'When You Think of A Tattoo, What Do You See?' The Most Iconic Tattoos | Tattoo Artists React

When you close your eyes and think about a tattoo, what do you see? Some tattoo designs are so iconic that they instantly pop into your psyche every single time you think about the word. We asked our panel of tattoo artists what they think the most iconic tattoo designs are and their answers both surprised and delighted us.
Welcome to Season 15 of Tattoo Artists React!
At this rate, we’re pumping out seasons of Tattoo Artists React faster than those “Now That’s What I Call Music'' psychopaths. This time around, we’ve brought back some of your favorite characters to share their ridiculous stories, per your requests. We also had the chance to sit down with some folks for the very first time. This season you’ll watch us tackle the big questions, tell some silly tales and react to this thing the kids seem to love called TikTok.
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Anaïs Cabane / anais_chabane
Angelo Saracina / angelo.digital
Anthony Christian / anthologytattoos
Anya Sirkov / ansirkov
Carmen Figueroa / carmensdarkgallery
Cavan Infante / itsjustcavan
Chris Vasquez / tattoovasquez
Christian Love / christian6669
Courtney Raimondi / bloodofwolves
Cris Element / cris_element
Ihor / dead.tattooer
Jack / jack_deez
Janda Farley / jandadrawsstuff
Jennifer Fuster / yungpentagrams
Jes Valentine / jesvalentinetattoos
Jon Mesa / jonmesatattoos
JonBoy / jonboytattoo
Khoky Padgr / khoky.padgr
Kimberly Graziano / bunnymachine
Maria Garza / brightbones
Matt Fibikar / mattfibikar
Mehai Bakaty / mehaibakaty
Miss Vampira / missvampira
Pocketski / pocketski
Priscilla Fuentes / priscilla.tattoos
Sophie Bee / sophiebeetattoos
Vanessa Monday / vanessamonday
Victor Modafferi / victormodafferi
Wicky Nicky / wickynicky
Woodz / woodzart

[@PetraKujundzic]

Interestingly no one mentioned pin up girl as one of the most iconic tattoos.

[@katkaplan3]

Ah! You read my mind- just what I wrote above!!!

[@inked]

Agree! I thought it was odd.

[@Slamolo]

I find it interesting too. Odd? Maybe not.

[@fr-ik3749]

i mean, everyone at the start said sailor jerry. jerry did do pin ups.

[@MissJudyJetson]

@@fr-ik3749 that exactly what I said when I saw the original comment. When I heard Sailor Jerry I thought pin-up.

[@yenball8569]

You guys should have them guess what are the most popular tattoos in different regions or countries

[@rokash9]

that would be cool, but is impossible to track. I don't think any data like that exists, outside of maybe prison and the military.

[@Those.who.stay.silent.consent]

@@rokash9 It's actually way more easy than you think. To you popular tattoos are images to "adorn" your body in an aesthetically pleasing way, with eagles and arrows, because tattoo is so recent in your culture. But in African and Polynesian cultures they are shapes that have their own precise meaning (tribal, war related or familial) and God-Goddesses that come up all the time and stayed the same since the apparition of tattoos in these cultures. We all can tell you what we saw again and again on our aunties, uncles, grandmother etc. And it is quiet well documented academically, believe it or not. I'm Amazigh so I'll be speaking for myself here, our tattoos have been documented since the Phoenicians and have been seen on skin of naturally mummified corpses that predate 5000 BC. You can even find books from Roman and Greek times where the shapes we still draw today can be seen sketched out by the people who traveled in our lands. Our alphabet is still pretty much the same, albeit simplified, and we "write" our history in tattoos on ourselves, our tribal history particularly, so the same words come up a lot. And for the face tattoos you can see on a lot of Amazigh women, it was a way for them to adorn themselves for their husbands so the shapes stayed pretty much the same as well, because they all refer to the Goddess of love and fertility. In 2021 it's still the same, I have the same tattoos on my legs as my grandmother, because they are the history of our tribe.

