Tattoo Artist Warns Gen Z Against Specific Ink Placements That Could Derail a Career Before It Even Begins
Word of advice.
Tattoo artist Sydney Mulvaney is sounding the alarm for Gen Z about one specific type of ink placement that could slam the brakes on a career before it even starts. The Michigan-based tattoo artist, known as @sydneytattoos on TikTok, is warning young people to think twice before getting tattoos on their hands, neck, or face. According to VT, she calls these “job stopper tattoos” and says they can lead to unfair assumptions in professional settings.
Mulvaney, who has been inking clients for 12 years, admits she rarely turns down tattoo requests. The only exception is hate speech-related designs, which she refuses to do without hesitation. Beyond that, she’s open to most ideas but strongly advises against small, trendy tattoos in highly visible areas.
“I think what they maybe shouldn’t do is those little designs on fingers and hands,” she said. “They usually don’t heal as well, especially on the bottoms or the sides of the fingers.” She also points out that younger clients often rush to get tattoos on their necks or faces, which can be a red flag for employers.
The issue isn’t just about healing – it’s about perception
Mulvaney explains that even though tattoos are more accepted now, they still aren’t fully normalized in many workplaces. “The first thing you do when you meet someone is shake their hand, and if you’ve got tattoos on your hand, they will make a presumption about you, whether it’s true or not,” she said.
She suggests that people should “earn” visible tattoos by covering more of their body first. If you’ve already got sleeves or extensive ink, then a neck or hand tattoo might not stand out as much. But if you’re just starting out, she warns against jumping straight to highly visible spots.
Mulvaney also touches on another risk: getting tattoos with hidden meanings. She’s heard stories of clients unknowingly getting prison tattoos that carry serious implications. “I’ve heard stories of people getting like prison tattoos and not realizing that they had certain meanings, like the elbow tattoo of the spider web, which I think means you killed somebody,” she shared.
The tear-drop tattoo is another example she mentions. However, she does point out that Gen Z seems to be approaching tattoos differently than older generations.
Trends in tattoos can be a giveaway of your age
Mulvaney points out that certain styles, like the infamous “tramp stamps” of the 90s and early 2000s, instantly time-stamp you. “Whenever you’re at the beach and you see a woman with a tramp stamp, you’ll likely know how old she is,” she said. Interestingly, she’s noticed that Gen Z is bringing back tramp stamps, which she finds amusing. “I also love that, because now Gen Z is getting tramp stamps again, they’re bringing them back,” she added.
The tattoo artist’s advice isn’t about discouraging people from getting ink but about making informed choices. She acknowledges that tattoos are a form of self-expression, but she wants clients to consider the long-term implications. “You should still think about that before you get a bunch of little sticker tats all over your hands and face and neck,” she emphasized. Small, trendy tattoos might seem harmless now, but they could become an issue at work.
Mulvaney’s own journey as a tattoo artist has given her a unique perspective on the industry. She admits to making mistakes early in her career, like misspelling words or getting the time wrong on a clock design. But after over a decade of experience, she’s confident in her ability to guide clients toward better decisions. She’s built a following of nearly 200,000 on TikTok, where she shares candid stories and advice about the tattoo world.
Social media has influenced tattoo trends
Platforms like TikTok have made it easier for people to discover new tattoo styles and artists, but Mulvaney warns that not all trends are worth following. The “sticker style” tattoos popular with Gen Z might be cute, but she questions their longevity. “It’s a trend, and it can be cute, but it’s so different from what we, as artists, objectively want to see as art,” she says. Millennials, she adds, tend to go for larger, more planned-out pieces, while Gen Z leans toward smaller designs.
Mulvaney’s studio in Saginaw, Michigan, has become a hub for clients seeking both art and advice. She’s seen firsthand how tattoos can impact people’s lives, for better or worse. Her approach is pragmatic. She doesn’t judge clients for their choices, but she does encourage them to think ahead.
“Even though tattoos are more acceptable, they still aren’t held as professional in a lot of places,” she said. That’s a reality many young people might not consider when they’re caught up in the excitement of getting their first tattoo.
The tattoo industry has evolved significantly over the years. What was once taboo is now mainstream, but that doesn’t mean all tattoos are created equal. Mulvaney’s advice is a reminder that while self-expression is important, it’s also worth considering how your choices might affect your future. Whether it’s a small hand tattoo or a full sleeve, every piece of ink tells a story, and sometimes, that story can have unintended consequences.
(Featured image: Matt Jerome Connor on Pexels)
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