The Influence of Tattoos on Perception
Tattoos have become a common form of self-expression, with many celebrities embracing them as part of their identity. From David Beckham to Justin Bieber, numerous stars are known for their extensive tattoo collections. However, it's not just these inked-up celebrities who are fond of tattoos. Other A-listers, such as Keke Palmer, Tom Holland, and Kendall Jenner—whose inner lip bears the word 'meow'—have also chosen to get inked.
The perception of these celebrities may be influenced by their tattoos, according to a recent study conducted by researchers from Michigan State University. The study explored how people make judgments based on someone's tattoos and found that certain types of tattoos can shape how individuals are perceived.
Cheerful and Colourful Tattoos
In the study, 375 tattoos were shown to 30 participants, who were asked to rate the personalities of the people behind them. The results indicated that individuals with cheerful and colorful tattoos were more likely to be seen as agreeable. If a tattoo had more life imagery or was comforting rather than disturbing, the person was rated as more agreeable.
Stars like singer Ed Sheeran and TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson exemplify this trend. Sheeran, known for his 60-strong collection of tattoos, includes cartoon penguin Pingu, a Heinz Ketchup label, and a gingerbread man. His tattoos, which took over 40 hours to complete, have been showcased in a recent TikTok video. Meanwhile, Jonsson revealed a colorful flower tattoo on her arm in 2022, adding a vibrant touch to her appearance.
What People Think of You Based on Tattoos
Different types of tattoos can influence how others perceive you:
- More life (vs. death) imagery or comforting (vs. disturbing): More agreeable
- High quality or more concrete (vs. expressionist): More conscientious
- Larger or more traditional (vs. modern): More extraverted
- Smaller, more death (vs. life) imagery, or more original (vs. generic): More neurotic
- Large, no affiliative symbols (e.g., sports teams, school logos), or comprised of images (vs. words): More open to experience
Expressionist Tattoos
Expressionist tattoos often convey strong emotions, passions, anxieties, and a sense of alienation. According to Tattoo Filter, these tattoos can reflect a loss of spirituality. However, the study suggests that people with expressionist tattoos might be seen as unconscientious.
British model Cara Delevingne has over 20 tattoos, including an abstract face on the back of her left arm. Actor Chris Hemsworth surprised fans in 2022 when he unveiled a geometric design on the inside of his right forearm, showcasing his unique style.
Large, Traditional-Looking Tattoos
Large, traditional-looking tattoos often come to mind when thinking about tattoos. According to the researchers, individuals with these kinds of tattoos are seen as more outgoing. If a tattoo is larger or more traditional, the person is rated as more extraverted.
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is a prime example, with a tribal-inspired tattoo spanning his left shoulder to his forearm and chest, honoring his Samoan roots. Jason Momoa also has a traditional tattoo, featuring a tribal shark-tooth pattern down his forearm, inspired by his family's 'aumakua—a god in Hawaiian mythology.
Low Quality Tattoos
Many celebrities have faced criticism for low-quality tattoos. In 2011, actor Zac Efron showed off a 'YOLO' tattoo on his hand, but later removed it. Rapper Gucci Mane is known for his ice cream face tattoo, which he admitted he wouldn't get again.
According to the study, people with low-quality tattoos tend to be seen as neurotic. The researchers noted that someone with a low-quality tattoo may be perceived as less conscientious, as others might assume they are less concerned with finding an excellent artist or satisfied with the quality of their tattoo.
Tattoos with Death Imagery
Death-related tattoos, such as skulls, skeletons, and Grim Reapers, are popular among many celebrities. However, these tattoos may lead to being seen as less agreeable. The study explained that if a tattoo had more life imagery or was comforting rather than disturbing, the person was rated as more agreeable.
In 2020, singer Post Malone debuted a collection of death-related tattoos on the left side of his shaved head, including a spider, a skull, and succubus. Singer Zayn Malik also has a skull in the middle of his chest, surrounded by other tattoos. The researchers added that death- and disgust-related imagery tends to increase morbid thoughts, leading to perceptions of higher neuroticism or lower agreeableness.
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