[@EMMYK1916]

I was just thinking. Where you're from will determine what you think of as "the ultimate tattoo"; socio-economic &cultural morays will always play into such a general question.

[@antigua26]

@@Those.who.stay.silent.consent agree with all you said. I immediately thought of scarification and tattoos that the Indian elders in my family have who were indentured servants in the Caribbean. It’s so weird no one spoke about the true origins of tattooing in relation to Indigenous ppls. I even think at one point one of them said American traditional was the beginning of tattoos smh.

[@stolentardis2111]

@@Those.who.stay.silent.consent that’s a really cool history. I honestly think a lot of tattooing dates back to when cultures were more tribal in nature. In Europe for example, Otzi the Iceman, was found mummified in the Alps at over 5,000 years old and covered in tattoos. Julius Cesar when he invaded Briton remarked on how the people were dyed/tattooed in 55BC. In fact the etymological history of the word Great Britain is a really a mix of the Greek and Celtic language dating back to 325BC first written by a Greek explorer and roughly translates as the ‘island of the tattooed folk’. The Celts, from where my ancestry is mostly, saw their tattoos as psychological armour.

[@siobarroso5922]

One of the most iconic tattoos in LatinAmerica: Jesus face or something related to religion.

[@jojo_is_a_go5893]

Praying hands. Virgin Mary. Lol

[@gBaldaconi]

TOTALLY

[@justpassingby3409]

Fr 😂 yo get me San juditas in black n gray please lol

[@jojo_is_a_go5893]

@@justpassingby3409 lmfao!!! Juditas!!! 😂😂

[@krisfrazier8159]

It’s definitely virgin mary

[@birthdaybatter815]

“Guns, My Chemical Romance lyrics.” Me: Lyrics for the My Chemical Romance song, “Gun”

[@charlottevine7206]

3:05 Mehai describing the heart and banner mom tattoo whilst Angelo sitting next to him wearing the exact iconic image XD Brilliant

[@EurydiceAllAlong]

On Wednesday I got a new tattoo and my artist asked how I found out about the shop. I got to say because of the Inked KZbin channel.

[@inked]

Hell yes!

[@katkaplan3]

Definitely Sailor Jerry- his swallows- which I have one on my shoulder- loveeee it! But am totally freakin surprised noone mentioned his iconic pin up girls!!!! 😱 blown away actually.

[@PetraKujundzic]

Yeah, I didn't want to start commenting til I was sure no one mentioned that and to me that is the first thing that comes to mind when I think 'tattoo' and has been since I can remember.

[@katkaplan3]

@@PetraKujundzic same!!!!

[@toxiczombiewolf5692]

My brother has 2 on his neck

[@andrewhoman9177]

My first tattoo, a copy of one my grandpa got in the Navy circa 1957, is a heart, a dagger through it, a scroll with the word “LOVE” written on it in front,and a flower poking out from behind.

[@joaodias8211]

video suggestion: can we mix tattoo styles in different arms? like, right arm: american traditional left arm: black and grey realism

[@JaneDoe-kx3yz]

Fr thatd be cool

[@arrobahotmailpuntocom8516]

Great idea

[@badfishcr6426]

you can do whatever the fuck you want. its your body

[@jaedyncampbell7516]

this is exactly what my bf wants to do with his arms

[@rskl8083]

Answer: yes

[@xxibjrosek]

tribal, mom inside the heart, sugar skulls...I'm sure there's more,but that's what comes to my mind.

[@masaisaenz5110]

Here in Germany the eagle has some other connotation than in the USA. Here it's the symbol for fascism. You can see it on the old buildings of the Nazis. So, no, I would never get an eagle tattooed. And it's always kind of strange to me, that other people love it so much. I think in Italy it's quite similar, but not sure. Correct me if I'm wrong. But it's interesting how different symbolism can be and how that effects the way we perceive art.

[@rect7840]

The USA and fascism go pretty hand in hand so it's not far off. Nationalism is nationalism.

