Portrait Tattoos Are Getting Outdated — But Here's What To Try Instead

As we get deeper into 2024, the hottest tattoo trends are becoming more and more evident. And, thankfully, for fine-line fans, this trend is still riding high. But this year they're looking a bit furry, if you will. Enter: fine-line animal tattoos.

For those who are looking to forever memorialize their fur baby, a tattoo is an amazingly cathartic way to do it. "People can have different ways of grieving, which is not linear," therapist Shilpa Shah, LMHC told Bustle. "Tattoos provide a permanent reminder of a lost loved one and, in some ways, challenge the idea that we 'move on' from it. Tattoos are meant to be — as grief [is] — permanent in the lives of the bereaved." If you're not in the market to commemorate a beloved pet, but just want to celebrate your favorite species, an animal tattoo is perfect for that too. But when done in fine-line — the trend of the moment — you don't only get a beautiful work of art, but imagery that's a great contrast to the old portrait tattoos of the past.

One of the most difficult parts about tattoos — besides trying to stave off the aging process of them — is coming up with an idea that can be committed to. Good thing there are so many options out there, as well as fantastic artists to help you with your choices.

A really cool and unique way to celebrate the life of your pet — or any animal for that matter — is a simple outline. But if it's your pet and they have a wonky paw, a floppy ear, a missing eye, or something specific to them, then the tattoo becomes even more personal and adorable. 

If you love the outline look, but prefer to add a bit more detail to your animal tattoo, you can do that with the fine-line style without mucking it up the presentation, so to speak. A talented tattoo artist can easily create your pet's entire personality with just a few strokes of ink. 

Every animal on the planet symbolizes something — if you're willing to lean into that school of thought. For example, dogs symbolize loyalty, frogs symbolize growth, and elephants symbolize wisdom and power. Because of this, an animal tattoo can double as an affirmation tattoo — which is also all the rage in 2024.

When considering an animal tattoo, you don't have to stick to just a furry buddy solo on your skin. Instead, you can ask for a scene from the artist that creates a whole story. If it's to memorialize a pet, including something they loved during their lifetime can make the tattoo that much more meaningful. 

Minimalist tattoos are timeless. An entire mood or feeling can be created with just a few fine lines, making them a great complement to animal tattoos. These pieces are also super eye-catching because of their subtlety that makes people take a second look and lean in closer — they're epically beautiful, to say the least. 

Although it should go without saying, before jumping on any tattoo bandwagon, regardless of its trendiness, ensure you've done your research — this includes what you want to get and the artist who'll be doing the work. Tattoo removal is pricey, painful, and far more time-consuming than getting inked. Roughly 25% of people regret a tattoo they have. Don't be one of them.