Cybersigilism Explained: Symbolism, Style, And Top Design Ideas

Cybersigilism (sahy-ber-sij-il-iz-uhm) tattoos are a relatively new trend that is becoming more popular, particularly among Gen Z. They are a combination of technology (cyber) and ancient symbols (sigils) considered to have mystical powers. The two elements converge to create a unique aesthetic. Think: Indiana Jones meets The Matrix.

With cybersigilism tattoos gaining widespread popularity across social media platforms like TikTok, many are curious about this distinctive tattoo style.

In this article, we’ll help you learn everything there is to know about cybersigilsm tattoos and how they blend intricate line work with gothic-futuristic designs. We’ll examine the meaning behind some designs and how they compare to tribal and cyberpunk styles. If you’re considering a cybersigilism-inspired tattoo, the 30 design ideas we collected are a good start.

What is Cybersigilism?

According toDictionary.com, “cyber,” often used as a prefix, is anything related to digital technology. A “sigil” is an inscribed or painted symbol considered to have magical powers and used in ritual magic. Cybersigilism tattoos fuse futuristic, technology-inspired designs and ancient symbols of mysticism.

Cybersigilism tattoos are difficult to define because of their wide range of interpretations. However, they do have a few standard traits.

For instance, this particular style often involves a lot of detailed work. A combination of usually black ink characterizes the style, typically featuring intricate fine-line work (though some designs are a bit bolder) that spreads outwards to form branch-like designs.

The branches are often fractal-like or similar to the patterns found on circuit boards. They also incorporate a range of significant sigils within the design. Many cybersigilism tattoos feature sharp angles and points — yet another defining feature of the style.

How Celebrities and Gen Z Are Embracing the Trend

Billie Eilish, Grimes, Dua Lipa, and Phoebe Bridgers all have cybersigilism tattoos and have helped to popularize the unique style. Dua Lipa has a small cybersigilism-style rose on the inside of her right arm, while Eilish has a long, narrow cybersigilism design that spans from the back of her neck to her lower back. Grimes’ version deviates from the typical black. Her all-red ink design is located on her knee, with spiky lines traveling down her leg to her ankle.

In May 2024, Markd Tattoo, based in Sydney, Australia, posted a TikTok video asking each tattoo artist which style was trending among Gen Z. Each answer given was “cybersigilism.”

Based in San Diego, Axiom Tattoo echoed their sentiments in their video highlighting Gen Z tattoo trends.

Hustle Butter, the popular tattoo after-care ointment brand, recently jumped into the trend. They shared a fun video on TikTok featuring an artist who humorously fumbled with the pronunciation of the style.

The Meaning Behind Cybersigilism Tattoos

Like any tattoo, cybersigilism designs mean different things to different people. These tattoos demonstrate how technology, identity, and mysticism can all intersect.

Since humans rely heavily on digital technologies (especially younger generations), it seems fitting to incorporate these technological designs into artistic tattoos.

Cybersigil tattoos offer a unique way to showcase individuality while embracing our tech-driven world through futuristic symbols and patterns. Many individuals choose to incorporate these tattoos as a form of protection or to convey personal meaning through sigils they resonate with. This practice of cybersigilism beautifully blends modernity with ancient traditions, seamlessly integrating digital lives with supernatural elements.

Cybersigilism vs Other Tattoo Styles

Cybersigilism tattoos are often compared to tribal tattoos and cyberpunk tattoos. Some similarities suggest that cybersigilism designs originally gained inspiration from both. However, there are also distinct differences.

Tribal tattoos have existed for thousands of years and often represent a cultural heritage particular to the tribe from which the design originated. For example, Polynesian tribal tattoos represent different meanings (e.g., accomplishments, location, personality, etc.) within the Polynesian culture.

Many tribal tattoo designs include symmetry, mainly black ink, geometric shapes/patterns, and thick lines. Depending on the tribe, tribal tattoos also include elements of motifs that represent mysticism.

On the other hand, cyberpunk tattoos are far more futuristic in their designs and feature elements highly suggestive of the digital world, including circuit-like designs and almost robotic-like components. These tattoos tend to represent originality, technology, and sometimes insurgence. They, too, primarily use black ink but are more likely to include some color than most tribal tattoos.

