Flowers are undoubtedly one of the most popular tattoo designs. “I find that floral tattoos are popular because [they have] the most versatility in terms of execution,” Bronx-based tattoo artist Julissa Rodriguez tells Allure. “Floral designs can be executed in various styles and can be incorporated into almost every general custom design that an artist creates.”

Symbolism and frequently integrates blooms into their work; they believe these tattoos are popular due to the deeper connotations some flowers convey. “[Flowers] symbolize growth and the beauty of transformation,” Mitchell explains. “I think having a symbol marked on your body that represents these elements helps assist a lot of people in their own journeys of navigating their growth and finding the beauty within it.” They remark, for example, that the lotus flower represents “the murkiness and muddy patches in life help us deeply in our growth,” for Buddhists.