[@bmp2791]

Don't you have an eagle on your emblem tho

[@masaisaenz5110]

@@bmp2791 yep, we have. Maybe it's just a personal thing, but I still wouldn't put a tattoo of an eagle on me. I still would think of the history, even if the eagle itself, the shape, changed. I would associate it with extreme nationalism... And isn't that almost as bad? At least I would see it as absolutely weird

[@masaisaenz5110]

@@rect7840 even though I would say there's a fine line between fascism and nationalism. I wouldn't put it on the same level. But it comes very close

[@typicalgothgf]

In Italy the eagle symbol is associated with nazifascism too, but also with the Roman Empire (which is actually where fascists took that symbol from, even though they really messed up its ancient meaning). We shall say it has a double meaning, one is more politically inclined while the other has more to do with history and patriotism

[@AirborneAshes]

The guy who talks about tattoos in video game characters got it in one. Classic tattoos are the ones that are always readable no matter how old they are or how far away they are

[@Serafina539]

The artist that said everything so acutely on point and the , “fine line, flowers” lol I think I would’ve answered similarly 😂

[@elizaleeguitar]

A heart with ‘mom’ or ‘mum’ in a banner - thats what instantly comes to mind for me 😂

[@jenji7870]

1:59 wickynicky's "Eagledragon" + nod already had me 😂😂😂😂😅 then I watched the animation behind him closer 😂😅😅😅😘

[@Hyphinated]

“Horse drawn vehicles” my favorite haha

[@2010hellomoto]

Didn't y'all ask "what are the most overdone/cliche tattoos?" And get like the exact same answers lol

[@TheRaquelephant]

Doesn't that make sense though lol? The most "tattoo" tattoo images that come to people's minds are going to be ones people actually get

[@Scott-got-caught]

Classic is not to be confused with fad

[@CARATMom]

Battleship on the chest. It literally was the tattoo that was displayed in cartoons like Looney Toons when I was a kid.

[@dr.cheeks3589]

Yeah,I remember seeing that tattoo in Popeye on his chest after he ate his spinach

[@remy7663]

japanese or oriental for me. dragons, chrysantheums, lotuses, oni masks, cranes.

[@fuwahaschi]

I think of the origin of tattooing like the ta moko of the maori. This heavy face work, so fascinating

[@vishaljain622]

Thank you inked for giving this content amid lockdown.

[@Kralisedra]

Ed Hardy style tattoos come to mind for me. I find them charming in a way.

[@kayseacamp]

My mind will always immediately go to full bodysuit Japanese traditional when I think of "tattoos" in the general sense of the word. Then American traditional although I don't personally like American traditional.

[@socastee_5.097]

2:00 “Eagle dragon 🤔” That’s funny asf

[@poohbearsmom2964]

I’m totally sipping Sailor Jerry Rum while watching this video. If I were to answer this question? I’d think of flash and pin ups.

[@KilpatrickProductions]

Stoked that somebody mentioned Pharaohs Horses. Its my favourite design and I got it tattooed on the back of my head last year

[@sofq9371]

I always loooove the editing of these videos!

[@the_karen_before_and_after]

“Pickle Rick” me too!!!!!!!😳😱💕💕😜

[@SamTankko]

For me I think of Flowers, Birds, Tigers and Clocks

[@LaRocheSews]

I think of my mom’s tattoo-three irises twined together-not super iconic for anyone else, but it was the first tattoo I was aware of

[@isabellezamora4342]

I cant believe no one said the praying hands!

[@Discokrieg]

Homie got a whole ass ski mask on like he's doing an interview before hitting the bank. 😂

[@adamjuarez6498]

Roes,pocket watches,Dates📅,Lions, Names. And everybody's fav Famous stars and strips F. LOL

[@neko_mewkawaii7120]

Back Tigger tat, 90s style tat, hearts....I hope to get a 90s style tat one day because I've been wanting ever since I saw it on a couple people I saw throughout my life.

[@micro-babe]

I'm Filipino with a Filipino tribal tattoo so for me that's what I think of. That's just where my headspace is lol.

