(NEXSTAR) – “Cybersigilism” has emerged as one of the newer trends in tattooing — much to the bewilderment of the style’s critics.
“I think cybersigilism is sometimes looked down upon [and] misunderstood, especially by the older generation of tattoo artists,” Chris Hernandez, a Seattle-based tattoo artist specializing in cybersigilism, told Nexstar.
Cybersigilism, while not entirely new, has seen a surge in popularity thanks to platforms including TikTok and Instagram. The style itself is characterized by thin lines (usually black) that converge or sprout to form sharp, almost organic, alien-looking designs, occasionally mixed with technological or mystical elements.
“I’ve seen people say it looks like a witch’s curse, and honestly I love that metaphor,” said Aingelblood (aka @cybersigilism on Instagram), a tattoo artist with Sekret Ink in Los Angeles.
Because of its tribal elements and ornamental-looking designs, critics on social media frequently describe the fad as Gen Z’s version of the tribal tattoo.
There’s also evidence to suggest that cybersigilism — also referred to as “neo-tribal” or “cybertribal” — is getting a lukewarm reception in the tattoo community, with the look being likened to varicose veins or scribbles in a notebook.
Aingelblood told Nexstar that the style is usually looked down upon by artists at more traditional tattoo shops, who believe “there’s only one right way to tattoo.”
“I was literally told that I was not allowed to tattoo any kind of sigils at one of the first shops I tried to work at, that I would never be able to make a career out of something like this,” Aingelblood told Nexstar.
Hernandez, too, said he gets the feeling that some artists believe cybersigilism is beneath their abilities, or that maybe they associate it with tattoos they’ve seen done by “scratchers” — i.e., self-taught artists who often practice in unsafe, unlicensed environments. But when done right, he’s a fan.
“In my personal opinion, I think it’s the coolest thing ever. It’s just fun to draw and do,” Hernandez, also of Gold Scarab Tattoo in Seattle, told Nexstar.
Lots of younger folks seeking tattoos seem to agree, tattoo artists say.
“We’re beginning to see requests for it multiple times a month, at each of our locations,” said Kyle McLean, the owner of multiple tattoo shops in the Los Angeles area, and the co-owner of The Honorable Society tattoo parlor in West Hollywood, California.
Mclean added that plenty of artists specialize in cybersigilism these days. But now that he’s fielding requests at his own shops — which aren’t so much specialty shops, but shops that employ artists who can “handle any style” — he’s sure that cybersigilism has gone mainstream.
“By the time it reaches us, it’s made it from the fringe to the general public,” McLean said.
The bulk of the clients that Aingelblood sees, according to the artist, are queer, or people who “grew up with video games, comics, and anime” — but it’s not necessarily all younger folks.
“I also specialize in sigils that are coverups, so I have a lot of clients who have had bad experiences with other tattoo shops, who need scars covered, or who are in recovery,” they said. “I think cybersigilism is perfect for that kind of stuff because it’s not as limited as more traditional or illustrative tattooing.”
Fans, though, say they don’t care what any critics might say about the style.
“I didn’t even know what that was [called] but DAMN THAT’S SO COOL,” one TikTok user commented under a viral video highlighting the trend.
“That the prettiest thing I have ever ever ever ever seen,” another commenter wrote under a video of a cybersigilism forearm tattoo (in white ink), which, to date, has nearly 25 million views.
Like all trends, however, it’s possible that cybersigilism will wane in popularity with time.
“It is def a trend [at the moment] … and it’s on the rise in my opinion,” Hernandez said. “But just like any other trend, I can see the comedown in a few years.”