Cybersigilism blends the finest elements of tribal and cyberpunk designs, resulting in a distinctive style all its own. Drawing from tribal influences, it features bold black ink, intricate geometric patterns, and symbolic imagery. Meanwhile, the cyberpunk aspect introduces futuristic motifs and delicate line work, creating a captivating fusion of both worlds.

Things to Consider Before Getting a Cybersigilism Tattoo

As with any permanent body art, there are several things to consider before getting a cybersigilism tattoo.

First, you need to select your design. Consider where you want your tattoo to be located and how large you want it to be.

Next, you must select the right tattoo artist to complete the work. Ideally, you will want to choose someone specializing in cybersigilism; the delicate details take expertise and time. You will want to find someone willing to sit down and discuss your ideas so you can personalize your tattoo perfectly. Remember to always check the tattoo artist’s reviews!

Finally, you will need to consider the cost. Factors that affect the price will be size, the complexity of the design, the artist’s experience and reputation, and whether the tattoo is freehand or a flash. You’re likely looking at paying anywhere between $50 and $500 for your cybersigilism tattoo.

Cybersigilism Tattoo Design Ideas

We’ve gathered 30 inspiring examples and ideas of unique cybersigilism tattoos to spark your creativity. These designs beautifully blend the mystical with the technological and pay homage to both the past and the present.

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A butterfly with skeletal-looking spiky wings surrounding the navel.RELATED:A set of symmetrical cybersigilism tattoos featuring stardust, a heart, and spiny lines.An intricate system of black lines creates an ornate, medieval look.A series of organic black lines alongside some sharper points. The tattoo, reminiscent of sunken treasure, incorporates a gothic-style cross and some vines.Some beautiful shading gives this tattoo a three-dimensional style. The pointed and curved lines make it look like a futuristic weapon, a common theme in Gen Z’s tattoo choices.A stunning freehand cybersigilism tattoo that elegantly graces just below the clavicle. The curved and pointed intricate black lines suggest some mythical creature’s bones.Another cybersigilism style includes shading to produce a three-dimensional quality. This lower-back design features a four-point star and overlapping curved lines ending in sharp points.These clean, thick black lines of this blastover tattoo cover the wrist, the back of the hand, and the fingers.This tattoo’s intricate design features an ornate cross in the center. The cross also includes what looks to be some eyes. Thicker black lines surround the cross.This blast-over tattoo uses thick black lines and some more delicate ones. The designs in the center are robotic-like, giving digital-age vibes.Another freehand cybersigilism design, this tattoo resembles the skeletal structure of the back of the neck and shoulders. The lines are curved with sharp points and include intricate details that make them look woven and overlapping, resembling technological or mystical elements.This cybersigilism blastover tattoo sits just below the clavicle and is evocative of a garland made of futuristic weaponry.Plenty of dark shading makes this three-dimensional cybersigilism design look sharp and metallic.This tattoo incorporates delicate curved lines with plenty of sharp points that dance across the collarbone.A cute behind-the-ear cybersigilism tattoo with adorable heart details placed within the curved lines.A combination of solid black shapes behind delicate lines encasing the elbow joint.This is an ornate, gothic-looking cybersigilism tattoo that incorporates a sun and moon. The shadowing and linework make the tattoo look like it’s dripping.This massive, sinister cybersigilism tattoo resembles a fearsome beast’s jaws. As the tattoo progresses down the back, the darker, jagged lines give way to faded ones.See Also on Bored PandaIntricate lines surround a Gothic-style sword and gemstone on this cybersigilism tattoo.This back-of-the-neck tattoo showcases a Gothic-style cross comprised of thick, curved lines and spikes.An intricate cybersigilism design of overlapping curved lines with spiny points.This creative knee tattoo features a heart at its center, with a narrow sword at the bottom and a four-point start at the top. The surrounding designs look three-dimensional with skillful shading.See Also on Bored PandaA large back tattoo with a mixture of spiky points and rounded lines interweaving to create an innovative design.This massive cybersigilism tattoo looks to start at the sternum and reaches the thighs. The design features plenty of thin, curvy lines and incorporates an ornate vase.These clean, thick, black lines create the illusion of the bones of a pair of wings that spread out from the tattooed spinal cord.These shaded lines form an intricate web resembling knotted vines or tree branches. Look closely, and you will see an eye peeking out.See Also on Bored PandaThis tattoo is an adorable Hello Kitty adaptation that incorporates the lines of cybersigilsm with the famous cartoon character.This impressive shoulder tattoo uses curved lines, sharp points, and shaded elements to bring the design to life.This cybersigilism tattoo leans heavily into the Gothic style and reproduces an intricate design featuring Mary within an ornate chandelier.This back of the arm tattoo overlaps pointed lines and delicate shading. The design looks like a space-age weapon.See Also on Bored Panda

A butterfly with skeletal-looking spiky wings surrounding the navel.

