen Z’s favorite tattoos.
Grimes depicted with a cybersigilism tattoo on her leg. Gen Z’s latest tattoo trend is “cyber sigilism,” which is said to have magical powers. Pictured: a cybersigilism tattoo
Dua Lipa photographed Glastonbury earlier this year and showed off her cybersigilism tattoo. The dangerous-looking designs – dubbed Gen Z’s tribal tattoos – have been viewed millions of times on TikTok
Every artist gives the same answer: cybersigilism.
Love hearts and bones are common as part of designs and are said to represent the wearer’s goals and desires – not that they can be scrubbed away once these have been achieved.
The designs are believed to be tailored to the wearer’s intentions, which are then sent through technology where they are printed and outlined on the skin.
The tattoos vary, but are usually characterized by thin lines and sharp angles that transform into organic shapes such as hearts and trees. Often the symbolic looks resemble veins.
Although most designs are drawn in black ink, some adventurous tattoo enthusiasts have even chosen to have their ‘tribal’ designs outlined in white.
The placement varies with several popular spots covering the back, lower back and arms. Some particularly brave young people have chosen to have cybersigilistic designs tattooed on their faces.
Cybersigilism combines the digital age with traditional ‘sigils’ – referring to a painted symbol believed to have magical power
Canadian singer Grimes (pictured) also suffers from cybersigilism, including drawing her back and legs.
One TikTok video, now viewed 27 million times, shows tattoo artists at Sydney’s Markd studio responding to what they say are Gen Z’s favorite tattoos – with the answer always being cybersigilism
The designs are believed to be tailored to the wearer’s intentions, which are then sent through technology where they are printed and outlined on the skin.
Phoebe Bridgers had a cybersigilism tattoo on her hip and one in the center of her chest
The trend is led by a number of celebrities who have adorned their bodies with the unusual designs.
Singer Phoebe Bridgers has one of the bizarre barbed designs on her hip, while Dua Lipa has one on the bicep of her arm.
Meanwhile, in September last year, Billie Eilish went all out with a huge cybersigilism tattoo that covered her entire back.
Canadian singer Grimes also suffers from cybersigilism, which includes outlining her back and legs.
A favorite place for the symbolic designs is the lower back.
A number of avid ink enthusiasts have expressed their admiration for the trend, although some noted the similarities to 1990s designs.
One commenter wrote: ‘Cybersigilism is the new tribal tattoos. Give it a few years and you’ll look at it the same way middle-aged fathers with tribes do.’
Several commentators on the trend have noted the similarities between cybersigilism tattoos and ink reminiscent of tribal tattoos that had become trendy in the 1990s.
A second agreed, writing: ‘I don’t see anything futuristic about this. I see 1996. They look like Geiger paintings. You know the guy who designed the alien in the movie.”
One cybersigilism enthusiast couldn’t understand the criticism. They wrote: ‘What is the hatred for tribal tattoos. They look so good.’
The menacing-looking designs are a world away from last year’s Gen Z tattoo fix, which saw hundreds painting themselves with small designs inspired by the micro-tattoo trend.
Taking inspiration from Hailey Bieber and online artists who posted videos of their smallest designs, young people decked themselves out with tiny tattoos. Mini tattoos on and between the fingers were especially all the rage.