The Growth and Acceptance of Tattoos in American Culture

The Evolution of Tattoos in American Culture

By Julia Rothman and Shaina Feinberg

Julia is an illustrator. Shaina is a writer and filmmaker.

Date: Aug. 16, 2024

Mike Weiss is a tattoo enthusiast with at least 70 intricate designs etched onto his skin, spanning from his shoulders all the way down to his ankles. Since he received his first tattoo in 2011, he has invested approximately $13,000 in his body art.

At 31 years old, Mr. Weiss works as a group fitness instructor in Larchmont, New York. He is part of a growing trend among millions of Americans who embrace body art in various forms. Once seen as a hallmark of rebellion, reserved for sailors and societal outsiders, tattoos have now woven themselves into the very fabric of mainstream culture. According to a survey conducted by Pew Research, nearly one-third of American adults proudly display at least one tattoo.

The tattoo industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with its global market currently valued at around $2.2 billion. Projections indicate that this figure could soar to over $4 billion by 2032, as reported by Fortune Business Insights, a prominent market research firm. In the United States alone, there are more than 20,000 tattoo parlors, catering to the ever-increasing demand for ink.

Kari Barba, a seasoned tattoo artist at the age of 64, is a testament to this booming industry. As the owner of Outer Limits, she operates two successful tattoo shops in California. Her journey began in 1983 when she opened her first parlor, and she has since witnessed the evolution of tattooing from a niche practice to a celebrated form of self-expression.