[@StefanieC11]

My dad's upper arm panther that growled when you touched it. Plus his navy flash from the early 60s:).

[@politecat4236]

I always think of that 90s barbed wire or the "tribal tattoo" from the same era

[@bigfatbobsimpson4166]

Mom heart, LOVE - HATE on knuckles, pinups

[@Yuyu99000]

I have a traditional dagger piercing a rose on my leg and gaaah it's so beautiful,my tattoo artist did one hell of a job 🌹🗡

[@justpassingby3409]

The editing is on point as always 🔥

[@yotearashi5728]

9:12 could this person not just wait until this man was done talking to crack open a cold one?? like damn XDD

[@RunsLikeMays]

For me, THE Iconic Tattoo is Nikko Hurtado's Little Red Riding Hood Backpiece on Megan Jean Morris

[@ScamLikely9327]

Lmao at my black panther cover up tattoo and my pink panther tattoos.

[@jamiegreenberg8476]

i just wanna know like how came up with all the iconic stuff like who came up with American traditional or the mom tattoo or the skulls and roses like whoever thought of that was a genuis

[@zacmiles5342]

Praying hands. I feel like everyone had a style of that in the early 2000s

[@joecollins1120]

Honestly, the tattoo I see the most out and about in public is family on the outer forearm 😂

[@kittykatmt]

Iconic as classic: Skulls Iconic as awesome: Anime

[@InsanityBlackAsian]

Based

[@cjtaylor1977]

I was so hoping someone would say "Chinese take-away menu item"

[@17throdeo12]

i have my chemical romance lyrics between my hip bones above my groin hahahaha “I’m not asking You’re not telling”

[@sarahcharles8371]

JACK DEEZ SAID PICKLE RICKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK yesssssssssa❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@howdycowboy1276]

I immediately think of Steveos back portrait

[@thoughtfuldevil6069]

The tattoos that come to mind when I hear the word are specific tattoos that people have. Layne Staley's 50's skull, Francis Dolarhyde's Red Dragon, Marilyn Manson's eye-tentacles, an ex-girlfriend's tarot cards, etc.

[@jgoodin1337]

I wish they showed the rocks bull tattoo instead of the cover up. I feel like that was the one he was talking about at 7:32

[@Maudtattoos]

I think of the Hanya mask Shige did on Tomo. 😗

[@OmgWtfTsuji]

I knew I couldn't be the only one that thought of that one. Shige's hannya back piece on Tomo is hands down my all time favorite tattoo

[@lindaaguirre7640]

Smile now cry later tattoo. Is the most iconic 😉

[@Lalimad]

now that i’m old enough to get tattoos i still want to get a MCR tattoo

[@Vonericsonz]

Shocked not a one mentioned the Harley Davidson logo, that's as iconic as it gets

[@Ascorbicon]

I instantly thought of Mike Tyson’s tribal face tattoo

[@TagDog96]

just realized how many artists with a lisp were in this video lol

[@kylehartman583]

A lot of the tattoos they mentioned come to mind, but I am surprised that no one said skull tattoos.

[@rskl8083]

Lettering usually for me like i just imagine a forearm lettering

[@JJ-mq5st]

The traditional style "mom heart"

[@maurocontreras9628]

First thing that comes to mind for me are tribal/ warrior tattoos

[@allyj4322]

I think of tribal, like Mike Tyson’s face tattoo

[@ggagoots]

I always think of a pinup

[@EldritchJake]

Butterfly above the cooter

[@ForgottenRebel77]

I immediately think old Japanese guys with epic bodysuits

[@RudolfHorvath]

The first thing I thought of was Japanese traditional, both the dragon and Hannya mask.

[@nickronin9618]

when i think about tattoo's i think Thom De Vita .

[@inked]

Damn right.