Tattoo featuring cybersigilism design on a person’s abdomen, showcasing intricate black winged patterns.

A set of symmetrical cybersigilism tattoos featuring stardust, a heart, and spiny lines.

Cybersigilism tattoo designs on knees showcasing intricate symbols and patterns in black ink.

An intricate system of black lines creates an ornate, medieval look.

Intricate cybersigilism tattoo on a person’s arm, with a purple Santa Cruz t-shirt and a silver chain necklace.

A series of organic black lines alongside some sharper points. The tattoo, reminiscent of sunken treasure, incorporates a gothic-style cross and some vines.

A woman with a cybersigilism tattoo on her shoulder, wearing a white top and jeans, standing in a parking garage.

Some beautiful shading gives this tattoo a three-dimensional style. The pointed and curved lines make it look like a futuristic weapon, a common theme in Gen Z’s tattoo choices.

Tattoo with cybersigilism design on a person’s knee, showcasing intricate black geometric symbolism.

A stunning freehand cybersigilism tattoo that elegantly graces just below the clavicle. The curved and pointed intricate black lines suggest some mythical creature’s bones.

Woman with intricate black tattoo on chest reflecting cybersigilism style and symbolism.

Another cybersigilism style includes shading to produce a three-dimensional quality. This lower-back design features a four-point star and overlapping curved lines ending in sharp points.

Back tattoo showcasing cybersigilism design, featuring intricate, abstract symbols and patterns in a symmetrical layout.

These clean, thick black lines of this blastover tattoo cover the wrist, the back of the hand, and the fingers.

Hand with cybersigilism tattoo design and blue flame nails on a textured surface.

This tattoo’s intricate design features an ornate cross in the center. The cross also includes what looks to be some eyes. Thicker black lines surround the cross.

Cybersigilism tattoo design on arm, featuring intricate symbolic patterns in black ink.

This blast-over tattoo uses thick black lines and some more delicate ones. The designs in the center are robotic-like, giving digital-age vibes.

Tattoo of intricate cybersigilism design on person’s back, showcasing unique symbolism and style.

Another freehand cybersigilism design, this tattoo resembles the skeletal structure of the back of the neck and shoulders. The lines are curved with sharp points and include intricate details that make them look woven and overlapping, resembling technological or mystical elements.

Tattoo showcasing cybersigilism style with intricate, symbolic design on a person’s back.

This cybersigilism blastover tattoo sits just below the clavicle and is evocative of a garland made of futuristic weaponry.

Chest tattoo featuring cybersigilism symbols and intricate design elements.

Plenty of dark shading makes this three-dimensional cybersigilism design look sharp and metallic.

Tattoo on arm featuring intricate cybersigilism design with dark lines and abstract symbols.

This tattoo incorporates delicate curved lines with plenty of sharp points that dance across the collarbone.

A detailed chest tattoo featuring cybersigilism-inspired symbolism and intricate design elements.

A cute behind-the-ear cybersigilism tattoo with adorable heart details placed within the curved lines.

Ornate neck tattoo depicting cybersigilism with intricate tribal design elements.

A combination of solid black shapes behind delicate lines encasing the elbow joint.

Arm tattoo with intricate cybersigilism design, showcasing unique symbolism and style on a person’s forearm.

This is an ornate, gothic-looking cybersigilism tattoo that incorporates a sun and moon. The shadowing and linework make the tattoo look like it’s dripping.

Tattoo featuring intricate cybersigilism design on a person’s shoulder, showcasing bold, symmetrical patterns.

This massive, sinister cybersigilism tattoo resembles a fearsome beast’s jaws. As the tattoo progresses down the back, the darker, jagged lines give way to faded ones.

Back tattoo featuring complex cybersigilism design with intricate symbolism and style.