(NEXSTAR) – “Cybersigilism” has emerged as a new tattoo trend that has critics of the style deeply confused.
“I think cybersigism is sometimes looked down upon. [and] “Cybersigilism is misunderstood, especially by older generations of tattoo artists,” Chris Hernandez, a Seattle-based tattoo artist who specializes in cybersigilism, told Nexstar.
Cybersigilism isn’t exactly new, but it’s skyrocketed in popularity thanks to platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The style itself is characterized by thin lines (usually black) that converge or sprout to form sharp, almost organic, alien-like designs, sometimes mixed with technological or mystical elements.
“Some people say it looks like a witch’s curse, and I honestly like the metaphor,” said tattoo artist Eingelblad (@cybersigilism on Instagram) of Secret Ink in Los Angeles.
Due to its tribal elements and decorative designs, critics on social media often describe the trend as Gen Z’s version of tribal tattoos.
There is also evidence that cybersigilism, also known as “neo-tribal” or “cyber-tribal”, is not well received in the tattoo community, as it is often seen as resembling varicose veins or notebook doodles.
Engelbladt told Nexstar that the style is often looked down upon by artists at traditional tattoo shops, who believe there is “only one right way to tattoo.”
“One of the first places I tried to work literally told me they didn’t allow coat of arms tattoos of any kind and that I’d never be able to make a career out of this,” Engelbladt told Nexstar.
Hernandez said he feels some artists consider cybersigilism beyond their capabilities, or associate it with self-taught artists working in unsafe, unauthorized environments, but he’s a fan of tattooing when it’s done right.
“In my opinion, this is the coolest thing I’ve ever done. It’s fun to draw and fun to do,” Hernandez, who is also the owner of Gold Scarab Tattoo in Seattle, told Nexstar.
Tattoo artists say many young people who want to get tattoos seem to agree.
“Our locations are starting to get requests multiple times a month,” said Kyle McLean, owner of several tattoo shops in the Los Angeles area and co-owner of The Honor Society, a tattoo parlour in West Hollywood, California.
McLean adds that there are many artists who specialize in cybersigilism these days, but he believes it has now gone mainstream, having been commissioned by his own shop (which employs artists who “can work in any style” rather than specializing in it).
“By the time it gets to us, it’s already made its way around the fringes and into the general public,” MacLean said.
Engelbladt said the majority of his customers are queer – people who “grew up with video games, comics and anime” – but not all of them are young.
“I also specialize in cover-up sigils, so I see a lot of clients who have had bad experiences with other tattoo shops, who want to cover scars, or who are recovering,” they say. “We think cybersigils are perfect for this because they’re not as restrictive as more traditional or illustrated tattoos.”
But fans say they don’t care what critics have to say about the style.
“I didn’t even know what it was. [called] “But it’s so cool,” one TikTok user commented on a video highlighting the trend.
“The cutest thing I’ve ever seen,” another commenter wrote under a video of Cybersignorism’s white ink forearm tattoos, which has been viewed nearly 25 million times to date.
However, like all trends, cybersigilism’s popularity may wane over time.
“This is definitely a trend [at the moment] “… And in my opinion, it’s trending up,” Hernandez said, “but like any trend, I think after a few years it will start to trend down.”
