Tattoos are more than just ink on skin — they’re personal statements and stories of the experiences we have in life.
Whether it’s a tiny symbol or a full sleeve, a tattoo can reveal surprising insights about its wearer. Maybe you’re into body art yourself, or maybe you’ve always wanted a tattoo but have never had the courage to get one. Whatever your stance, here are 12 things tattoos might tell us about someone.
1. They’re comfortable with commitment.
Getting a tattoo isn’t a decision most people take lightly. It’s permanent (or at least, very difficult and expensive to remove), which suggests that the person wearing it is okay with long-term commitments. Their comfort with permanence might extend to other areas of their life as well. They might be the type to stick with a job for years, maintain long-lasting friendships, or be unafraid of serious relationships. Of course, this doesn’t mean every tattooed person is ready to settle down, but it does show they’re capable of making decisions that have lasting consequences.
2. They have a high pain tolerance.
Let’s face it, getting a tattoo hurts. The process involves needles repeatedly puncturing the skin, and depending on the size and location of the tattoo, it can be quite an ordeal. Someone with tattoos, especially large or intricate ones, has likely endured hours of discomfort. This suggests they have a reasonably high pain threshold. It might mean that they’re the type of person who can handle physical or emotional challenges without backing down easily. They might be resilient in the face of adversity, able to push through difficult situations that other people might find overwhelming.
3. They value self-expression.
A tattoo is a form of personal expression, a way of wearing one’s interests, beliefs, or experiences on their skin — quite literally. People who choose to get tattoos often place a high value on self-expression and individuality. They’re likely to be the type who aren’t afraid to stand out from the crowd or express their unique personality. This desire for self-expression might manifest in other areas of their life too — perhaps in their fashion choices, their career path, or their hobbies. They might be creative types who enjoy art, music, or writing, always looking for ways to express their inner world.
4. They have a story to tell.
Many tattoos have a personal meaning or story behind them. It could be a tribute to a loved one, a symbol of a significant life event, or a representation of a deeply held belief. When you see someone with a tattoo, chances are there’s a tale behind that ink. This suggests that the person values their personal history and experiences. They might be the type who enjoys sharing stories, who finds meaning in their past experiences, and who isn’t afraid to wear their heart on their sleeve (sometimes quite literally). They could be great conversationalists, always ready with an interesting anecdote or two.
5. They’re not overly concerned with societal norms.
While tattoos are more accepted now than ever before, they still carry a bit of a rebellious streak. Choosing to get a tattoo, especially a visible one, shows that the person isn’t too worried about conforming to traditional societal expectations. This might point to a free-spirited nature, someone who makes decisions based on their own beliefs rather than what other people think. They might be independent thinkers, unafraid to challenge the status quo or take the road less travelled. This doesn’t mean they’re necessarily rebellious in all aspects of life, but they’re likely comfortable with being true to themselves, even if it goes against the grain.
6. They appreciate art.
Tattoos are, at their core, a form of body art. Someone who chooses to decorate their body with tattoos likely has an appreciation for visual aesthetics. They might have a keen eye for design, colour, and composition. This appreciation for art might extend beyond tattoos — they could be the type to frequent art galleries, have strong opinions about film or music, or engage in other forms of artistic expression themselves. Even if they’re not artists, they probably have a good sense of what they find visually appealing and aren’t afraid to make bold aesthetic choices.
7. They’re open to new experiences.
Getting a tattoo is an experience in itself, and for many, it’s a step outside their comfort zone. People with tattoos have shown a willingness to try something new and potentially intimidating. This openness to new experiences might be a general trait in their personality. They could be the adventurous type, always ready to try a new restaurant, travel to an unfamiliar place, or take up an unusual hobby. They might approach life with curiosity and enthusiasm, always looking for the next interesting experience or challenge to take on.
8. They have a sense of nostalgia.
Many tattoos serve as permanent reminders of important moments, people, or phases in someone’s life. This suggests that the person values their memories and wants to keep them close. They might be the sentimental type, someone who keeps old photographs, treasures keepsakes, or enjoys reminiscing about the past. This doesn’t mean they’re stuck in the past, but rather that they appreciate the journey that has brought them to where they are. They might be the friend who remembers all the important dates and always has a story about “that time when…”
9. They’re comfortable in their own skin.
Tattoos draw attention to the body. Having a tattoo means being okay with people looking at and possibly asking about that part of your body. This suggests a level of body confidence and self-assurance. People with tattoos are often comfortable with their bodies and aren’t afraid to decorate them as they see fit. This body positivity might extend to other areas of their life — they might be confident in social situations, comfortable with public speaking, or simply at ease with who they are. Of course, this doesn’t mean all tattooed people are extroverts, but they’ve likely found a way to be comfortable with themselves.
10. They’re willing to invest in themselves.
Good tattoos aren’t cheap, and cheap tattoos aren’t good. Someone with quality tattoos has shown a willingness to invest money in something purely for themselves. This might mean that they value self-care and are willing to spend on things that are important to them. They might be the type to invest in their hobbies, their education, or their personal growth. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re big spenders, but rather that they understand the value of investing in oneself. They might be good at balancing practicality with personal fulfilment, knowing when to save and when to splurge on things that matter to them.
11. They have a high level of trust.
Getting a tattoo requires putting a lot of trust in the artist. You’re essentially letting someone permanently alter your body. This willingness to trust suggests that the person might be generally trusting in nature. They might be good at building relationships with other people, able to put faith in people’s skills and intentions. This doesn’t mean they’re naive, but rather that they’re capable of assessing a situation and deciding to place their trust in someone. They might be the type of friend who’s always there to lend an ear or a helping hand, believing in the good in people.
12. They value symbolism and meaning.
Many tattoos are rich in symbolism, whether it’s personal, cultural, or universal. People who choose symbolic tattoos often have an appreciation for the power of imagery and metaphor. They might be deep thinkers who enjoy finding meaning in things, looking beyond the surface to understand the underlying significance. This could translate to other areas of their life — they might enjoy literature, philosophy, or psychology. They’re likely to be the type of person who asks “why” a lot, always trying to understand the deeper meaning behind things, events, and behaviours. Their conversations might often veer towards the profound, as they try to uncover the hidden meanings in life.
