#1 of our '2024 wrapped' series, featuring the trends, aesthetics, and artists who made 2024 unforgettable in the world of ink.
Tattoo by @friedgummyworm
Horse Girls, Cowgirls, and the Yeehaw Agenda
In 2024, Western-inspired tattoos galloped into the spotlight, fuelled by the “horse girl” aesthetic and the broader Yeehaw Agenda. This resurgence celebrated everything from delicate horse sketches and cowboy boots to intricate rodeo scenes, blending rustic nostalgia with modern artistry.
The trend gained momentum thanks to influencers and celebrities like Bella Hadid, Scarlett Johansson, and early Taylor Swift fans, who leaned into the romanticised charm of cowboy culture. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram became hubs for showcasing these designs, which often embodied themes of freedom, independence, and adventure.
For tattoo artists, this presented an exciting challenge and an opportunity to innovate. Many embraced the trend by adding their own creative spin on classic Western motifs, combining minimalist line work with hyper-detailed realism or juxtaposing vintage rodeo imagery with contemporary elements. Beyond aesthetics, clients often sought designs that reflected deeper personal meanings—a longing for adventure, a celebration of independence, or a connection to childhood memories of horses and the countryside.
What truly sets the 2024 Western tattoo trend apart is its blend of nostalgia and modernity. It’s not just about cowboy hats and spurs; it’s about reinterpreting those symbols for a new generation. Whether through delicate depictions of wild mustangs or bold renditions of desert landscapes, Western-inspired tattoos have become a canvas for exploring the complexities of identity and culture. This trend’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke the wild spirit of the West while remaining versatile, personal, and undeniably modern.
Read #2 in our '2024 Wrapped' series, Neo-tribal tattoos: A modern twist on ancient art.