[@brianlake2905]

The first thing I think when someone says tattoo is a traditional anchor

[@emotionlessvamp]

In Romania, you get to see a lot of portraits (of family members, God, historical figures etc) - which wouldn't be that bad if more people went to shops to have them done. Unfortunately, you get to see some really poorly made ones due to the fact that the mentality revolves around "Tattoos in shops are very expensive, I know a guy that does them around the corner". You can't compare the quality, honestly. Of course, I am aware of the fact that some shops are pricey, but it's up to you where you decide to go - do some research first. Truth is that you can't just expect to have a Monalisa on your body for the price of a draft... and people still don't seem to acknowledge that.

[@Recycledhooligan]

I always thought about getting the words a tattoo tattooed on me then when people ask what did you get I can say a tattoo that’s my humor

[@osavor579]

100% American traditional heart with a mom banner

[@wxsteria3451]

Japanese traditional sleeves are also super iconic

[@satoapendragon1257]

Skulls and roses. Most iconic.

[@anonymous.hippopotamus]

Of these I have a rose and an anchor. It's funny, because I got those so long ago. Now I ha e such a different style but I really love the classics I got.

[@heyidaroo]

I’ve seen so many awesome skull tattoos, and so many not-so-awesome skull tattoos. But one of the reasons I won’t get one myself is that I’ve seen soooo many skull tattoos

[@scarlettrayzor78]

I always think of my mom's flower bracelet tattoo

[@goyaguy]

Tattoos came from tribal and this girl is beginning its creation from modern day 😂😂

[@dannyrocket77]

Barb wire! American Traditional. Koi fish, pin ups, sugar skulls, roses.

[@vittoriagnecchi5783]

why the balaclava though? It looks stifling!

[@MonkeyDLuffy-rr3wl]

Tribal, quotes, feathers, skulls, dreamcathers, roses

[@jcbpstr6]

Me answering the title: “me in the future getting paid to do my art and give people what they want” Remembers my equally intense passion for cars , bikes and quads and working with my hands my brain error 404 can not choose one passion over another

[@AlexGreat321]

I always think of koi fish, dragons, roses and pin ups in terms of designs

[@robkishi4219]

PICKLE RICKKKK!!!!

[@misterseba0150]

Today I got my first tattoo, more in the way, am I part of the family now? 🥺

[@rossmurrayfam1568]

Hello you have chosen hell

[@misterseba0150]

@@rossmurrayfam1568 already got the second one 😂

[@XXallycat101XX]

I must be the only person who likes Ben Affleck's back tattoo.

[@RandomSwiftie13]

Butterfly is a really popular one

[@diltd3989]

The Mom Heart

[@zackgordon8173]

ski mask guy looked like a lego man

[@LLGuerra]

Wow! Are those the same guys that worked in Vegas and had their own show?

[@RyanYoxo]

In Australia it’s the southern cross tattoo hahah

[@nefelibata9497]

I Want to know the answer to “why do people get tattoos?”. Like all the different reasons: cover scars? Form of expression? Beauty? Etc. I am very interested about that!

[@Recycledhooligan]

For me it’s simple I wanted to get tattooed so I did I saw tattoos when I was a kid & said I want 1 then when I was 17 I snuck into a pool hall & got my 1st well 1 leads to another & so on I made some bad choices over the years some have meaning some don’t they don’t have to bottom line I want to be tattooed so I am & to me there’s a difference between having tattoos & being tattooed having tattoos is if you have a few being tattooed is being heavily tattooed such me maybe this answers some of your questions about why people get tattoos

[@davidcurtis6233]

Surprised no one said Celtic… I know they only showed up in the 70s but still surprised

[@DemBlizzard]

Great editor!

[@sjwhater]

8:46 what is this clown up to with that thief mask lol

[@Medii17x]

He always wears it

[@johnepps7370]

Bert Grimm’s Sundance.

[@23NotoriousC]

Everybody and their mothers got roses, clocks, and clouds tatted

[@josephsuggs6117]

I can’t help but think of tribal

[@spaghettilegs9882]

Personally: Dragon, hannya, tiger head Commonly: Tribal, koi fish, rose