A Look Into Gen Z's "Cybersigilism" Tattoo Trend

While every tattoo is like a snowflake — unique and with its own story — sometimes a specific design trend takes hold and we see its influence across all kinds of body art. Often, these tattoo trends speak to a broader experience within the culture. For example, last year saw the post-pandemic rise of the micro tattoo, which came about when celebrities (like Hailey Bieber) endorsed finger tattoos and artists posted viral TikTok videos of their tiniest creations. Before long, micro tattoos, specifically on hands and the inside of fingers, were all the rage.

Now, there's yet another design aesthetic taking shape. It's still fairly niche, as most artists are just now starting to get requests for these types of tattoos, but it speaks to Gen Z's current desire for one-of-a-kind body art that reflects their beliefs and experiences within this ever-changing, digital world. We're talking about "cybersigilism" tattoos.

Sydney Smith is a tattoo artist specializing in fine-line designs, based in Scottsdale, AZ.

Juan Pablo Mejias is a tattoo artist based in NYC at Hustle Butter Tattoo Gallery.

Tattoo artist Sydney Smith describes the cybersigilism tattoo as a contemporary style that combines futuristic, mystical, and tribal-inspired symbols. "They typically feature intricate, thin black lines forming sharp patterns," she tells PS. "These tattoos often incorporate technological or mystical elements, creating a unique aesthetic that's both modern and ancient." Even the name cybersigilism speaks to the pairing of modern technology with ancient symbolism: Cyber, relating to the culture of computers and information sharing, and sigil, an inscribed or painted symbol considered to have mystical powers.

Artist Juan Pablo Mejias echoes Smith's description, adding that in his experience, there's also an unfinished or draft-like quality to many cybersigilism tattoos. It's a new sharp and more stylized tribal tattoo that looks like a sketch, says Mejias. They evoke a sense of gothic, mysterious, and modern expression, he adds. (Some people also utilize a "gray wash" technique, a blend of black and gray ink used to create shading or gradients in a tattoo.)

Artists believe cybersigilism tattoos are popular because they fuse real-time technologies with ancient symbols, such as runes or mandalas. The aesthetic is rooted in Gen Z's experience of new tech, such as AI — which they're acutely aware of and adapting to — but weaves in ancient forms of symbolism that speak to their beliefs, perhaps their heritage or spirituality. "In this fast-paced, tech-driven world, people are always looking for ways to stand out and tell their stories," says Smith. "Cybersigilism tattoos give them that canvas, letting them show off how their beliefs and experiences are tangled up with our digital lives."

With any tattoo that references tribal symbols, it's important to be aware of cultural appropriation. However, Mejias explains that cybersigilism is an aesthetic entirely distinct and separate from a traditional tribal tattoo. "Based on what clients have asked me for, it's purely aesthetic, and for most people doesn't carry any ethical or social weight," Mejias says.

Still, it warrants a chat with your tattoo artist. Mejias says he feels it's the tattoo artist's responsibility to help clients understand that certain tattoos or styles could potentially impact ethnic groups. By explaining this to them, they can then decide if they want to remove any potentially divisive elements.

By definition, cybersigilism is not a one-size-fits-all aesthetic; placement is also very personal. However, Smith says the back, arms, and neck are popular placements because these body parts offer greater surface area than say, a finger, for these often large and intricate designs. Mejias agrees that his favorite placements are the neck and back. If it's done by an artist who understands composition and how to make it flow with the body, it can result in an interesting and dynamic final design, he explains.

Like any other tattoo, the cost of a cybersigilism design depends on its size, complexity, and your artist's pricing structure and experience. "These tattoos often involve a lot of detailed, fine-line work, which requires more time and skill, so you might be looking at a higher price tag as compared to simpler art," says Smith. For example, whereas a small tattoo may cost $50 to $100, an intricate cybersigilism tattoo may cost closer to $500. According to Mejias, this often elicits some sticker shock for Gen Z clientele.

Still, Smith is convinced that young people will pay for cybersigilism ink. "For those looking to tell their story through ink in a way that feels fresh and relevant to our digital age, cybersigilism offers a unique perspective," she says.

While cybersigilism tattoos are completely individual, specific to the wearer and their own references, we've sourced examples of some of the coolest cybersigilism tattoos for a little inspo.